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Nassau
Bahamas!
From tribal Indians to pirates,
from explorers to slave traders, the Bahamas are steeped in
centuries of rich and fascinating history.
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.
Catch the spirit in Nassau, the
bustling hub of the Bahamas since the days of the legendary
pirate 'Black beard'. This historic city seduces visitors with
its tropical splendor combined with world-class shopping,
gourmet dining and lively nightlife.
Relax on the world-renowned,
powder white sands of Cable Beach by day and enjoy exciting
casino action at night. see Guide
Dolores
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.
The warm,
crystal-clear waters that surround the islands of the Bahamas
are a huge undersea playground for divers and
snorkelers, with over 1,000 dive sites spread across
700 islands. Many dive operations offer excursions to
coral reefs and shipwrecks, as well as other
activities such as swimming with dolphins.
To experience Bahamian
culture and art, you should make plans to attend
Junkanoo.
The
Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is an energetic, colorful
parade of brightly costumed people gyrating and
dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells,
drums and whistles.
The celebration
occurs on December 26th and January 1st -- beginning in
the early hours of the morning (2:00 a.m.) and
ending at dawn.
Junkanoo is
reminiscent of New Orleans' Mardi Gras and Rio de
Janeiro's Carnival, but it is distinctly Bahamian
and exists nowhere else.
Nassau,
Places to Visit
BOTANICAL GARDENS:
This 18-acre garden boasts more than 600 varieties of shrubs,
flowering trees and cactuses. Also featured are a vast collection of
Bahamian and exotic orchids. Open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to
Friday and 9-4 Saturday & Sunday. Admission is $1.- for adults and
50 cents for children. Tel. no. 323-5975.
FORT CHARLOTTE:
Named
in honour of the wife of King George III this fort was built in 1789
by Lord Dunmore. A fire has never been shot in battle from Fort
Charlotte. It includes dungeons, ramparts, draw-bridge and a waterless
moat. A beautiful view of Nassau Harbour can be seen from the Fort.
Admission is free. Tours are conducted Monday – Sunday, 8 am to 4
pm. Tel. No. 322-7500 (Ministry of Tourism) or 325-9186 (Fort
Charlotte).
ARAWAK CAY:
This Bahamian ‘Fish Fry’ location is situated on the harbor
across from Fort Charlotte. This little village is rich with cultural
‘goodies’ sold by vendors such as conch salad and fried fish.
Arawak Cay is popular among the locals who gather there in the
evening especially on weekends.
POTTERS CAY: Beneath
the Paradise Island bridge is Potters Cay a Bahamian Marketplace where
fishermen and vendors sell their good to locals & tourists. This
area is also the dock for mailboats which transport passengers,
livestock & goods between Nassau and the Family Islands.
STRAW MARKET:
For the purchase of native items and crafts you must visit the straw
market located on Bay Street in downtown Nassau. You may bargain with
the vendors to buy straw hats, dolls, straw baskets, straw mats, as
well as t-shirts and other Bahamian souvenirs. The straw market is
open from early morning until the evening.
PARLIAMENT SQUARE:
Located on Bay Street, this square is the home of the House of
Assembly, the Senate, the Chambers of Parliament and the Victoria
Statue.
RAWSON SQUARE:
Center
of the Government of the Bahamas located in the heart of downtown
Nassau, Bay Street.
QUEEN’S STAIRCASE:Recently
renovated, this is Nassau’s most frequently visited attraction. You
can climb the 65 steps carved out of limestone by slaves in the late
18th century. The staircase is 102 feet high and was named
in honor of the 65 years of Queen Victoria’s reign.
PRINCE GEORGE WHARF:
This is the largest ship port in the Caribbean and is located in the
heart of downtown Nassau.
THE WATER TOWER:
This is the highest point on the island-216 feet above sea level-which
offers a view of New Providence Island, coast to coast.
