Nassau Straw Market

The Nassau Straw Market is a can’t-miss New Providence experience. Offering fun shopping opportunities and insight into the Bahamian culture, the market has been a Nassau highlight for decades. 

Travelers looking for a fun shopping experience with cultural origins will want to head to the Nassau Straw Market. Located on Bay Street Nassau, one of the main thoroughfares on the island, the market features straw products, bartering, and insight into the Bahamian past. 

Nassau Straw Market: Enjoy Shopping on Bay Street Nassau

Nassau Straw Market History

While it’s a popular tourist destination today, the Nassau Straw Market has a history that’s rich and worth understanding. 

Historically, islanders wove straw into many different products. Whether it was a fishing trip or a basket for carrying fruit, the material played an important role in Bahamian life. 

Straw played an important role in early Bahamian history.

After World War II ended, international travel became more and more prevalent. Americans, in particular, found the Bahamas to be an enticing destination. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and palm trees swaying in the wind, Nassau slowly became a popular place to visit. 

Today, the Nassau Straw Market offers a glimpse into the past. While some aspects of the market can feel touristy, its origins are as authentically Bahamian as they come. 

What to Expect at the Nassau Flea Market

Go Shopping

Wooden carvings are one type of product you can buy.

If there’s one place on New Providence that’s great for souvenirs, it’s the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas. Inside the building, you can find variations of straw and wood products you didn’t know were possible. 

Straw bags, woven hats, dolls, mats, jewelry, wood carvings, and conch products are some of the many goods you can stumble upon at the market. Whether you’re looking for a personal gift or to bring a souvenir to someone back home, you’ll find it here. 

Outside the Nassau Straw Market, you can find dozens of stalls, boutiques, and stores. Clothing, jewelry, and watch shops, in particular, are everywhere you look. 

Practice Bartering

Be prepared to try and barter with shopkeepers.

While you might find the base prices to be fair, most of the vendors hike them up. If you feel up to it, try your best to negotiate them down. Oftentimes, the selling price is more than double what some would consider fair. 

If the vendor doesn’t budge, try walking away. There’s a good chance they’ll call you back and accept your offer! 

Explore the Surrounding Area 

Once you finish shopping at the Nassau Straw Market, you’ll find yourself in one of the liveliest parts of the island. That said, a five-minute walk can get you to some of the quietest (and best) Nassau attractions. 

From sipping rum at John Walting’s Distillery to walking around 18th-centuryFort Fincastle, Nassau has no shortage of fun destinations to choose from. 

Getting Into Bay Street Nassau

The Nassau Straw Market is on Bay Street Nassau. This major road runs along the northern edge of the island and borders a number of famous spots. From beaches like Junkanoo Beach and Cable Beach to Fort Montagu and Potters Cay, the Bay Street area is a fantastic area to explore. 

The exterior of the Nassau Flea Market is easy to recognize.

Visitors to the island who arrive via the cruise port won’t have to walk far to reach Bay Street Nassau – it’s the first road you arrive at once you exit the terminal. While you can find stalls and luxury stores in every direction, the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is a couple of blocks west (take a right turn when you exit the terminal). 

The Nassau Flea Market is open every day of the week from 8 am to 9 pm. Like most places in Nassau, vendors accept both U.S. and Bahamian dollars. 

Getting Around the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas

The Nassau Straw Market feels reminiscent of other bazaars in countries like Turkey. As you walk through the crowded aisles, you’ll see a staggering collection of goods. You’ll also meet some friendly, albeit persistent, salespeople. 

It’s worth taking your time as you explore the building and shops. Doing so will ensure you end up finding a quality store selling the straw products you’re looking for. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Not all products at the market are created equal.

While the Nassau Straw Market is a fun and worthwhile attraction to shop at, many of the products you see are imported and mass-produced. That said, you can still find some gems. Spend some time poking around the different stalls to ensure the souvenirs you bring home are special. 

Nassau Straw Market: Shopping, Bartering, History, and More 

The Nassau Straw Market is a fun destination to visit on any Bahamas vacation. Whether you choose to barter and take home straw goods or just experience the lively and colorful atmosphere, your visit to the market is certain to be memorable. 

After walking through the Nassau Straw Market, make sure to explore the other nearby Bay Street Nassau attractions. Parliament Square, the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, Pirates of Nassau, andArawak Cay are all fun and worth a visit. 

If you’re hoping to learn more about the many Nassau attractions, check out the rest of our website. Our guides and interactive maps are there to help you plan the ultimate trip.