Nassau
Country: Bahamas · Region: Bahamas · Currency: Bahamian Dollar
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and a major cruise port with colorful colonial architecture, rich pirate history, and easy access to beaches and shopping. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, water activities, and nightlife for cruise passengers with limited time in port.
Top sights
Parliament House, Ardastra Gardens Zoo & Conservation Center, Pirates of Nassau Museum, Fort Fincastle, Cable Beach, Queen's Staircase
Things to do
- Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center
- The Bahamas' only zoo featuring marching flamingo shows and interactive parakeet feeding experiences.
- Pirates of Nassau Museum
- Recreations of a pirate town, ship, and battle with some authentic artifacts; cheesy but fun with guided tours available.
- Fort Fincastle
- A small fort built in 1793 on a hill south of town overlooking Nassau with cannons on display and daily tours from 8AM-3PM.
- National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
- Showcases Bahamian art from precolonial era to present in a renovated building that was once the Chief Justice's residence.
Beaches
- Cable Beach
- A popular beach accessible by jitney #10 from George & Bay Streets near McDonald's and the British Colonial Hilton.
Where to eat
- Cafe Matisse
- Excellent Italian restaurant with fresh local ingredients located on Bank Lane behind Parliament Square; reservations recommended with garden seating available.
- The Shoal Restaurant and Lounge
- Local dining spot on Nassau Street serving fish that falls off the bone with guava desserts; frequented by locals rather than tourists.
Bars and nightlife
- Señor Frogs
- Nightclub next to the cruise dock open 11AM-3AM with rowdy nightlife; note it does not serve Kalik beer.
Getting around
Jitneys (minibuses) cost $1.25 per ride from Bay Street and downtown, taxis with yellow plates are available throughout the city, or walk within downtown Nassau for short distances.
What to eat
Try authentic Bahamian seafood at Potters' Cay under the Paradise Island bridge for fresh conch salad and fritters, or visit local holes-in-the-wall downtown for inexpensive fish and sides around $8.
Tips
Agree on taxi fares in advance as meters are rarely used; book passes from your hotel or taxi driver for $5 to reduce nightclub cover charges from $20 to $5.
Best for
Beach relaxation, pirate history, shopping