If the Bahamas is on your bucket list, then you’ve probably already got Nassau on your radar, and there is definitely no shortage of things to do. This Caribbean hotspot is way more than your typical tropical getaway. Picture sparkling sapphire waters, swathes of white sand, and a city teeming with color and life. It’s the perfect combo of laid-back island vibes and awesome adventures. Here you can explore historic sites, indulge in some seriously good eats, and really dive into Bahamian culture. If you’re wondering what to do in Nassau, where to eat and where to stay, let us guide you. So grab your shades and flip-flops and let’s go!
But Nassau isn’t just a pretty face. It’s also steeped in history and brimming with culture which means there are plenty of things to do. You can step into the past at the Queen’s Staircase or wander around the majestic Fort Charlotte. The charming pastel-colored buildings in the downtown area and the artistic showcase at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas are a testament to the island’s rich cultural narrative.
If you’re after thrills, Nassau delivers. Dive into underwater adventures, exploring coral reefs and forgotten shipwrecks, or snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto. For those who love an adrenaline rush, jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing are all up for grabs.
Lastly, let’s not forget Nassau’s luxurious side. Plush resorts like the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort sport an array of enticing features like waterparks, marine habitats, and golf courses Indulge in top-tier dining, pamper yourself at opulent spas, or test your luck at the casinos. Nassau is just waiting to spoil you rotten. Trust us, this place has got it all.
Ready to make a beeline for Nassau? Good news, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from plenty of international spots. Most journeys lead through Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), the Bahamas’ main airport. It’s a pretty popular place, with plenty of airlines from all over North America and beyond stopping here. And the cherry on top? Once you land, downtown Nassau, where all the action is, is just a quick drive away.
There are numerous flights to Nassau, Bahamas each day from major hubs in the US and Canada. There are also direct flights London and Panama. If you’re coming from Europe, keep an eye out for seasonal direct flights too. Traveling to Nassau really is a breeze!
With so many hotels lining the beaches and colorful enclaves, the hardest part about planning your trip will probably be deciding on where to stay in Nassau. You’re simply spoiled for choices here. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of our favorite hotels
Smack dab in the center of downtown Nassau, you’ll find the Graycliff Hotel, a place that oozes history and a hefty dose of class. This one-of-a-kind boutique hotel boasts unique rooms, a top-tier eatery, its own cigar factory, and get this—the third largest private wine cellar on the globe, stocked with over 275,000 bottles from 20 different countries. And here’s a little trivia – it was originally an 18th-century mansion. Plus, their restaurant, the Graycliff Restaurant, is no stranger to awards and applause. Talk about a place with a story to tell!
Calling all cruise lovers—Nassau’s a hot ticket stop, making it one of the globe’s go-to cruise destinations. It’s got two main cruise ports, with a whole bunch of cruise lines dropping anchor here.
First up, Prince George Wharf. Situated in the heart of downtown Nassau, it’s the main hub for sea-faring visitors. Once you disembark, you’re within strolling distance of local hotspots, shops, and food joints. Plus, it’s got bragging rights as the biggest cruise port in the Bahamas.
Then there’s the Nassau Cruise Port at Baha Mar, fresh off a whopping 300 million dollar glow-up. Part of the Baha Mar resort, this port lets you step off the ship and straight into a world of resort amenities and entertainment options. And after the revamp, they’ve bumped up their capacity from 20,000 to a whopping 33,000 passengers daily.
So yeah, Nassau’s got the cruise scene on lock. These are the main cruise lines that you’ll find in Nassau’s ports:
Carnival Cruise Lines offers a ton of itineraries with Nassau, Bahamas on the line-up. Their ships dock in Nassau from a few different launch points, with Miami, Port Canaveral, and Charleston making the list. So, if you’re cruising with Carnival, chances are good you’ll get to soak up some Nassau vibes.
Another heavy hitter in the cruise game is Royal Caribbean. They have a few famous ships that swing by Nassau as part of their itineraries, including the Symphony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.
Founded in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line is the third largest cruise line on the planet, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it offers a variety of cruises that visit Nassau, Bahamas. Their ships, such as Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Escape, frequently include the Bahamas’ capital city as a port of call.
Fun for the whole family, the Disney Cruise line has a slew of ships that ply the waters of the Caribbean and beyond. They have a few ships, including the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder, that often include Nassau as part of their Bahamas cruises.
MSC Cruises is a Swiss cruise line known for its international itineraries, and some of their ships include Nassau as a port of call. Ships like the MSC Seashore and MSC Divina may visit Nassau on specific Caribbean routes.
Headquartered in Miami, Celebrity Cruises has been part of the Royal Caribbean group since 1997. Their ships, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Equinox, often include Nassau on their tours of the Caribbean.
Nestled inside the storied Graycliff Hotel, this high-end eatery serves up top-notch gourmet eats in a chic setting. You can dig into a spread of international and Bahamian flavors and pair your meal with one of 275,000 wines from 20 different countries. Fun fact: they have the third largest wine cellar on the planet. With that in mind, it’s no wonder their mantle is chock-full of awards and accolades.
Coming straight outta New York, Kyma knows how to throw a great bash. This joint’s all about Greek food, booming tunes, and a vibe that can turn a casual dinner into a full-on party. Expect top-notch Greek fare, and if you roll in between August and March, you’re in for a treat with fresh Bahamian lobster on the menu. Let’s just say, Kyma knows how to show you a good time.
If you’re looking for good cocktails, this is your spot. It’s one of the latest cocktail bars to open in Nassau. It’s a great spot to hit up for a pre or post-dinner drink. They also have some tempting snacks on the menu, as well as heartier dinner fare. The food menu is small, but there are plenty of interesting bites you can fill up on.
If you want the best views in Nassau to go with your cocktails, head to Skybar on the rooftop of the SLS Baha Mar. Grab a glass of bubbly or a craft cocktail made with fresh island ingredients and then park yourself in a seat overlooking the ocean. We recommend coming for sunset when you can watch the island transform from day into night.
Nassau, Bahamas is an exciting destination, with plenty to offer. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history buff, or beach goer, Nassau offers something for everyoone.
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