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Jan
10
Nassau Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Bahamas
A trip to Nassau
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, offers fantastic long beaches and colonial architecture. Second to these draws are the many duty-free shopping options for travellers coming from the United States, with most visitors having to purchase an extra suitcase for the return journey.
Flights to Nassau
The Bahamas are a much loved winter holiday spot not only for Americans and Canadians, but for many European who make the cross-Atlantic pilgrimage to spend their vacations in the consistent sun here. The main arrival point for international passengers is Nassau International Airport, located eight miles (13kms) west of the city centre. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Nassau try Expedia.
Arriving visitors can use taxis or shuttle buses to get from the airport to the city, and ferries dock close to Rawson square. Most people that come here are fairly well-to-do and find car hire is the best way to get around the island. Car hire is available at the airport and at various points in the city.
Nassau
Sightseeing in Nassau
Nassau is well known for its shopping options, with the main areas to spend your money centered around Rawson square and Bay street, with the Nassau International Bazaar close by as well. Art lovers should get straight over to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, where regional artists of past and present have their work on display. The Caribbean’s pirating history can be felt from the lookout at Blackbeard’s Tower and Fort Charlotte, one of the island’s three major fortifications that stand as a reminder of Nassau’s past.
Descendents of the former slave population still live here, and the heart of Bahamian/African culture thrives in the area surrounding the Greycliff Hotel. The Village Road Retreat with its lush gardens is a good place to unwind after a day spent in the city.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
The most colourful area for nightlife is the Greycliff Hotel area, where the city’s African roots bring the streets alive with characteristic joy and spirit. Adjoining the Prince George Dock is Festival place, which by night becomes a district dedicated to fine dining and nightlife. Bars and discos abound for those wishing to cut a rug into the early hours and the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts provides theatre for those seeking refinement.
Many visitors to Nassau are here for a more glamoruous experience. The place to hit the glitz is Paradise Island, a separate landmass connected to Nassau by a bridge, where the beaches are complimented by casinos and entertainment venues.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
If shopping’s you bag, Nassau will not disappoint, though your driver may have to make extra room in the trunk. The duty free shopping here is one of the main reasons many Americans save up to come to the Bahamas for a splurge, and they get what they come for. If your credit card’s burning a hole in your britches, head for Bay street and Rawson square to seek relief through multiple magnetic swipes.
For the more adventurous, there are some small islands lying just off the north eastern coast of New Providence, where sun bunnies and diving enthusiasts will easily kill a weekend doing what they do best.
Daytrips
From Nassau, you can easily head to Paradise Island on a daytrip. Here you can spend a great time at Dolphin Encounters and Blue Lagoon Island. You will find beautiful spots for snorkelling or diving, or try the beaches, fishing spots and golf courses at Atlantis Bahamas Resort.
A great venue of Paradise Island is the Versailles Gardens. Located on the eastern part of the island, it is free of charge and features cloisters and statues originating from France. They are not arranged as they should be, but the gardens are a great location to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Must-see attractions
To enjoy the best of Nassau you will need to start early in the morning to avoid the heat. You can join a guided tour or explore the city on your own, picking up a tour map at the tourist centre.
The old town’s major tourist attraction is the Queen’s Staircase. Reached from Rawson Square, this 65-step staircase named after Queen Victoria was carved out of limestone by slaves and completed in 1793. The aim of this staircase was to safely reach Fort Fincastle, built on the highest point of the island.
The Queen’s Staircase is the gateway to the majority of the old town’s landmarks: the Christ Church Cathedral, the Vendue House, the Gregory Arch (an underground tunnel), the St Andrew’s Kirk, the Government House and the old Graycliff Hotel.
On Bay Street you can stroll around the Straw Market and its shopping venues. However, the market usually closes down around 16:00 so plan your day accordingly. Bay Street hosts fine restaurants offering a wide range of local cuisine. Another popular attraction in Nassau is the Bacardi distillery, where you can taste the famous rum and discover how it is produced.
Best time to go
With tropical weather and pleasant temperatures all year round, Nassau can be visited at any time. The best time to go will depend on whether you want to be here during the peak or the off-peak season, and your budget.
The Bahamas has a rainy season with humid days in summer, so winter is a great time to come here. However, prices go up accordingly and visitors are much more numerous, especially during school holidays. The hurricane season runs from June through November but usually doesn’t pose a major threat in the Bahamas.
Rainy day suggestions
Nassau features many museums that will entertain you on a rainy day. The Pirates Museum is situated on King and George Street and will transport parents and kids alike to the times of famous pirates.
The Bahamas Historical Museum tracks the Bahamas’ history and the Pompey Museum deals with slavery and its impact on so many lives. The National Art Gallery is also a great venue to explore when it is raining outside or while it is too hot to stroll around the old town.
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