Nassau is the gritty, vivacious alter ego to the relaxed character of most of the Bahamas. The country’s only city, it teems with haring jitneys, bawling straw-goods vendors, rum-happy locals and endless waves of cruise-ship passengers. These are some of my favorite touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout this city. Check out my top things to do in Nassau, Bahamas! You can actually take a look and book the many tours & excursions here.
Nassau Hotel Spotlight
The Royal at Atlantis
The Royal at Atlantis is the icon of Atlantis featuring the awe-inspiring mythology of the Lost City of Atlantis risen from the sea. From the artwork to the experiences, this Atlantis hotel on Paradise Island is larger than life, with intimate proximity to the world’s largest open air marine habitat situated at its center and the famed Atlantis casino by its side. Discover paradise in the Bahamas.
Sandals Royal Bahamian (Couples Only Resort)
The pastel-colored ambiance sets the scene for romance and whisks you away with every passing instant. Savor the moment and forget time altogether at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Reimagined: All-New Island Village. Inspired by the Bahamas’ beautiful archipelago. Imagine your butler offering you a drink while you sunbathe by your own private pool. The all inclusive resort where all you need is love.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Celebrate the culture of The Bahamas at the new Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, a spectacular beach resort on the pristine Cable Beach, Nassau. With step-in and full balconies overlooking magnificent beach and show fountain views, 6 pools, world class spa, largest casino in the Caribbean and a signature Jack Nicklaus golf-course. This stunning resort will take your breath away.
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
In the heart of Nassau, more than four acres of lush tropical gardens are inhabited by a variety of animal species, including the national bird of the Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo. The site of Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre was originally designed by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards in 1937. He named the gardens Ardastra, from the latin words ardua ad astra, meaning “striving towards the stars.” He felt that it depicted a ‘utopia of peace, beauty and tranquility’. Today, thousands of visitors visit annually to marvel at the tranquil, restorative gardens. Enjoy close encounters with our collection of over 135 animals. Admire the long-legged flamingo beauties National Geographic has called “Ballerinas in Pink”. The opportunity to enjoy this rare gem will be a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Aquaventure Water Park
Atlantis Bahamas is an iconic hotel that’s synonymous with Nassau. Fortunately, you do not have to be a guest of the hotel in order to enjoy Aquaventure Water Park. Day passes however are required for non-Atlantis guests to access the Atlantis waterscape, Dolphin Cay, marine habitat and beaches. Slide into paradise with a visit to our one-of-a-kind, 141-acre waterscape. Splash around in 20 million gallons of water as it rushes through their high-speed water slides. Float along river ride, conquer the water-play fort, and explore all 11 sparkling swimming pools.
Fish Fry
Every island in The Bahamas has Fish Fry. It’s that quintessentially Bahamian, culinary gathering place. Usually a collection of street vendors where you can sample some of the most authentic cuisine in The Bahamas. Perhaps the biggest, most extravagant fish fry in The Bahamas can be found on Arawak Cay, Nassau. Just one long strip that begins with traditional sit-down restaurants and ends beachside. Where beach shack barbecues serve up a whole new vibe. Try the conch fritters!
Historical Sightseeing
Walk around the Nassau during a small-group guided tour. Stop at locations such as the historic Fort Charlotte, the home of the Bahamas Governor-General. Shop for souvenirs at the Straw Market. Sample local Bahamian products like tea at Tasty Teas, small-batch rum at John Watling’s Rum Distillery, and chocolate at Graycliff Chocolatier. Maybe walk to the famous Parliament Square and see the bright pink buildings.
Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794. It is said that it provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901.
Escape to Pearl Island
Escape the hustle and bustle of Nassau with a getaway to Pearl Island. Upgrade to this package including round-trip ferry transportation and your own private oceanside cabana with a personal server. Settle in with a welcome cocktail, enjoy a delicious Bahamian lunch, then put on a snorkeling mask to explore a protected coral reef then go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the warm Bahamian water.
