Nassau, the colourful capital of the Bahamas located on the island of New Providence, is where island charm meets colonial history, and the rum flows freely. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is a gateway to the Caribbean and a common port for cruiseships. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or diving into Bahamian heritage, there are plenty of things to do in and around Nassau.
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1. Stroll through downtown Nassau
Start your Nassau exploration with a wander through its historic heart. The small and walkable downtown encompasses pastel-hued buildings, colonial architecture, vibrant murals and small museums. Don’t miss the Pirate Museum and souvenir shopping at the Straw Market.
2. Visit the Queen’s Staircase
Climb the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase, carved out of solid limestone by enslaved people in the late 1700s. This tree-shaded stairway is a peaceful corridor and a solemn reminder of Nassau’s complex history. It also provides access to Fort Fincastle—one of the top historic sights of Nassau.
Note: Current as of May 2025, the Queen’s Stairs and Fort Fincastle are temporarily closed while the historic water tower is under renovation. However, you can still see and take pictures of the staircase from the corridor (from the end of Elizabeth Avenue, just passed the hospital – it is worth going and taking a look).
3. Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte
For panoramic views over Nassau and its turquoise coastline, head up to Fort Fincastle or the larger Fort Charlotte. These 18th-century British forts offer insights into the island’s strategic importance during colonial times
Practical tip: Fort Fincastle is an easy walk from downtown, while Fort Charlotte requires a short taxi ride. Combine your visit to Fort Charlotte with a visit to Ardastra Gardens, which is a short walk away.
4. Relax on Junkanoo Beach
Only a short walk from the cruise port and downtown, Junkanoo Beach is a free, easy-to-reach option for sun, sand and sea. Grab a cold Kalik (local beer), rent a lounge chair, and soak up the island vibes with DJs and local food stalls nearby. Junkanoo Beach can get really crowded, especially in the middle of the day at the Margaritaville end. Walk just a few minutes further along the beach, away from town, and you’ll have a more peaceful experience.
5. Discover the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Step back into the Golden Age of Piracy at this interactive museum. Learn about real pirates who once called Nassau home, including Blackbeard himself. It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Nassau and a fun escape from the midday heat.
6. Eat at Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)
Hungry? Head to Arawak Cay, better known as “Fish Fry,” where local flavours are on full display. Tuck into fried snapper, conch salad, or cracked lobster while mingling with locals. It’s a must-visit if you want to taste authentic Bahamian cuisine.
7. Enjoy a rum tasting
Sip your way through Bahamian history with a rum tasting at John Watling’s Distillery, housed in the restored 18th-century Buena Vista Estate. A visit here combines storytelling, colonial architecture, and—you guessed it—plenty of rum. Note, no rum is actually distilled onsite, only mixed. However, it is worth going for a look at the beautiful estate.
Tip: If you don’t like rum, don’t worry, Louis & Steen’s have an outpost onsite for some of the better coffee you’ll find in Nassau.
8. Explore the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Located in a beautiful, butter yellow, historic mansion, the National Art Gallery showcases contemporary and traditional works by Bahamian artists. For travellers looking to dig deeper into local culture, this is one of the more enriching things to do in Nassau. You will need less than an hour to look over the small museum and the adjacent sculpture garden.
9. Explore the unique traditions of Junkanoo
If you’re a fan of Carnival celebrations, you’re going to love Junkanoo! This Christmastime celebration harks back to days of slavery on the islands. During the peak of the Christian festive season, enslaved peoples were given 3-days off during which they enjoyed some freedom to revel in traditions of their West African roots.
Gain a deeper understanding of the Bahamian customs of Junkanoo, including colourful costumes and drum-driven music, at two museums near downtown: Educulture Bahamas and the Museum of Junkanoo. These local cultural centres offer exhibits, costumes, and storytelling that celebrate Bahamian identity and history.
Practical tip: The Museum of Junakanoo is located right at the cruise port. Educulture Museum of Junkanoo is a private museum that can be visited by appointment or on a tour. It is located right next to the National Art Gallery, close to the John Watling Distillery.
10. Step inside the Pompey Museum
Located in historic Vendue House, the oldest surviving structure in Bay St, the Pompey Museum focuses on the history of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas. The museum is named after an enslaved man who led a revolt in 1830 and is a powerful and important stop for understanding the islands’ past. Though the museum is text heavy, it provides essential insights into the global slave trade and the history of The Bahamas.
13. Wander among the flamingos at Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
Ardastra Gardens is home to tropical gardens, native wildlife and its star attraction, the Bahamas’ national bird: flamingos. This small zoo turned conservation centre houses many surrendered pets and rescued birds. It is great for families and anyone interested in the islands’ flora and fauna.
14. Visit James Bond film locations
Film buffs will be thrilled to discover that Nassau has played a starring role in several James Bond films. Scenes from Thunderball (1965), Never Say Never Again (1983), and Casino Royale (2006) were shot around the city and wider New Providence and Paradise Islands.
In and around Nassau these include the John Watling Distillery, Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island), The Four Season Resort Ocean Club and the British Colonial Hotel.
