Looking for things to do in Nassau, Bahamas? Lucky you!
Exploring Nassau is like stepping into a painting of a tropical paradise, alive with color and unbelievable beaches.
Whether shopping for handmade souvenirs at the Straw Market, eating traditional cracked conch, or laying on the powdered sugar sands of Cable Beach, there are endless ways to spend your time on Nassau.
These are the best things things to do in Nassau, Bahamas:
The Best Beaches in Nassau
Nassau’s beaches are a slice of Caribbean heaven with silky soft shores and crystal-clear waters.
These are my top picks for the most stunning beaches on Nassau:
- Junkanoo Beach. Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port, meaning that it’s always buzzing with music and people. This beach is lined with colorful bars and boutiques, so you can eat, sip, shop, and swim in one spot.
- Cable Beach. This is the former center of Nassau’s tourism industry, back when the Bahamas was a place only the most wealthy and elite could travel to. Postcard-worthy teal water, tons of beach bars, and a shallow drop-off make Cable Beach perfect for a relaxed beach day.
- The Atlantis Resort. The super famous Atlantis Beach Resort has 3 natural beaches covering over five miles of paradise. Purchase a day pass to swim and access the resort’s many amenities, like the Casino, Crystal Court Shops, Marina Village, resort pools, and Aquaventure water park without being a guest.
Day passes must be bought in advance.
Tip: To stay at The Atlantis Resort, book through Expedia for the best deals.
- Jaws Beach. This beach was named after the movie “Jaws,” which was partially filmed here! Besides calm water and scenic views, Jaws Beach is a major bucket list check.
- Cabbage Beach. Last but not least, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is said to be the best beach in the Bahamas.
Read More: How to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation
Heritage Sites in Nassau
If you want to explore Nassau’s rich, pirate-y past, expect to be awed by ancient stone stairways and ominous forts.
These are the best heritage sites in Nassau:
- The Queen’s Staircase. The Queen’s Staircase is one of the most iconic things to do in Nassau. Fearful of pirates, the Staircase was designed as a quick escape from downtown Nassau to the forts overhead. It was later named in honor of Queen Victoria, who signed the Slave Abolition Act.
- Fort Fincastle. The dreamy Fort Fincastle overlooks the city of Nassau from its hilltop position. The fort is one of the best spots for panoramic views of the island and sea and is an easy walk from downtown Nassau.
- Fort Charlotte. Built in 1789, Fort Charlotte‘s 100 acres include cool stuff like a moat, dungeons, and even cannons.
- National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Check out historic and modern art made by Bahamian artists at The National Art Gallery. The lithographs and prints here are amazing!
- Pirates of Nassau Museum. Nassau was once known as the Pirate capital of the world, so visiting the Pirate Museum is a must. Cool exhibits include a recreated pirate ship and the Pirate Town experience.
Read More: My Bahamas Carnival Cruise Review
Iconic Nassau Drinks & Eats
When in Nassau, you won’t go hungry. The food here is just as colorful and fun as the Bahamian culture itself!
Check out these iconic food and drink spots on Nassau:
- Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. If you like seafood, head to Arawak Cay for the legendary Fish Fry! The Fry is a giant outdoor area filled with Bahamian seafood restaurants and an open stage for live entertainment.
- Fine Dining at Atlantis. For a taste of luxury, reserve a table at Atlantis Resort. Café Martinique has superb French-Caribbean fusion food and is always good, but there are other dining options at Atlantis.
- John Watling’s Distillery. No journey through Nassau’s flavors is complete without a rum sampling straight from John Watling’s Distillery. Take the free tour, taste the rum, and learn about the distillation process that started in the 1780s.
Read more: 28 Best Restaurants in Nassau
Shopping
Fit some shopping into your time on the island. From local markets to luxury boutiques, here’s where to shop in Nassau:
- Luxury Shop at Crystal Court. Head to the Crystal Court in Atlantis for a premium shopping spree. Think luxury brands like Cartier and Versace. Look out for duty-free shopping on certain items.
- Marina Village. Also in Atlantis, wander through the brightly painted storefronts of Marina Village to find unique souvenirs, clothing, and crafts, and sometimes, live music. Must-See shops: The Plait Lady, Colombian Emeralds International
- The Straw Market. The Market is a hub of local culture and a must-visit for authentic Bahamian crafts. You’ll find straw items, colorful clothes, handmade jewelry, carvings, and decor here. Items to look for: Handwoven baskets, hats, bags, wooden carvings.
The Straw Market is cash-only, so bring some bills (the U.S. dollar is accepted).
Tip: The vendors can be aggressive. Remember that it’s ok to say no.
Nightlife
Does Nassau have nightlife? Oh yes.
When the sun sets in Nassau, the nightlife takes center stage inside glittering casinos, beach bars, and energetic music venues. Look for these:
Casinos and resorts
- Baha Mar Casino: As the largest casino in the Caribbean, there’s always something going on.
