Things to do in  Nassau

A compact city center makes it easy to explore in one day. Start at the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Then, head to the Straw Market for local handicrafts. Next, relax at Cable Beach—it's near Nassau and offers snorkeling and watersports. At night, grab a cocktail at a lively bar along Bay Street.

Nassau offers excursions aplenty. Book a day pass to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, off the coast of Nassau. Or take a trip to Rose Island. Don't miss exploring Bahamian cuisine and culture on a walking tour of the town’s historic neighborhood, sampling local foods along with handcrafted rum cocktails.

Yes. It's the capital of the Bahamas, which means there are plenty of things to do in Nassau. It serves as the archipelago’s hub for commerce, education, and media. Here, you’ll find Bay Street, which runs parallel to the shoreline and is the city’s main shopping street. The Lynden Pindling International Airport, the largest airport in the Bahamas, is located in Nassau.

Yes. The Bahamas can be an expensive destination. That’s because most food and supplies need to be imported onto the chain of islands. To save money, many travelers book all-inclusive resort packages that include accommodations and meals. Also, keep in mind that gratuity is usually automatically added to restaurant bills.

Yes. Due to its location near trade routes, Nassau became a popular pirate haven. Here, pirates established their own “republic” and operated undeterred. In 1718, the British regained control of the Bahamas with the help of notorious pirate Benjamin Hornigold, a mentor to the infamous Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.

Yes. Nassau is relatively safe for tourists. However, take precautions to avoid petty theft. After dark, take taxis instead of walking. Visitors to New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, should avoid "over the hill" neighborhoods south of downtown, particularly at night. When renting vehicles such as Jet Skis, exercise caution—not all are maintained.