Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in The Bahamas

"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"

"At the far Western shores of New Providence Island, the Clifton Heritage is one of our favorite things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Covering 208 hectares of land its home to unique collections of historical and culturally important sites in Nassau. As well as a diverse ecosystem, caves and nature trails, aswell as the one-of-0a-kind underwater sculpture park, the Clifton Heritage Park is on of the top Nassau Attractions."

"Once you’re done interacting with the animals, it’s time to hit the trails!. Clifton Heritage National Park is the perfect way to explore relics and the history of the Bahamian past while still getting sun and enjoying the water. The three groups this park works to teach guests about are the Lucayans, the Africans, and the Loyalists."

"Best known as the home of the marching flamingos, the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is set on four acres of tropical gardens. The flamingos entertain visitors by marching in formation to commands. A fun spot to bring the whole family, this zoo specializes in the conservation of Caribbean species, including the endangered Bahama parrot and several species of iguanas."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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 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."

"Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre is one of the prime haunts for avid art collectors and admirers. For those who don’t know about Junkanoo festival, here’s a small brief. No one truly knows about the origin of this festival but it is believed to belong to West Africa."

"Established by Jackson Burnside III (an artist, advocate and architect) and his wife in the 1970’s, the Doongalik Studios is one of Bahamas most loved art studios. The place was initiated to promote the country’s best artists and has a vision that by 2020, people from all around the world will accept and come to admire the Art, Culture and Heritage of the Bahamas rather than restric...Read more"

"Doongalik Studios is situated at Marina Village at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. This is a well-known gallery in Marina Village. It is a “shop cum gallery” and one of its types in the part of Paradise Island."

"The NAGB – National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is presented within the grounds of the stunning Villa Doyle, a mansion built in the 1860s and home to the first chief justice in the Bahamas. It took 7 years to restore the building before opening in 1996. The NAGB collects, preserves and exhibits historic and contemporary Bahamian art."

"West & West Hill Streets (Same street as Gray Cliff and across the street from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral), Nassau New Providence Island+1 242-328-5800[email protected]"

"Browsing Nassau’s Straw Market, located on Bay Street, is a must when visiting the area—and it’s free!. (Of course, the shopping is another story!) This souvenir market offers everything from straw hats and beach bags to wood carvings and paintings. Be prepared to be approached by the vendors selling their wares, but know that you can haggle for the best price."

"After the decline of the sponging industry in the mid 1940s, Bahamian women began braiding and weaving the leaves of palm trees and sisal plants into baskets and fishing traps as a way to boost their income. Today, this tradition continues at the Straw Market in Nassau. Looking for some Bahamian souvenirs?"

"A large mall, just like you probably have back home, with little boutiques, specialty shops, a movie theater and fast food. The anchor here is Kelly's Department Store, a 40,000 square foot mecca of housewares, hardware, electronics, toys, major appliances, linens, auto parts, sporting goods and luggage. About the only thing you won't find at Kelly's is adult apparel, but the other shops in the mall have plenty to offer, from casual beachwear to elegant evening gowns."

"Shoppers will find a massive number of shops and restaurants in the Nassau shopping district, which begins right off the cruise docks. Although it’s large, it doesn’t have quite the same festive atmosphere as other shopping districts in the Caribbean such as Playa del Carmen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a beach right next to it like Philipsburg St. Maarten."

"With a wonderful array of local shops and stores, Nassau Paradise Island is a shopper’s heaven. Fine fashions and designer boutiques at Crystal Court Shops and Marina Village in Paradise Island. Unique and popular shops on Bay Street in downtown Nassau."