Nassau, Bahamas

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.

What to know before you go to Nassau.

Language
English is the national language of Nassau, though often with British or Bahamian intonations.

How to Pay
Though legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, U.S. currency is also accepted throughout Nassau, as are credit cards and travelers' checks.

How to Get Around
There are a number of transportation options offered in Nassau. Taxis are readily available around hotels and casinos. Though most are metered, it's more likely that drivers will settle the fare with you individually. Make sure to agree to an amount before you begin your ride.

"Jitneys" are minivans that cost a dollar per ride, and operate as the closest thing to a bus system in Nassau. Though a number of major U.S. car rental agencies are available in Nassau, be aware that you must drive on the left-hand side of the road (as they do in Great Britain), and expect to encounter the occasional roundabout.

Safety in Nassau
Nassau is a resort destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables. Please follow these tips to help ensure that you have a fun and safe vacation.

Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and any bags securely zipped.