In Nassau, located on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas, you won’t be able to go home without experiencing a new adventure every day or every night. Whether you wish to relax on beautiful white beaches, soak in turquoise waters, shop in luxury boutiques and local markets, try your luck at the Caribbean’s largest casino or enjoy the freshest seafood straight out of the ocean, there will always be something new to do when you explore Nassau. From water fun to local Nassau attractions to free tours, here are some of our favourite activities in Nassau.
Enjoy the beach
Whenever you’re looking for beaches in Nassau, you won’t be disappointed. Nassau’s best attractions include afternoons spent relaxing on the alabaster sand. There is a good reason why Cable Beach is Nassau’s most famous oasis. There are some of the island’s most luxury hotels along this four-kilometre stretch of sea and sun.
For those who want a peaceful escape from their daily lives, taking a leisurely stroll along the shore can be incredibly calming; while those looking for some adventure can explore hidden coves or go snorkelling in search of colourful coral reefs and exotic marine life. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, there is no shortage of options when it comes to enjoying Nassau’s beaches.
Parasailing and water skiing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. Furthermore, it is easily accessible from downtown Nassau and close to a few restaurants.
Clifton Heritage National Park on Nassau’s west end has a snorkelling beach for those who want to snorkel. An underwater sculpture garden is included in a guided snorkel tour from shore.
Immerse yourself in the culture
It is also a great place to immerse yourself in history after getting wet in the waters off Clifton Heritage National Park. An eighteenth-century Great House and ruins of an enslaved village can be explored on the 200-acre site. You can learn about island history and anecdotes at Da’ Story Telling Area with costumed interpreters.
Following the experience of the Sacred Space on the clifftop, you can reflect on the Bahamian culture you have just experienced. Taking a cultural walking tour through Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is a great option for those who do not want to totally immerse themselves in the culture.
Aside from a treasure trove of Georgian colonial architecture, the Government House complex’s bubble gum pink neo-colonial buildings are a must-see. Enjoy the shade of towering royal palms in the nearby park after touring the House of Assembly, the Senate, and the Courthouse.
An iconic symbol of colonial architecture, it was originally built in 1801 to serve as an official residence for the British Governor at that time. Today it serves as a museum showcasing many interesting artefacts connected to Nassau’s past. Visitors can also explore its lush gardens with lush tropical trees and vibrant flowers while enjoying stunning views of downtown Nassau.
Relax at a Nassau Spa
The next must-do activity when visiting Nassau, after sampling both history and culture, is pampering yourself. Make your way to Espa@Baha Mar. You can take in the views of turquoise waters from the balcony before beginning your spa treatment with Espa’s 98% organic products.
As far as the Caribbean is concerned, this is the only Espa partner. With 22 treatment rooms, the spa offers a variety of massage packages, including ones that use heated tiger clam shells to relax your muscles.
At Atlantis Paradise Island, guests can take advantage of The Mandara Spa’s full-service facility which offers everything from hair styling to full body massages. They also have five outdoor cabanas in the Atlantis resort where guests can get manicures or pedicures while enjoying ocean views. If going all out is desired, Rose Island offers a day spa package with lunch aboard their 60ft catamaran with its own spa area onboard. This cruise allows guests to be pampered by experienced professionals while taking in majestic views of the surrounding islands.
Take an art lesson
There is an amazing national art gallery in one of the most luxurious Bahamas hotels (the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar). This gallery features masterpieces by Bahamian artists in a nearly 450-metre gallery space that might not appear on typical Nassau things-to-do lists.
You can even create your very own masterpiece by nurturing your inner Rembrandt. Furthermore, the Current Gallery and Art Center offers regular art classes. You can get your creative juices flowing with this session called Sip-n-Paint, which involves art and wine. Nassau’s best attraction might be this.
For those looking for a unique experience, some art classes incorporate local culture and tradition into their lessons. For example, visitors can learn how to make a Bahamian Junkanoo mask or create a hand-painted T-shirt that reflects their memories in Nassau. This type of experience allows tourists to take home more than just souvenirs; they get a piece of artwork that is entirely unique and created by themselves.
Go for a yacht ride
If you take a trip to the Nassau harbour, you can set off on your luxurious yacht charter from Nassau. A place located in the middle of the Bahamas archipelago, with easy access to the Exumas. A Bahamas crewed motor yacht is an excellent way to explore the islands and visit your own private beach since they are mostly close to one another.
Known for its white sand beaches and exceptionally clear water, this low-lying island chain is composed mostly of coral. When you charter a Bahamas yacht on your day trips, you can engage in water-based activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, or fishing.
You can even visit one island called Leaf Cay where your yacht can pull up next to the picturesque island and feed the iguanas. You can enjoy your time with around a hundred of these dinosaur-like reptiles.
Blue Lagoon Island is another private island located 5 km (three miles) from Nassau and serves as a local tourist attraction. It’s home to dolphins and sea lions at Dolphin Encounters, but it’s also the perfect private island getaway with all of the amenities. In addition to swimming in a hidden lagoon, snorkelling right off the beach and seeing coral reefs that are teeming with tropical fish, you can sunbathe on white-sand beaches, and walk through the lush vegetation that is home to bird nests.
Go Shopping in Nassau
Walking down Nassau’s downtown streets, you realize that Nassau’s shopping is an activity you should not miss. Due to its popularity as a cruise terminal, West Bay Street is lined with duty-free shops, many of which are housed within colonial buildings.
You can find something a bit more authentic at the Straw Market right downtown (though souvenirs certainly dominate). Flea markets and malls have been intertwined here since the 1940s in various forms. As its name implies, it used to be a place to purchase handwoven straw baskets, bags, and other straw products.
Walk up the Queen’s staircase
The Queen’s Staircase may be worth climbing if you’ve not exhausted yourself prowling Nassau’s streets. After a hot and humid morning, you’ll absolutely love the cool breeze in this historic landmark, snug in a foliage-covered retreat that reminds you of a green cathedral.
You have the tougher option of climbing the stairs or taking an easy taxi ride to the top. Climbing will feel more of an accomplishment and you will feel part of their history, however, it is not the happiest time in Nassau’s history.
Although idyllic today, the 66 steps leading down to the town were carved out by 600 enslaved people in the 1700s working 18-hour days.
Try out the local Rum
If want to try some of the local liquor in the area then Nassau’s John Watling’s Distillery welcomes you with open arms. Besides getting a rum lesson, you’ll also get to taste some. Small batch production is achieved using molasses distilled from hand-cut sugar cane and traditional copper pot distillation in this colonial-era great house replete with a wraparound porch and sky-blue shutters. You might want to ensure you have your credit card at hand if you are a rum connoisseur. You might have to shell out £120 US for one bottle. Take a look at the rest of the 1789 Buena Vista Estate if rum isn’t your thing. A James Bond movie’s opening scene was filmed at this location.
Enjoy the local foods
The island is known for its vibrant culture and delicious local foods. From day trips to exploring the city, there are many ways to experience the unique flavours that Nassau has to offer. A great way to sample the local cuisine is by visiting one of the local markets. One such market is the downtown Nassau Fish Market, where visitors can find an array of freshly caught seafood and other traditional Bahamian delicacies.
Nassau’s local dishes consist of a variety of ingredients ranging from plantains and cassava to conch and grouper. For those looking to experience more than just food while exploring Nassau, there are plenty of day trips available that combine eating with sightseeing. Visitors can take a walking tour around the island or explore some of the nearby islands like Exuma or Grand Bahama Island. During these excursions, travellers can taste-test some of Nassau’s speciality dishes while taking in the beautiful scenery.
