Top Things To Do In Nassau
Top Things To Do In Nassau
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Almost every cruise line offers several options for viewing the top attractions in Nassau. However, for those who want to visit Nassau on their own the options can be endless. Here we have listed the top things (or attractions) that everyone must do while in Nassau.
Photo Credit: A Journey Of Postcards
Atlantis Resort
Photo Credit: WR Nash
Atlantis Resort has everything you could ever want in the Caribbean including: pools, beaches, water park, casino, shopping, & dining. you can also enjoy encounters with sharks, dolphins and sea lions. They offer several day pass options and even overnight packages for those planning to visit the resort.
Marina Village
Photo Credit: IQ Cruising
Be sure to Visit Marina Village located close to the entrance of the resort when walking from the Ferry Boat Dock under the main bridge connecting Nassau to Paradise Island. It's also completely free to visit. This is a great place for those who enjoy shopping. Here you will find shops, kiosks, cafes, and restaurants. Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, Ben & Jerry’s and Café’ Martinique are featured along with shopping brands as diverse as Piranha Joe, Tortuga Rum Cakes, Columbian Emeralds or John Bull.
Paradise Island
Photo Credit: Cruisemapper
Paradise Island is connected to Nassau by two bridges and is located just off the shores of the New Providence island. Here you will find the famous Atlantis Resort, the free Cabbage Beach, the Bahama Craft Center, and a couple of restaurants.
Cabbage Beach
Photo Credit: Expedia
Adastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre
Photo Credit: Vrbo
Don't forget to stop in and see the Zoo. You will see birds (Peacocks, Parrots, and Flamingos), mammals (mainly domestic ones) and reptiles (Iguanas, Tortoises and Bahamian boa constrictors). The walk around the Zoo is particularly long but interesting. Cost of admission is $18.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Children 4 - 12, and free for Children 3 and under.
The John Watling's Distillery
Photo Credit: IQ Cruising
About 10-minute walk south of Bay Street, you will find the John Watling's Distillery. It is located on two acres of lush tropical garden and a stunning estate. The historical house showcases the rich heritage of The Bahamas. John Watling's is usually not offered by most cruise lines as a tour but cruisers can take a free self-guided tour. Here you can enjoy a rum tasting of the best rum they have to offer.
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Photo Credit: Bahamas
The National Art Gallery Of The Bahamas features work by Bahamian artists. It is considered the best art gallery in the Bahamas. The art gallery is housed in a 19th century historical house, the villa Doyle. Entrance costs approx. $10.00.
Arawak Cay - Fish Fry
Photo Credit: Bahamas
On the waterfront, opposite Fort Charlotte is Arawak Cay, the Fish Fry. In 1969 an artificial cay was created when sand was dredged out of the harbor while building the cruise port. Since then, a large fish market developed, and several restaurants opened to the public offering fresh fried fish, conch salads, and many other Bahamian delicacies. Lunchtime is a great place to taste typical Bahamian food.
Bay Street
Bay Street is the main street of Nassau as well as the heart. It starts at the junction of Rawson and Parliament Square and It is just 2-minute walk from the pier and ends at Pompey Square. On this street you will enjoy lots of various shops to explore.
Balcony House
Photo Credit: Bahamas
The oldest residential house in Nassau dating back to to the 1780's. It was restored and opened as a museum in 1994. The last resident was between the 1930s – 1980s, named Josephine Bryce, an American heiress. Most of her old furnishing still remains.
Pompey Museum
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Photo Credit: IQ Cruising
This museum is named after Pompey, a slave that lead a revolt on the island of Exuma and is a living study of slavery in The Bahamas. It dates back to the 1760's and is housed in Vendue House. It was once used as a market of all sorts of merchandise including human beings. It is a must see for everyone especially those who enjoy history.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
Photo Credit: Pirates of Nassau
Straw Market
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Photo Credit: Andy Eldemire
The Straw Market is located on Bay Street and Woodes Rodgers Walk closest to the west end. It holds a building with various stalls and shops with handcrafts by artisans from all over The Bahamas. This is a great place to go for local souvenirs. Be prepared for lots of haggling.
Junkanoo Beach
Photo Credit: bahamas.com
Junkanoo Beach is close to the cruise port. Junkanoo is right at the start of the Western Esplanade - the stretch of sand between the British Colonial Hotel and Arawak Cay. It is about a 10 minute walk along Bay Street and Marlborough Street. Here you can find a sandy spot with a couple of beach bars, which rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, or lockers- there are also has public shower facilities.
Check out our Review: Junkanoo Beach Review
Famous Landmarks
Photo Credit: Cruiseb
No trip to the Bahamas is complete without visiting a few if not all the famous landmarks. Nassau has quite a few historical landmarks close by. You can view many of these landmarks on cruise excursions or on your own. Some of these landmarks are within walking distance making them easy to explore on foot.
Fort Fincastle
Photo Credit: Bahamas
One of the most impressive 18th-century forts in Nassau with good signage and exhibits. It's named after Viscount Fincastle who was the governor of The Bahamas when the fort was built (c. 1793) to protect Nassau's town and harbor. Daily tours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission to facility is $1 per person. Most cruise ship excursion will stop here. Be sure to visit the Queen's staircase which is very close by.
Queens Staircase
Photo Credit: Bahamas
The Queen's Staircase is within walking distance from the cruise terminal. It is usually included in many cruise ship excursions. At the top of the stairs is the Fort Fincastle. At the end of Elisabeth Avenue, after passing the entrance to the Princess Margaret Hospital on your left, it looks like there is nothing else further but if you keep walking through what looks like a tropical gorge (blocked to traffic) you will reach the Queen's Staircase - 66 steps carved out of limestone by slaves between 1793-1794.
Fort Charlotte
Photo Credit: Bahamas
This fort was named after King George III's Wife, Charlotte. This military structure is, in reality, a complex with 2 other forts (Fort Stanley in the middle and Fort D’Arcy in the west). Built with solid rock on top a ridge, the construction of the forts started in 1787 and was completed in 1819. The impressive military complex as dissuaded any and all potential adversaries - not one single gunshot has ever been fired in battle.
Christ Church Cathedral
Photo Credit: Christ Church Cathedral
Parliament Square
Photo Credit: Expedia
Garden of Remembrance
Photo Credit: encirclephotos
Located behind the Parliament Square, on Parliament Street next to the Supreme Court, the Garden of Remembrance is a quiet, beautiful and very well-kept spot in the heart of Nassau. At the center of the garden, a Cenotaph serves as a memorial to the Bahamians killed in both World War I and II.
Nassau Public Library and Museum
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
In 1797 the first edifice ever built in Parliament Square was a jail with an unusual octagonal shape. A century later it was transformed into a museum, library and reading room where the cruise ship traveler can appreciate displays of historical documents, charts, and Arawak artifacts.
Government House
Photo Credit: Bahamas
The pink and white building standing on Mount Fitzwilliam just off Duke Street is the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas and a testament to both British and American architectural heritage of the islands. Although an original building existed on the 10-acre estate dating back to 1801 the present house was built in 1932. In front of the building, on a regal staircase, stands a statue of Christopher Columbus.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there is so much to do and enjoy in Nassau. What will you do?
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