A Nassau self guided walking tour is one of the best ways to experience the capital of the Bahamas. While many visitors stick to the beaches (and they are certainly something worth experiencing), the reality is that Nassau has a lot more to offer than just sand.
From historical sites to political and cultural centers, a self guided walking tour of Nassau makes it possible to see all of this and more. However, given the number of attractions to visit, going in with a plan is essential.
In this guide, we’re going to help you do that. Listed below are seven attractions that all Nassau tours should include, no matter how long you’re in the country.
Read on to start creating the ultimate Nassau walking tour!
A Nassau self guided walking tour is one of the best ways to explore the city.
Nassau Self Guided Walking Tour: 7 Things to See
1. The Nassau Government House
It’s easy to forget about politics (and probably recommended to forget about it) when you’re on vacation. That said, if you’re looking to learn more about the government of the Bahamas, the Nassau Government House is the place to do it.
The Government House is a great stop on a Nassau walking tour.
Located on a beautiful ten-acre estate, the site is the home of the Governor General of the Bahamas. But besides being a political site, it’s also historic. Constructed in 1801, the building showcases an interesting mix of Bahamian British and American colonial architecture. Because of all of that, it’s one site you won’t want to miss out on while enjoying your Nassau self guided walking tour.
2. The Exumas
While you might not be able to walk there, one place you’ll want to visit while in Nassau is the Exumas. Located south of the capital, this region of 365 islands houses some of the top attractions in the country.
The Swimming Pigs in Exuma are one of the highlights of the entire country.
The Exumas are home to the Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach, the friendly pigs that love splashing around in the bright blue water. Close to their island, you can also find other incredible sites, including nurse sharks at Compass Cay, iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, and so much more.
Bahamas day trips by plane take you from Nassau to the Exumas in around 30 minutes. That leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the attractions of the region, then head back to Nassau that same day to enjoy the rest of your Nassau self guided walking tour.
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3. Queen’s Staircase
Regardless of whether you’re an avid history fan or are just looking to add another stop on your Nassau self guided walking tour, Queen’s Staircase is another site you won’t want to miss out on visiting.
Carved out of limestone by slaves at the end of the 18th century, Queen’s Staircase honors Queen Victoria (the same monarch whose statue is at Parliament Square). She ruled Britain for more than 60 years in the 19th century, so the staircase is one of many homages to her.
Queen’s Staircase is one of the many highlights of Nassau Old Town.
Besides the actual staircase itself, the tropical foliage present is another reason why Queen’s Staircase is another Nassau Old Town highlight.
4. Fort Fincastle
While you’re exploring Fort Fincastle, your Nassau self guided walking tour doesn’t need to end there. Located at the top is another one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas: Fort Fincastle.
Built in the 18th century, the British hoped that Fort Fincastle’s massive walls and cannons would deter piracy in the region. After its initial construction, it served as a lighthouse until 1817, when a lighthouse on Paradise Island replaced it. Today, on account of its rich history, it’s another one of the top sites to see on a Nassau walking tour.
Fort Fincastle, located in Nassau Old Town, is a history lover’s dream.
5. Graycliff Heritage Village
While on your self guided walking tour of Nassau, another area you’ll want to explore is Graycliff Heritage Village. The village is an art center on the island, making it a stop worth visiting if you’re looking to learn more about Nassau’s art scene.
Visiting Graycliff Heritage Village is one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas.
From murals and pottery to jewelry pieces made of shells, you can find works of art across all sorts of mediums at Heritage Village. Depending on your budget, you can even look into purchasing a piece or two to bring home. Whether it’s for you or someone else, Heritage Village makes souvenir shopping easy on your Nassau self guided walking tour.
6. Junkanoo Beach
While arts, history, and politics are important, no Nassau tours are complete without a stop at one (or several) of the island’s world-famous beaches. While you have quite a few scattered across the island (and nearby Paradise Island) to choose from, one that’s accessible and well worth a visit is Junkanoo Beach.
Spending time at Junkanoo Beach is a necessity while on Nassau tours.
Located right near Nassau’s cruise ship port and most of the action that takes place on the island, Junkanoo Beach gets a bit crowded in the afternoon. However, its fun and lively atmosphere is part of its appeal. Along the beach, you’ll find all sorts of bars, restaurants, and shops that you can also explore.
If you’re hoping to avoid some of the crowds, consider making Junkanoo Beach one of the first stops on your walking tour Nassau Bahamas. The earlier you can get there, the less crowded the beach will be. That’s especially true if you’re able to arrive there before some of the cruise ships.
Either way, the beach is stunning and everything you’d expect a Nassau beach to be. If you’re still looking for more beach time after visiting Junkanoo Beach, consider stopping by Cable Beach, Love Beach, or Jaws Beach. All of them are similarly beautiful and worth visiting!
7. Graycliff Hotel
While exploring Heritage Village on your Nassau self guided walking tour, you’d be remiss if you didn’t also visit the Graycliff Hotel.
If you choose to stay there, you’ll get to enjoy the resort’s stunning four-star amenities. Pools, jacuzzis, a sauna, and luxurious rooms are just some of the many attractions that the hotel offers. However, even if you don’t end up staying there, travelers enjoying Nassau tours should still consider stopping by. From the property’s several hotels and bars to its stunning pools and gardens, the hotel is beautiful, to say the least.
Tropical and historic, Graycliff Hotel is another beautiful Nassau site.
Another site you’ll want to visit in the area is the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. Located in the historical Mountbatten House across from the hotel, the museum is the place to go if you’re looking to learn more about the history of the Bahamas. From pirates and slavery to plantations and even prehistory, the site houses all sorts of artifacts and relics from different eras. Don’t miss out on stopping by if you’re a history lover!
Walking Tour Nassau Bahamas: Enjoy the Sites
From colonial forts to art centers and of course, stunning beaches, a Nassau self guided walking tour is a great way to make the most of your time in the capital of the Bahamas. While you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the attractions listed above, there’s one in particular you’ll want to ensure you take advantage of.
A Nassau to Staniel Cay day tour gives you the chance to explore the Exumas, a region that houses everything from the Exuma Pigs to nurse sharks and more beautiful beaches. A day trip gives you plenty of time to soak up the sites and then return back to Nassau that same evening.
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