Nassau – Explore this Jewel in the Bahamas' Crown
Situated in New Providence, Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas. This Caribbean destination offers the ease of the tropics in a big metropolitan city. The aesthetic island metropolis has certainly more to it than what meets the eye. Beyond its beautiful beaches, there’s a whole world bustling with art, nightlife, history, and culture. With every step in this city that’s full of surprises, there’s a story waiting to unfold.
Nassau has a whole new generation of young artists to thank for the creativity its every corner exhibits. It’s more like the island shaping the artists and artists in turn shaping the streets of the city. The colourful murals narrate the exhilarating tales of the Bahamas, from celebrating everyday moments to dazzling nightlife.
Nassau takes pride in serving as the home to the only rum distillery to exist in the entire Bahamas, namely Jon Watlings Distillery in Buena Vista Estate. It’s a delight for visitors to watch sugarcane molasses transforming into velvety rums. Tours of the distillery are also on offer where an insight into the rum-making process intrigues even teetotallers. Having said that, those who like to tantalize their taste buds with some booze have plenty of cocktails at their disposal on Buena Vista Estate.
It’s a no-brainer that the key to truly comprehending the destination you’re travelling the length and breadth of is its natives. Nassau offers a unique opportunity for inquisitive travellers to connect with the locals from discrete islands to have a deeper understanding of their culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
Why people must visit Nassau?
The Bahamas capital offers a plethora of things to enjoy and tourists are often spoilt for choice. This is why, hundreds and thousands of holidaymakers from around the world catch a flight to Nassau throughout the year to make the most of their time in this out-of-this-world gem of a place. From diving into underwater gardens to exploring the art scenes in the finest of galleries and indulging in bar-hopping to having me-time on soft white sandy beaches; you may run out of time but would never fall short of things in Nassau.
Dining scenes in Nassau are equally tempting if not more. The island is teeming with flavours; freshly caught seafood, lightly sweet guava duff, citrusy conch salad, and refreshing rum cocktails. It won’t be an exaggeration to call Nassau a foodie’s paradise. An eclectic mix of Spanish, British, and West African influences come together to make Bahamian cuisines with a Caribbean touch. Make the most of the opportunity to feast on delicious and one-of-a-kind cuisines.
Water activities galore undoubtedly are the centre of attraction in Nassau for many globetrotters. Whether you choose to go on a sailing expedition, scuba diving excursion, or snorkelling adventure, you can rest assured to have a whale of a time in the pleasing turquoise waters. Furthermore, some of the Caribbean’s largest and most splendid casinos are dotted around the city where you can spend your night trying your luck while in the daytime, you can pamper yourself in top-end spas.
Best places to visit in Nassau
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Located in Downtown Bahamas, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is a great place to acquaint yourself with the Caribbean’s most celebrated artists and the new talent in the making. With the preservation and exhibition of contemporary and historic Bahamian art, the gallery aims to educate, inspire, and uplift visitors. Brimming with historical pieces, the gallery persuades you to get lost in Bahamian art. Several hands-on activities and interactive workshops make it a perfect spot for visitors of all ages.
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
Nestled in the heart of Nassau is one of the sought-after attractions, namely Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre. The as pretty as a picture property boasts over four acres of abundant tropical gardens that are home to an exceptional variety of animal species, including the Caribbean flamingos, the national bird of the Bahamas. From feeding playful parrots from your hands to meeting and greeting red-tailed boas and marvelling at flocks of flamingos marching – the lush gardens make for a must-visit for all sorts of tourists, be they, nature lovers or wildlife enthusiasts.
Queen’s Staircase
Commonly known as the 66 Steps, Queen’s Staircase is the most-visited sightseeing spot of Nassau that calls for a stroll on the iconic staircase. Owing to its historical significance and construction method, meandering through the spot often feels like stepping back in time. It took around 600 slaves and 16 years to hand-carve this impressive piece of architecture. Decades later when Queen Victoria ascended the throne and abolished slavery in 1837, the staircase was named in her honour. The stairway leads to Fort Fincastle, one of the three revered old forts of Nassau.
Nassau’s Leading International Airports
Lynden Pindling International Airport is the leading airport in Nassau. Formerly known as Nassau International Airport, the airport serves as a hub for Western Air, Pineapple Air, and Bahamasair, which is the flag carrier of the Bahamas.