The Best Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas – From Free Attractions to Must-See Sights

things to do in Nassau, sorted by category – history, beaches, adventure, food, and more – plus some safety tips to ensure you have an amazing trip.

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Historic Landmarks & Sightseeing

Nassau’s rich history comes alive through its colonial forts, monuments, and colorful architecture. Many of these landmarks are conveniently within walking distance of the port , making them easy to explore:

• Queen’s Staircase & Fort Fincastle: Don’t miss the famous Queen’s Staircase – 66 limestone steps hand-carved in the 1700s that lead up to the island’s highest point . This dramatic, moss-lined stairway (named in honor of Queen Victoria) sits in a secluded, jungle-like setting with a cool waterfall trickling nearby . At the top, you’ll find Fort Fincastle, a small 18th-century fort built in 1793. Climb the fort’s ramparts for panoramic views of Nassau’s harbor and downtown. The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle are free or low-cost to visit (Fort Fincastle charges only a few dollars) and offer a great glimpse into Nassau’s past . (Insider tip: These sites are an easy 10–15 minute walk from the cruise pier.)

• Fort Charlotte: If you have time for only one fort, Fort Charlotte is the largest of Nassau’s three historic forts . Built in 1788 by British colonial governor Lord Dunmore, this sprawling fort spans about 100 acres and features a moat, underground dungeons, and 42 cannons (none ever fired in battle) . Fort Charlotte sits on a hill just west of downtown, offering impressive views over Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island . You can tour the fort’s tunnels and ramparts (guides are available for tips), and even catch a living history demonstration with costumed characters on certain days. Admission is inexpensive (around $5 for adults).

• Parliament Square & Government House: For a dose of colonial charm, stroll by Parliament Square in central Nassau. The pink-and-white Georgian-style buildings here date to the late 1700s and house The Bahamas’ government. Nearby is the pale-yellow Government House, the official residence of the Governor-General, guarded by ceremonial sentries. This area is free to wander; you can admire the Queen Victoria statue out front and snap photos of the classic architecture. It’s a quick stop that immerses you in Nassau’s British colonial heritage.

• Versailles Gardens & French Cloister: Escape the bustle with a peaceful walk in the Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island. This terraced garden is filled with palm trees, flowers, and classical statues, and it leads up to a 12th-century French monastery cloister imported piece-by-piece by William Randolph Hearst . The Cloister ruins, with stone archways overlooking the water, are both historic and incredibly scenic (a popular wedding spot). Best of all, the gardens and cloister are free to visit – just take a short taxi or water taxi to Paradise Island and enjoy a tranquil stroll in this hidden gem .

Beautiful Beaches (Free & Easy)

Nassau is full of peaceful public beaches—many like this one are totally free and just minutes from the cruise port.

You can’t come to The Bahamas without enjoying its legendary white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Nassau has several great beaches – and many are free to access. Here are a few top picks:

• Junkanoo Beach (Free): Located just a 10–15 minute walk west of the cruise pier, Junkanoo Beach is a convenient public beach perfect for a free beach day . It offers soft sand and calm, clear water with beautiful views of Paradise Island across the harbor . Along Junkanoo you’ll find colorful local beach shacks selling tropical drinks, Bahamian beers, and snacks at reasonable prices. There are often music and a fun vibe here when multiple ships are in port. It’s not the largest beach, but you can swim or just relax on the sand for no cost at all. (Restrooms and chair rentals are available, and the nearby Fish Fry eateries at Arawak Cay are a short walk away for lunch.)

• Cable Beach: This famous stretch of coastline on New Providence’s north shore boasts powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. Cable Beach is about a 15-minute drive from downtown, but worth the trip if you want a more expansive beach. The beach is public, though much of it fronts resorts like Baha Mar and Sandals. You can access Cable Beach through public walkways or via day passes at resorts. It’s a great spot for swimming and water sports (jet skis, parasailing, etc., for a fee). If you’re not staying at a resort, you can still enjoy the sand for free – and perhaps grab a drink at one of the beachfront bars. Cable Beach sunsets are especially gorgeous.

• Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island): After crossing to Paradise Island (by taxi or a $5-$6 water taxi ride ), you can reach Cabbage Beach, another stunning public beach. Walk about 10 minutes east past the Atlantis resort (near the Riu hotel) to find the public access path to Cabbage Beach . Once there, you’ll be rewarded with half a mile of pristine beach and brilliant blue waters. There are no entry fees. Do note there are limited facilities (local vendors may rent chairs/umbrellas and sell drinks). On calm days it’s great for swimming, though waves can be rough at times. This beach gives you that tropical paradise feel without any cost – just bring a towel and enjoy.

