Nassau, Bahamas City Guide
For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Nassau, Bahamas Travel Guide has been your connection to Nassau's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Events
 Smith’s Point Fish Fry is an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with both the native fish and local residents. The Annual Abaco Christmas Festival is held downtown Marsh Harbor beginning at the Ministry of Tourism Office in Memorial Plaza extending to the shoreline. More than 300 birds, mammals and reptiles from the Islands of the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Latin America, and around the world are on display among acres of lush tropical gardens, at the Ardastra Gardens & Convention Center.
The famous Bahamas Historical Society Museum emphasizes both the collection and preservation of historical, anthropological, and archaeological Bahamian artifacts with the ongoing exhibit. A reservoir of history, there are displays depicting Bahamas history from pre-Columbus to the present, including Lucavan-Taino-Arawak artifacts.
In the midst of a bustling 20th century city, step back in time and discover an 18th century architectural gem, the Balcony House. This historic landmark is the oldest wooden residential structure in Nassau, now fully restored as a museum. Don’t miss Bay Street, a historic street, is Nassau’s main thoroughfare. It leads you past historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants.
If you have time to visit only one fort, see this one. Fort Charlotte is by far the largest and covers 100 acres. Located on a hill overlooking the far west end of the harbor, Fort Charlotte commands an impressive view of Paradise Island, a good part of Nassau and the harbor. Built in 1788 by Lord Dunmore, this fort has a moat, dungeons, underground passageways and 42 cannons, which have never been fired in an act of aggression.
Built in 1793, the front of Fort Fincastle is shaped like the bow of a ship and would have provided a good spot for a lookout to stand. Its cannons have never been fired in battle. Located on Elizabeth Avenue, you can reach this fort by way of the Queen’s Staircase a few blocks up from the harbor on East Street.
The Nassau Public Library & Museum was built in 1797. This octagonal building was formerly the Nassau Goal, old world spelling for jail. Visitors can have a look around the small prison cells, which are now lined with books, or examine a collection of historic prints, old colonial documents, and Arawak artifacts. |
