Exploring Downtown Nassau: A Cultural Walking Tour of Nassau

Are you looking for an immersive cultural experience in Nassau? Are you curious to learn more about the history of its captivating old city? Then a guided walking tour of Downtown Nassau may be just the thing for you.Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, located on the island of New Providence. Situated in the middle of the fascinating Caribbean Sea, Nassau’s ancient history and its bustling modern life makes it a uniquely interesting city to explore on foot.Whether you’re a visitor to the city, staying for a few days, or a local looking to experience the city in a new way, this cultural walking tour of Downtown Nassau will give you an insight into the sights and sounds of this vibrant place.

The Tour Itinerary

The duration of the tour is 2 hours and covers ​a selection of historically significant sites. The tour also includes tastings at three local restaurants and stops at various points of interest. The tour starts and ends at either the Straw Market or near the water taxi stop at Prince George wharf. The itinerary is as follows:

• Starting at either the Straw Market or the water taxi stop, the tour passes through several streets of the charming old town.
• Enjoy a walk around Parliament Square, showing appreciation to the beauty of the Bahamas’ government buildings. Here you will also find a statue of Christopher Columbus.
• Visit St Francis Xavier Cathedral where the old Spanish pirate church used to stand.
• Stop for a refreshment at Chocolate Company Sampler which offers samples of their delicious local produce from the island.
• Take a stroll down historic Bay Street, a popular shopping district where traders from all over the world have settled in recent years.
• Marvel at the Queen’s Staircase which leads up to historic Fort Fincastle. It is believed that slaves carved out these steps during the 1700s.
• Visit Pirates Museum, a three-storey museum dedicated to pirates and all their swash buckling activities.
• Stop off at Nassau’s Public Market and explore local produce, spices and handicrafts.
• Walk along Bay Street whilst stopping off at Graycliff Chocolatier, famous for their artisan chocolates made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Finally, dine like a local at Angieralia’s Fish Fry, Nassau’s most famous seafood restaurant.

Discover Local Culture

When you join a guided tour of Downtown Nassau, you get the chance to delve beneath its glimmering surface. You’ll get to meet locals and learn about their culture, which has been so heavily influenced by other parts of the world over the course of its 400-year old history.You’ll discover why Nassau holds such cultural and historical importance in the Caribbean. You will also gain an understanding of why the culture here is so unique, and how it has been shaped by former colonists such as Britain, Spain and France, who have each left their undeniable mark on this stunning city and its surroundings. In addition, you will find out more about local customs and beliefs as well as current happenings in Nassau’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scenes.

The Best Time to Visit

As it is situated in tropical climes, Nassau can be visited all year round with average temperatures rarely going below 65°F in December. However, if possible, it is best to experience the city during its “winter” season from November to April when humidity is at its lowest making it more comfortable for sightseeing. With warm ocean breezes flowing through, this is also when you can truly appreciate how lively and bustling Nassau really is.

What To Bring

Most tours of Downtown Nassau take 2 hours so comfortable walking shoes are essential. It is also recommended to bring along plenty of water and an umbrella in case it rains. For comfort it is always advised to dress light in loose fitting clothing to keep cool in the humid temperatures.

Make The Most Of Your Trip To Nassau

Whether you’re a long-term resident or visiting Nassau for a couple of days, taking part in a cultural walking tour of Downtown Nassau is one of the best ways for you to learn about its history and discover local culture. It is truly an enlightening experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your memory. So why not make a date out of your tour and book your place today?

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