The capital of The Bahamas and the biggest city in the country, Nassau is far from just a stepping stone to other great destinations. It’s home to some of the greatest things to do in The Bahamas.
Considering about 70% of the country’s population are in the city, the list of things to do in Nassau has something for everyone. There are galleries, libraries and museums for the art and history lovers, as well as national parks and wetlands for the explorers. Its stunning coastlines welcome those in need of some sun and surf.
Nassau is also the best place to soak up the local culture with various restaurants, landmarks and markets for souvenirs. Expect to spend a fair amount of time on this Bahamian paradise!
1 – Stroll through Downtown Nassau with a walking tour
Downtown Nassau is a magnificent blend of the old and new sides of Nassau. From the historic architecture in the colonial period to modern high-end shopping, downtown Nassau is sure to have you covered.
Just to make sure you’re getting the insider’s information, hop on a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Anywhere from one to three hours, you have plenty of options to walk at your own pace!
- walking tours in Nassau
2 – Watch a debate at Parliament Square
This complex of stunning pink buildings in downtown Nassau is where all the politics of The Bahamas happens.
Poke your head into the house of assembly to see the local ministers debating and discussing the laws of the land. It’s an interesting stop, not just for sociology majors!
3 – Eat your way through Nassau on a food tour
No trip to Nassau is complete without making sure you’ve tasted a conch fritter or the local mac ‘n’ cheese. The best way to sample the finest offerings is to join a food tour.
One of the most exciting options takes you to six local and family-run restaurants where you can watch the chefs behind the scenes — and even get access to their famous recipes to try at home!
- food tours in Nassau
4 – Unwind on Cable Beach
One of the most bustling beaches in Nassau, Cable Beach is identified by its pristine, white sand, warm water and party atmosphere.
Gathering locals and travelers, this is the perfect place to meet some new faces on the beach before sharing a daiquiri at one of the nearby bars for sunset.
5 – Dive in with a snorkeling tour
Make the most of Nassau’s expansive coastline and get acquainted with the underwater world, with one of the many snorkeling tours available. You can see the colorful coral reefs by taking a scenic ferry ride or a bustling catamaran from Nassau.
If a short tour doesn’t completely satisfy you, there’s even a half-day historical tour from Nassau with plenty of snorkeling, sun-soaking and even a tasting of local chocolate!
- snorkeling in Nassau
6 – Climb the Queen’s Staircase
A short walk from Prince George Wharf in Nassau, the Queen’s Staircase is an ancient construction of solid limestone.
It was built in 1794 to allow workers and locals to get from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City quickly.
You’ll be following in the footsteps of an ancient civilization if you pay a visit to the staircase.
7 – Escape to Blue Lagoon Island
Heading to Blue Lagoon Island is definitely one of the most important things to do while in Nassau.
Sometimes referred to as the No. 1 tourist destination in all of The Bahamas, this island has something for everyone, families, friends and solo travelers alike.
For animal lovers, be sure to check out the Dolphin Encounters tour, where you can swim with one of the most intelligent creatures in the world!
- Blue Lagoon Island tours
8 – Visit the Governor-General at Government House
Home of the Governor-General, the Government House is one of the historic places in Nassau.
Planted on a 10-acre estate with beautiful architecture from the 1800s, this is a stunning meeting point of the British and American influence on Nassau. It’s also home to the great Christopher Columbus statue imported all the way from London in 1830.
9 – Sail away with a boat tour
Some of the best things to do in Nassau are on the water and one way to see the sights and experience the Bahamian culture is on a boat tour around the island.
Hop on a boat charter and see Nassau and the surrounding islands from the crystal clear water and steady deck!
- boat tours in Nassau
10 – Breach the Nassau forts
Whether you’re a history buff or simply all beached out, the walking tours through the historical forts at Nassau are definitely worth a look.
See the moat and drawbridge at Fort Charlotte, the cannons at Fort Fincastle or the home of the British defense against the Spanish at Fort Montagu — all built during the 1700s.
A walking tour with a knowledgeable guide is definitely the way to learn about Nassau’s interesting past!
11 – Sweat it out at Junkanoo Beach
One of the sporty spots in Nassau, just a short walk from the cruise ship port, Junkanoo Beach is where the action happens.
The best way to experience this beach is the all-day access to water sports equipment pass at the local water park. With kayaking, beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboards, you name it, it’s a great way to blow off some steam!
12 – Speed up with a quad tour
If you can’t cover enough ground on foot and you just want to see as much of Nassau as possible, a quad bike tour is one of the best things to do in Nassau.
