The 16 things to do in Nassau

Visit Nassau: What are the best things to do and see in the capital of the Bahamas? Here are our 16 must-sees!

With 250,000 inhabitants, Nassau is the capital of Bahamas . The largest city in the archipelago, of which it is also the economic centre, was founded in the 17th century by the English. But that was before becoming a den for the pirates and corsaries of all hair. Indeed, a few decades after its creation, the most total anarchy reigned. An atmosphere that caused the honest people who abandoned their possessions to these bandits of the seas!

The Spanish incursions that have destroyed the city many times, it has been rebuilt every time to become, nowadays, a peaceful city all at the same time port, boarding terminal for cruise ships, a global banking centre known for its discretion, and especially the major tourist destination of the Caribbean with its tropical climate, its white sand beaches, its crystalline waters sheltering multicolored and coral reefs countless tourist attractions as well as its countless coral reefs

Are you wondering what to do in Nassau during your stay? Here is the answer with our 16 essentials to visit Nassau and taste its pleasures without losing a miette!

1. Jaws beach

Jaws? Yes, it is indeed the English name of the film “ The Dents of the Sea ! And for cause, it is precisely on the beautiful Jaws Beach located northwest of Nassau that one of the franchise’s films was shot. And we understand why: coconut trees, white sand and turquoise waters, all the ingredients are there to relax quietly while waiting for sunset! It is interesting to note that in the Bahamas, all the beaches are not necessarily free of access, the private beaches being rather the norm: the hotel establishments that have grabbed the prettiest, Jaws, free, thus makes an exceptional figure: an immanquable when you come to visit Nassau.

Other beaches are not to be missed, especially Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach or you will be tempted by parachute ascensionnel or session of Jet Ski !

2. L’Atlantis Paradise Island

It would be a shame to visit Nassau without going to admire the Atlantis Paradise Island , a colossal holiday club composed of a state-of-the-art water park – the Aquaventure Water Park – a demential casino, a sluggish hotel of more than 2300 rooms, a dozen swimming pools and 20 different and varied restaurants and shops, not to mention a marina to allow the yachts to accoster and a golf of 18 holes.

However, it is interesting to make a tour, even a day, subject to having a properly topped wallet: everything is paid, including souvenir photos, but the visit is worth the detour and the place has become a must for those looking for what to do in Nassau.

To see the Atlantis Paradise with a more singular eye, many ativities are offered around the place. You have the possibility to make a catamaran tour around the Hotel Atlantis or to enjoy a snorkeling session to admire the seabed.

3. Nassau Straw Market

More traditional, Straw market is a small traditional market in the heart of Nassau, where local populations come to sell small souvenirs made of straw, this material being taken from Bahameans.

The warm atmosphere and the many stands offering rum and local gastronomy products will seduce you with their authenticity! A gourmet break to enjoy without moderation when you visit Nassau and wish to immerse yourself in local culture, so far away from the standards and turpitudes of modern life!

4. Fort Montagu

This small fort with four canons was built in 1741 by the British to defend Nassau, decidedly targeted by all the convoys, against the Spanish invaders! This little piece of perfectly preserved history is offered to visitors who come to enjoy the many polyglot guides passionate about the place. The place is therefore to visit if you want to relive the battles endiablée of Fort Montagu !

If you like the forts, you can also head to the Fort Charlotte or Fort Fincastle who are just as friendly!

5. Bay Street

What do we do in Nassau when we have a fever? Going to Bay Street Of course!

The main shopping artery of the city, it is full of all the more luxurious shops than others. It is thus characterized by high prices, of course, but also by the presence of colonial buildings of time... And smiling policemen, who won't try to take a picture with the visitors!

6. Athol Island

The small, uninhabited island of Athol Island off Paradise Island is 3 km away and is part of the national marine park.

Every day, ferries take you there and allow you to enjoy crystal clear waters to practice apnea diving. It is impossible to sleep or stay there for more than a few hours, but the visit is worth a visit for diving lovers and marine fauna.

7. Arawak Cay

This small popular neighborhood is an institution in Nassau: Arawak Cay, also known (rightly!) "Fish Fry" -fried fish, in English-, is a famous place for its restaurants highlighting local products: cod acras, multicolored fruit juice, more or less alcoholic cocktails...

The ideal place to eat and enjoy far lower prices than those often displayed in the front of luxury hotels and other trendy restaurants: not knowing that to do in Nassau, pass-donc there to taste a coconut granite or a papaya sorbet, you will come out of it or come to delight you with succulent dishes that Arawak Cay offers!

If you like local cuisine, why not let yourself be carried by one gastronomic and cultural visit to Nassau ?

8. Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

Nestled on Nassau heights, Gardens and Zoo d’Ardastra was established in 1937 by the Jamaican horticulator Hedley Vivian Edwards.

The Zoo d’Ardastra was the first Bahamas zoo and now houses more than 200 animals on more than 4 hectares. It is also an opportunity to approach the Bahamas emblem: the Caribbean flamingos, circulating in total freedom in the park.

9. Queen’s Staircase

Queen’s Staircase – The Queen’s staircase in French – is a staircase of 66 steps carved in the limestone rock by more than 500 slaves between 1793 and 1794.