• Saunders Beach: If you prefer a quieter spot, Saunders Beach is a local favorite about 2 miles west of downtown. It’s a small, family-friendly beach with free parking and typically fewer crowds than Junkanoo or Cable Beach. There’s a playground and calm shallow water for kids. It’s a nice option if you have extra time and want a low-key beach outing away from the busy tourist areas.

Island Adventures & Water Excursions

Snorkel through crystal-clear Bahamian waters and come face to face with vibrant marine life just minutes from Nassau.

For those seeking adventure and unique experiences, Nassau offers plenty of exciting excursions on (and under) the water:

• Blue Lagoon Island: A short 20-minute ferry ride from Nassau brings you to Blue Lagoon Island (also known as Salt Cay), a private island oasis . Many cruise visitors and families love this excursion. You can book a day trip to Blue Lagoon for access to its gorgeous beaches, hammocks, and calm lagoon – perfect for swimming and even snorkeling right off the shore . The island also offers animal encounters like swimming with dolphins or sea lions. You can simply relax on the beach or rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other water sports gear . It’s truly a fun-filled day with something for everyone, and the boat ride to get there doubles as a scenic tour of Nassau’s harbor and nearby islands. Blue Lagoon excursions are paid (prices vary by package), but visitors consistently praise the friendly staff and beautiful setting .

• Snorkeling & Diving: The clear Bahamian waters around Nassau are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re a certified diver (or willing to do a resort course), consider a trip with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas – they’re famous for their shark dive experiences where you can safely observe Caribbean reef sharks up close . Not into sharks? Regular reef snorkeling trips are widely available, taking you to nearby coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Clifton Heritage National Park, on the western end of New Providence, even has an underwater sculpture garden you can snorkel above . Many boat tours provide snorkel gear and guidance. Prices vary, but expect around $50-$100 for snorkeling outings (and more for specialty dives). The vibrant marine life in Nassau’s waters makes it worth it.

• Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis: For a high-adrenaline water adventure without leaving Nassau, head to the Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Resort (Paradise Island). Atlantis sells day passes that give you access to this 141-acre water park featuring high-speed water slides (including those that pass through shark tanks!), a mile-long rapid river, pools, and beaches . The day pass also includes entry to the Atlantis Marine Habitat, a huge network of aquariums and lagoons with sharks, stingrays, tropical fish and more . It’s not a cheap day (around $180+ per adult for full access, less for just the aquarium), but it’s a bucket-list experience for many. If you have kids or are a kid-at-heart, spending a day zooming down slides and wandering past reef sharks at Atlantis can be unforgettable . (Tip: If Atlantis is too pricey, the new Margaritaville Resort near the cruise port also offers a smaller water park day pass as a budget-friendly alternative .)

• Swimming with Pigs Excursion: By now you may have seen photos of tourists swimming with adorable pigs in crystal-blue water. That famous experience is actually in the Exumas (on Big Major Cay), but day trips from Nassau make it possible. It’s a full-day adventure: typically a powerboat tour that zooms you 80 miles to the Exuma Cays to visit Pig Beach . You’ll get to feed and swim with the pigs – a once-in-a-lifetime photo op! Tours often include other stops like snorkeling a reef or visiting a sandbar. This is one of the more expensive excursions (often $200–$300+ per person), and not feasible for short cruise stops unless timing aligns. But if you have a full day and budget, it’s a unique Bahamas experience for the storybooks . (After all, you can swim with dolphins lots of places – but swimming with pigs is something you can only do in The Bahamas!)

Food, Drink & Local Culture

From conch salad to peas ‘n rice, Nassau’s local flavors are as rich and welcoming as the culture behind them.

To really experience Nassau, dive into the local culture – which means savoring Bahamian food, music, and hospitality. Here are some cultural highlights and must-try flavors:

• Arawak Cay “Fish Fry”: Head west of downtown (just past Junkanoo Beach) to Arawak Cay, known as “The Fish Fry.” This collection of casual eateries is where locals and visitors go to feast on authentic Bahamian cuisine. You can grab a table at spots like Goldie’s or Twin Brothers and enjoy fresh conch salad (made with citrus-marinated conch, tomato, onion, and pepper), cracked conch, fried snapper, conch fritters, peas ’n rice, and more . Wash it down with a cold Kalik or Bahamian fruit punch. The prices here are very reasonable – you can get a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The Fish Fry has a laid-back, friendly vibe and is a great place to interact with locals. Don’t leave Nassau without trying the famous conch dishes and perhaps a slice of sweet Guava Duff for dessert !

• John Watling’s Distillery: Quench your thirst for history and rum at John Watling’s Distillery, located at the historic Buena Vista Estate in downtown Nassau. This small-batch rum distillery offers free tours every day, where you can learn how they handcraft their rum (nicknamed the “Spirit of The Bahamas”) and see the barrel-lined aging rooms . At the end of the tour, enjoy a complimentary sample of piña colada or their signature rums. It’s a relaxed, informative stop – and yes, you can purchase bottles in the gift shop if you’re inclined. Even if you’re not a big drinker, the estate’s porch and gardens are lovely to wander. (Fun fact: John Watling was a legendary pirate, and the distillery’s name honors him – fitting for Nassau’s swashbuckling history!)

