Nassau’s Straw Market
Local Craft and Culture
If you’re wandering through downtown Nassau, it won’t be long before you stumble upon the vibrant energy of the Straw Market. Just steps from the cruise port and Bay Street, this iconic market has been a staple of Bahamian culture for generations. Its rows of stalls are packed with handcrafted goods, colorful fabrics, wood carvings, and island keepsakes.
A Tradition That Goes Back Generations
The Straw Market has deep roots in Bahamian heritage. For decades, local women have been weaving and selling straw items like hats, bags, and baskets as a way to support their families. What began as a small gathering of artisans has grown into one of Nassau’s most famous landmarks.
While the original market burned down in 2001, it was rebuilt into the covered, open-air market you see today.
What You’ll Find at the Straw Market
From handwoven straw bags to wood carvings of sea turtles and conch shells, there’s no shortage of unique finds here. Some popular items to look for include:
- Straw Handbags and Hats – Available in all shapes and sizes, often decorated with shells, beads, or colorful fabric.
- Wood Carvings – Many vendors sell hand-carved figurines, bowls, and sculptures made from local woods.
- Bahamian Art and Paintings – Some stalls feature small canvas paintings, handmade jewelry, and island-inspired décor.
- Souvenirs and Trinkets – T-shirts, keychains, magnets, and more—many with fun Bahamian sayings and symbols.
Some items are mass-produced, so if you’re looking for authentic handmade goods, it’s worth asking the vendor directly.
Tips for Visiting and Shopping
- Be ready to bargain: Haggling is part of the experience. Prices are usually flexible, especially if you’re buying more than one item.
- Bring cash: While some vendors accept cards, cash is the easiest way to shop—especially for smaller purchases.
- Ask questions: Many vendors are happy to talk about their crafts and materials. It’s a great way to learn more about what you’re buying.
- Shop early or late: Mornings tend to be quieter, while afternoons can get busy when cruise ships are in port.
Location
Hours
Open everyday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Entrance Fee
Free Entrance
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.
More things to see in Bahamas
Atlantis Aquarium & Aquaventure: Marine Life and Water Adventures
Learn about Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island, Nassau—home to diverse marine life exhibits and...
Taino Beach: A Wide Stretch of Sand Near Freeport’s Shoreline
Explore Taino Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a spacious public beach with calm waters, local food stands, and nearby amenities...
Pirates of Nassau Museum: Step Into the Golden Age of Piracy
From legendary buccaneers to immersive ship replicas, the Pirates of Nassau Museum brings the island’s swashbuckling past...
Dean’s Blue Hole: One of the World’s Deepest Marine Sinkholes
Discover Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the world's second-deepest marine sinkhole. Learn about its formation, diving opportunities...
Versailles Garden: A European Escape in the Bahamas
Escape to Versailles Garden Paradise Island, a tranquil spot in Nassau with ocean views, blooming gardens, and the ruins of a 12th-century...
Pinder’s Point Lighthouse: A Quiet Beacon on Grand Bahama
Explore Pinder’s Point Lighthouse near Freeport, a longstanding maritime marker overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Learn about its history...
Columbus Monument
Explore the Columbus Monument in Bahamas—a significant historical site marking Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the New...
Eating Conch in the Bahamas: What to Expect
Discover the flavors and textures of conch, the national dish of the Bahamas. Learn what conch tastes like and explore its various...
Island Hopping the Exumas: What to Do in This Bahamian Paradise
Island hopping in the Exumas gives you a chance to experience the Bahamas beyond the resorts. Whether you’re feeding iguanas, swimming...
Compass Cay: Swimming with Sharks in the Exumas
Swimming with sharks might sound intense, but at Compass Cay in the Exumas, it’s surprisingly peaceful. This unique spot offers visitors...
Bahamas Maritime Museum: Exploring the Islands’ Seafaring Past
Discover the Bahamas Maritime Museum in Freeport, a cultural site that traces the country’s maritime history through exhibits on...
Andros Great Barrier Reef: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas, the world's third-largest barrier reef system. Discover its rich marine biodiversity...
Lucayan National Park, an Ecological and Historical Landmark
Explore Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island, featuring diverse ecosystems, extensive underwater caves, and the...
Graycliff Chocolatier Tour: A Sweet Escape in the Heart of Nassau
Indulge your senses on a delicious journey with a Graycliff Chocolatier tour, where Bahamian culture meets handcrafted chocolate magic...
Port Lucaya Marketplace: A Central Hub for Culture and Crafts
Explore Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a colorful mix of local shops, food, and music near the marina. Discover what to...
Junkanoo Beach: A lively and accessible escape
Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is a vibrant, centrally located beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in Bahamian vibes...
Rand Nature Centre: A Quiet Look at Bahamian Flora and Birdlife
Visit Rand Nature Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a low-key nature reserve with walking trails, native Bahamian plants, and...
The Pink Sand beach on Harbour Island
Visit Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas—famous for its pale pink sand and calm turquoise waters. Learn how to get there...
Garden of the Groves: A Quiet Retreat in Freeport
Visit Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a tranquil space with walking paths, waterfalls, native plants, and birdlife. Learn...
Pablo Escobar’s Crashed Plane – An Unusual Dive Site in the Bahamas
There is a very unusual and not-at-all advertised attraction in the Bahamas: Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck. Located just off Norman’s Cay and..
Queen’s Staircase: Nassau’s Historic Passage
Discover the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a historic 66-step landmark carved by enslaved people in the 18th century. Learn its powerful...
John Watling’s Distillery: Rum and History in Nassau
Visit John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau to learn about Bahamian rum-making, explore a historic estate, and enjoy a slow-paced glimpse...
Feeding the Sharks at Pier One: Marine Encounters in Freeport
Experience shark feeding at Pier One in Freeport, Grand Bahama—an evening event where Caribbean reef sharks gather under the lights...
Visiting the Famous Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas
The Bahamas swimming pigs have become a bucket-list sensation for all visiting the Bahamas. Learn how to get there, what to expect...