Tourism is a $2 billion industry in the Bahamas and there are dozens of historical attractions, museums, resorts, and novel sites to visit in Nassau alone. Because most visitors only have a short time to explore the city, however, it is best to know which sites are the most significant and offer the widest range of unique experiences so it is possible to gain insight into all aspects of Bahamian life.

Explore Bahamas History at Fort Fincastle

Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle is an excellent lookout offering panoramic views of Nassau and a glimpse of the city’s historic defenses. It is perched at the top of Elizabeth Avenue and can be reached by the Queen’s Staircase, a 65-step staircase carved by slaves out of a limestone cliff in the late 1700s. The adjacent Water Tower is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks and at 216 feet above sea level, it is also the highest point on New Providence Island. After walking through Fort Fincastle, visitors can ascend an elevator to the top of the tower for a nominal fee and witness breathtaking views of the city, cruise ship docks, and nearby islands.

Find Bahamas Bargains at the Straw Market

The Straw Market on Bay Street just west of the cruise docks is one of the largest straw markets in the world, offering beaded jewelry, hand-woven bags, wood carvings, and other trinkets from hundreds of vendors. Interspersed with the unique crafts are more traditional souvenirs: t-shirts, key chains, picture frames, and shot glasses are plentiful. Shoppers are welcome to barter with merchants, and watching local artisans weave new merchandise on-site is a treat even for non-shoppers. The Market is open daily and is often augmented by small boats on the northern end where additional vendors display conch shells and other aquatic treasures.

Bahamian Natural Wonders at Ardastra Gardens

Visitors to the Bahamas will be struck by its natural beauty and exotic wildlife as they explore Ardastra Gardens, a set of extensive botanical gardens that house more than 300 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds native to Caribbean and Latin American nations. Pink flamingos are the national bird of the Bahamas, and a trained flock of the tropical birds performs three daily shows to delight young and old. Across from the Gardens is an additional botanical preserve with more than a dozen acres of carefully cultivated flowering trees and shrubs, including multiple orchid varieties that line winding pathways and decorative ponds.

Luxury Living at the Atlantis Resort

For tourists who crave a vacation of mystery and mythology, there is no better destination than the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, just minutes from downtown Nassau. With more than 2,300 rooms in various towers and luxurious suites, this is the one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. The resort celebrates the Lost Continent of Atlantis with numerous waterfalls, marine habitats, lagoons, and aquariums that house more than 200 species of sharks, fish, and other marine life. Underwater grottos and viewing tunnels offer visitors a rare glimpse of the natural habitats of these exotic creatures, and pools and waterslides offer adventurous marine habitats for guests. Atlantis is also home to one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean, dozens of restaurants and lounges, and the Marina Village Bahamian marketplace with more than 20 distinctive shops. Non-hotel guests can purchase access passes to the resort’s many attractions for a modest fee.

Delve into Local Bahamas Color with a Surrey Ride

Despite the many organized attractions available in Nassau, one of the best options is one of the least commercialized: a quaint surrey ride in a horse-drawn cart. Knowledgeable local drivers offer 30 minute tours of downtown Nassau in private carriages, and along the circular route passengers are treated to colorful historical tidbits and local culture. Rides begin near Parliament Square with its distinctive pink buildings (in honor of the flamingo) that surround a statue of Queen Victoria. Other tour highlights include the shopping district, where drivers point out the best stores for different shopping needs, as well as several historic homes throughout the city. Drivers are independent dealers and prices can be negotiated, though the standard rate is $20-30 per ride (not per passenger).

From historical monuments to natural wonders to luxury resorts, Nassau is the political, cultural, and economical capital of the Bahamas. Though there are more than 700 islands in the nation, 29 of which are inhabited, a visit to this lively capital on New Providence Island provides tourists with insights into all areas of Bahamian culture and history, and every visitor leaves with just a little more Caribbean spirit in their soul.

written by: Melissa Mayntz

For luxury dining at its Bahama best, Chez Willie is the place to be. At these coveted tables, Fine French and Bahamian cuisine are served. Reservations are definitely required. The seafood is divine, prepared careful and delicately seasoned with fresh herbs. Other superb dishes include Beef Wellington, and grouper in puff pastry with crabmeat, served with a coconut cream sauce. This establishment strives for and easily achieves elegance. It is suggested that gentlemen dress for the occasion, jackets are considered a must at this West Bay Street restaurant. One of the best dining places in Nassau, the hours are from 6:30pm to 10pm daily.

Excellent North Indian cuisine is available at Gaylord’s on Dowdeswell Street at Bay Street, in Nassau. Offering a full array of traditional Indian favorites, including Punjabi dishes, tandoori dishes, kormas, curries as well as fine vegetarian options. This restaurant will satisfy Indian food lovers and convert the uninitiated. Open Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm and every day from 6:30pm to 11pm.

