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Nassau

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Nassau is actually the capital city of the Bahamas, and is located on the northeastern side of New Providence Island. Despite being home to the majority of the population in the Bahamas, two hundred thousand citizens alone in Nassau, it remains of a laid back atmosphere that welcomes its visitors warmly. Its history as a city is tragic. In the 17th century, Nassau was actually called Charles Town. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire and the Spanish. Later on, it was re-built and given a new title; named after King William III of England. He was of the Dutch Orange-Nassau house, thus the name.

Geographically, Nassau is situated conveniently near the U.S., Florida particularly, and it draws millions of U.S. tourists every year, as well as a large number of overseas visitors. What makes Nassau extraordinary however is that it's basically the Graceland of James Bond, and Beatles fans. Many Bond movies were filmed in Nassau, and the Beatles movie "Help!" was also filmed in the city. Not only does this beautiful tropical island and bustling city draw in lovers of beaches, and family vacationers, but also the Bond/Beatles pilgrims from all over the world, seeking to discover the places where John Lennon stayed, and where James Bond had a famous gun fight. And those are just a few of the numerous attractions offered in the city.

Areas

Nassau is the biggest city in the Bahamas, and home to more than two thirds of the Bahamas population; so naturally, it would seem crowded and noisy. However, with a population of just over 200,000, it still maintains an easy going ambience. The beaches are all located along the coast for the most part, but there are some smaller lakes and man-made beaches further inland. Many of the resorts in Nassau are located further towards the beaches as well. Shopping is mostly done in downtown Nassau, but there are a few street markets and smaller boutiques located further from the core of the city. A great deal of small shops, vendors, etc., give the area near the boardwalks and harbors an almost bazaar like quality. You'll be hard-pressed to wander Nassau without buying anything!

Weather

Nassau is located in an ideal destination, meteorologically speaking. It rarely passes 92F in the summer, and the temperatures usually average around 68F in the winter. However, the late summer, often ideal for vacations to the Bahamas and other tropical locations, is also hurricane season in the area. Try to book your reservations in June or July, or if you prefer not to travel during peak tourist months, hurricane season is over in October.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	71	71	73	75	78	82	83	83	83	80	77	73
C	22	22	23	24	26	28	28	28	28	27	25	23

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	1.9	1.7	1.6	2.6	5.2	7	6	6.7	7.1	6.7	2.8	73
CM	4.8	4.3	4.1	6.6	13.2	17.8	15.2	17	18	17	7.1	185.4

Getting There

Unless you're a citizen of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, you will need a passport to visit Nassau; but if you're already there, then no, you can just get in a car, boat, taxi, and drive there. There are no restrictions other than the usual foreign visitors policies, that one would encounter when traveling to the U.S. or the U.K.. Traveling to the Bahamas, or to Nassau is not particularly difficult in any way, unless you're swimming! The city itself, depending on where you're located in the Bahamas, can be reached easily enough. There are bridges between Paradise and New Providence Island that make travel by car possible. Those visitors located in the Bahamas on an island without a bridge can generally travel by ferry directly to Nassau.

By plane

There is actually the Nassau International Airport, a.k.a. Lynden Pindling International Airport, and it's located just about ten miles to the west of downtown Nassau. It's the major airport for most of the Bahamas, and taxis, rental vehicles, etc., can be obtained at the airport to travel to Nassau, or one can travel from the airport to the city by bus. Depending on the resort, some in Nassau may offer transportation from the airport to the hotel.

By boat

You can travel by ferry to Nassau from almost any of the islands in the Bahamas, and the cost is not that high. Or you can travel by cruise ship from Miami to Nassau, the cost is around $129, and they're flexible about the length of time the visitors would like to stay in the city as well. There are harbors directly in the city of Nassau, both for the ferries and the cruise ships.

Getting Around

Getting around in Nassau is not something the average tourist or visitor is going to have much trouble with. There are all types of public transportation options, as well as car rentals. Besides that, if you are staying in the area, it is also always possible to just discover the city on foot. "Taking the scenic route" as it were is also always preferable if you're walking or driving yourself, there's much to see. If you're on a bus, you cannot always stop and investigate, so keep that point in mind when you decide to go out for the day in Nassau.

By car

Traffic in Nassau has probably caused a large number of individuals to develop permanent nervous twitches. On the weekends, and around mid-day, traffic is at its peak because of tourist ships arriving and departing. However, there are numerous car rental agencies, for those who much prefer to drive themselves.

By taxi

Traffic for taxis is naturally just as bad as it is if you've rented a car. It can be cheap, depending on how good your bargaining skills are. Many seasoned Nassau tourists advise that one must always haggle over the cab fair before accepting a price.

By public transportation

Public transportation in Nassau, i.e., taking the bus or using the shuttle services of your resort or hotel, is much cheaper, though the traffic is still an imposition and a major inconvenience (depending of course on the time of day you are traveling). It's easy to get to your destination if you choose a time of the day when there is not much traffic. In terms of quality, with so many people using it, both tourists and local citizens, it can hardly be expected to be pristine. However, the consensus view is that it is clean, if a little crowded, and most often not air conditioned.

