Nassau, the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is the largest city on New Providence Island. Nassau has long stood as a harbor of immense appeal to tourists seeking its agreeable climate, natural beauty, world-class leisure and scintillating nightlife. Its proximity to the United States—just 180 miles off the coast of Miami, Florida—has also helped secure its status as a popular vacation resort.

Local Culture and Flavor
You can get a taste of Nassau's old history by exploring its plethora of landmarks. If you plan to explore Nassau by foot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’re likely to find that local culture shows evidence of its colonial roots and island influences. When you've worked up an appetite, real Bahamian fare is readily available at numerous restaurants to be found around the sites most visited by adventurous tourists. Fresh lobster and other seafood dishes distinguish the local cuisine.

Past and Present
The history that has shaped present-day Nassau is endlessly intriguing. In the 17th century, pirates—including the infamous Blackbeard—dominated the territory, before civilization was restored in the 1700s and Nassau began to prosper. Unique charms and quirky architecture can be observed around the island—relics of vibrant eras come and gone. Today you'll find much of Nassau's past preserved in Old Town, with its colorful structures in Caribbean style and curiously abandoned buildings. The modern age, however, has seen much of the tourism concentrate on the coast, where the beaches teem with excited vacationers and water-sport enthusiasts. If you’re seeking the simplest and purest of tropical pleasures during your stay in the Bahamas, Nassau is a divine destination choice.

Experience all the pleasures that have made this Bahamian getaway so beloved and well-frequented. Nassau boasts outstanding shops and breathtaking beaches where you can spend a glorious afternoon sunbathing, swimming and relaxing on the soft sands. There are also a huge number of shallow wrecks for adventuresome divers to explore.

In Nassau's famed Old Town, you’ll find the city's Parliament Building. This structure is painted a unique shade of pink and helmed by a statue of Queen Victoria—a remnant and reminder of the island's British colonial past. A tour around the island—paid or self-guided—will reveal interesting old forts to explore, including the historic Fort Fincastle.

• Shopping: If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs and handicrafts, pay a visit to historic Bay Street. Quirky boutiques and jewelry stores line this commercial center, with jaw-dropping bargains to boot. Among Bay Street's historic buildings, shops, bars and restaurants is the Straw Market, home to an amazing array of handmade mats, hats and baskets, woodcarvings, guava jellies and other treasures.
• Fort Charlotte: Built in 1788 by Lord Dunmore in honor of King George III's wife, Fort Charlotte is the largest and most interesting of the island's 3 forts. Though constructed for protection in battle, a shot has never been fired from Fort Charlotte. Visitors can tour its moat, dungeons, underground passageways, 42 cannons and 100 acres, or experience a real thrill at the top: an expansive view of Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island.
• Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle: Nassau's most popular attraction is the Queen's staircase, a 102 foot climb up 65 steps carved from solid limestone by slaves in the 18th century. At the end of the staircase is an added delight: Fort Fincastle, with its famous visage shaped like a ship's bow.
• Versailles Gardens & The Cloisters: This landmark sits on the eastern end of Paradise Island, overlooking Nassau Harbor. The Versailles Gardens are celebrated for their grand beauty and illustrious history. Wander through gardens in full bloom past statues, fountains, waterfalls and reflecting pools on your way to the Cloisters, which were assembled from stones that once stood as a 12th-century Augustine monastery. The original French cloister was purchased by media mogul William Randolph Hearst and imported piece by piece.
• Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant: Delight in the only 5-star restaurant in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. This spot is renowned for having a wine cellar of over 170,000 bottles and a spectacular handmade cigar selection. Over its glamorous century-long history, Graycliff's gourmet dishes have been enjoyed by royal families and celebrities.

• Atlantis Paradise Island: Explore the renowned Atlantis Resort, featuring a vast water park with thrilling slides, marine habitats, and a casino. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Leap of Faith waterslide, which propels riders through a shark-filled lagoon.
• Swimming with Pigs at Exuma: Embark on a day trip to the Exuma Cays to experience the famous swimming pigs. This unique excursion allows you to interact with these friendly animals in their natural island habitat.
• Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: Delve into Bahamian culture by sampling local delicacies and exploring historical sites. This guided tour includes visits to family-run eateries and markets, offering insights into the island's culinary traditions.
• Clifton Heritage National Park Tour: Discover the rich history and natural beauty of this national park, which showcases archaeological sites from the Lucayan era, Loyalist plantations, and African settlements. The park also features art installations and scenic coastal trails.
• Pearl Island Beach Day with Lunch: Relax on the pristine beaches of Pearl Island, enjoying activities like snorkeling and kayaking. This excursion includes a Bahamian lunch and access to amenities, making it ideal for a leisurely day by the sea.

• Conch Fritters: A beloved Bahamian appetizer, conch fritters consist of tenderized conch meat mixed with a flavorful batter of onions, bell peppers, and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection. These savory bites are a staple in local cuisine. 
• Conch Salad: This refreshing dish features raw conch meat finely chopped and marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. The acidity of the marinade "cooks" the conch, resulting in a vibrant and tangy salad. 
• Cracked Conch: A popular entrée, cracked conch involves tenderizing conch meat, coating it in seasoned batter, and frying it until crispy. Often served with fries and a side of Bahamian hot sauce, it's a flavorful delight. 
• Peas 'n Rice: A classic side dish, peas 'n rice combines pigeon peas and rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, often enriched with salt pork or bacon for added depth of flavor. It's a hearty accompaniment to many Bahamian meals. 
• Bahamian Rock Lobster: Also known as spiny lobster, this local delicacy is typically grilled or steamed and served with melted butter and lemon. Its sweet, tender meat makes it a seafood lover's favorite. 
• Johnnycakes: These dense, slightly sweet cornbread cakes are a Bahamian staple, often enjoyed alongside stews and soups or simply with butter. Their simplicity and versatility make them a beloved comfort food. 
• Souse: A savory soup made with meat (commonly chicken, sheep's tongue, or pig's feet), onions, lime juice, allspice, and peppers. Souse is traditionally served as a breakfast dish and is believed to have restorative properties. 
• Grits: A breakfast favorite, Bahamian grits are made by boiling coarse cornmeal with salt and topping it with butter. Often paired with steamed fish, corned beef, or sausage, it's a hearty way to start the day.

• Weather: Nassau enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging 77–85°F (25–29°C). The dry season runs from November to April, while May to October is rainier, with occasional storms during hurricane season.
• Transportation: Getting around Nassau is easy with taxis, jitneys (local buses), and car rentals. Many attractions are within walking distance in downtown Nassau, but taxis are commonly used for longer trips.
• Currency: The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is equivalent to the US Dollar (USD). Both currencies are widely accepted, and change is often given in Bahamian Dollars.
• Safety: Nassau is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to stay vigilant in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables. Stick to well-lit, tourist-friendly locations, especially at night.
• Local Etiquette: Politeness is valued, so greet locals with a friendly “Good morning” or “Good afternoon.” Casual attire is acceptable, but swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool.
• Shopping: Nassau offers a mix of luxury boutiques, duty-free stores, and local markets like the Straw Market, where visitors can buy handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and unique Bahamian products.