Things to do in  Nassau

Rose Island is an idyllic private getaway off the coast of Nassau. Home to a coral reef and a lone beach bar, this tiny, tropical islet offers an exclusive setting for snorkeling and sunbathing on an 11-mile (18-kilometer) stretch of uninhabited, privately owned Bahamian beach.

The Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most-visited tourist attractions, holds an important and dark place in the Bahamas’ cultural history. Around 1793, enslaved people carved this 102-foot (31-meter) staircase out of solid limestone. Later, it was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s long reign and her role in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas. Today, it’s part of the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex.

High atop a hillside overlooking the harbor of Nassau is British-colonial era Fort Charlotte—the largest fort in Nassau. Built in the late 18th century for a battle that never took place, this historic site offers picturesque views of Paradise Island, Nassau, and the harbor. You can also see hidden underground passages, a dry moat, remote dungeons; and even canons, which have never been fired in battle.

Just across the water from New Providence, Paradise Island is a fun-filled destination with stylish resort hotels, beautiful beaches, restaurants, casinos, and other entertainment and recreation facilities. Visitors come to take in a show, try their luck at the blackjack tables, or enjoy some wet-and-wild exhilaration at the world-famous water park. Plus, the island’s white-sand beaches offer an idyllic dose of Caribbean nature.

Built in 1801 on an estate on top of Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House is often considered the best example of Georgian Colonial architecture in all of the West Indies. The mansion is painted a vibrant pink with a bright white trim (a nod to Nassau’s famous conch shells) and is the residence of the Governor-General of the Bahamas.

The evening fish fry is a much-loved tradition across many Caribbean islands, and Arawak Cay in Nassau, Bahamas, brings the custom to life. Find colorful huts selling fresh fish dishes, such as conch salad and lobster, along with vendors making tropical cocktails, and there’s often live music, too.

Overlooking the city of Nassau from its vantage point atop Bennett’s Hill, Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 to protect the island of New Providence from outside invaders. Much of the imposing building remains intact today. Visitors come to explore the fortifications and enjoy the view from the highest point in Nassau.

Atlantis Paradise Island is a vast, ocean-themed resort located in the Bahamas. The resort comprises five different hotels, more than 40 restaurants (including several run by Michelin-starred chefs), nightclubs, luxury shopping, and the Aquaventure water park. Even if you’re not a resort guest, you can still enjoy some of the resort’s amenities, such as Dolphin Cay, with a day pass.

With its stretch of white sands fringed by coconut palm trees and lush rainforest, Blue Lagoon Island—also known as Salt Cay—provides an idyllic escape from the crowds of Nassau, offering everything you’d expect from a tropical island. Bring the whole family along for some fun in the sun, or spend the day taking it easy on one of the island’s beaches.

Famous for its golden sands, the Bahamas' Cable Beach is a popular water sports and lolling destination for visitors to New Providence Island. This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of idyllic beach is home to several massive resorts—including the Atlantis on nearby Paradise Island—each with their own claim staked in the sand.

At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you can discover Nassau’s history as an 18th-century pirate base through replica ships and exhibits. The city was once considered home to the world's largest concentration of swashbuckling seafarers, who continue to capture the imaginations of visitors.

The island of Nassau is the seat of the Bahamian government and the four bubblegum pink buildings that house its key branches lend a distinct island vibe to what’s known as Parliament Square. The pastel Georgian-style buildings of the Supreme Court, the Public Library and Museum, and the Houses of Parliament surround the square—where a statue honoring Queen Victoria stands.

For a real taste of Bahamian culture, head to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) in Nassau. Housed in a classic 19th-century colonial-style building known as Villa Doyle in the center of town, the gallery displays paintings, sculptures, and other pieces by local artists from the 1850s to the present day.

The traditional craft of straw working is an integral part of Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has its own distinctive braiding style that locals use to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, and other goods. The Straw Market on Nassau is the ultimate place to pick up these traditional Bahamian souvenirs.

The Gothic-style Christ Church Cathedral has a brilliant white stone tower, vaulted mahogany ceilings and altar, and truly special handmade stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ. Built in 1841, the present structure is the fifth church that has occupied this spot embellished with memorial plaques from the 1800s illustrating the history of Nassau’s residents.