Nassau

Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, is known for its clear turquoise waters and colonial history. You can visit Fort Charlotte, walk through streets with pastel-colored buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, or spend time on Cable Beach. Across the bridge, Paradise Island is home to the Atlantis resort and water park. Whether you want to relax or find adventure, Nassau has options for you.

Discovering Downtown Nassau

Downtown Nassau is an active area. As you walk down Bay Street, you'll see shops selling luxury goods next to local artisans' stalls. The Straw Market on Bay Street has hundreds of vendors offering handmade Bahamian crafts. To learn about Nassau's past, climb the 66 steps of the Queen's Staircase, carved out of solid limestone in the late 18th century. You can also tour Fort Charlotte, the largest fort in Nassau, which includes a waterless moat, dungeons, and underground passages.

Enjoying Nassau's Beaches and Water Activities

Nassau's coastline offers different beach experiences. Cable Beach, a 4-mile stretch of white sand, has several resorts and calm waters for swimming. If you prefer a quieter setting, visit Love Beach or Jaws Beach. For water activities, you can go snorkeling at Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island or take a boat tour to nearby Rose Island for diving. Many resorts also rent jet skis and offer parasailing and banana boat rides.

Exploring Paradise Island and Atlantis

Two bridges connect Nassau to Paradise Island, where you'll find the Atlantis resort. You can buy a day pass to access the resort's facilities. The Aquaventure water park at Atlantis has high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with waves and rapids, and 11 swimming pools. You might also enjoy the resort's open-air marine habitat, home to over 50,000 aquatic animals. At Dolphin Cay, you have the opportunity to swim with dolphins and sea lions.

Tasting Bahamian Cuisine

Bahamian cuisine has distinct flavors and dishes to try. Conch, a local seafood, is prepared in various ways - raw in salad, deep-fried as fritters, or in chowder. At Fish Fry in Arawak Cay, you'll find a collection of colorful shacks serving authentic Bahamian dishes like cracked conch, grilled snapper, and peas and rice. For a more formal dining experience, consider Graycliff Restaurant, located in a historic colonial mansion. It's known for its extensive wine cellar and Bahamian-Continental fusion cuisine.

Navigating Nassau

Getting around Nassau is straightforward. You can easily find taxis on the street or at hotel taxi stands. For a local experience, try the jitney buses that run along main routes. These colorful minibuses provide an inexpensive way to travel, though the ride can be energetic. When traveling between Nassau and Paradise Island, consider taking the water taxi. It's not only practical but also provides views of the harbor.