Nassau Travel Guide

The nation's capital, on New Providence Island, is a colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour. It is a mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world charm. In downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th century, including the ancient Fort Fincastle, reached by the Queen's Staircase that was constructed by the labour of hundreds of slaves. Garden enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures. Enthusiastic shoppers on the other hand would be well advised to look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street. Alternatively visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds. Most tourists inhabit the spectacular resorts found on Paradise Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence Island and the city.

Shopping: Enthusiastic shoppers can bargain their way through the famous Straw Market, and those fancying a more luxurious shopping experience should head for the international boutiques on Bay Street. The Bahama Craft Centre offers a variety of arts and crafts made from local products, including conch shell jewellery, driftwood paintings, pine seed dolls and ceramics. Many goods are duty-free and visitors can buy items ranging from perfumes, photography equipment, watches and jewellery at excellent prices.

Restaurants: Restaurants cater for almost every taste, offering a variety of dining options that ranges from local Bahamian dishes to fast food chains and international cuisine. For Bahamian specials the restaurants at Arawak Cay and the stalls at Potters Cay dock serve up a variety of excellent conch dishes and fried fish.

Nightlife: A number of casinos and nightclubs offer a variety of live shows, music and dancing. Club Waterloo is one of the oldest nightclubs on the Bahamas and has two dance floors kept alive by some of the best DJs in Nassau. Fluid Lounge promises the best in world music by internationally experienced DJs, while Da Island Club at the Nassau Beach Hotel presents the best of Bahamian music.

Activities: With warm water temperatures throughout the year, watersports are naturally the most popular activity. Besides diving and snorkelling, there are facilities for water-skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, sailing and fishing. On land, there are golf courses, and excellent birdwatching opportunities due to the fact that Nassau is home to some of the most exotic birds in the world.

Negatives: The Bahamas in general is not a cheap destination, and eating out, accommodation and activities can be expensive.