Most visitors to The Bahamas are there to enjoy the country’s breathtaking beaches. When you return, you’ll find many Nassau Bahamas points of interest to enjoy. From history to Versailles gardens and rum cakes, our list of things to do in Nassau Bahamas below is the secret to a memorable trip.
No visit is complete without seeing the playful Swimming Pigs of Exuma. Bahamas Air Tours makes it easy to see them on a quick and comfortable flight, along with several other top attractions, such as nurse sharks, underwater caves, and sandbars. Embark on an unforgettable Nassau to Exuma day trip, where you’ll experience the iconic swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. This full-day excursion combines the thrill of a scenic flight with the serenity of the Exuma Cays’ turquoise waters.
Nassau day trips to see the Swimming Pigs are the ultimate excursions.
Your journey begins with a short flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Bahamian archipelago. Upon arrival, a speedboat awaits to whisk you across the crystal-clear waters. This comprehensive tour offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, historical sites, and relaxation, making it a must-do experience when visiting the Bahamas.
Nassau Bahamas Points of Interest: 9 Things to See in Nassau
Don’t miss these nine things to see in Nassau after returning from your Nassau to Staniel Cay day tour. Each one adds unique flavor to your island experience.
1. John Watling’s Rum Distillery
Rum tasting at John Watling’s makes for a fun and memorable experience.
Few things compare to a cold drink on a hot day. And if you’re looking for Nassau Bahamas points of interest that serve refreshing beverages, John Watling’s Rum Distillery is the destination to visit.
As you might guess from the name, John Watling’s specializes in rum production. On the beautiful property, you can observe the production process before sampling different rum varieties. If you’re not a rum fan, don’t worry – the distillery has a full bar with other beverage options.
Beyond the bar, the site also showcases different types of history. The Buena Vista estate dates back to the 18th Century, and the property even served as a filming location for the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.
2. Queen’s Staircase
Connecting to a nearby fort, Queen’s Staircase is a scenic and historic attraction.
History lovers and Instagrammers alike will find Queen’s Staircase one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas. A set of stairs carved into solid limestone, the flight served as an escape route from nearby Fort Fincastle. The Bahamas had a turbulent history with both pirates and European powers when it was a colony. Defensive structures like Fort Fincastle underscore the lengths taken by the British government to protect the Nassau area.
Surrounded by lush foliage, Queen’s Staircase is as photogenic as it is historic.
3. Graycliff Heritage Village
Some of the top things to do in Nassau are at Graycliff Heritage Village.
Graycliff Heritage Village is an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and other venues. Centered around the historic Graycliff Hotel, the village is an ideal place to spend a couple of hours and is home to several colorful Nassau Bahamas points of interest.
The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, for example, houses an expansive private collection of historical artifacts. From weaponry and artwork to a replica chocolate shop, the museum offers a fun yet educational walk through the halls of history.
Bahama Barrels by Graycliff also offers one of the top activities in Nassau Bahamas: wine tasting. Located in an old church, Bahama Barrels is the only winery on New Providence.
Other activities like chocolate making and cigar rolling further solidify Graycliff Heritage Village as one of the top Nassau Bahamas points of interest.
4. Atlantis Aquaventure
Aquaventure is home to slides, rides, and much more.
If there’s one Nassau location where you should go to beat the heat, it’s Aquaventure Water Park. Part of the sprawling Atlantis – Paradise Island resort complex, Aquaventure is home to an expansive collection of slides, pools, and aquariums. Altogether, the waterpark covers 141 acres.
If you’ve never plunged down a slide through a tunnel into shark-filled waters, Aquaventure is the place to do it. That said, travelers looking for less excitement can still find plenty to do. The Atlantis Aquaventure aquariums are top-notch, while pools and lounge areas serve as prime areas for unwinding.
Day passes ensure that even if you don’t stay at Atlantis, you can make use of its amazing waterpark.
