Must See Sights and Landmarks in The Bahamas Area

"Are you looking to explore the history of Nassau through the ages?. There are a number of historical destinations in Nassau including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Nassau. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Nassau ‘s rich history."

"The Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most visited attractions, holds an important place in Bahamian cultural history. Around 1793, slaves carved this 102-foot (31-meter) staircase, comprised of 65 steps, out of solid limestone. Later it was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s 65-year reign and her role in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas.More"

"With just 65 steps spanning 102 feet, this is a steep ascent from Elizabeth Avenue to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower. Carved out of a limestone wall by 18th century slaves, the steps once afforded soldiers protected passage from the fort to the town. Plants line the sides of the steps and water cascades in to a pool below."

"The original building of the Christ Church Cathedral was constructed in 1670, giving it the title of the first church built in the Bahamas. The present day building dates back to the 1840’s and its design is famous for depicting the 150 years of struggles that Nassau had to go through until its freedom in 1861. Throughout its history, the church was destroyed by Spaniards twice and was re...Read more"

"Overlooking Nassau from its elevated position, this has been the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas since 1801. The architecture of the impressive pink and white mansion blends island and American colonial influences, and the size and location testify to the power and esteem granted to the personal representative of the queen. A 12-foot statue of Christopher Columbus stands silent sentinel in front of the mansion, honoring the explorer's Bahamian landfall in 1492."

"The Government House is the official residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas. The pink and white buildings stay true to the Bahamian feel while its stately architecture is an amalgamation of Bahamian-British, Georgian and Colonial architecture. When here, don’t miss the statue of Columbus placed in front of the building that was imported from London in 1830 in honour of Columbus'...Read more"

"Places To VisitGovernment BuildingsNassau / New Providence Island area, Bahamas. Government House is the official residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas."

"Constructed in 1793, this paddle-shaped fort was named for the governorship at the time, John Murray, also known as Viscount Fincastle. Placed atop Bennet’s Hill overlooking Nassau and Paradise Island, Fort Fincastle boasted six cannons and one howitzer. You can learn more about this fort during one of its daily guided tours."

"Overlooking the city of Nassau from its vantage point atop Bennett’s Hill, Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 to protect the island of New Providence from outside invaders. Much of the imposing building remains intact today. Visitors come to explore the fortifications and enjoy the view from the highest point in Nassau.More"

"The view of Nassau is one of Fort Charlotte’s best attributes. While standing on top of the imposing limestone structure, overlooking the waterless moat, dungeons, and draw-bridge, you can also watch cruise ships enter the harbor and imagine a time when pirate ships filled with looted gold or colonial vessels with Africans as cargo cruised in and out of the harbor. Fort Charlotte, which never fired a shot in battle, is the largest of the forts on the island."

"The largest of the three forts still on the island, Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore in 1789 to guard the western entrance to the harbor. Today, it offers a waterless moat, ramparts, canons, underground passages to dungeon rooms, and spectacular views of Paradise Island, the harbor and much of Nassau. Happily, the fort never fired a shot in battle."

"The largest fort in the Bahamas sits on a hill with views of Nassau, the harbor and Paradise Island. It has a moat, dungeons, underground passages and many cannon on 100 acres of land. The entrance fee is $5 for adults, $2 for children (under 12) and $3 for seniors."

"Places To VisitParliamentsNassau / New Providence Island area, Bahamas. The Parliament of The Bahamas is the bicameral national parliament of Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The parliament is formally made up by the Queen…"

"Two worlds collide at the adjoining Rawson Square and Parliament Square, central bearing points in downtown Nassau. Rawson Square houses a half body bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first governor-general in an independent Bahamas. Directly opposite in Parliament Square there is a provocative full-bodied statue of Queen Victoria sitting on a throne."

"Unique architecture, luscious gardens, and breathtaking views, what’s not to love?. The Cloisters are the remains of a French Monastery that dates back to the 1200s!. The ruins are surrounded by tropical flora such as purple blooming bougainvillea and lush palm trees."

"St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nassau and follows the Roman and Latin rite. The church’s patron is Francisco Javier- a Spanish missionary who was canonised by the church as St. Francis Xavier. The church dates back to the 19th century and its first mass was conducted in 1886."

"Pompey Square is a free-spirited social hub for local festivals, art shows, lounging and child’s play. There is an interactive water feature in the center of the square; surrounding it are restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation. The history of the square goes back to the 1700s when enslaved Africans were auctioned at a marketplace in the colonial era building that houses the museum."

"Pompey Square is named after a slave who led a revolt in 1830. It ended up being a key event that influenced the eventual passing of the Emancipation Act in 1834. The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation now stands in a place that was once a slave auction lot and public market."

"Blue Lagoon Island provides some of the best beaches in Nassau for cruisers because the island is an easy shore excursion away from the cruise port and takes you to a gorgeous private island. On Blue Lagoon Island you’ll find water sports, soft sand to sit on, relaxing hammocks, and shade from coconut palm trees. While the beauty of Blue Lagoon Island is a major draw for visitors, it’s the mammals that call it home that usually makes a day at the beach here most memorable; Blue Lagoon Island has a Dolphin Encounter facility that lets you observe and interact with these incredible creatures in a natural ocean lagoon."

"It’s a private island with one of the best beaches in Nassau. With pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, a hidden lagoon, an inflatable Aqua Park, and marine life, it’s the perfect getaway. Although the beach package it’s quite pricey, it includes boat transfers and lunch too."

"Blue Lagoon is a small island (Salt Cay) just off Paradise Island. Visitors are given a scenic boat ride from Nassau Harbour to reach the private island. It is frequently voted one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas."

"Fat Tuesday has a wonderful location on the waterfront, just before Junkanoo Beach. It is a great place to enjoy a good time by the water, dipping in the ocean and enjoying light fares like Conch Salad, Burgers or Paninis. Fat Tuesday - Nassau"

"Although sometimes poorly rated for their lack of after-sales and customer service, Colombian Emeralds is the top specialist for this famous green gemstone in Nassau. Besides emeralds, the cruise passenger will also find jewelry brands like Charriol, Damiani, Lauren G Adams, or Quattour; and watches like Shinola, TagHeur, Philip Stein, Bulova, Raymond Weil. Colombian Emeralds - Nassau"

"Make your way down to the historic city center of Nassau on a sunny day and marvel at the colorful colonial buildings. Start by visiting Fort Charlotte and make your way down to Parliament Square and the Queen’s Staircase. Grab a lunch at Senor Frogs and a craft beer at Pirate Republic."

"Created for romantic vacations, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island caters to couples. The adults-only property offers 5-star luxury in an all-inclusive package. Rooms and suites are elegant and feature personal butler service."

"The Retreat, located in residential Nassau and once a private home, serves as the headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust, which develops and manages the national park system. The 11-acre garden includes one of the largest collections of rare and exotic palms in the world, with native orchids, ferns and other trees sharing the spotlight. Although it is popular with tourists, gardeners and researchers, it is enough off the beaten path that you can still enjoy the serenity and calm beauty of the shaded oasis."

"As the first anti-aging spa in the Bahamas, the Baha-retreat has it all. The charming property located in the center of Bahamas features a full-service salon and spa, specializing in anti-aging treatments. The spa is also the only facility on the island that specializes in Indian eyebrow threading and Egyptian body sugaring."