Nassau is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Bahamas. The quaint city is home to some stunning architectural landmarks, incredible beaches and fun nightlife.
Among the top things to see in Nassau are the brightly colored Parliament Square and the Queen’s Staircase. The former is a 102-foot staircase that takes you from downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle.
Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase is a landmark in Nassau, Bahamas and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It was hand-carved out of a solid rock between 1793 and 1794 by slaves.
It is named after Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery in British colonies in 1837. It is a reminder of her accomplishments and the devastating legacy of slavery.
Fort Fincastle
One of the best things to see in Nassau is Fort Fincastle, which is located on Bennett’s Hill near Queen’s Staircase. It is a small fort shaped like a paddle steamer and is mounted with several cannons.
The fort was built by Lord Dunmore in 1793 and is a good place to go if you are looking to get a nice view of Nassau, Paradise Island and the harbor. It is also a very quick walk from the cruise port.
Conch Salad Cooking Tour
Bahamian conch (pronounced ‘konk’) is a staple ingredient found in many local dishes. The calamari-like seafood is served in everything from fritters to chowder and is a must try while on a Bahamas trip.
A must-try Bahamian food dish is the renowned conch salad which features raw conch meat over onions, tomatoes and peppers marinaded in a zingy citrus dressing. This no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and only requires a few ingredients.
Pirate Tours
Nassau is a popular Caribbean cruise destination, thanks to its state-of-the-art resorts, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters.
The island also has a lot to offer in terms of historical sites, such as The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle.
These sights are easy to see without the crowds and will teach you a little about Bahamian culture. You can even book a walking tour to take you around.
Kayaking Tours
Nassau is a great destination to go kayaking. You’ll be able to see the marine aquascape up close and learn about the history of the Bahamas while you enjoy the peace of crystal waters.
Kayaking tours can be customized to fit your vacation needs and goals, so make sure to book with a local guide. These experts can also suggest other activities that may be a good fit for your itinerary, such as snorkeling or trekking.
Dolphin Swim
Swimming with dolphins is a truly unique experience and one of the best ways to spend your vacation in Nassau. This program combines education, fun, and laughter with the opportunity to swim and interact with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
This 3 1/2 hour tour starts with a fun interactive orientation. It also includes a beautiful and scenic boat ride from Paradise Island to Blue Lagoon Island for the dolphin swim program.
Bird Watching Tour
A bird watcher’s paradise, the Bahama Islands are renowned for their diverse bird species. A day of birding is an excellent way to explore the islands’ wildlife, while also exposing yourself to the region’s unique history and culture.
Your tour guide will lead you to all the best spots around Nassau. From the straw market to the historic buildings, you’ll discover a lot about local history and traditions along the way.
Private Island
For an idyllic experience, head to a private island. Rose Island is a tropical paradise of crystal-clear waters, endless beaches and stunning underwater coral reefs.
Take a day trip from Nassau and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of this unique private island. You can swim, snorkel and relax on the beach while you soak up the sun!
