10 Best Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Discover the highlights of Nassau beyond the usual tourist stops
Nassau is more than turquoise water and cruise-ship stops. From colonial forts and hidden gardens to art galleries and everyday encounters with marine life, the city’s layers reveal themselves if you look. Whether strolling through historic sites, exploring marine habitats, or seeking a slower moment off the beaten path, these nine experiences offer a deeper sense of place and rhythm in Nassau.
Visit the Queen’s Staircase
Carved from solid limestone by enslaved people in 1793–94, the Queen’s Staircase (also known as the 66 Steps) connects Fort Fincastle with downtown Nassau. Now shaded by tropical foliage and accompanied by a small waterfall, the stone steps offer a peaceful retreat in the city’s heart.
Explore Fort Charlotte
A short walk west of downtown, Fort Charlotte sits atop a hill overlooking Nassau Harbor. Built in 1789 with massive limestone walls, it’s one of the largest forts in the Bahamas. The site includes cisterns, tunnels, cannons, and an elevated platform that offers a calm panorama of the city and its port.
Relax at Junkanoo Beach
This public beach is just a 10–15-minute stroll from the cruise terminal. While not the quietest coast in Nassau, it offers swimmable water and a local vibe with small bars serving drinks and conch fritters. On weekends, it turns into a community gathering spot—complete with cookouts and casual beach games.
Browse the Straw Market
This covered market on Bay Street is where locals sell handmade straw goods, wood carvings, jewelry, and more. It’s a genuine opportunity to connect with Bahamian artisans and observe traditional crafts in action, without feeling like a stop on a tourist checklist.
Step Into the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Just off Bay Street, this small museum uses life-size models and ship replicas to bring Nassau’s pirate history to life. It’s less about spectacle and more about story—an engaging, quick dive into the city’s Golden Age era. (Link in attractions page.)
Hidden behind the gardens, this serene spot features terraced lawns, tropical foliage, and a 14th-century French cloister relocated to the Bahamas in the 1920s. It’s tranquil, photogenic, and rarely crowded—perfect for an early morning meander.
Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Housed in the restored colonial Villa Doyle, the gallery showcases Bahamian art from independence to today. Its changing exhibitions and stately location offer a calm counterpoint to the city’s more tourist-focused areas.
Walk Through Downtown Nassau
Away from the beach, Nassau’s downtown is a treasure trove of colorful colonial buildings, cafés, and local shops. Don’t miss the painted streets near Parliament Square, or the row of pastel storefronts along Bay Street. Shopping, photo ops—and a genuine sense of place—live here.
Take a chocolate tour at Graycliff Nassau
Tucked inside the historic Graycliff Hotel compound in downtown Nassau, the Graycliff Chocolatier Tour offers a rich and flavorful dive into one of the Bahamas’ most unexpected experiences: gourmet chocolate-making. Whether you’re a chocoholic or just looking for a unique and tasty activity, this tour is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in the capital.
Try some rum at John Watling’s Distillery
Just a short walk from downtown Nassau’s, John Watling’s Distillery sits quietly on the Buena Vista Estate—a colonial-era property that dates back more than 230 years. Today, it’s home to a small-batch rum operation rooted in traditional methods and local pride.
Visitors can take a self-guided or staff-guided walk through the estate’s small production areas. You can also try samples of their different rums, including their popular Amber and Buena Vista expressions.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
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