As the capital of the Bahamas and the largest city in the country, there are many great things to see in Nassau. From history and culture to Swimming Pigs and more, Nassau also serves as a great way to explore the country, in general.
Keep reading to learn what to do in the Bahamas.
Graycliff Heritage Village is one of the many great things to see in Nassau.
Things to See in Nassau Bahamas: 6 Places to Go in Nassau
1. Pig Beach
Many people looking for things to see in Nassau search for the Nassau Swimming Pigs. However, the original Swimming Pigs aren’t in the capital – they’re in Exuma.
A region of the country with 365 islands, Exuma is famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back, quieter atmosphere. On a Nassau Swimming Pigs day trip, you can fly there and arrive in 30 minutes.
Once there, you’ll get to see the famous and friendly Exuma Pigs, as well as several other top sites in the area. These include:
- Staniel Cay, the gateway to the Exumas you fly into
- Sandbars at Pipe Creek
- Nurse sharks at Compass Cay
- Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- An underwater plane wreck
- Underwater caves at Thunderball Grotto
2. Queen’s Staircase
Back on New Providence Island itself, you’ll find all sorts of things to see in Nassau, one of which is Queen’s Staircase.
Queen’s Staircase is a flight of stairs that slaves carved into solid limestone hundreds of years ago. It served as an emergency exit from Fort Fincastle (more on that below).
Anyone wondering what to do in Nassau should climb up Queen’s Staircase.
Today, the site is one of the many fascinating stops in Nassau’s Old Town, the collection of historic and cultural attractions in the capital.
It’s also a popular spot to take pictures, as the flight of stairs combined with the tropical foliage around it serves as a perfect photo op.
3. Fort Fincastle
Fort Fincastle is the towering fortress above Queen’s Staircase. Its huge walls and cannons speak to a problem that plagued Nassau and the Bahamas for decades: piracy.
Built by Lord Dunmore in 1793, the local government hoped that the fort would deter pirates from raiding the local harbor. Shaped like a paddle steamer, its name comes from Lord Dunmore’s second title, Viscount Fincastle.
Today, given that it’s another site that takes you through the halls of the capital’s history, Fort Fincastle is another one of the best things to see in Nassau.
In addition to being historic, the top of the fortress offers spectacular views of the harbor.
Fort Fincastle is a historic site and one of the best things to do in Nassau.
4. The Nassau Government House
Another one of the many great places to go in Nassau is the Nassau Government House. Located right downtown by the cruise port, the site is a great place to learn more about the local government.
What makes visiting it one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas is the fact that it houses the Governor General of the Bahamas.
Like many of the other places to go in Nassau, there’s also history attached to it. It’s on a beautiful 10-acre estate and was constructed in 1801.
The Nassau Government House is colorful and found right downtown.
If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll also be able to appreciate the unique combination of American colonial and Bahamian British design.
5. John Watling’s Distillery
When you’re ready for a drink, you’ll find stopping by John Watling’s Distillery to be one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas.
With the option to go rum-tasting, John Watling’s Distillery is one of the best places to go in Nassau.
Located on the historic Buena Vista Estate, the distillery is the place to go to enjoy a rum-tasting tour. Signing up for one lets you sample several delicious varieties.
Besides enjoying the rum, a tour of the distillery also lets you learn more about the rum production process. Next time you have a sip of rum back home, you’ll appreciate the work that went into making it.
After the tour concludes, you’ll also have the chance to try out some other drinks at the bar. Cheers to crossing another one of the top things to see in Nassau off your list!
6. Graycliff Heritage Village
Graycliff Heritage Village is one of the best things to see in Nassau for anyone looking to explore the local art scene. The area is one of the best places to do that on New Providence.
From traditional murals and paintings to trendy jewelry pieces made of shells, you can find a huge variety of different types of art in the village.
Graycliff Heritage Village is full of art, shops, and other fun places to go in Nassau.
If you’re looking for something to bring home for yourself or a family member, Graycliff Heritage Village is a great place for it.
Plan on spending a chunk of time soaking in the sites of the village as it’s another one of the top things to see in Nassau!
What to Do in the Bahamas: Fly Out to Exuma
While there are many fun things to see in Nassau, some of the best attractions require you to leave the capital.
On a Pig Island tour, you can take a 30-minute flight to see the Swimming Pigs and other Exuma attractions.
Discover all our exciting Bahamas Day Tours and Excursions.
Contact us for a Nassau Swimming Pigs trip today!
