8 Best Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

The capital of the Bahamas has much more to offer than what we usually see online. When someone mentions the Bahamas, we quickly think of a remote tropical island in the middle of nowhere. We don't know about you, but we wanted to escape to a place far from home at some point in our lives. And one of those places in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas is a dream destination for travelers of all stripes. Whether you’re into diving, pool lounging, or beach trekking, this is a destination that thrives on those who seek nature’s beauty. It’s home to stunning pink sand beaches and some of the world’s best waterslides. But what is often overlooked here is its incredible food and rich culture of family and hospitality. Year-round the Bahamas is an incredible place to visit.

Now, we're giving you a different look at this paradise. While we've included a few beaches in this list, we're focusing more on what else you can find in this stunning little country, especially in Nassau.

Nassau is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the world
Nassau is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the world

Here are some of the best things to do in Nassau and prepare to be surprised at how amazing these spots are:

1. Paradise Island


Hearing the name Atlantis Paradise Island, you'd be easily transported to a literal piece of heaven on earth. No wonder it's one of the most visited tourist attractions in Nassau. The luxury hotel will make you want to stay there forever with its state of the art facilities and a room with an ocean view. How can you not love it?

It doesn't even end there. Atlantis also has a water park called the Aquaventure with tons of aquatic playgrounds for kids and kids at heart. You'd probably need at least two days to experience the whole place. But the best part of all? We'd say it's the Dolphin Cay! It's a 14-acre sanctuary where you can play with sea lions and swim with dolphins.

And before you even think that the concept is a clear violation of marine life, the Dolphin Cay has an animal rehabilitation facility. The facility helps in the conservation and protection of these aquatic creatures.

2. Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre


If you love the wildlife and the greener part of a paradise, you have to see the Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre. It's a haven for rare animal species like peafowls, lory parrots, Madagascar lemurs, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, and the famous Caribbean flamingos.

There is also a comprehensive collection of flora in the Ardastra Garden. This is where you can find blooms and trees that make this planet an exciting space to live in. It will fulfill the peace you are looking for, especially after spending too much time in the casinos and club hopping.

3. John Watling's Distillery


Imagine a scenario where you're drinking a shot of rum while sunbathing and you kind of wonder where this rum came from? The answer is waiting for you at John Watling's Distillery. Visit the Buena Vista Estate in downtown Nassau which is just a walking distance from the cruise ship port. It carries a long-etched history of making the rum, with bits and pieces of how it became known to be the Spirit of the Bahamas.

John Watling's home is open to everyone who wishes to know the history of the drink, or well, if you are a rum fanatic, go for it. Visitation hours run daily from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

4. Queen's Staircase


If you think the Queen's Staircase is a literal staircase from a particular castle where royalty lives, you're thinking wrong. Although, it has a bit of royal reference to it as it was named after Queen Victoria. This historic landmark was built between 1793 and 1794.

The 66 steps, as locals more commonly know it, is a clear manifestation of slavery back in the day. It was the slaves of the island that made this staircase to connect Fort Fincastle to downtown Nassau.

5. Parliament Square


You have probably seen the flamingo-pink buildings in the Bahamas and wondered what they could be. It's called the Parliament Square, and it houses their Senate and House of Assembly. It's one of the most visited tourist attractions in Nassau because, honestly, it's pretty to look at, and it is one of the Instagram-worthy places in Nassau. Going to the Bahamas without a photo at these pink buildings will make your trip incomplete.

There's also a Queen Victoria statue in the middle as a reminder of the British rule from 1837 to 1901.

6. Clifton Heritage National Park


For the tourists who love a more thrilling adventure, take the trails in Clifton Heritage National Park and discover unique locations. The area is overflowing with history and a stunning display of natural resources, including the beaches, a cave, and a medicinal garden. You will also encounter the ruins of a cotton plantation and a site where slaves used to live—something that will send shivers down your spine.

It's an integral part of the Bahamas' history, so you should not miss a trip to this national park.

7. The Retreat Garden


The Retreat is an 11-acre garden with over a hundred collections of exotic species of palm. Plant parents would have this Bahamas tourist spot on top of their list. It used to be private property but has become a national park and the educational center of the Bahamas National Trust in 1977.

The Retreat is a massive park that requires tourists to have a map on hand when exploring the area. That's because you might get lost just by looking at the wildflowers and trees that live and thrive in the area.

8. Pirates of Nassau


Of course, when you visit an island like the Bahamas, pirates' stories and their ships are famous. They even dedicated an interactive museum to the Golden Age of Piracy in Nassau, which took place from 1690 to 1720. The Pirates of Nassau has captured the fascinating facts of how these ocean looters started their Bahamas journey.

This tourist spot nailed the vignettes and interactive games to transport visitors into the time where these scenarios happened.

Conclusion

The Bahamas is one of the exciting places to spend your vacation. Aside from the fact that it's a lone island in the middle of the Caribbean, it also has an enthralling history that tourists should know about. But then again, if we were to be honest, there's nothing wrong about diving right into their magical waters! The Bahamas is a real charmer. Just enjoy the views and make sure to capture every moment.
Kalyan Panja