- Atlantis Casino: At Atlantis, the casino is known for its gaming floors and the stunning marine habitat that surrounds it.
Bars and clubs
- Senor Frogs: If you’re looking for a fun, informal spot, Senor Frogs never disappoints with its lively atmosphere and themed party nights.
- The Daiquiri Shack: Swing by The Daiquiri Shack, where the frozen drinks kick ass in the most tropical way possible. This is the place if you love laid-back vibes and drinking on island time.
Live music venues
- Bambu: For live Bahamian music, Bambu is the island’s go-to.
- Junkanoo Beach Club: Dance under the stars to calypso and reggae at the Junkanoo Beach Club.
You Might Also Like: 11 Best Hotels in Nassau Bahamas
Nature & Parks
Nassau is loaded with tropical flowers, plants, and conservation centers dedicated to preserving the beauty of the Bahamas.
These are some of the best nature and outdoor spots in Nassau:
- Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre. See the world-famous marching flamingos at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre. The center is a perfect family-friendly thing to do in Nassau.
Tip: Skip the line to Ardastra.
- Clifton Heritage National Park. At Clifton Heritage National Park, you’ll find sacred Lucayan Indian sites, plantation ruins, and underwater sculptures.
- The Retreat Garden National Park.The Retreat Garden National Park is a hidden gem in Nassau, with one of the world’s largest collections of palms, some rare or endangered.
Most Unique Tours & Excursions from Nassau
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, has endless underwater and historic experiences that can’t be had anywhere else.
These are some of the most exciting tours you can take from Nassau:
Swim with Pigs
Swimming with cute pigs is synonymous with the Bahamas, but did you know you can (ethically) see them from Nassau?
The cuties can be found on Rose Island and are best experienced via the original Sandy Toes Swimming Pigs Tour. Their price includes a guided snorkeling tour, private beach, hammock garden, Bahamian buffet, and interactions with the Rose Island Swimming Pigs!
Note: It is also possible to visit Exuma, also known as Pig Island, from Nassau.
Unique snorkeling tours from Nassau
All Bahamas adventures will eventually take you underwater!
With so many beautiful beaches on Nassau, its easy to see why it has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Suite up and explore sunken shipwrecks, underwater art galleries, and colorful coral formations.
Where to snorkel in Nassau:
- Pearl Island, where you can rent a private oceanview cabana
- Sea Garden Conservation Area for an epic coral reef experience
- Take a private boat to see hidden spots, and choose your adventure.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
On a glass-bottom boat tour, the crystal-clear Bahamian waters are a glass pane away from you. Dolphins and turtles are a regular site!
Read more: How to Spend One Perfect Day at the Nassau Cruise Port
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should you spend in Nassau, Bahamas?
The answer to how many days you should spend in Nassau is: as many as possible (kidding). Spending 3 to 5 days in Nassau should give you enough time to explore the top attractions, relax on the beaches, and indulge in the local cuisine.
Can I explore Nassau without an excursion?
You can easily explore Nassau’s downtown area and popular beaches without an excursion! I enjoyed strolling through downtown Nassau on my own.
What are the best ways to get around Nassau, Bahamas, if I don’t have a car?
Nassau has public buses called jitneys, which are affordable and convenient. Taxis are widely available, and for nearby islands, consider taking a water taxi.
What are the best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas, downtown?
You’ll find tons of things to do in downtown Nassau, one of the biggest islands in the Bahamas. The downtown area is about twenty square blocks of history, shopping, street art, and monuments. Some popular things to do in Nassau, Bahamas downtown, include the Queen’s Staircase, the Straw Market, Cable Beach, and Forts Fincastle and Charlotte.
What are some things to do in Nassau, Bahamas for couples?
Couples should try a romantic sunset dinner cruise. The combination of beautiful views and good food is hard to beat. If you’re on a budget, go for a beach picnic at sunset.
What are some secret things to do in Nassau, Bahamas?
Even though this island is one of the most popular in the Bahamas, there are a few secret things to do in Nassau. Here are 3 low-key things to do in Nassau, Bahamas:
- Primeval Forest National Park is an untouched forest of old-growth trees dotted with unique sinkholes.
- Sacred Space is a really cool sculpture in Clifton Heritage National Park designed by Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts.
- Ocean Atlas, the world’s largest underwater statue, is also found in Clifton Heritage National Park.
Tip: See Sacred Space and the Ocean Atlas with one tour.
What are some cheap things to do in Nassau, Bahamas?
There are lots of cheap and even free things to do in Nassau. Walking along the beautiful Cable Beach or visiting the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas are good ways to have fun without a hefty price tag.
Is it safe to walk around Nassau, Bahamas?
I feel safe walking around Nassau during the day, especially in popular areas. Like any city, stay alert and avoid isolated areas at night. Always use your best judgment.