5. Junkanoo Beach
Located a short walk away from the cruise terminal, Junkanoo Beach is beautiful and accessible.
Although the best Bahamas beaches are arguably in Exuma, Junkanoo Beach is another of the Nassau Bahamas points of interest worth visiting. Named after a lively Bahamian holiday, the beach embodies the colorful energy of Nassau. Expect local music, street vendors, and a mix of locals and vacationers.
While it may not be the largest beach in Nassau, the views at Junkanoo Beach are still picture-perfect. Renting a lounger and purchasing a cold, piña colada from a nearby bar promise to make the experience heavenly.
With its downtown location, Junkanoo Beach is just steps away from the Nassau Cruise Terminal and many of the best activities in Nassau Bahamas.
6. Pompey Museum
Pompey Museum is one of the Nassau Bahamas points of interest.
Nassau has a rich and complex history of several distinct epochs. One of these was slavery, followed by emancipation – two subjects on full display at Pompey Museum.
Located in Downtown Nassau, the site of Pompey Museum was the location of 18th-century slave auctions. Today, the museum showcases these horrors, as well as the contrasting beauty of emancipation.
Nestled amongst these exhibits are displays showcasing other important points in Nassau’s history, such as independence. The Bahamas became independent in 1973 after being a British colony for over 300 years.
7. Rum Cake Factory
Try an authentic rum cake at the Nassau Rum Cake Factory.
If you’ve eaten a soggy cake soaked in rum before and didn’t love it, don’t worry – it wasn’t an authentic Bahamian rum cake. If you’re now looking to remedy that memory, head to the Nassau Rum Cake Factory for a moist yet delicate morsel with just a faintly boozy taste.
While you can find shops and restaurants throughout the Nassau area selling rum cakes, the Rum Cake Factory on Bay Street is the place to go. Offering a variety of flavors, cake boxes to take home to friends and family, and enough samples to make dinner optional, the shop is another of the top Nassau Bahamas points of interest.
8. Versailles Gardens and Paradise Island
The cloisters and Versailles Gardens at The Ocean Club are stunning.
Paradise Island is a small island connected to the main Nassau island of New Providence by a bridge. Featuring newer developments and less history, Paradise Island is home to some of the biggest resort names like Atlantis. That said, at The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, you can find history on display unlike anything else in the Nassau area.
The resort grounds feature the remains of a medieval French monastery. Disassembled before transport and then reassembled on Paradise Island, the stone ruins contrast vividly with the aquamarine water behind them.
In addition to the French cloisters, the grounds also feature Versailles-inspired gardens. Flowers, manicured lawns, and pristine landscaping solidify the site as one of the top Nassau Bahamas points of interest.
9. Parliament Square and Nassau Old Town
Parliament Square is a historic site in Nassau Old Town.
From museums to historic structures like the Balcony House, Nassau Old Town is full of history. If you’re short on time but still want to visit a historic heavy hitter, consider a quick stop at Parliament Square.
A small plaza, the area is bordered by a collection of colorful buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. At Parliament Square, you can also see a statue of Queen Victoria, the monarch who ruled the British Empire for nearly 64 years.
While history is on display at Parliament Square, the site also has modern significance. The surrounding buildings house the different branches of the modern-day Bahamian government.
Whether you’re there to snap photos or soak in the atmosphere, Parliament Square serves as a window into both the past and the present.
Nassau Bahamas Points of Interest: Explore Nassau
Whether you’re interested in history, cultural sites, or oh-so-beautiful beaches, you’ll find many Nassau Bahamas points of interest in the capital area. Give yourself the time you need to visit the Nassau attractions during your Bahamas vacation. You’ll thank yourself later!
Bahamas Air Tours is here to help make your vacation as memorable as possible. Our day trip makes it easy to travel to Exuma and meet the friendly Swimming Pigs. Along the way, you’ll also have time to explore underwater caves, an iguana island, and several other incredible destinations.
Contact us to book your Bahamas adventure with us today!
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