« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • Bahamas • Nassau

Discover magical Nassau

Nassau exudes a special charm, lent by a blend of Old World architecture and contemporary vitality. Modern Nassau is a far cry from the rowdy village that was once full of pirates, prostitutes and ragamuffins. Nassau is steeped in modern US ways, which blend well with the quasi-Caribbean flavor.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

» Arawak Cay

This seafood paradise - ripe with fresh fish and strong drinks - is a destination for diners looking to truly taste Nassau. What began with a few tiny stalls selling locally sourced conch quickly grew to include a variety fish and a more extensive list of traditional Bahamian fare. Travelers line up for famous conch salad and crispy conch fritters that local cooks fry to order. But visitors can sample shrimp, lobster and snapper prepared street side, too …

» Fort Charlotte

High atop a hillside overlooking the harbor of Nassau is the British-colonial Fort Charlotte - the largest fort in Nassau. Constructed in the late 18th century for a battle that never took place, this historic site offers picturesque views, hidden underground passages, a waterless mote, remote dungeons and even authentic canons. Guides are available to help travelers navigate through subterranean halls far below the fort …

» Fort Fincastle

Sitting atop Bennet's Hill, overlooking the city of Nassau, the hulking Fort Fincastle regally rests. The fort, though rather simple in appearance, is still impressive due to its huge brick walls with canons peeking out over the top. Built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore, the governor of the island at the time, this 38.5 m fort was constructed to offer protection over the island. Today, you can climb to the top of the fort to explore the cannons and three rooms that are dug beneath the lookout …

» Government House

Built in 1806, the Government House is considered by many to be the leading example of Georgian Colonial architecture in all the West Indies. Its vibrant exterior gives this traditional building that sits atop Mount Fitzwilliam a uniquely island vibe, with a coral-colored paintjob that nods to Nassau's famous conch. An impressive entryway, towering Ionic columns and a proud statue of Christopher Columbus lend a noble air to the mansion …

» Nassau Cruise Port

Just 180 miles (290 km) off the southern Florida coast, on the island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and its 29 islands. When you dock at Prince George Wharf on the island's north coast, it's less than a 10 minute stroll to downtown's boutiques, restaurants and, most importantly, your launch pad for an exhilarating snorkelling or diving shore excursion. Getting into town is easy: either walk a little way south to the main shopping hub, Bay Street …

» Nassau's Blue Lagoon Island

This beautiful private island is open to all who wants to experience Bahamian beauty and adventure firsthand. A trip to Blue Lagoon Island promises countless opportunities for fun, whether you want to simply relax by the beach and catch some rays, swim with a dolphin, or venture into the sparkling waters in a sea kayak. Though just a short trip away from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island offers the peaceful feeling of seclusion that you can only experience on a private island …

» Paradise Island

Paradise Island in the Bahamas lives up to its name. Though Nassau, the colorful capital of the Bahamas, is high up on many traveler's must-see list, visitors to the Bahamas shouldn't leave without taking a quick jaunt across the sea to explore Paradise Island. Paradise Island is over 685 acres of tropical fun in the Caribbean. Beaches, restaurants, bars, casinos, innovative hotels and land and water based entertainment cover the island …

» Queen's Staircase

You might be surprised to find out that the most visited attraction in Nassau is a 31 m (102 ft) staircase. But the staircase's value resides not just in its 65 steps, but in its importance to Bahamian cultural history. The steps were carved out of solid limestone by slaves sometime between 1793 and 1794; a century later the staircase was renamed to honor the 65 year reign of Queen Victoria as well as her role in helping bring about the abolition of slavery in the Bahamas …

» Sandy Toes

Dreams of the Bahamas are usually comprised of an empty, white-sand beach, set on the shores of a deserted island that's surrounded by a turquoise sea. Finding that beach can be tough, however, as much of the development located around Nassau leaves little sense of seclusion. Just off the shore of Nassau, however, the uninhabited sands of Rose Island are closer to that tropical dream. A lone beach bar and a few palm trees that skank to the rhythm of the breeze …

» Straw Market

One of the traditional crafts of the Bahamas, straw working has become infused into Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has developed its own distinctive plaiting or braiding style to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, etc. The Straw Market in Nassau serves as the ultimate destination to pick up Bahamian souvenirs. Grab a hat to protect yourself from the sun, or maybe pick up a small wood carving as a trinket to take home to a family member …

« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • Bahamas • Nassau