With plenty of guided tours available, all of various lengths, this is a great way to see more of the incredible sights and history The Bahamas has to offer. From the streets of Nassau to the rolling dunes of Clifton Heritage National park, there’s a quad bike tour for every occasion.
13 – Sink into Aquaventure water park
Located in Nassau, Aquaventure is a one-of-a-kind water park that appeals to all ages.
The 141 acres of water-themed bliss are shared between a mile-long white water river ride, adrenaline-pumping water slides, and plenty of relaxing and refreshing pools.
14 – Ride around with a bike tour
The perfect thing to do in Nassau is to make sure you properly soak up the sights around town.
You can hop on a half-day bike tour with an experienced guide to make sure you have plenty of time to fill up your travel album with the absolute finest sights Nassau has to offer!
15 – Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach nestles on the secluded side of Paradise Island, a pleasant stroll from downtown Nassau.
Here you’ll find the quintessential Bahamian beach experience with local vendors hiring out beach chairs for you to lounge along the peaceful coastline.
Not to mention there’s no shortage of tropical refreshments and cocktails flowing, it’s a perfect place to unwind after the walk from Nassau.
16 – Trawl through the Heritage Museum of The Bahamas
Head to the Heritage Museum in Nassau to look through the seemingly endless collection of Hamilton White, a British antique collector.
With relics from Columbus’ days to antiques from the pirates, this is sure to teach you a thing or two about the history of Nassau.
17 – Confront your fear and dive with the sharks
A great way to get acquainted with the Caribbean reef and be friendly with the sharks is to book a dive with Stuart Cove’s diving.
With transport to and from your accommodation included, you’re running out of excuses to dive in and meet these surprisingly friendly creatures.
18 – Take a day trip to Rose Island
The hustle and bustle of Nassau is great fun, but occasionally you might need an escape. Rose Island, a seemingly untouched wilderness, is the perfect place for just that.
The best way to get there and see the island is to book a half-day cruise from Nassau.
Transport to and from the island by boat, snorkeling equipment, lunch and even a chance to sunbathe on a private beach are all included!
19 – Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay
Dolphin Cay is one of the favored hangouts of the local dolphin population. Heading over and seeing the dolphins is a great thing to do in Nassau if you love the company of animals.
You can paddle in shallow water, dive out into the deep or stand-up paddle in Dolphin Cay to go rendezvous with the dolphins.
20 – Get lost in Clifton Heritage National Park
There’s a lot more to Nassau’s history than British and American colonization. Clifton Heritage National Park is home to some even more ancient remnants of Nassau’s culture.
Book a heritage tour to learn all about the Lucayan and African cultures that have lived in The Bahamas for centuries. A walk through the park will present wetlands, sand dunes and even a 40-foot cliff — be sure to keep your eyes wide open!
21 – Play a round at the Ocean Club Golf Course
Nothing quite says leisure like a round of golf surrounded by white sand and crystal clear blue waters.
The Ocean Club Golf Course runs alongside the ocean and, with lessons for the amateurs and crosswinds for the pros, it provides fun for all skill levels!
22 – Indulge yourself in Graycliff
Tucked away from the glow of downtown Nassau is Graycliff, a slice of old-world Nassau.
You can learn to make chocolate at the Graycliff Chocolatier or take a 1.5-hour tour of Graycliff cigar company. You’ll learn all about the process of making and smoking cigars, while sampling various different types of rum.
23 – National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
The National Art Gallery in Nassau is the countyr’s leading art gallery, full of the finest local art, as well as international exhibitions.
This is definitely one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Nassau with admission at $10 for adults and $5 for students, while children under 12 get in for free!
24 – Walk through the Marine Habitat at Atlantis
The Marine Habitat at Atlantis is a great way to see all the incredible local species of marine animals from the comfort of dry land.
With a plethora of lagoons and over 50,000 animals, this is an essential stop for animal lovers, especially if you left your waterproof camera at home.
25 – Watch the Flamingo march at Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
If zoos are your thing, there’s only one in The Bahamas — Ardastra Gardens in the Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau.
Discover the only place to see the wonderful Caribbean flamingos (the national bird of The Bahamas) perform their trademark march. You definitely can’t head home until you’ve stopped by.
26 – Zip around on a jeep tour
If you want to pack more into your stay in Nassau, hop on a rugged Jeep Wrangler and ride around Nassau on a three-hour culture and culinary tour of the city.
This tour is one of the best things to do in Nassau for those with a long list of sights and restaurants!
27 – Join the crew at the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Immerse yourself in the Pirate History of Nassau and The Bahamas with a self-guided tour of the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
With artifacts of the pirate era gone by, as well as wax exhibitions, it won’t be hard to really feel like you’re on deck with Blackbeard himself!
