Nassau is the largest and most populated island in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. As capital of the country, Nassau is rich in diversity and culture and caters largely to tourists either from Atlantis Paradise Island Hotel or from the number of cruise ships that make dock in it’s bay, known as Prince George Wharf. Take a relaxing dip in the ocean or shop to your heart’s content on this island that caters to every type of vacationer.
1. Shop at the world famous Straw Market
Straw Market is a negotiator’s dream come true. In the market you are greeted with rows upon rows of authentic, hand-made souvenirs, the majority of which are made from straw. Straw hats, mats, dolls, and bags are among the most popular souvenirs purchased by visitors of the island. The prices in the Straw Market are very reasonable and can often be lowered even further by negotiating with the store owner. The Straw Market is located on Bay Street in the center of downtown Nassau, in perfect proximity to restaurants and other local shops. The shops and vendors accept both U.S. currency or Bahamian cash and many are starting to accept major credit cards. In Nassau, the shops’ business hours are usually 8 am to 8 pm, every day of the week.
2. Take a stroll down Bay Street
Running the length of downtown Nassau, Bay Street is a sight to be seen. Blocks of beautifully colored homes and historic buildings grace the streets. Home of the Straw Market, Bay Street is home to a diverse mix of local shops and cafes that cater to both travelers and locals. Grab a drink at tourist favorite, Senor Frogs, or opt for a more authentic experience at The Bearded Clam, both located off Bay Street on Nassau’s famous Prince George Wharf. As the docking place for most commercial cruise lines, this area is always buzzing with tourists and can get hectic during high seasons like summertime and holidays.
3. Take a ferry to Paradise Island
Also known as Hog Island, Paradise Island is full of wealth and Caribbean glamour. The island is home to lavish estates, gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and of course, the world famous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. Ferry rides are available from most docks on the mainland and cost anywhere from $5-$20 depending on the ferry so it is recommended not to take the first ride you see. You also have the option of taking a taxi, which can be found at the drop of a hat, but run the risk of paying very high rates. For the outdoor adventurers, there are two pedestrian bridges that connect the island to the mainland. While on Paradise Island, stop by the Hog Island Lighthouse. Preserving the island’s original moniker, the lighthouse is one of the oldest structures in Nassau.
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4. Get luxurious at Marina Village
Once you’ve made your way to Paradise Island, indulge your luxurious side with high-end shopping at the Marina Village. Located adjacent to Atlantis, Marina Village is over 65,000 square feet of shops and dining, including over 20 high-end designer shops. Dining options range from casual dining and fast food restaurants to fine dining experiences. Even for those with tight purse strings, Marina Village is a beautifully located marketplace that is worth just taking a evening walk through. If you do find something you love, many of the shops in the village will ship larger items to your home, for a nominal fee, to avoid you having to pack them in your suitcase.
5. Take a peek into Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
The infamous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is the island’s crowned jewel. Housing an aquarium, entertainment studio, water park, and luxury hotel, it isn’t hard to conclude why Atlantis is the island’s top attraction. The resort is home to the largest outdoor aquarium in the world. Visitors of the hotel can purchase tickets to the aquarium whether they are staying in the hotel or not. The same notion applies to the waterpark. Some sections of the pool and waterpark are available for daily use, however, some of the more popular attractions, such as the Leap of Faith, a water slide that plunges a whopping 60-feet through a tunnel built inside of a shark infested lagoon, are only available to hotel guests. Fear not, not all the slides are as terrifying. Whether or not you want to stay in the hotel, partake in one of its daily activities or just observe the amazing architecture, Atlantis is definitely a “must-visit” when in Nassau.
Something for everyone
Laid back beaches, authentic cuisine, bargain shopping and luxury experiences, Nassau has something for everyone. Whether there for a week or a few hours, the locals are extremely helpful in guiding you through your adventures on the island. So do some shopping, eat great food and absorb as much local culture as you can while on this historic island.
History
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