On foot

Nassau is a larger city, and contains much of the Bahamas' total population, so although one can walk to many places in the city, it's best to pace one self. Tourists can take a bus if they get tired, or a taxi instead if they're willing to pay a bit more for transportation. Otherwise, the city is very friendly to tourists, and generally laid back. Aside from its generally friendliness, the city is also friendly to pedestrians in that traffic is often so slow that it might be hard to get hit by a car, even if you were walking in the middle of the street. Walking is also beneficial because you can stop any time you like to look around, or shop.

Food & Dining

There are many hotels and resorts that are ready to serve up gourmet food but for a taste of the true Bahamas, get out of the dining rooms and head to downtown Nassau where you will find an endless supply of fish vendors, serving battered and fried fish like only the locals could. In any of these greasy spoons they will also serve you heaps of wonderful sides such as coleslaw, greasy fries, or potato skins along with a down-home dessert. If you're looking for finer dining, look along the beachfront where there are wonderful restaurants serving up tantalizing seafood! Nassau is of course, known for its party scene and there's good reason for it. Ask at the hotel about a pass as this will let you into any of the numerous clubs and bars for a cheap fixed rate and will save you money, especially on weekends.

Beaches

Cabbage Beach (Sand beach) Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas This is not only one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean but one of the most famous in the world! This may be because it is where many of the large hotels and resorts are located or because the two miles of white sand is so soft on bare feet. Spend your time here splashing around in the crisp, clear water or partaking of the many water sports and activities that are available! Because it is so popular, come to this particular beach ready to deal with crowds.

Cable Beach (Sand beach) Location: Approximately three miles west of the downtown core Cable Beach is considered the main beach on the island and is where most people coming to Nassau are first to head. Not only is the sand here remarkable and the views even more so but you will also get a true taste of the Caribbean here! Lounge on the sand as locals come up offering to sell you a t-shirt, sunscreen, or beaded jewelry and don't leave without getting your hair braided! This beach is also often quite crowded.

Delaporte Beach (Sand beach) Location: Between Cable Beach and Caves Beach, approximately two miles from downtown Nassau Not only is this beach closer to downtown Nassau than Cable Beach, it's also significantly quieter here. This is a cozy little beach that's perfect for when you need the white sand and sun but don't need the rowdiness of the crowds as there's hardly anyone ever on this beach. Another bonus to this beach is that it stands amidst a quaint village that is delightful to explore!

Love Beach (Sand beach) Location: Approximately nine miles from downtown Nassau This is another quiet little beach but if you want to see world landmark, come here to check out Compass Point Studios. Make sure that you are extremely respectful when visiting here as officially, only locals are allowed to use the beach. Those rules are somewhat relaxed however so as long as you follow the rules, visiting should be fine. This is also a spot that is known for its spectacular deep-sea diving conditions.

Saunders Beach (Sand beach) Location: Close to Coral Island in Nassau If you're travelling to Nassau with the family and want a beach that can provide the family fun you are looking for without the risks of overcrowded, busy beaches, this is the beach for you! It is popular but doesn't become so busy that it's overwhelming. There are also many food and beverage vendors that set up along the white banks to offer you refreshments as you build sandcastles and take turns dunking underwater!

Sights & Activities

Festivals & Events

Junkanoo - A large street festival that takes place from Dec. 26th until Jan. 1st.

Junkanoo June - A month long celebration much like Mardi Gras, that takes place during the entire month of June.

Marine, Beaches, & Aquatic Activities

Atlantis Hotel Aquarium - An aquarium located at the world famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.

Cable Beach - The beach that runs along Nassau.

Silver Cay & The Coral World Marine Center - Once a popular marine attraction is now for sale but may re-open again soon.

Blue Lagoon Island - Tourists can go scuba diving on the Blue Lagoon island, snorkeling, tour the area by boat, or lounge on the beach; and of course, go for a swim!

Dolphin Encounters - Also on Blue Lagoon Island, or Salt Cay, visitors can participate in swimming with dolphins, or just sit back and observe.

Nassau to Paradise Island Ferry Tours & Transportation - Even riding the ferry back and forth can be fun. Many of them offer guided tours, and the ones that don't still offer a great boat ride.

Diving Activities - There are probably around two dozen different diving excursions, training programs, etc., all over the Bahamas, and their central area is in Nassau since that's where all the people are. You won't have to look hard!

Historical Sights & Museums

Bahamas Historical Society Museum & Archives - Located in the Nassau Public Library, you can discover some of Nassau's ancient history and colonial past.

Houses Of Parliament - Some of Nassau's parliamentary houses, and government offices are over a hundred, or even two hundred years old; Nassau is basically the federal district of the entire Bahamian Commonwealth.

Pirates of Nassau Museum - Museum dedicated to all of Nassau's infamous pirates, explains the long history of pirates in the Bahamas, as well as their culture.

Fort Wincastle & Water Tower - Basically in an area of Nassau called "The Hill" which serves as its main historic district and feature many monuments, old fortifications, walls, and ancient architecture.