A major monument in Nassau, the marches were named in the 19th century in honour of Queen Victoria. From there you can access Fort Fincastle.

10. Blue Lagon Island

Also known as Salt Cay, Blue Lagon Island is a private paradise island located 5 km from Nassau.

In addition to the possible interactions with the dolphins and the Dolphin Encounters, you can enjoy the many activities offered by the site: between water sports, such as snorkeling, water skiing, fishing and sailing, or the pedalo, the beach and much more, the whole family has what to be delighted! As with Atlantis Paradise Island, you will need to get out of the wallet for any activity, so be sure!

To make the activity even more entertaining, we advise you to rent a boat in Nassau , to go to the island as you hear. Thus, you will fully enjoy the Atlantic, without mass tourism and without constraints!

11. Clifton Heritage National Park

Created in 2004, this 208-acre park highlights the historic and cultural heritage of the Lucayans. Behind this name lies Loyalists and African civilizations. You can come to observe fauna and flora during your hike and discover the Great House (plant season), Clifton’s Stone Wharf, Johnstone Well and the limestone passage of Stone Steps, which participate in the richness of the site.

12. The pirate museum

Nassau was an ideal refuge for pirates and corsaries. This interactive and fun museum will trace the piracy in the Bahamas all the history. A true must in Nassau city, prepare yourself for a journey in time, in 1716 more precisely, where you will even explore a replica of the famous pirate ship "the Revenge". An ideal exit if you have children!

13. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is a true symbol of the colonial past through the conservation and exhibition of historical and contemporary Bahamian art in its 4 exhibition spaces. The museum is located in Villa Doyle, a master house built in the 1860s. It is typical of the great houses of the previous centuries and surrounded by verandas offering a breathtaking view of the city and the sea!

14. John Watling’s Distillery

Known as “Spirit of The Bahamas”, the John Watling distillery is the place where you have to go if you are a rum enthusiast! You can participate in the production visits and enjoy the museum for free to learn more about the history of the estate over the centuries.

Small bonus : The visit also offers visitors the opportunity to taste some of the best rums and other spirits infused!

15. Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation

Whether it’s beautiful or raining, you must absolutely make this museum. The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation was in a house of the 1760s in which slave auctions were once organized.

It simply retraces the history of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas. His name came from Pompey, who was a leader in the slave revolt on Exuma in 1830, and who resisted the transfer to Cat Island, a neighbouring island.

16. To see and do also in Nassau

• Stingray City – Easily accessible by boat, Stingray City Park is home to many pastenague rays that you can approach without worry!
• Chocolaterie GrayCliff – It was the first chocolate factory in the Bahamas!
• Primeval Forest National Park – 7.5 acres National Park, you can discover wells and deep calcareous caves of nine meters!
• Nassau Public Library – This library and small museum was once a prison!
• Government House – This pink and white home of the Governor General of the Bahamas will allow you to attend the guard’s rotation on a Saturday in two!
• Take a cooking course – Because local gastronomy deserves to be there, don’t hesitate to take a cooking lessons to create authentic Bahamas dishes and bring back a little of your holiday home!
• The Cloister and Versailles Gardens – Vestiges of a 14th century French Augustinian monastery in Montrejau, France, this magnificent site is very popular for weddings and offers a beautiful view of the port of Nassau.
• Cathedral of Christ Church – It is considered the “Mother Church” of all Anglican churches in the Bahamas and it is on this site that the first church of the Bahamas was built in 1670.

How to get to Nassau?

• By plane

The island of New Providence has an international airport, the Lynden Pindling International Airport, which provides regular links to the entire Caribbean and the countries of the American continent. The air network from France remains, of course, the best and only direct solution to get to the island.

You still have to count 13 hours of travel with at least one stopover (London or Miami usually). Moreover, our partner Ulysses will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price.

• By ferry

If you are already in the Bahamas, know that ferry terminals are scattered across the entire coast and these also provide the maritime link between Nassau and the various surrounding islands: using this means of travel is ideal for those looking to visit Nassau while enjoying a beautiful boat ride. Of course, the island also has infrastructure to welcome cruise ships larguing daily thousands of tourists!

And because strolling around the different parts of the island is definitely one of the best things to advise those who seek to do in Nassau, many agencies of car rental and renting scooters (we particularly recommend it) allow you to enjoy a vehicle to move without depending on public transport or taxis, often out of price! Some ferries carry vehicles!

Where to stay in Nassau?

On the island of Nassau you will find several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. Since the island has dozens of hotels, it is obviously the easiest and most flexible solution for the occasional traveller who is looking to visit Nassau, but it is necessary to check the rates that are used since they can be very high according to the hotel; in fact, you will find your ideal accommodation by consulting the offers on this Compare hotels . On the Airbnb , rental offers can be envisaged in the apartments of the city center or even, for the unbridled budgets, dream villas on the beachboard for rent in the week ! Do not hesitate to read our article “ In which district house in Nassau "!

Now you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Nassau, and the charms of this particular region during your stay. But will you succeed in choosing what to do in Nassau? Would you prefer to go there during the dry season, or enjoy the unique atmosphere of the wet season? Tell us your preferences in comment!