With its colorful buildings, friendly faces, and lively, fun vibe, Nassau is a wonderful city to explore. Nassau’s downtown core is full of interesting sights and things to do. If you’re visiting for the first time, you may be wondering where to start. There are plenty of great organized tours of downtown Nassau, but if you prefer to meander at your own pace, we’ve put together this guide to a stroll through The Bahamas’ capital city. Check out the corresponding map and read on to discover everything you can see in Nassau on foot!
Start on Woodes Rogers Walk, where you’ll find Pirate’s Republic Brewing (1). The Bahamas’ first craft brewery is also home to an interesting upstairs gallery with artwork depicting the history of pirates in the region. Grab a craft ale with a creative name, like the Gold & Haze of Piracy, and a snack, like a tasty soft pretzel, to fuel up for your walk around the city.
Continue west on Woodes Rogers Walk past Pompey Square (2). This is a historic site commemorating the emancipation of Bahamian slaves in 1834. Turn left onto George Street. Near the corner of King and George Streets, you’ll find the Pirates of Nassau Museum (3), a fun, interactive museum experience. Across the street, spot the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral (4), a striking church dating back to 1670. If the Cathedral is open, you can stop in to have a peek inside and take in even more Bahamian history in the prints and photos that decorate the sanctuary walls.
Walk down King Street to Market Street. Here, you’ll find the Balcony House Museum (5). This bright pink, shuttered residence is believed to be the oldest house in The Bahamas, dating back to the 1700s. The museum is open to visitors Monday-Friday but closed on weekends and holidays.
Turn left on Market Street and continue to Bay Street, the bustling main street of downtown Nassau. Make a right and get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Here, you’ll find the world-famous Straw Market (6), where you can browse for souvenirs and Bahamian handcrafts. Bay Street is lined with souvenir shops and duty-free stores where you can purchase everything from designer goods to local treasures.
When you reach Parliament Street, turn right. You won’t want to miss Nassau’s stately Parliament Square and Supreme Court buildings (7). Painted a brilliant shade of pink, these Colonial-style structures were built in the late 1700s and early 1800s and offer a fascinating glimpse into the political history of The Bahamas. In front of the Senate Building you’ll see a marble statue of Queen Victoria, installed in 1905 to honor her birthday.
After all this exploring, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Backtrack down Parliament Street and turn left at Woodes Rogers Walk. Grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants or, if you’re feeling energetic, keep strolling along the water for about 30 minutes until you reach Arawak Cay (8). Here you’ll find the Fish Fry, where colorful shacks serve up authentic and fresh Bahamian cuisine - the perfect reward for a day on your feet. Bon appétit!
On your way back, be sure to check out Junkanoo Beach (9) along West Bay Street. Rent a beach chair, grab a drink, shop for souvenirs, or just relax and enjoy the sun and sand. After all, that’s what vacation is all about!
Ready to explore Nassau for yourself? Download our walking tour map and get ready to discover our vibrant and fun capital city!