Nassau | Keytours Vacations

Discover Nassau's Wonders

Nassau is the lively capital of the Bahamas and the cultural and commercial heart of the country. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau blends colorful colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and modern attractions with stunning Caribbean beaches. Visitors can explore local markets, museums, and forts, relax on nearby beaches, or enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife. With its proximity to Paradise Island and major resorts, Nassau offers a dynamic mix of culture, relaxation, and entertainment. Easily accessible by air and sea, it’s the perfect gateway to the Bahamas and its Out Islands.

Current Weather

76.96 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 76.96 °F / 76.96 °FFeels: 78.78 °F Humidity: 94%5 Day Forecast

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Description

Nassau is best known as a vibrant city where you can choose your own pace and vacation style to suit your frame of mind. Its bouncing jitneys, colorful pirate history, and candy colored government buildings co-exist with ultra-modern resorts that enchant everyone. From backpackers to luxury travelers, it's time for sun, sand, and sea as you kick back and discover the many attractions in Nassau.

Useful information

Population:

266,100

Currency:

The Bahamian dollar is held on par with the US dollar and both are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.

Emergency Info:

911 or 919

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Ardastra Gardens

This lovely little Zoo hosts a variety of animals. The flamingo show is wonderful and you also get to feed the birds and some of the animals.

Beaches

Nassau boasts dozens of wondrous beaches, which are the area's prized possessions. Soft sands and crystalline waters rein in accolades as the region's best: Junkanoo Beach West Bay Street and Nassau Street Nassau, New Providence Island Cabbage Beach Paradise Island (north side) Nassau, New Providence Island Cable Beach Nassau, New Providence Island Love Beach 10 miles west of downtown Nassau

Caribbean Birding Trail

Despite its small stature, New Providence island boasts the second-most Bahamian, as well as Caribbean specialty birds, after Abaco. Many of the sites are accessible only by vehicle, so consider utilizing a birding guide. While the Bahama Woodstar is the only endemic species present on the island, there are still a wealth of other colorful, exotic birds to see. Look to the Cuban Grassquit and the Caribbean Dove as examples.

Christ Church Cathedral

Built in 1841, Christ Church Cathedral is the fifth church to occupy the location. Tablets trace the trials Nassau citizens endured over the centuries years ago, and the sanctuary's back also features baptismal font. The Lord Proprietors built the original building in 1670, making it the first church built in The Islands Of The Bahamas.

Clifton Heritage National Land and Sea Park

The Clifton Heritage National Park offers a series of educational programs that utilize archival documents, photographs, craft, songs, dramatizations, dance, story telling, audio and visual presentations, field trips, electronic lessons, readings, and site tours. One of the island's best kept secrets, the Park combines beautiful nature trails, historical ruins, amazing beaches, and guided tours.

Dermalogica Skin Centre

Dermalogica’s Skin Treatment is customized to your skin’s needs with a thorough, zone-by-zone Face Mapping analysis. This will help you understand your skin and its needs. The professional Skin Therapists will diagnose and prescribe a home care and treatment regimen to deliver your optimum skin health.

Dolphin Encounters

Dolphin Encounters, located on private Blue Lagoon Island, is one of the most intriguing and memorable tours available. Visit the world famous dolphins of Dolphin Encounters for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The boat departure dock/check-in area is located at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal.

John Watling's Distillery

John Watling's Distillery is a bit off the beaten path, but a most for rum-lovers. Watch the process of rum making and sample the different types of rum.

Dining

Bahama Grill

Taste the islands at the popular Bahama Grill. Choose to dine indoors or outdoors on the covered deck while sipping on yummy cocktails. Made-to-order dishes are their specialty, including hickory smoked pork, baby-back, and beef ribs; grilled, barbecue, and rotisserie chicken; and tasty grilled conch.

Bahamian Club

Fine meat is the house specialty at Bahamian Club, where a menu of rib-eye steak, veal chop, herb-roasted rack of lamb, and chateaubriand for two are sure to impress. Not a meatlover? Look to fresh seafood delights like the grilled swordfish steak, Bahamian lobster, and salmon fillet.

Cafe Martinique

Known for its grills, everything from prime rib for two, to a succulent veal chop, Cafe Martinique is perfection. Paradise Island's most most elegant and upscale restaurant features imported art and antiques from Belle Epoque Paris.