Filming locations further afield include Love Beach, Compass Point Resort (currently under reconstruction, but you can eat at the Solemar Restaurant) and dive sites like the Thunderball Grotto and the Tears of Allah shipwreck that can be accessed on day trips from Nassau.
Day trips from Nassau
15. Swim with pigs on a Day Trip
While the original Pig Beach is further out in the Exumas, many local tours now offer half-day trips to nearby islands where you can splash around Bahamian pigs. The original pigs have a long history in the Bahamas, however with ever-growing tourism demands, the attraction has been expanded. This raises questions over animal welfare and ecological concerns. While it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Nassau, swimming with pigs should be thoughtfully considered and researched.
16. Day Trip to Paradise Island
Connected to Nassau by two one-way bridges, you can easily access Paradise Island from Nassau via taxi. We chose to walk instead, which is a fair distance, but allowed us to make stops along the way at the Rum Cake Factory and dine at The Midnight Spot, one of the many more local food vendors near Potter’s Cay (the second bridge) where the fishing boats pull and your conch fritters are as fresh as they come!
Paradise Island is home to the famed Atlantis Resort. Even if you’re not staying there, you can buy a day pass to enjoy the water park, casino, and beaches. Alternatively, Cabbage Beach is a beautiful, publically-accessible stretch of white sand where you can hire a beach chair or pull up your own towel for free. Local vendors pedal drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks much cheaper than the resort-dominated sections of the same beach.
17. Private beach clubs
Various small islands, a short boat-ride from Nassau, offer private beach clubs. These are generally packaged as day trips including transport, entry, food, drink and some water activities. Two popular options include Rose Island and Salt Cay (aka Blue Lagoon Island Beach). These are great options for getting away from resort-driven beach clubs around Nassau, like those on Paradise Island.
18. Explore the New Providence National Parks
There are three small and very different National Parks across New Providence. It’s easy to make a round of them all in a day and an easy (though sometimes pot-holey) drive from Nassau.
1. Bonefish Pond National Park offers mangroves and mudflats where you can tread the boardwalk, snorkel, SUP or kayak in search of birds and aquatic life. Entry is fee, but hours are limited—check the official website for details.
2. Primeval Forest National Park, is a cool patch of old-growth forest in a kast landscape full of dry sinkholes woven with giant tree roots. Check admission and hours on the Park website.
3. Clifton Heritage National Park, the most popular Park and for good reason, has historic plantation ruins and a stunning underwater sculpture garden. This National Park has the best snorkelling around New Providence and the coastline is beyond gorgeous.
Tip: Clifton Heritage National Park requires the payment of an entry fee, with which you are issued a wrist band. If you just want to take a quick swim in this stunning part of New Providence Island, neighbouring Jaws Beach is free to enter.
Tips for exploring Nassau
Opening hours
Island time is real! Don’t rely on published hours. Especially in downtown Nassau, businesses that are dependent on tourism only open for the short hours that the cruise ships are in port. If like us, you’re staying on the island, you’ll be confined to eating and being entertained in hotels before and after these times.
Locals tend to eat late (after 8pm) so you will find those places that accommodate residents tend to open late and close late. On Sundays many businesses and restaurants remain closed.
Safety and security
Like most places, Nassau has its questionable neighbourhoods. I explored on my own most days, on foot around the well-touristed parts of the city with no concerns. Dress down and don’t carry unnecessary valuables. If you’re there to party, don’t accept drinks from strangers and stay off the beach at night, especially if you’re a solo female.
Understand that 12-15% of locals live below the poverty line and living expenses are high. There are instances where people will look to take advantage of you, so do your research in advance. With that said, generally Bahamians are incredibly hospitable and lovely people.
Getting around
Taxis are plentiful but not metered. Taxi fares are government regulated to prevent price gouging. Sadly, that won’t prevent some drivers from trying it on. Know the regulations and agree on a price in advance.
Jitneys (local minibuses) are a budget-friendly option for getting around. You will pay the driver or their assistant in the front passenger seat as you disembark the bus. The fare as of May 2025 is $1.50 one-way.
Money matters
The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged, in value, to the U.S. dollar (USD). Both currencies are accepted throughout New Providence island. Most businesses accept credit card, but there are some smaller establishments that require cash.
There is no income tax in The Bahamas. Instead, there’s a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT on your receipt), which is a consumption tax on goods and services.
Tipping is customary in The Bahamas and a gratuity is often automatically added to the bill (check your receipt). The amount is generally 15%. If this isn’t listed on your receipt, you will need to tip separately, usually in cash.
Drinking water
Tap water in Nassau is treated and generally reported to be safe to drink, especially in resorts. However, bottled water is widely available if you prefer. I was comfortable cleaning my teeth with the tap water, but chose to drink filtered or bottled water for the duration of my stay.
From historic forts to beachside bliss, enjoy these top things to do in Nassau. Whether you’re planning a short stay or docking on a cruise, this Bahamian capital will keep you busy with discovery and island flavour. So grab your sunscreen, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore the best of Nassau!
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