Shop On Bay Street, Enjoy Fine Dining, and Explore the Historic Sites in Capitol City of Nassau Bahamas

Nassau Bahamas is located on the island of New Providence, which is located in the central Bahamas. Click here to see a map showing New Providence in relation to the other Bahamas Islands.

New Providence has always provided one of the best natural harbors for small vessels in the Caribbean. This fact along with the island's close proximity to the Florida Straight are the main reasons the island attracted hoardes of notorious pirate gangs in the late 1700's. This is also why Nassau later became a British military outpost

Nassau's accessibility is also why most people who vacation in the Bahamas vacation in Nassau. There is an international airport there with daily direct flights to and from the United States, the UK, and the Caribbean. There is also a huge cruise ship dock that unloads passengers right onto the Bay Street shopping area. Add to that all the nearby attractions like Paradise Island Resort and Casino and several others, and you've got more than enough to keep you busy in this tropical paradise!

Don't get me wrong, we've had plenty of good times in Nassau Bahamas and so can you. In fact, if you're looking for gambling, shopping, and nightlife, Nassau has it all.

1) Don't sound like a tourist, cay is pronounced "key"

2) If you rent a car, remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road.

3) For a stunning view of the island, check out the water tower at the head of Elizabeth Avenue. It is the island's highest point at 216 feet above sea level.

4) If you want to escape the crowds at the famed Cable Beach, wander over to Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. You might even find a spot all to yourself if you walk down to the northwest end.

5) Stay away from the downtown area when there is more than one cruise ship in town unless crowds of cruise boaters are your thing. That would be an excellent day to hit the beach.

6) You are on an island, so most things have to be imported. Expect prices to be higher than what you are used to, especially for food and drinks.

7) The number thing to remember about Nassau is also true any small island, things move a lot slower around here. Learn to RELAX and don't expect things to move as quickly as you might like.

DAYTIME FUN

1) Walk, Take a Car, or a Water Taxi to Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island. The architecture is amazing. You can stroll past the mega-yachts in the marina, check out the glitzy casino, and visit the world's largest open air marine habitat. Oh, and bring your swimsuit, it's also a waterslide park!

2) Stroll along Bay Street and visit the Straw Market.

3) Visit Graycliff Hotel, Restaurant, and Cigar Factory.

4) Tour the Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum and learn all about Nassau's pirate history!

5) See the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and take home local artwork as a souvenir.

6) Go sailing or have a powerboat adventure! You can take a sunset cruise on sailing catamaran or have a powerboat whisk you off to a deserted island for lunch and close encounters with wildlife. There is something for everyone.

7) Go snorkeling or scuba diving and meet the aquatic locals.

8) Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre

9) Climb the Queen's Staircase, 65 steps carved out of the limestone wall in 1793.

10) Visit Fort Fincastle, also built in 1793.

1) Club Waterloo on East Bay Street has something for everyone! They've been going strong for 30 years and have a sports bar, disco, and patio bar.

2) Cocktails and Dreams on West Bay Street is Nassau's only beachfront nightclub. Lots of dancing. They also have a simple late night bar menu.

3) Hammerheads Bar and Grill on East Bay Street between the two bridges to Paradise Island is a local favorite. This place is laid back with great live music.

I have to admit that I am not really the nightclub type. My idea of nightlife is a cocktail or two with friends in a private setting. Maybe doing some night fishing, or just stargazing. But, it seems like there is plenty of nightlife in Nassau for whoever is looking for it...

Don't forget about Paradise Island right across the bridge! They have a casino and dance club for nightlife fun!