Overview: The nation's capital, on New Providence Island, is a colonial
Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour. It is a
mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world charm. In
downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th century,
including the ancient Fort Fincastle, reached by the Queen's
Staircase that was constructed by the labour of hundreds of slaves.
Garden enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which
has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures.
Enthusiastic shoppers on the other hand would be well advised to
look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street.
Alternatively visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon
watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds.
Most tourists inhabit the spectacular resorts found on Paradise
Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence Island and
the city.
Shopping: Enthusiastic shoppers can bargain their way through the famous
Straw Market, and those fancying a more luxurious shopping
experience should head for the international boutiques on Bay
Street. The Bahama Craft Centre offers a variety of arts and crafts
made from local products, including conch shell jewellery,
driftwood paintings, pine seed dolls and ceramics. Many goods are
duty-free and visitors can buy items ranging from perfumes,
photography equipment, watches and jewellery at excellent
prices.
Restaurants: Restaurants cater for almost every taste, offering a variety of
dining options that ranges from local Bahamian dishes to fast food
chains and international cuisine. For Bahamian specials the
restaurants at Arawak Cay and the stalls at Potters Cay dock serve
up a variety of excellent conch dishes and fried fish.
Nightlife: A number of casinos and nightclubs offer a variety of live
shows, music and dancing. Club Waterloo is one of the oldest
nightclubs on the Bahamas and has two dance floors kept alive by
some of the best DJs in Nassau. Fluid Lounge promises the best in
world music by internationally experienced DJs, while Da Island
Club at the Nassau Beach Hotel presents the best of Bahamian
music.
Activities: With warm water temperatures throughout the year, watersports
are naturally the most popular activity. Besides diving and
snorkelling, there are facilities for water-skiing, parasailing,
jet skiing, sailing and fishing. On land, there are golf courses,
and excellent birdwatching opportunities due to the fact that
Nassau is home to some of the most exotic birds in the world.
Negatives: The Bahamas in general is not a cheap destination, and eating
out, accommodation and activities can be expensive.
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