Café Matisse

Dine al fresco in Café Matisse charming courtyard or on the veranda. The menu, which changes every three months, features homemade pasta, fresh seafood, real Italian pizza, and delicious desserts.

Carmine's

The ever-popular New York-style Carmine's is guaranteed to delight your palate. An array of fine Italian wines pair alongside classic Italian recipes to create the ultimate menu. Chicken scarpariello, shrimp scampi, fried calamari, veal saltimbocca, and more are all served in abundant portions.

Compass Point

Compass Point is located in the hotel of the same name. The large restaurant features several bars that jut out of the sea on a barrier wall, and seating for diners is inside or outside. The food is good, service excellent, and there's never a rush to vacate a table. Enjoy!

Dune at The Ocean Club

Set atop a white sand bluff overlooking the sea, Dune indulges all of your senses. The menu offers an imaginative blend of French Asian dishes infused with local herbs and Bahamian flavours.

Goldie's Conch House

As the winner of consecutive Certificates of Excellence from Tripadvisor, Goldie's needs little introduction. Tourists and locals are consistently dazzled by the homemade dishes of owner Goldie Evans himself. The fettuccine with conch and shrimp is a particular favorite.

Cafes

Athena Café & Bar

Enjoy authentic Greek dishes with excellent service and a delightful open porch view of Nassau. Souvlaki, moussaka, or hearty Greek gyros are local favorites at Athena.

Gregory's Mediterranean Delights

Pastries, paninis, baguettes, greek burgers, salads, wraps, vegetarian choices, fresh squeezed orange juice, frozitos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mouth watering desserts are the name of the game at Gregory's. European coffee is also served here.

McKenzie's Fresh Fish and Conch

Great food without the pomp of touristy traps is what McKenzie's offers you. The conch salads are all individually made from this small shack. Seafood is balanced with fresh fruits and vegetables to create yummy extraordinaire.

Oh Andros

Enormous portions of delicious food is to be expected at Oh Andros. The seafood is always freshly prepared onsite.

Bars & Nightlife

Atlantis Casino

The Atlantis Resort offers poolside gaming in a 100,000-square-foot casino. The table games are open daily at this unique resort destination, which even features the world’s largest open-air marine habitat. Awards are as follows: Condé Nast Traveler: “Top 121 Golf Resorts" and "Top 20 Foreign Golf Resorts;" "The 100 Best Vacations For 2012;" Caribbean Travel + Life’s "Best of the Caribbean Awards," and "Best Mega-Resort."

Aura Night Club

As one of the country's hottest nightclubs, Aura even draws celebrities. Bartenders keep the crowds energized as they dance the night away. The genre of music varies according to the crowd.

Booze & Cruise

Enjoy a fantastic party with drinks like the famous Bahama Mama, rhythmic beats and a picturesque view of the sunset on board of a ship. You can even go snorkeling or swimming during the cruise.

Club Waterloo & Shooters Bar

Club Waterloo claims to be Nassau's largest indoor/outdoor nightclub. With five bars, nonstop dancing, and live bands on the weekends, Waterloo has something fun up its sleeves.

Compass Point Outdoor Ocean Bar

The Outdoor Bar at Compass Point Beach Resort boasts some of the island's best views. Tropical libations and an extensive bar menu make this a viable option.

Sea Glass

Tapas, fruit martinis, and signature cocktails are served at the voguish Sea Glass nightly. Table games like blackjack or roulette are to be had as well.

Señor Frog's

The motto "have fun, let yourself go and unleash your fiesta" already suggests what Señor Frog's is about. A great selection of cocktails and food to fill up even the hungriest of guests and lots of fun.

The Daiquiri Shack

The Daiquiri Shack is well-known for the best Daiquiris on the whole island made with fresh fruit and rum. Served by the knowledgeable bartenders and in a relaxing atmosphere with muxic will certainly make your night memorable.

Shopping

Bahama Hand Prints

Bahama Hand Prints is a small factory and boutique where the tradition of hand screen-printing continues. A must do on any trip for unique take home gifts for yourself and friends.

Brass and Leather

Find leather goods for men and women, including bags, shoes, and belts, at Brass and Leather. There're even luggage, wallets, fragrances, and more from the International collection at Fendi.

Coin of the Realm

This gem of a shop is located centrally on Charlotte Street. It has a large variety of high-quality jewelry and unique pieces on offer.