Paradise Island Marina Village
The retailers at Marina Village in Paradise Island are as varied as they are unique. So if you’d like to go a delightfully different kind of shopping adventure, head to Marina Village. You’ll find stores like Atlantis Signatures, Columbian Emeralds International, La Parfumerie, Pirana Joe Resort Wear, Carlo Milano, Paradise Blue Surf Shop, Pandora, The Plait Lady, and more.
With so much shopping to do, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are a number of restaurants located at Marina Village in Paradise Island. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and family-style casual dining experience of Frankie Gone Bananas. Carmine’s as well as Murray’s Deli is also here. Or head to The Village Burger Shack for great-tasting, all-American favorites including juicy burgers and ice-cold Ben & Jerry’s shakes. Ice cream – YUM! If you’re looking for something uniquely Bahamian, stop in for the freshest conch salad at McKenzie’s Fresh Fish & Conch. Then kick back with a delicious craft beer at Pirate Republic Brewing Co.
Cabbage Beach Massage
While vacationing in the beautiful island of the Bahamas, enhance your stay with a truly relaxing Massage on the Beach. Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, Nassau. Here, you are an earshot away from the turquoise Ocean, as the cool Bahama Breeze soothes the atmosphere.
ATV Island Tour
Hop aboard a Can-Am Outlander 450 ATV and experience the best of Nassau on this morning or afternoon tour with an expert guide. Drive your own ATV or ride as a passenger and comfortably cruise along the coastline. Learn about the history of the Bahamas and visit historical sites like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Charlotte. This leaves just enough time for a beach break and an included lunch on the beach.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is a Caribbean haven; expect sensational ocean views, glimmering waters, and postcard-worthy landscapes. You can spend hours here stretched out sunbathing, or try water activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. After sundown, pop by the beachside bars to sample some of Nassau’s local craft beer. Stretching for miles, the beach is lined with some of the best resorts, restaurants and bars in town. Making it a favorite with both travelers and locals.
On Cable Beach, you’ll find the beloved Daiquiri Shack (known as the “Daq Shack”). You can create your own concoction using fresh fruits instead of sugary syrups! Options include strawberry, watermelon, banana, peach, mango, and pineapple (based on seasonality).
Señor Frog’s
At Señor Frog’s there’s no boredom! Have the time of your life at the only restaurant in Nassau with an incredible show, delicious food and drinks, a place like no other! Here, you’ll find tasty Tex-Mex food and a plethora of frozen cocktail options. This location is a quick walk from the popular Junkanoo Beach. On cruise days, this beach can certainly get crowded, but it adds to the fun!
Watch a Cricket Match
The Cricket Club is a Restaurant and Pub serving mainly British and Bahamian dishes. They’re open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is well known for screening live sporting events, which can be viewed on one of its many televisions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while you chow down on some delicious food or drink a cold one. The Cricket Club is conveniently located just about a half a mile west of Downtown Nassau, The British Colonial Hilton Hotel, and the cruise ship harbor.
The club’s balcony provides the best seat in the house to watch live cricket matches. It is also a comfortable place to admire the cruise ships entering and leaving the port.
Swim with the Pigs
You’ve seen the Instagram posts, and now you can get one for yourself. Enjoy a full-day tour. Shore Thing Escapes is a company built on customer service and the environment: we go above and beyond to always ensure all guests have the time of their lives. a portion of all our proceeds go back into cleaning the ocean, as well as coastal communities. On this full day tour, departing Nassau at 8:00 AM, you’ll get to meet and feed protected Exuma Rock Iguanas in their natural habit Normans Cay. You’ll also get to snorkel the amazing and infamous Pablo Escobar’s plane crash.
Then head to Big Major Cay, home to the world-famous swimming pigs. After some time with the cute piggies, head to Compass Cay. Here, you’ll get to feed and swim with nurse sharks. Followed by a private beach/sand bar. A fantastic day trip option those seeking a more secluded paradise from Nassau!
Heading to Nassau, Bahamas?
