10 Best Things To Do In Nassau, The Bahamas - Hand Luggage Only

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10 Best Things To Do In Nassau, The Bahamas – Hand Luggage Only

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September 17, 2024

The Bahamas is an absolutely gorgeous island country to visit for a vacation, especially if you’re visiting for a few days during a cruise. Best of all, there are heaps of islands, towns and cities to explore whilst you’re there; case in point with Nassau. There are heaps of the best things to do in Nassau dotted all across the city; and even though it’s small, there’s loads to do for a long weekend trip to the Bahamas or as part of a wider cruise.

That being said, it’s also incredible as a standalone trip, with cities like Nassau being total gems to explore. In fact, Nassau acts as a sort of gateway city to explore wider New Providence Island and the Bahamas more generally.

So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting Nassau, I’m sharing the top places you have to visit once you arrive. Have the most amazing time visiting Nassau. The Bahamas is stunning.

1.) Waterfront Houses

One of the things I love most about Nassau is that it’s an extremely walkable city. That being said, it can get stifling hot and humid in the peak of summer, so make sure to be aware of that.

Now, to get your bearings to explore wider Nassau, make sure to stroll around the waterfront roads that’ll take you within the city itself. It’s a great way to explore Nassau, especially if you don’t fancy a day at the beach.

For a bite to eat, head on over to Mckenzie’s Fresh Fish and Conch. It’s a very informal spot for lunch but they make some of the tastiest conch fritters and pan-fried grouper that’s freshly caught on the day.

If you’ve got more time, head east along the shoreline and visit Fort Montague. You’ll pay a few dollars to enter the historic fort but it’s so worth doing to get an overview of Nassau’s history and defences.

2.) Fort Fincastle

A little more ‘inland’ from the shoreline (well, about a 25-minute walk), Fort Fincastle is another gem to visit while exploring Nassau. It’s a fort steeped in history and dating back to the 1700s.

Today, you can head inside Fort Fincastle and wander around for 15 minutes. It’s so nice and easy to explore whilst visiting Nassau for a day. Plus, it’s right next to the Queen’s Staircase, too.

3.) Paradise Island

Just off the Northern Shores of Nassau (and New Providence Island) is Paradise Island. Connected by bridge, it’s one of the best things to do in Nassau if you fancy a more chilled out and relaxing day in the city.

Once here, be sure to explore Paradise Lake, which is right next to the Atlantis Hotel. Oh, and be sure to head over to Cabbage Beach. It’s one of my favourite beaches in Nassau and within easy reach of the city centre.

Oh, and make sure to book this 3-island boat tour that departs from Nassau. Not only will you get to visit Pig Beach, but you’ll also explore the Rose and Pearl Islands, which are totally stunning. We absolutely loved this tour.

Just make sure you book it before arriving in Nassau. These tickets can sell out fast when there’s a cruise ship docked.

4.) Junkanoo Beach

Just to the west of Nassau Cruise Port is Junkanoo Beach. It’s one of the best things to do in Nassau if you’ve just docked on a cruise and fancy a day at the beach.

Now, what I would say is that Junkanoo Beach does get pretty busy – so if you hate the crowds, you might want to head to a more secluded offering via a boat tour. That being said, if fellow beachgoers don’t bother you, you’ll love Junkanoo Beach

Here, they have heaps of water sports and beach sports activities including kayaking, volleyball, and much more. It is a family-friendly beach, which is perfect as the waters are pretty shallow near the shore. As always, though, be cautious when swimming at unfamiliar beaches.

Getting peckish? Head to Crabs-n-Tings for a bite to eat on the beachfront. They have some tasty conch balls that are so yummy.

5.) Tour The Queen’s Staircase

The Queen’s Stairs is a must-see when in Nassau. It reminds visitors of the turbulent history of the Bahamas with Colonial explorers. They were built in the 1700s as an escape route (of sorts) from the fort above.

They still stand today, and you can explore the wider site in over an hour’s visit.

To make things easier when visiting Nassau, book this trolly tour of the city that will stop off at the top sights in the city. This is a great way to get around, especially if you have reduced mobility. Not only that, the tours are really fun and the team behind them really know their stuff.

6.) Blue Lagoon Island

Just north of Paradise Island is Blue Lagoon Island, an absolute gem to visit and a must-do if you’re spending more than a day in Nassau. The beaches are stunning, and they have heaps of tours you can join while on the island.

Just make sure you plan your time correctly. It can get busy if you visit many excursions at once.

If you’re spending the evening in Nassau, book this sunset catamaran cruise that comes with dinner. It departs from Paradise Island ferry terminal, and you have some of the tastiest food and drinks, plus an incredible sunset over the ocean. It’s amazing.

7.) Cable Beach

With its Soft white sand and turquoise water Cable Beach is well worth visiting whilst staying in Nassau. Not only that, it’s a really great place to relax or swim through its crystal clear water and have a nice peaceful beach experience. at this easy-to-reach beach. Alhtough small, it’s got a little bit of everything going on.

If it’s fun you’re after, check into Brown’s Watersports, which have everything from jet skis to small sailboats. You’ll have a blast.

8.) Nassau Straw Market

The Straw Market is easy to visit next to Nassau’s Cruise Terminal. Once a trading spot for straw and other island goods, the Nassau Straw Market now has lots of craft stalls that sell everything and anything you can imagine.

Of course, the main attraction and interesting thing about this market is its straw weaving, which uses the leaves of palm trees and sisal plants to make hats, mats, and baskets. Hence, the name.

If you’re in Nassau and looking to take home a little souvenir, this is the market. However, a little warning: prices can be a tad higher here (due to its proximity to the Cruise Terminal).

9.) National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

Around a 20-minute walk from the Cruise Terminal, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is one of the best things to do in Nassau if you fancy some time out of the midday heat.

Also, the gallery hosts heaps of local and worldwide exhibits from artists. Honestly, this art gallery exhibits some of the most amazing works of local artists, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and textiles. We loved it.

Visits take around 25-23 minutes, so it’s a nice, easy visit if you’re short on time when visiting Nassau.

10.) Downtown and Bay Street

Bay Street is Nassau’s busiest street, featuring cute cafes, shops, and restaurants that line the streets.

Starting near the Cruise Terminal, it’s really easy to stroll, and you can easily spot key places in the city like Parliament Square and the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. Their chocolate chip ice cream is amazing.

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