Crystal Court Shops

The Crystal Court Shops are premier destinations for high-fashion. The finest in women’s and men’s apparel are available, spanning Amici, Cole’s of Nassau, Faconnable, Island Gear with Tommy Bahama, Mademoiselle, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace.

Diamonds International

Diamonds International is the duty free leader in fine jewelry throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas is no exception. There are three, convenient Bay Street locations in Nassau.

Doongalik Studios

Doongalik is a delightful art studio showcasing Bahamian art from a lovely garden setting. The Exhibition Gallery is located in a historically traditional building, from which the proprietors hope that the majority of visitors to The Bahamas will "come to experience its Art, Culture and Heritage rather than its Sun, Sand and Sea."

His Fashion

Nassau's premier boutique for men's clothing and accessories is His Fashion. Featured brands include Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Faconnable, Kenneth Cole, Reaction, Robert Graham, and Calvin Klein.

La Casita

The charming La Casita is a boutique offering high-end straw bags, purses, and costume jewelry. Come see what you can find!

Tourist Information

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)

Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major airport for the Bahamas, is located about 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) west of Nassau city center, and has daily flights to major cities in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Public Transport

Jitney Bus Public transportation service (referred to as jitneys) is available on several of the major islands, such as Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. Ferry Boats (water taxis) can take you between Nassau and Paradise Island while at the same time giving you a waterfront view of Nassau Harbor. Tickets can be purchased at the tour desk at Festival Place and at Woodes Rogers Wharf right next door.

Taxi

Taxi fares are fixed by the government. Usually you tip taxi drivers 15%. You can call a taxi, take one on the street or in front of a hotel. Jermaine's Taxi & Tours +1 242 425 1789 info@jermainestaxiandtours.com Bahamas Taxi Services +1 242 423 4982 cherylfoxferguson@live.com

Electricity

Electrical outlets in The Islands Of The Bahamas are 60 cycles/120 volts, which is compatible with all US appliances. British and European appliances require a flat two-pin adaptor and 220-volt converter.

Pharmacy

In Nassau, there are many independent stores such as Lowe’s Wholesale Pharmacy, PharmaChoice, and Friendly Pharmacy. Lowe’s Wholesale Pharmacy Soldier Rd, Nassau Friendly Pharmacy Elizabeth on Bay Bay St, Nassau +1 242 323 0051

Post

Bahama General Post Office

Telephone

Country code: +1 Area codes in Nassau: 242

Time Zone

Nassau is located in the Eastern Standard time zone, and all times are reflected in Eastern time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Nassau, Bahamas?

The best time to visit Nassau, Bahamas, is from mid-December to mid-April, during the dry season. This period offers pleasant weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

How many days should I spend in Nassau to experience its highlights?

A 3 to 4-day stay in Nassau is ideal for exploring its highlights. This allows time to visit attractions like the Atlantis Paradise Island, the Queen's Staircase, and the National Art Gallery, as well as relax on Cable Beach and take a day trip to nearby islands.

What are the must-see attractions in Nassau, Bahamas?

Must-see attractions in Nassau include the historic Queen's Staircase, the vibrant Straw Market, and the luxurious Atlantis Paradise Island. Don't miss exploring the Nassau Pirate Museum and relaxing on the pristine Cable Beach.

What local dishes should I try while visiting Nassau?

While in Nassau, try local Bahamian dishes such as conch fritters, cracked conch, and Bahamian rock lobster. For a sweet treat, sample guava duff, a traditional Bahamian dessert made with guava fruit.

What is the best way to get around Nassau?

The best way to get around Nassau is by using the local jitney buses, which are affordable and cover most areas of the island. Taxis are also widely available and convenient for reaching specific destinations. Renting a scooter or bicycle is another popular option for exploring at your own pace.

Are there any special cultural events or festivals in Nassau?

Nassau hosts several cultural events, with Junkanoo being the most famous. This vibrant street parade occurs on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, featuring colorful costumes, traditional music, and lively dancing. The Bahamas International Film Festival in December is another highlight.

What safety tips should I keep in mind when visiting Nassau?

While Nassau is generally safe for tourists, it's wise to take precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of scams. Stick to well-lit areas and use reputable transportation services for peace of mind.

Trips

Bahamas Pre or Post Cruise

Bahamas Family Escapade

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