The Double Dragon Restaurant, located on Mackey Street in Nassau, presents Cantonese and Sczechwan cuisines at reasonable prices. The best dishes are those of seafood, and the orange flavored shrimp are a local favorite. The hours are 12pm to 10pm on Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are from 4pm to 11pm and on Sundays, the hours are from 5pm to 10pm.

The Europe, located in the Ocean Spray Hotel on South Bay Street in Nassau, serves wonderful German food, and also has a variety of international selections. A host of traditional German foods, of excellent quality and reasonable price, are made available. Among these are pepper steak cognac, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and wiener schnitzel. And, of course, the dessert menu includes a fabulous, classic German chocolate cake. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11pm, this is definitely a culinary experience to try.

Capriccio offers fine Italian and international cuisine, at West bay Street, in Nassau. They serve an excellent pesto sauce, fragrant and rich, over perfect pasta. Other entrees include a delicious chicken breast creation, served with a sage and wine sauce and an array of fresh seafood. Reservations are strongly suggested, the eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 5pm to 10pm.

New Providence Island is a place where you can experience the cuisines of the world under a big Bahamian sky. Dining on this island is a true culinary adventure.

Randy Besosa for Caribbean In Style – Caribbean luxury vacation

Junkanoo is a Bahamian parade that features the local music and costumes. This festival has been compared to Mardi Gras with the way that everyone celebrates with much enthusiasm. The residents of the island come together as one large group to celebrate their freedom, their past and their culture. Several larger groups compete for cash prizes each year in their costumes made from cardboard covered in tiny pieces of colorful crepe paper. The parade participants dance in the streets to the sounds of cowbells. This parade usually begins with a shotgun start at 2 a.m. on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year’s Day. The party continues until about 9 a.m., when the results of the parade are declared in Rawson Square. Your all inclusive resorts Bahamas concierge will be able to point you in the direction of the Square.

The stories that tell the origins of the Junkanoo festival are many. The most widely accepted version gives credit to an African prince and slave trader by the name of John Canoe. It is said that in the 17th century while he had control of Fort Brandenbury, the Dutch and English feared him. The African slaves viewed him as a hero and idolized him. When the slaves were brought to the Bahamas, they continued to worship him. The slaves were allowed three days off each year, January 1st, December 25th and December 26th. This is why Junkanoo takes place on those particular two days. In 1938, December 26th was declared a public holiday and became known as Boxing Day due to the boxing and exchanging of gifts. If you are visiting the Bahamas during this exciting time of year, make sure that you bring plenty of presents that you can open on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day at your Bahamas vacation rentals.

There is no doubting that Junkanoo is an exciting time to witness. At no other time of the year do the people of the Bahamas come together to celebrate as a whole. Experiencing Junkanoo is a once in a lifetime experience that you will be talking about for years to come.

If you are interested in learning more about traveling to the Bahamas during Junkanoo, SuperClubs can help. SuperClubs also has lots of information about Bahamas vacation rentals. Junkanoo is a festival that is definitely a sight to see. Book your all inclusive Bahamas vacation at SuperClubs today. Your exciting all inclusive resorts Bahamas vacation is just one easy click away.

The three main islands of the Bahamas on Grand Bahama, New Providence Island and Paradise Island. Paradise Island is well known as the home of the Atlantis casino resort. Nassau the capital has found a New Providence Island. There are a number of other places to visit which is served by several cruise lines which offer private island retreats.

The Bahamas is also home to a number of festivals including the Bahama Junkanoo which is a street carnival held every Boxing Day and also a New Year’s Day. These festivals attract a large number of tourists and a distinguished by the local native music which includes African rhythms and loud brass.

The Bahamas also enjoys a very favourable climate, in tropical marine. Getting there is not difficult for citizens of the United States, Canada and the European Union since no visas are required for entry and people may stay for up to three months. The main airport is in the capital with a second Airport in the Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama.

Some of the many activities that you can take part in on a holiday or a honeymoon to the Bahamas include snorkeling, glass bottom boat words and various eco- expeditions. There are some particularly impressive reefs, some are most well known in the Caribbean. Other places worth seeing include the capital and the Lucaya National Park which is home to one of the most amazing underwater caves in the world.

Other activities to participate in include biking tours, dinner cruises in dolphin tours. There are also kayaking trips arranged and a number of activities for kids. No visit to the Bahamas would be complete without a scuba diving expedition as well. The Bahamas tourist centre along with various other local tourist centres organise scuba diving tours which guarantee an experience of a lifetime.

The Bahamas is also a good place for nightlife. With a plethora of entertainment venues and clubs throughout the islands you can find something to suit everyone including everything from quaint local bars, to make the casinos and discotheques. Whatever sort of holiday you choose to go on, you find them something to suit all.