As the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is an essential stopover, whether it's your final destination or a gateway to the archipelago. Straddling influences from America and England, it blends modern vibrancy with colonial charm. You'll pay in US dollars (at par with the Bahamian dollar across the islands), spot oversized limousines, and see tourists in shorts and caps browsing Bay Street's duty-free shops—but there's far more to it.
Just 40 years after gaining independence from Britain, the Bahamas retains strong British roots: driving on the left, uniformed schoolchildren, judges in white wigs, changing of the guard ceremonies, and tea at the governor's palace. Away from the cruise ship docks, Nassau reveals its soul as a pastel-hued village of pink colonial houses exuding old-world allure. Horse-drawn carriages share streets with limousines, while echoes of pirates, corsairs, and wreck looters linger at sites like Blackbeard's Tower and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
To experience the true Nassau, head early to Potters Cay fish market under the bridge to Paradise Island—the former 'Island of Pigs' now a seaside Vegas. Watch port bustle, play dominoes with local fishermen, or hop on a 'mailboat'—postal cargo vessels linking Nassau to outer islands, occasionally carrying passengers for $30–$70 depending on the route.
Roots Experience: Savor conch salad (fresh conch marinated in lime with onions, celery, and cilantro), paired with Kalik beer, at Arawak Cay or Potters Cay stalls.
Charm Experience: Enjoy a drink at Marley Resort & Spa, the Marley family's former Cable Beach summer home, then dine at Nettie's or Different of Nassau nearby. For upscale indulgence, try Graycliff, an 18th-century pirate mansion where time stands still.
Roots Experience: Orange Hill Beach Inn, a cozy guesthouse. www.orangehill.com.
Charm Experience: A Stone's Throw Away, a stunning colonial house on West Bay Street hills. www.astonesthrowaway.com.
Consult the Bahamas Tourist Office for tailored advice on islands matching your interests—be it relaxation, diving, golf, or nature—and budget. 113-115 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris. Phone: 01 45 26 62 62.