• Graycliff Chocolatier & Cigar Factory: Tucked in an old Nassau mansion, the Graycliff Hotel complex offers two special artisan experiences. Graycliff Chocolatier runs chocolate-making tours where you can see how fine chocolates are made (and taste plenty of samples!). There’s even a chocolate & spirits pairing option for adult chocolate-lovers . Meanwhile, the Graycliff Cigar Company lets you watch master rollers hand-roll cigars – a nod to a Cuban tradition in The Bahamas. You can tour their facilities and maybe bring home a cigar or chocolates as a high-end souvenir. These tours have fees, but they’re unique cultural experiences, especially on a rainy day or if you need a break from the sun.

• Straw Market & Craft Shopping: For local souvenirs and crafts, make your way to the famous Nassau Straw Market downtown. It’s a bustling open-air market near the cruise docks where Bahamian vendors sell straw woven items, wood carvings, t-shirts, jewelry, and more . You can find great handmade gifts – for example, check out the handwoven straw bags, hats, or even Christmas ornaments made from conch shells . Bargaining is expected here; don’t be afraid to haggle politely for a better price . The Straw Market is a lively experience, though be prepared for vendors vying for your attention. If someone is a little pushy, a firm but courteous “No, thank you” works fine . It’s all part of the island experience. And if markets aren’t your style, Bay Street has plenty of other shops (from high-end jewelry boutiques to a rum cake bakery) to explore.

Travel Safety in Nassau

Like any travel destination, Nassau is best enjoyed with some common-sense safety precautions – but there’s no need to be overly worried. Millions of tourists visit Nassau safely each year, and the main tourist areas are generally secure and well-patrolled . Here are a few tips to ensure you feel comfortable and confident during your visit:

• Stay in the Tourist Zones: Popular spots like the cruise port area, downtown Bay Street, Paradise Island, Cable Beach, and known excursion sites are typically safe for visitors. Nassau is generally safe for tourists, especially in the well-traveled areas . It’s wise to avoid wandering into residential “Over-the-Hill” neighborhoods (the areas south of downtown) or isolated areas you’re unfamiliar with – especially at night . Stick to well-lit, busy streets if you go out in the evening, and take a taxi or rideshare if you’re unsure about walking somewhere.

• Be Mindful of Petty Crime: As with any city, petty theft can happen. Don’t flash expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or valuables in public. Use the hotel safe for passports and spare cash. When off the ship or away from your resort, carry only what you need for the day. Keep an eye on your bags on the beach and stay aware of your surroundings. That said, violent crime against tourists is rare – the vast majority of incidents do not involve visitors . If you use normal caution (just as you would back home), you’re very unlikely to encounter any problems.

• Politely Handle Pushy Vendors: You will likely encounter enthusiastic taxi drivers, tour operators, and vendors, especially right as you exit the cruise terminal – they can be a bit aggressive in offering rides or products . Remember, they’re trying to make a living. A simple smile and “No, thanks” while continuing on your way is usually enough . Once you move a block or two away from the immediate port area, the solicitations tend to decrease . Don’t let this deter you – just be prepared to say no firmly, or engage a vendor if you are interested (after all, some offer legit services like tours).

• Use Reputable Transportation: If you’re taking a taxi, use the official taxis (they have yellow license plates) or book through your hotel/tour. Confirm the fare before you ride – many taxis have fixed rates to common destinations. If renting jet skis or doing water sports, try to go with established operators (ask your cruise line or hotel for recommendations) since not all beach vendors are regulated . Essentially, stick with trusted tour providers and you’ll be fine.

• Travel Advisories in Perspective: It’s worth noting that the U.S. State Department travel advisory for The Bahamas is at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), which is the same level assigned to many popular destinations in Western Europe . This isn’t “Do Not Travel” by any means – it just means be aware of your surroundings. So, don’t be alarmed by headlines. With basic precautions, you can absolutely enjoy Nassau safely. Countless visitors do so every year, and local Bahamians are warm, welcoming, and proud to share their island with you .

By covering a variety of free delights (like beaches and historic sites) and paid adventures (from water parks to wildlife encounters), Nassau truly caters to every traveler. Whether you’re a history buff climbing fort walls, a beach lover snorkeling over coral reefs, or a foodie savoring conch fritters at a local shack, you’ll find plenty to do without breaking the bank . With a little planning – and perhaps help from Professor Melissa’s custom guide – you’re bound to have an unforgettable time in Nassau. Enjoy your island adventure, stay safe, and soak up the warm Bahamian hospitality. Happy travels!