Things to do in Nassau

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas is connected to the city by a bridge. The pink Royal Towers are the landmark of this resort, with the two towers connected by the Bridge Suite in the middle, making them highly visible when viewed across the water from the Nassau coast. The entire resort is themed around the legend of the lost Atlantis, connecting the hotel, beaches, aquarium, lagoons, and water park. It is a sister resort to Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, sharing the same brand. Families with children can start with the shallow water slides and the aquarium, while thrill-seekers should head straight for the Mayan Temple slides. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, take a walk along the coastal promenade, where you can also capture photos of the Royal Towers with the Caribbean Sea in the background.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Bahamas

National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is located in downtown Nassau and houses the national art collection of the Bahamas. The building itself is a piece of history: it was renovated from Villa Doyle, built in the 1860s. Once the residence of the Chief Justice of the Bahamas, this old mansion features neoclassical columns paired with Bahamian-style wrap-around verandas and louvered wooden windows. The restoration project took nearly seven years, and it officially opened as an art gallery in 2003. The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, and video installations from the 19th century to the present, featuring works by representative Bahamian artists such as Amos Ferguson and Brent Malone. The themes of the works often revolve around island life, ethnic memory, and post-independence identity.

Aquaventure

Aquaventure is a large water park centered on a Mayan temple-style slide tower and a cluster of towering slide towers, with over 20 pools and play areas scattered throughout. The park's activities are generally divided into two categories: one is river rafting, where the rapids river surrounding the slide towers stretches for approx. 1.6 km. You can ride an inner tube along the water, encountering surges, lifts, and drops along the way, as well as a section of white-water rapids, which is much more exciting than the typical lazy river. The other category is water slides, including "The Abyss," which starts with a near-vertical plunge, travels through a pitch-black tube, and goes through an underwater tunnel, as well as multiple tube slides that twist and turn like a water roller coaster. Many slide exits lead directly into the rapids river, allowing you to float back to the tower after sliding and line up for the next round, making for a smooth flow of movement.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Bahamas

Pirates of Nassau

Pirates of Nassautells the true story of the pirates of the Caribbean. It not only displays the weapons and ships used by the pirates of the Caribbean when they captured the Bahamas, but the museum itself is also themed, with different lighting effects used from room to room to follow the storyline.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Bahamas

Fort Fincastle

Fort Fincastle is located on Bennett's Hill in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This limestone fortress, built in 1793 by the colonial governor Lord Dunmore, features a unique, well-preserved design resembling the bow of a ship. Its 36m high lookout offers a panoramic view of Nassau Harbor, and the 66 steps of the Queen's Staircase on the east side echo the history of the fortress, making it an iconic landmark. Visitors can climb the wooden stairs to the battery area, touch the 18th-century cast-iron cannons, and observe the intricate layout of the harbor fortifications. The interior of the fortress displays colonial-era military maps and weapon replicas, and guided tours offer a quick way to learn about the building's history. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or before sunset to avoid the peak of cruise ship crowds and to capture the pink building and the blue harbor in the golden light. It is a 15-minute walk from the city center; wearing non-slip shoes is recommended for the stone steps.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Bahamas

The Dig

Paradise Island is home to one of the world's largest aquariums—The Dig. This 14-acre marine habitat is home to over 100 species of fish and a total of 55,000 marine creatures—an astonishing number. Additionally, the island offers 2 popular activities, Dolphin Encounter and Motorboat Adventure, which are loved by children.

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Bahamas

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is the country's zoo and one of the historic conservation zoos in the Caribbean, home to many animals native to South America. It attracts many visitors each year to see rare animals such as flamingos, parrots, and peacocks, and to participate in interactive experiences. Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre not only showcases a rich variety of animal species but has also become an important force for wildlife conservation in the Caribbean through its education and conservation mission. Whether walking with flamingos or getting up close with parrots, visitors can enjoy a unique nature experience here.

Fort Charlotte

This is an 18th-century palatial castle, built in 1788 and completed in two years. The castle boasts elegant architecture and a complex, labyrinthine interior, perfect for visitors who enjoy exploring ancient architecture at a leisurely pace. The grounds preserve some historical facilities, including cannons used at the time, decorative halls, and antique furniture, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like back then. The outdoor gardens are also well-maintained, ideal for strolls or taking photos. The overall atmosphere is tranquil; a half-day visit is recommended if you're not in a rush, making it a great option for those interested in history or architecture.

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in downtown Nassau, Bahamas. It is only about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the cruise terminal. It is conveniently located and is loved by tourists and locals. The beach is known for its white and fine sand, clear blue water and warm atmosphere. It is often called the "Spring Break Beach" and is an ideal place to experience the vibrant culture of the Bahamas. The beach is dotted with colorful beach huts, bars and restaurants, offering authentic Bahamian cuisine and specialty drinks. Visitors can enjoy the sun, taste delicious food, participate in activities such as beach volleyball, and feel the local festive atmosphere. In addition, there is a local market near the beach where visitors can buy handicrafts and souvenirs to support the local economy. Whether you want to relax or feel the local enthusiasm, this is a destination not to be missed.

Athol Island