28 – Kayak your way around the island
Book a guided kayak tour of the many inlets and find yourself paddling through the ghostly wetlands of Bonefish National Park.
Pick up and drop off included, it’s the perfect way to explore the unexplored!
29 – Head to Arawak Cay
Just down from the cruise ship terminal is Arawak Cay, a beautiful hub of local restaurants and stores.
If you need to try the local mac ‘n’ cheese or conch fritters, and stock up on souvenirs in one-stop, then visiting the area is definitely one of the best things to do in Nassau!
30 – Visit the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation
If you can manage to find it (the building is very discreetly designed), the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation is well worth the search.
The museum holds a wealth of information and exhibitions for those who love knowing the full story of Nassau’s slave and colonial history.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by Pompey Square, a hub of activity where you’re sure to see some live music any night of the week!
31 – Hunt down a bargain at the Straw Market
Downtown Nassau is home to one of the best shopping districts you’ll find in The Bahamas.
If you love the hustle and bustle of culture, Bay Street is one of the busiest parts of town, largely due to the many incredible shops there.
Make sure to stop by the straw market where you can find some of the most incredible Bahamian gifts that’ll make everyone wish they came with you!
32 – Sample some local Rum
Rum is one of the most famous Caribbean global exports, so why not see how it tastes fresh from the source?
With a plethora of options for stellar bars throughout Nassau, it will be hard to put a foot wrong here but just make sure to make it to John Watling’s Distillery. It’s a stunning building where you can get a tour of the distillery before trying their great cocktails at the in-house bar.
33 – Taste fresh conch at Potter’s Cay
If watching local fishermen plunge into the water to fetch fresh conches to give to the local chefs sounds like your idea of paradise, be sure to check out Potter’s Cay.
Every morning fresh conches are plucked from the sea and 40 local chefs prepare conch dishes for the hungry locals and travelers.
Doesn’t get any fresher than that!
34 – Relax in the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister
The French Cloister has stunning architecture and perfectly manicured gardens. You might think you’re lost in the French countryside, but you are in fact just on a brief trip from Nassau.
A great photo opportunity or simply a chance to give yourself a break from the salt and the sun, visiting this place has got to be one of the most relaxing things to do in Nassau!
35 – Swim with pigs
One of the quintessential things to do in Nassau is to meet the local wildlife, including the swimming pigs.
If you book a beautiful boat tour from downtown Nassau, you can end up on the Pig Beach in Big Major Cay, uninhabited by humans but populated by the famous swimming pigs.
Time to break out the waterproof camera because you are bound to make some memories worth snapping!
36 – Get a taste of home at the Bahamas Cricket Club Sports Bar
One of the best things to do in Nassau to treat homesickness is to head down to the local Cricket Club Sports Bar, just a half-mile out of downtown Nassau.
Get a full English breakfast, catch up on all the sport going on back home, or even watch a local football or cricket game live!
37 – Explore Primeval Forest National Park
A beautiful untouched woodland landscape awaits visitors to Primeval Forest National Park. You’ll discover a huge variety of natural beauty, from sinkholes to limestone caverns.
Be sure to pack binoculars or a camera because this is one of the biggest bird-watching hotspots in Nassau!
38 – Grab a beer at Pirate Republic Brewing
The Pirate Republic Brewing Company is the only craft brewery in all of The Bahamas and it isn’t the place to just grab any old lager. Make sure to check out the seasonal varieties which currently include local ingredients such as a pineapple or mango pale ale!
39 – Get a jet ski for the day
After days of swimming and evenings of beautiful sunsets on the sand, hop on a jet ski and have a more adrenaline-pumping experience.
In Nassau, it’s not hard to get your hands on a jet ski for the day and zip around paradise island. For the less experienced, there are guided tours where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
40 – Prince George Wharf / Festival Place
Book a shuttle from your accommodation or the airport and head down to Prince George Wharf, which is a large collection of boutiques and mooring for local and traveling ships.
You might even spot one of the biggest boats in the world moored there.
While you’re in the area, be sure to trawl through the colors and sights of Festival Place, a market precinct where you can pick up a souvenir and try some local food.
41 – Explore the Caves of Nassau
Just take a short drive from the cruise ship terminal in Nassau and you could find yourself stumbling through the hiding places of century-old treasure.
The Caves at Caves Beach are a less traversed tourist spot, also used as food storage for the ancient Lucayans. Better head on over and check out these natural beauties!
42 – Visit the Nassau Public Library & Museum
Built in a once colonial prison, the Nassau public library is one of the most unique things to do in Nassau.
