Nassau

As a busy cruise ship port, the capital of the Bahamas, and a popular travel destination, there are many things to do in Nassau; You can enjoy everything from picturesque beaches and snorkeling to history and adventure. All of that makes Nassau Bahamas a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embark on a Caribbean vacation.

In addition to housing all sorts of fun activities and top things to do in Nassau, New Providence island is also very accessible. Air travel makes it easy to reach from nearby locations and even neighboring countries, like the United States. If you’re traveling from certain areas, like Miami, it’s even possible to sign up for day trips to the capital.  

Speaking of accessibility, Nassau is also a great island to use as a jumping pad to launch yourself into other islands within the country. Air travel makes it easy to sign up for day trips to places as beautiful and diverse as Exuma and Harbour Island. These provide an experience that contrasts starkly with the hustle and bustle of Nassau. 

Things to Do in Nassau: Discover Nassau New Providence 

Nassau Beaches

Regardless of what sorts of activities and excursions you’re hoping to participate in, most people wondering about things to do in Nassau are always happy to visit the beach. Luckily, there are all sorts of Nassau beaches to choose from, with each one being special in its own way.

Downtown Nassau : Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is a lively area close to downtown Nassau. It caters to daytrippers passing through the island, especially those arriving via cruise ships. If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, feel the cool sea breeze, and sink your toes into the sand, you can’t go wrong with Junkanoo Beach. 

Quieter Beaches

On the other hand, Nassau New Providence also houses quieter beaches, such as Love Beach and Cable Beach. If you’re craving fewer crowds and a more laid-back environment, you can’t go wrong with either of those. Located right on the legendary Cable Beach, Baha Mar Resort is a great place to stay to enjoy that quieter atmosphere. 

Islands: Rose Island and Salt Cay

As mentioned, some of the best things to do in Nassau have you leaving the capital to embark on day trips. One such trip you won’t want to pass up on is Rose Island.

Located just three miles east of Nassau, Rose Island doesn’t have sprawling resorts or hotels, nor is it full of shops. What it does offer, however, is access to the raw, untouched beauty of the Bahamas. With gorgeous beaches and stunning water, it offers Nassau New Providence visitors the chance to feel like they’ve stepped into a postcard.

While there isn’t a bridge that connects New Providence with Rose Island, you can easily access the island on a day trip excursion from the capital. 

Paradise Island

Another one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas is to spend some time at Paradise Island. Like Rose Island, Paradise Island is right next to New Providence. However, it’s so close that bridges connect the two together. 

Like New Providence, Paradise Island also has its fair share of beautiful beaches (Cabbage Beach is one of the prettiest Nassau beaches). However, what the island is really famous for are its resorts. 

Atlantis Bahamas is, without a doubt, one of the most famous resorts in Nassau New Providence, and is certainly one of the most famous in the world. Regardless of whether you choose to stay there, you can still travel to Paradise Island to enjoy Atlantis’ amenities. Its gardens, aquariums, and water park are all top-notch. 

After you have adrenaline coursing through your veins from Aquaventure Water Park, spend some time admiring the Paradise Island Versailles Gardens. They feature lush flowerbeds and the remains of a 13th-century French monastery, offering one of the most relaxing things to do in Nassau. 

Parliament Square

Back in New Providence, another one of the top things to do in Nassau is to visit Parliament Square. 

Located right by the Nassau cruise port, Parliament Square is the political center of the country. Housed in colorful pink and white neoclassical mansions are the Senate Building, the House of the Assembly, and the Supreme Court of the Bahamas. You’ll also find a large statue of Queen Victoria, the monarch who ruled over Great Britain for 60 years. 

Parliament Square is a fantastic place to walk around and take some pictures. Make sure to visit it while in downtown Nassau. 

Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle 

Another site that pays homage (in this case via its name) to Queen Victoria is Queen’s Staircase. 

Positioned right in the heart of Nassau Bahamas along with Parliament Square, Queen’s Staircase is a flight of stairs that slaves carved into limestone at the end of the 18th century. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find Fort Fincastle. Built to defend the Bahamas against pirate raids, Fort Fincastle’s massive walls and cannons remain impressive to this day. 

Besides letting you learn a bit about the nation’s rich history, visitors to the site are rewarded once they reach the top. Fort Fincastle offers incredible views of the surrounding area, making it another one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas. 

Pirates of Nassau Museum

After touring Fort Fincastle, you might be hoping to learn a bit about the pirate menaces that once prowled around the waters of the Bahamas. Lucky for you, the Pirates of Nassau Museum is a fantastic place to do that. 

The site vividly documents Nassau’s history as a pirate base. It features everything from replica ships to interactable exhibits. While there, you’ll get the chance to learn about the golden age of piracy, which stretched from 1690 to 1720. 

While visitors of all ages are sure to find the Pirates of Nassau Museum to be one of the best things to do in Nassau, kids, in particular, will enjoy it. 

John Watling’s Distillery 

Another fun and historic site you’ll want to visit in Nassau New Providence is John Wating’s Distillery. Housed on the beautiful Buena Vista Estate, the distillery is one of the best places on the island to sample different types of rum.

If you’re not a rum lover, you’ll find a visit to the site worthwhile nonetheless. The Buena Vista Estate was one of the filming locations for the James Bond film Casino Royale, and it also comes complete with a museum with the option for a guided tour. You can also enjoy amazing views of the Nassau harbor. 

Graycliff Heritage Village

Once you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to sample the local art scene. One of the best places to do that in Nassau Bahamas is Graycliff Heritage Village.

With traditional murals and paintings and jewelry pieces made of shells, to say that you can find a variety of art pieces in the village would be an understatement. If you’re looking for a special souvenir, you might even find it here. Whether it’s for you or someone back home, you’ll definitely find a visit to Graycliff Heritage Village to be another of the best things to do in Nassau. 

The Best Activity: Island Hopping 

As the capital of the Bahamas, there are so many exciting things to do in Nassau. However, remember that the country is an archipelago. There are 700 islands to explore, so don’t limit yourself to just one!

The easiest way to traverse the country is on day trips that travel by plane from Nassau. Whether you’re hoping to visit the Swimming Pigs in Exuma or Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, air travel makes getting around a breeze.

Contact us or Sign up for a day trip today! 

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