The most beautiful and exciting cities in the world offer a combination of bustling cosmopolitan living with warm, traditional values. Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is a great example.
Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the center of industry and commerce in the Bahamas, serving an attractive blend of old world colonial architecture, huge straw markets, stylish new world luxury and warm, friendly people.
Nassau’s tropical climate, beautiful harbors and natural splendor have made it a popular tourist destination for relaxing days and exciting nightlife. With casinos, cabarets, magic acts, acrobatics, theater performances and moonlight dinner cruises, there are barely enough hours in a week to experience all that Nassau’s nightlife has to offer.
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Since the swashbuckling days of the legendary pirate Blackbeard, this bustling hub of the Bahamas has preserved its historic touch. Visitors are seduced by the sultry magnificence of the city, combined with world-class shopping, epicure dining and lively nightlife. Nassau is home to excellent local and international crafts and goods, from handmade batik fabric to Rolex watches. There are posh resort hotels, casinos and cruise ship docks that make Nassau a favorite place for business as well as pleasure. From the white powder beaches in the daytime and the thrills of the casinos at night, a vacation in Nassau is the perfect getaway.
The famed Paradise Island is connected to Nassau by a bridge. Here, luxurious beaches and world class golf courses offer even more to enjoy. You will find lavish hotels, enormous casinos and world class entertainment as well.
If you are able to visit Nassau in December, you may be able to take part in Junkanoo. This is an energetic, colorful parade of brightly costumed people circling and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of drums, whistles and cowbells. The Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is celebrated on December 26 and January 1, beginning in the early hours of the morning and ending at dawn the next day.
However you choose to spend your time in Nassau, you’ll find exactly what you want, from the exciting to the exotic:
Nassau’s Botanical Gardens
This 18 acre garden showcases more than 600 varieties of cacti, shrubs and flowering trees. The Botanical Gardens also features a huge collection of Bahamian and exotic orchids. Visit from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $1.00 for adults and 50 cents for children.
Fish Fry at Arawak Cay
This Bahamian ‘Fish Fry’ location is a favorite weekend gathering place for locals. Be sure to visit this spot on the harbor across from Fort Charlotte for a great selection of goodies on sale by local vendors.
Straw Market on Bay Street
When shopping for souvenirs, be sure to check out the collection of native gifts and crafts offered at the Straw Market on Bay Street in downtown Nassau. Straw hats, baskets, mats and dolls can be purchased here, as well as t-shirts. The Straw Market is open from early morning till evening.
The Famous Queen’s Staircase
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One of Nassau’s most visited attractions is the Queen’s Staircase, named in honor of 65 years of Queen Victoria’s reign. The newly renovated staircase is 102 feet high and continues to attract tourists.
This is just a sampling of the many attractions waiting for you in Nassau. While there, be sure to visit Potters Cay, Fort Charlotte, Parliament Square, Rawson Square, Prince George Wharf and the Water Tower as well. Ask locals or tour guides for more fascinating places to see in Nassau.
Tagged with: bahamas • caribbean
Filed under: Bahamas