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Bay Street, Nassau © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism |
Overview: Nassau, the nation's capital on New Providence Island, is a
colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour
and holiday vibe. 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 on holiday in Nassau 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
Nassau's Straw Market on Bay Street. Alternatively holiday visitors
can relax by spending an idle afternoon watching a cricket game at
one of the many Nassau sports grounds.
Most Nassau tourists inhabit the spectacular holiday resorts found
on Paradise Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence
Island and the city.
Shopping: Enthusiastic shoppers on holiday in Nassau 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 on holiday in Nassau can buy items
ranging from perfumes, photography equipment, watches and jewellery
at excellent prices.
Restaurants: Restaurants in Nassau 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 Nassau casinos and nightclubs offer a variety of
live shows, music and dancing to enjoy while on holiday. Club
Waterloo is one of the oldest nightclubs in 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 holiday activity in Nassau. 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 holiday destination and
eating out, accommodation and activities can be expensive.
Nearby Attractions
Nassau
Nassau, 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... see full details | |