The oldest and largest library in all of the Bahamas, even bookworms will have something to do in this wonderful city.
43 – Watch the sun go down at Jaws Beach
One of the most quintessential things to do in Nassau is to watch a famous Bahamas sunset.
Jaws Beach is home to one of the best, with the beach facing west so you can watch the sun fall down over the horizon.
Only a 15-minute walk from Clifton Heritage National Park, it’s also a perfect place to unwind after a long hike!
44 – Fish out the catch of the day
With waters teeming with sea life and access to great fishing tours with knowledgeable fishers, Nassau is an appropriate place to perfect your angling abilities.
Simply book a fishing charter and have fishing lessons and equipment all covered. Just be prepared to hoist your big catch on board!
45 – Soak up the silence at Christ Church Cathedral
A spot of serenity among the chaos of Nassau, Christ Church Cathedral is a perfect awe-inspiring place for reflection for both the religious and non-religious.
Attend a service or watch the choir perform some hymns, or simply walk through the empty halls to quieten the mind!
46 – Hide away in The Retreat Garden
You won’t be the only ones finding a peaceful haven right in the middle of urban Nassau.
Plenty of local and migratory birds also head to The Retreat Garden, a once magnificent estate turned into a national park.
You’ll hardly be able to remember you’re in the middle of a bustling city!
47 – Catch a show at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts
Founded all the way back in 1930, the Dundas Centre is a humble community-run theater and arts organization, supporting local artists and performers.
A far cry from stadium tours and Broadway shows, this one is for art lovers who love to be up close and personal with the performers, as the small capacity means you get a great view of the show.
48 – Explore Bonefish Pond National Park
One of the few remaining wetlands in The Bahamas, the Bonefish Pond National Park is a very important landscape and habitat to many local birds and wildlife.
It’s one of the most visited national parks in The Bahamas and for good reason.
Exploring the park is one of the best things to do in Nassau for educators and explorers alike!
49 – Soak up an exhibition at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
A small art gallery founded in the 1970s intending to promote local artists, this is one of the best places to see what the local creators are up to.
A short drive from downtown Nassau, the gallery has a Saturday farmers’ market for those wanting to sample some local produce!
50 – Hop on a Rum tour
Music and rum are two of Nassau’s most well-known exports. Luckily, there’s an easy way to soak up both, and meet a bunch of fellow travelers along the way.
Hop on a Rum and Music tour, and visit all the best live music venues and rum bars Nassau has to offer!
51 – Head to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
The oldest Roman Catholic church in The Bahamas, built in the late 1800s, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is well worth the visit to see a slice of historic Nassau.
Hosting various spiritual retreats, as well as plenty of public services, it’s a great stop for those wanting to explore every side of Nassau!
52 – Grab a bite at Señor Frog’s
With a generous dose of local Bahamian cuisine, Senor Frog’s is the best place to take the whole group or family.
Vegetarian-friendly and great bang for your buck, this is the kind of restaurant where you can take just about anyone.
Sitting right on the water, just off Bay Street in downtown Nassau, what more needs to be said?
53 – Try your luck at Bahamar Casino
Head to Bahamar Casino for the essential Casino experience, only you can dip your feet in the sand at the roulette table and watch the sunset with a hand of poker.
Playing a game here is great for those who love the thrill of the casino, but can’t stand the dark, clockless walls of a typical gambling palace.
54 – Attend the annual Junkanoo Festival
If you manage to find yourself in Nassau around holiday time, attending the annual Junkanoo Festival has to be on your list of things to do in Nassau.
A beautiful display of local Bahamian culture, this festival is one of the biggest events on the local calendar.
Make sure to also swing by the Educulture Junkanoo Museum on West Street in downtown Nassau, a stunning record of the Bahamian culture, created by a local to preserve the Bahamian culture!
55 – Let loose at Aura Nightclub
A 9,000-square-foot nightclub above the Atlantis Hotel, Aurora is the perfect place to unwind and get your dancing fix in Nassau.
With private booths and an intoxicating dance floor entertained by world-class DJs, this is the perfect send-off after a relaxing stay in Nassau!
Hopefully, this list provides a great starting point for your trip to Nassau. If you’re in need of a bit more guidance, check out TourScanner’s full list of tours in Nassau, Bahamas.
If you plan to explore the entire archipelago, discover a selection of tours and activities in The Bahamas.
Be sure also to check out all of the best hotels in Nassau to have a good starting point for your adventures!
You can even grab an airport transfer which takes you to and from the airport and your chosen hotel, giving you more time to simply enjoy yourself!
Do you know other interesting places to visit in Nassau? Please comment below.
Thanks for reading and enjoy The Bahamas!