Overview

Introduction

Located on the island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. You'll find the islands' best sightseeing and historic buildings there. Also expect to find a crowd: Nassau is a very busy place, thanks to the high volume of cruise-ship passengers. In addition to the attractions in Nassau proper, there are a number of tourist sites on Paradise Island, a small but developed island off Nassau that has been transformed into a high-rise gambling and leisure haven. It's connected to the capital by two arched, one-way bridges.

To have a good time in Nassau, approach the port with an open mind. Even though it's an international city and commercial center—and firmly a part of the present—it still maintains its old-world island flavor. Things may take a little longer than you're used to. Slow your pace as you explore Nassau's rich history, tranquil beaches and turquoise waters—one of the best commodities of the Bahamas.

Must See or Do

Sights—The Georgian government buildings and Garden of Remembrance in Parliament Square; the Nassau Public Library and Museum, a jail-turned-library; Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte; Bay Street Straw Market; the calm setting of the Versailles Gardens and 12th-century Augustinian cloister on Paradise Island.

Museums—Bahamian art at The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas; history exhibits at Pirates of Nassau; the history of Junkanoo at Educulture Bahamas; the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.

Memorable Meals—Graycliff for the old mansion's architecture; homemade pasta and filet mignon at Cafe Matisse; the fresh catch at The Poop Deck near the marina; elegant and romantic Luciano's of Chicago for its great views of the harbor; one of the many restaurants at Arawak Cay for a true Bahamian vibe—Twin Brothers Seafood and Steakhouse and Frankie Gone Bananas are two standouts; contemporary-chic atmosphere at Dune.

Late Night—The casinos of Cable Beach and Atlantis Resort; sophisticated drinks at Bullion Bar; dancing at Bambu, Bond or Aura.

Walks—Climbing the Queen's Staircase at Fort Fincastle; strolling along the white sands of Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island; visiting the shops and restaurants along downtown's Bay Street and side streets; downtown walking tours with Tru Bahamian Food Tours.

Especially for Kids—Swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island; the flamingo show at Ardastra Gardens; Atlantis Resort's Aquaventure Water Park; Explorers Kid's Club at Baha Mar.

Geography

Nassau is situated on the northern coast of New Providence, dominating the bay between the main island and Paradise Island. Bay Street and its perpendicular side streets and arcades are the focus of the town's tourist activity. The area constitutes the main shopping center of the island. Bay Street extends along the seashore to the tips of the 21-mi-/33-km-long island.

The historical part of Nassau is bordered by the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle to the south, Villa Doyle and St. Francis Xavier Church to the west and Bay Street to the north. The district encompasses Parliament Square, where the government buildings are located.

About 4 mi/6 km west of town, Baha Mar is an animated area distinguished by high-rise resorts. The resort campus includes three luxury hotels, the largest convention facility in the Bahamas, the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean, a flagship spa, many restaurants, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course and a 1,000-ft/305-m stretch of beach. Cable Beach's main road, West Bay Street, has been redeveloped with lush sidewalk parks and boardwalks that frame the bordering wetlands.

Farther west you'll see pretty beaches along the shore. Two bridges connect New Providence with Paradise Island, a pedestrian-friendly tourist center.

History

The Lucayans were the original inhabitants of the islands of the Bahamas. Not much is known of their history, but the Spanish encountered the Lucayans when Spain's fleets landed in the Bahamas in the 16th century. The island remained largely uninhabited until around 1666, when it was settled by people from Bermuda and by English who were seeking refuge from religious disputes. In 1695, the settlement was named Nassau in honor of William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau.

Thanks to Nassau's strategic position, it became a base for pirates and privateers. Combined Spanish and French forces took Nassau in 1703 and plundered and burnt the town to avenge the pirate assaults they had suffered. The first royal governor, Sir Woodes Rogers (the street that runs along the port is named in his honor), offered a pardon to any pirate who renounced his evil ways and helped rebuild the city. Those who did not cooperate were hanged at Fort Nassau.

Spain, Britain and the U.S. all laid claim to the Bahamas, but the islands were officially assigned to Great Britain by treaty in 1783. Blockade-running during the Civil War and rum-running during Prohibition in the U.S. brought periods of prosperity to Nassau. By the early 20th century, the pineapple, sponge, sisal and salt industries—mainstays of the island's economy—were in decline. Tourism quickly saved the city: In the 1950s, the Ministry of Tourism began actively promoting the Bahamas as a tourist destination. The development of Paradise Island started in the 1960s. In 1973 the islands gained independence from Britain and formed their own nation.

Tourism and the banking industry are the main staples of the economy. Nassau attracts tourists and businesses with its favorable climate and laid-back way of life, and there seems to be no limit to new development.

Potpourri

Junkanoo, held twice a year, is an important festival for Bahamians, dating from the 17th century when slaves were allowed three days off per year. They celebrated at that time, wearing tribal masks and walking on stilts, letting off steam after a year of endured hard labor.

Cable Beach's name comes from the spot where the first telegraph cable from Florida to Nassau was laid in 1892. The public road in Cable Beach later became an improvised airstrip for the first air landing in the Bahamas when two pilots had to make an emergency landing there.

Nassau has been a hot spot for James Bond fans ever since Sean Connery starred as 007 in the film classic Thunderball in the 1960s, and the actor keeps a home there. Six other Bond films have also filmed in Nassau.

Dolphins that were displaced during Hurricane Katrina were rescued and now live at Dolphin Cay of Atlantis.

The Graycliff restaurant is home to the third-largest wine cellar in the world, holding more than 250,000 bottles.

Bahamian English is a mixture of island lingo and African influences. The "h" in such words as "things" or "thanks" is usually not pronounced.

Location

Nassau is one of the busiest cruise-ship ports in the world. Don't be surprised to find several other ships berthed alongside yours (as many as 13 ships can dock at once). Fortunately, Festival Place, the port area on the Prince George Wharf that runs the length of Woodes Rogers Walk, was designed to handle throngs of people and their shopping needs.

With so many cruise ships arriving and departing daily, there's always a crowd visiting the unusual shops in the port: Straw work for sale at one booth, T-shirts and hair braiding at another. The visitors information booth is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8 am-8 pm; Thursday 8 am-5 pm; and Sunday 9 am-2 pm (a second office on the top floor is open daily 9 am-5 pm). Brochures and maps, offering practical and nonpractical advice about beaches, dining, shopping and more, are available. Phone 242-323-3182.

The Nassau Straw Market is located on Bay Street near the cruise ship pier. The rebuilt market is part of the ongoing downtown improvement project, which included a Nassau Harbour upgrade and expansion to accommodate the new big ships, and has plans for a mile-/kilometer-long pedestrian promenade and the repaving of Bay Street.

From the port, it's a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride to most of Nassau's historical sites, restaurants and shops. Much of the downtown area, though hilly, is walkable, but there are taxis and jitneys available as well. To explore beyond Nassau, most people either hail a cab or rent a car. An enjoyable way to get your bearings is on a horse-and-carriage ride from the port. The price, about US$20 for two, gives you a nice overview of the city.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary from cruise line to cruise line and are not included in the cost of your cruise. Typical shore excursions in Nassau include exploring its history as a port and pirate hangout, visits to west end attractions such as Clifton Heritage Park, snorkeling, shark diving, sea lion encounters, swimming with dolphins, glass-bottomed boat tours, food and art tours, horseback riding on the beach, hotel day passes, zoo trips, reef explorations, parasailing, powerboat rides and golfing. Check with your travel agent for additional information.