Nassau Bahamas Must Do – A City Guide For Tourists Visiting For The First Time

Nassau is the capital of the island nation of The Bahamas and the largest city in the country. It is an exotic destination, a mix of Caribbean culture, colonial influences, and colonial-style architecture. This charming city is a great place to take a holiday and enjoy the Caribbean sun, sea, and sand. Nassau is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for North Americans, only a short flight from most cities in the United States or Canada.

The history of Nassau dates back to 1695 when British settlers landed on New Providence Island and named the settlement Nassau. The city was destroyed by Spanish forces in 1703 but was rebuilt just two years later. Nassau rapidly grew in importance as a commercial port, and it became the capital of The Bahamas in 1718. It was taken over by the US Navy during World War II and served as an important naval base for the Allies. After the war, Nassau underwent a period of rapid development and modernization, becoming one of the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destinations.

Today, Nassau is a bustling city with a population of more than 250,000 people. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions. The city is known for its colonial-style architecture, with buildings decorated with pastel colors, bright lights, and shutters. There are also several museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions that offer insight into Nassau’s past.

Things to Do in Nassau

Nassau is a great place to visit for a holiday or short trip. There are plenty of things to do in this vibrant city that will keep you entertained for days. Here are some of the top things to do in Nassau:

Explore Paradise Island

Paradise Island is one of the most popular attractions in Nassau and a must-visit destination for any traveler. It’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean and offers plenty of activities and entertainment. You can go snorkeling or diving on one of its many reefs or go fishing off its coast. You can also take a trip to Atlantis, the resort and casino located on the island. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on Paradise Island as well as shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Visit Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte is an 18th-century fort located on a hill overlooking Nassau Harbour. It was built by the British in the late 1700s to protect the city from pirates and other threats. Today, it is open to visitors who can explore its underground passageways, cannons, and other historical features. It’s also a great place to take in stunning views of Nassau Harbour and the surrounding area.

Shop at Straw Market

The Straw Market in downtown Nassau is one of the biggest attractions in the city. This open-air market is filled with vendors selling all sorts of handmade crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and other items. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs to take back home or just to explore and experience local culture.

Enjoy the Beach

Nassau has some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches with powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. The most popular beaches are Cable Beach, Saunders Beach, and Junkanoo Beach. All of these beaches are located on New Providence Island and are great for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and other activities. You can also find plenty of beach bars and restaurants where you can relax with a drink or bite to eat.

Take a Boat Trip

There are plenty of boat trips available in Nassau that offer great views of the city’s coastline as well as nearby islands. You can take a boat ride along Nassau Harbour to enjoy stunning views of the skyline or take a tour of nearby islands such as Rose Island or Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. There are also plenty of fishing trips available that will take you out into open seas in search of marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and more.

Visit Ardastra Gardens

The Ardastra Gardens are home to over 200 species of birds and animals, including rare flamingos, lorikeets, parrots, iguanas, and more. It’s a great place to take kids or just to admire the beauty of these exotic creatures. The gardens also feature several walking trails where you can explore native plants and trees as well as a zoo with several enclosures for different animals.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Nassau is known for its delicious local cuisine which features fresh seafood as well as traditional Bahamian dishes such as conch fritters and cracked conch. You can find plenty of restaurants around town serving up these dishes as well as international cuisine from around the world. No matter what you’re in the mood for there is something for everyone in Nassau’s many restaurants.

Popular Tours in Nassau

Nassau offers plenty of tour options that will give visitors an even more enjoyable experience during their stay. Here are two popular tours that you should consider if you’re visiting Nassau:

Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

Experience the beauty of Nassau from the water on this catamaran cruise & snorkeling tour. This tour takes you on an exciting journey around Nassau Harbour where you can get up close with dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and other aquatic life before arriving at Rose Island for some amazing snorkeling opportunities in its crystal clear waters. You also get to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks on board as well as music and entertainment from your guide. You can book this tour to explore Nassau from a different perspective or just enjoy a fun day out on the water.

Spirits & Drinks Tasting Tour

Experience some of Nassau’s best local drinks on this spirits & drinks tasting tour. This tour takes you on a journey around town where you will get to sample various local drinks such as rum punches and Bahamian beer while learning about the history of each drink from your knowledgeable guide. You also get to visit some of Nassau’s best bars and clubs where you can try even more local flavors as well as experience its vibrant nightlife scene. You can book this tour for an unforgettable evening out exploring the best drinks in town.

Conclusion

Nassau is an amazing destination for any traveler looking for an exotic getaway in paradise. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife scene there is something for everyone here. Whether you want to relax on a catamaran cruise or explore local flavors with a spirits & drinks tasting tour there are plenty of activities to do in Nassau that will make your trip even more enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your next trip to Nassau now!