Nassau

Historic Downtown & Bay Street

Bay Street is Nassau's main artery, stretching along the harbour from the cruise terminal past colonial-era buildings painted in Caribbean pastels. Parliament Square anchors the district with its pink Georgian structures, while nearby Rawson Square hosts the famous Straw Market, where vendors sell handwoven baskets, bags, and souvenirs.

Ducking into the side streets reveals quieter lanes, historic churches, and local eateries. The Prince George Wharf welcomes over three thousand cruise ship calls annually, making downtown Nassau one of the busiest — and most vibrant — ports in the Caribbean.

Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle

The Queen's Staircase is a striking 65-step passage carved from solid limestone by enslaved labourers between 1793 and 1794. Shaded by tropical greenery and dripping walls, the staircase provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to the town below. It was later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery in the British Empire.

At the top stands Fort Fincastle, a small limestone fortification built in 1793 in the shape of a ship's bow. Though never fired upon in battle, the fort offers panoramic views of Nassau Harbour and the surrounding city from its hilltop perch on Bennet's Hill.

Local Cuisine & Culture

No visit to Nassau is complete without trying the national dish: conch. Head to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for a row of colourful shacks serving fresh conch salad, cracked conch, and sky juice — a local gin-and-coconut-water cocktail. The lively atmosphere peaks on weekends when Bahamians and visitors mingle to the sound of rake-and-scrape music.

For a more refined experience, the Baha Mar resort corridor and downtown harbour offer upscale dining from sushi to Mediterranean cuisine. Junkanoo, the Bahamas' signature parade festival, fills Nassau's streets with elaborate costumes and goatskin drums on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Getting Around Nassau

Downtown Nassau is walkable, with most historic sights, shops, and waterfront dining within a compact grid. Jitneys — brightly painted local minibuses — run routes across New Providence for a few dollars, though they can be crowded and require flagging down.

Taxis are readily available at the cruise port and airport, and rideshare apps operate in the city. To reach Paradise Island, you can walk across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge or take a water taxi from the harbour. Most visitors find a combination of walking and short taxi hops the most convenient approach.

Getting there

Nassau is served by Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), with direct flights from major U.S. cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and New York, as well as connections from Canada, Europe, and Latin America. The flight from Miami takes about one hour. By sea, Nassau's Prince George Wharf is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, welcoming ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and many other lines. The cruise terminal sits on Bay Street in the heart of downtown, steps from shopping and historic sites.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nassau known for?

Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas and is known for its colonial history, pastel Georgian architecture, the Queen's Staircase, vibrant Junkanoo festival, and fresh conch cuisine. It is also the gateway to Paradise Island and the Atlantis resort.

How do you get from Nassau to Paradise Island?

You can walk across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge connecting downtown Nassau to Paradise Island, take a water taxi from the harbour, or hire a taxi. The bridge crossing takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.

Is Nassau walkable for cruise passengers?

Yes. The cruise terminal at Prince George Wharf sits on Bay Street, and most downtown attractions — including Parliament Square, the Straw Market, and the Queen's Staircase — are within a 15-minute walk.