Balcony House and Museum

Unofficially known as the oldest residential structure in the capital, Balcony House Nassau dates back to the mid-18th Century. It’s a must-see Nassau Old Town site for any history lover. 

Balcony House Nassau is one of many historic structures in Nassau Old Town. Believed to be the oldest residential building in Nassau, the site’s significance along with its Bay Street Nassau location make it an excellent destination to visit. 

Balcony House Nassau: Tour a Bay Street Nassau Highlight 

Nassau Old Town: A History

Originally known as Charles Towne, Nassau was nothing more than a collection of simple structures for the first several decades of its existence. However, in the 1700s, Great Britain invested huge amounts of resources into developing the island of New Providence, partly to combat piracy. This led to the city’s growth and expansion. 

Although its exact origins are unclear, historians believe that Balcony House Nassau was constructed in the late 1700s, when Loyalists were fleeing south from the newly-formed United States. The first written record of the property dates back to 1788 when a family inhabited the site. 

It’s easy to see where Balcony House Nassau gets its name.

The home passed hands several times over the next couple of hundred years, notably to Stephen Dillette, a Haitian. Dillette became the first black man to win a local political election, and several other structures around the island pay homage to his legacy. 

In 1985, the Central Bank of the Bahamas acquired the house and began investing in its restoration. It opened as a museum in 1994. 

What to See at Balcony House and Bay Street Nassau

The Architecture of Balcony House Museum

The staircase is one of several architectural elements originating from a ship.

Balcony House Nassau is a bright pink building – a popular color in the colonial era. Interestingly, the structure exhibits architecture reminiscent of that found on 18th-century ships. Because of that, some historians believe that the interior staircase and other structural elements came directly from various sea-faring vessels. 

Unsurprisingly, the structure’s name comes from its white wooden balcony. This overlooks Market Street and parts of Nassau Old Town. 

Balcony House Nassau Decor

As you walk through Balcony House Nassau, you won’t just see empty rooms. Renovation teams have put a lot of effort into staging the building with historically accurate furniture and decorations. This immersion is one of the best parts of the museum. 

The interior of Balcony House Nassau transports you centuries into the past.

As you walk through the different rooms, you’ll see beds made and ready for slumber, dining tables set for dinner, and a kitchen that appears lived in. This, along with the lack of other people in the museum, makes it seem as if you live there. Many travelers have reported that they expected to see a family member in one of the rooms while touring the museum! 

Balcony House Nassau: Getting in

Like many of the top things to do in Downtown Nassau, Balcony House Nassau is easy to visit.

If you’re visiting Nassau on a cruise ship, you can reach the museum from the cruise terminal on foot in less than ten minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass by restaurants, shops, and other historic sites. Many of these destinations are also worth checking out. 

The museum is one of many Nassau Old Town attractions.

Unless your hotel is in the Downtown area, travelers staying on New Providence orParadise Island may find taxiing to Nassau Old Town the easiest way to reach the museum. Spending some time exploring the other attractions in the area will allow you to experience history, culture, and more. 

The Balcony House Museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. While entrance is free, the museum staff appreciates donations!

Getting Around Balcony House Museum

It takes just around 10 minutes to reach the historic structure from the Nassau Cruise Port.

Exploring Balcony House Nassau should take you around 30 minutes. After that, make your way to some of the other nearby destinations. 

Heading back up to the coast takes you to Junkanoo Beach and the main Bay Street Nassau shopping area. Going west brings you to Graycliff Heritage Village, where you can find more history, as well as lessons on chocolate making, cigar rolling, and more. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Few Bay Street Nassau destinations offer Balcony House’s level of immersion.

Balcony House Nassau is one of many attractions that allows you to understand The Bahamas’ past. Try to find more of these historic attractions scattered across New Providence (our guides can help!). A 30-minute tour is all it takes to get the important insight offered. Plus, you’ll often have attractions like the Balcony House all to yourself!

Things to Do in Downtown Nassau: Visit the Balcony House Museum 

Brimming with rich history, Balcony House Nassau is a worthwhile site to visit for history buffs and non-history fanatics alike. Walking through the building’s various rooms makes it easy to imagine what life centuries ago in the Bahamas was like. This allows you to better appreciate the country’s present. 

After touring Balcony House Nassau, make sure to visit the other nearby Nassau Old Town attractions. The Bahamas Historical Society and Heritage Museum of the Bahamas are walking distance away and full of history. 

While the Nassau Bay Street area is a popular tourist destination, many travelers miss out on visiting its top attractions. To learn more about these and other top Nassau attractions, browse our other travel guides and interactive Nassau map.