Login Français
 
Nassau, glamor and colonial charm

Nassau, the Bahamas' capital, is located on New Providence island, the centerpiece of this island vacation nation since the shipwrecking days of the pirate Blackbeard. Nassau is the busy hub of international commerce and finance, seat of government, most cosmopolitan city in the Bahama islands and a vibrant center for tourism as well as world-class entertainment. Prized for its safe harbour, Nassau Bahamas made history which has been preserved nicely in Victorian mansions displaying elegant noble architecture cathedrals, weather-beaten 18th-century forts and a hand-carved Queen's Staircase whose 66 steps lead to a view of Nassau not to be missed.

Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, located on New Providence Island offers a variety of experiences from non-stop excitement to peaceful relaxation. Nassau is the center of industry, commerce and communications and presents a special charm which captures the elegance of the old world while at the same time incorporating up-to-the-minute modern features. Here one will find well-preserved colonial buildings, exciting attractions, duty free shopping, one of the largest straw markets in the Caribbean, thrilling land and sea sports, pristine beaches, delightful cuisine and unique cultural activities. Beautiful Paradise Island is linked to Nassau by bridge and has gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels, a large casino and first class entertainment. New Providence is home to Nassau--the nation's capital is the center of industry and commerce in the Bahamas and serves an interesting blend of old world colonial architecture, vast straw markets, and an abundance of people combined with sophisticated new world luxury reminiscent of the 007 movies. Linked to Nassau by bridge is the famed Paradise Island--home to luxurious beaches, a world class golf course, the most plush hotels in the Caribbean, gigantic casinos and of course world class entertainment. 

Come visit the jewel of The Islands Of The Bahamas - Nassau / Paradise Island. As the cultural, social, political and economic centre of The Bahamas, it is the most visited destination in the islands. Nassau / Paradise Island has much to offer visitors. There are more sights and activities here than you can experience in one trip. Pristine beaches, duty-free shopping, posh resorts, dazzling casinos, exciting attractions, historical landmarks and water and land sports of every kind are all waiting for you. And they're all just a "stone's throw" away from each other. The area known as Nassau / Paradise Island includes two separate islands connected by two bridges. Nassau, the capital city of The Islands Of The Bahamas, is located on the northeast shore of the island of New Providence. Tiny Paradise Island is directly across the bridge from Nassau. Although Nassau / Paradise Island accounts for less than two percent of the land area in The Islands Of The Bahamas, it is the residence for 60 percent of Bahamians. Sailors have been drawn to The Islands Of The Bahamas since the days of Christopher Columbus. When you see the crystal-clear water and the powdery-sand beaches of Nassau / Paradise Island, you will understand why this area has long been a favourite destination of captains for hundreds of years.

Nassau, glamor and colonial charm 1

Paradise Island
Boasting a colorful history, yet a host of unremarkable architecture, Paradise Island remains perhaps the most intensely marketed piece of real estate in the world. The sands and shoals of the elongated and narrow island protect the wharves and piers of Nassau, which rise across a narrow channel only 180m (600 ft.) away.

Don't miss...

  • Fort Charlotte - Of all the forts in the Bahamas, Charlotte is the largest, a fact that illustrates Nassau's importance. It was built in 1788 under the governorship of Lord Dunmore, and it is picture perfect with a moat and dungeons. It ramparts offer one the best views of Nassau.
  • Government House - This old mansion is where the British governors lived, and its size and detail bespeaks the power the top official in the Bahamas once wielded. Every other Saturday, you can come to the building and still see a bit of the old pomp, when the changing of the guard takes place.
  • Queen's Staircase - Probably the most famous architectural sight in Nassau, the Queen's Staircase is a flight of 66 steps that links Fort Fincastle to the Princess Margaret Hospital. What makes it remarkable is that the staircase was not built, but carved out of calcareos (coral-based) sandstone at the end of the 18th century.
  • Royal Victoria Gardens - The Royal Victoria Hotel was once the grand damme of the Bahamas. The resulting landscape is a stunning cross between a botanical garden and something like a Roman ruin showing 300 botanical species.
Nassau, glamor and colonial charm 1
 
 
Related Articles
Search
 
Newsletter
Search within the site
Find
 
Register free to receive our official newsletter
Sign up