New Providence and Paradise Islands

New Providence is the Bahamas' most urban island, but that doesn't mean you won't find beautiful beaches. Powdery white sand, aquamarine waves, and shade-bearing palm trees are easy to come by, regardless how populated you like your beach to be. Whether you crave solitude or want to be in the middle of the action, there's a sand spot that's just right for you.

Cable Beach and the beaches near Atlantis are where you'll typically find loud music, bars serving tropical drinks, and vendors peddling everything from parasailing and Jet Ski rides to T-shirts and hair braiding. Downtown Nassau only has man-made beaches, the best being Junkanoo Beach just west of the British Colonial Hilton. But the capital city's beaches can't compare to the real thing. For a more relaxed environment, drive out of the main tourist areas. You'll likely find stretches of sand populated by locals only, or, chances are, no one at all.

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  • 1. Aquaventure

    From near-vertical slides that plunge through shark tanks to a quarter-mile-long lazy river ride, this 141-acre water park allows you to both unwind and get your adrenaline pumping. Spend the day going from ride to ride, or relax under an umbrella on the white sand of three unique beaches, or one of 11 swimming pools. Three pools are designed especially for the youngest of guests, including Splashers, a Maya-themed water playground. Day passes for non-resort guests are limited so be sure to plan well ahead.

    Paradise Island, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-363–3000

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Day pass $190 high season, $150 low season
  • 2. Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre

    Marching flamingos give a parading performance at Ardastra daily at 10:30, 1:30, and 3. Children can walk among the brilliant pink birds after the show. The zoo, with more than 5 acres of tropical greenery and ponds, also has an aviary of rare tropical birds including the bright-green Bahama parrot, native Bahamian creatures such as rock iguanas, the little (harmless) Bahamian boa constrictors, and a global collection of small animals.

    Chippingham Rd. south of W. Bay St., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-323–5806

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $18.75
  • 3. Atlantis Paradise Island

    With luxury shops, a glitzy casino, and seemingly unlimited choices for dining and drinks (40 restaurants, bars, and lounges), Atlantis is as much a tourist attraction as a resort hotel. At Dolphin Cay you can interact with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays. The 63-acre Aquaventure water park provides thrilling waterslides and high-intensity rapids as well as a lazy-river tube ride through the sprawling grounds. Celebrity sightings are frequent at both Nobu restaurant and Aura nightclub. The on-site comedy club, Joker's Wild, brings top comedians to the stage. Many of the resort's facilities, including the restaurants and casino, are open to nonguests, but the leisure and sports facilities are open only to resort guests and those who purchase a day pass. Atlantis has the world's largest man-made marine habitat, consisting of 11 lagoons. To see it, take the guided Discover Atlantis tour, which begins near the main lobby at an exhibition called "The Dig." This wonderful series of walk-through aquariums, themed around the lost continent and its re-created ruins, brings you face-to-face with sharks, manta rays, and innumerable forms of exotic sea life.

    - 242 - 363–3000

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Aquaventure day pass $190
  • 4. Cabbage Beach

    At this beach you'll find 3 miles of white sand lined with shady casuarina trees, sand dunes, and sun worshippers. This is the place to go to rent Jet Skis or get a bird's-eye view of Paradise Island while parasailing. Hair braiders and T-shirt vendors stroll the beach, and hotel guests crowd the areas surrounding the resorts, including Atlantis. For peace and quiet, stroll east. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); water sports. Best for: partiers; solitude; swimming; walking.

    Paradise Island, New Providence Island, Bahamas

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 5. Graycliff Chocolate Factory

    Go behind the scenes at this boutique chocolate factory where you can make your own sweet souvenirs. The tour lasts about an hour, and after watching master chocolatiers in action and learning the history of chocolate production around the world, guests enter the chocolate classroom where they get to design their own creations, including a signature Graycliff chocolate bar. There is also a kids' classroom for younger chocolate lovers as well as a chocolates and spirits pairing for adults.

    W. Hill St.
    - 242 - 302–9150

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10 for the tour; $49.95 for the chocolate making experience; $75 for the chocolates and spirits tour
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  • 6. John Watling's Distillery

    The former Buena Vista Estate, which featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale, has been painstakingly transformed and taken back to its glory days, emerging as the new home of the John Watling's Distillery. Parts of the home date back to 1789 and the actual production of the line of John Watling's artisanal rums, gins, vodkas, and liquors are handmade, hand bottled, and hand labeled just as they would have been in that era. Take a self-guided tour through the grounds and working estate to learn the fascinating history of the home and then walk out back to watch the rum production line from an overhead mezzanine. Sit in the Red Turtle Tavern with an internationally acclaimed Rum Dum or just a great mojito and pick up a unique Bahamian souvenir in the on-site retail store. On Friday nights they host a Bahamian "cultural extravaganza" including live music and dancing, limbo, cocktails, and conch fritters.

    17 Delancy St., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-322–2811

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free self-guided tour; $115 for Bahamas Cultural Extravaganza
  • 7. National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

    Opened in 2003, the museum houses the works of esteemed Bahamian artists such as Max Taylor, Amos Ferguson, Brent Malone, John Cox, and Antonius Roberts. The glorious Italianate colonial mansion, built in 1860 and restored in the 1990s, has double-tiered verandas with elegant columns. It was the residence of Sir William Doyle, the first chief justice of The Bahamas. Don't miss the museum's gift shop, where you'll find books about The Bahamas as well as Bahamian quilts, prints, ceramics, jewelry, and crafts.

    West and W. Hill Sts., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-328–5800

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon.
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  • 8. Pompey Museum

    The building, where slave auctions were held in the 1700s, is named for a rebel slave who lived on the Family Island of Exuma in 1830. The structure and historic artifacts inside were destroyed by fire in December 2011, but have been painstakingly re-created and new exhibits have been acquired and produced. Exhibits focus on the issues of slavery and emancipation and highlight the works of local artists. A knowledgeable, enthusiastic young staff is on hand to answer questions.

    Bay and George Sts., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-356–0495

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $5, Closed afternoon on Sun. and Thurs.
  • 9. Arawak Cay

    Known to Nassau residents as "the Fish Fry," Arawak Cay is one of the best places to knock back a Kalik or Sands beer, chat with locals, watch or join in a fast-paced game of dominoes, or sample traditional Bahamian fare. You can get small dishes such as conch fritters or full meals at one of the pastel-color waterside shacks. Order a fried snapper served with a sweet homemade roll, or fresh conch salad (a spicy mixture of chopped conch mixed with diced onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and hot peppers in a lime marinade). The two-story Twin Brothers and Frankie Gone Bananas are two of the most popular places. Try their fried "cracked conch" washed down with Sky Juice (a sweet but potent gin, coconut-water, and sweet-milk concoction sprinkled with nutmeg). Local fairs and craft shows are often held in the adjacent field.

    W. Bay St. and Chippingham Rd.

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 10. Balcony House

    A delightful 18th-century landmark—a pink two-story house named aptly for its overhanging balcony—this is the oldest wooden residential structure in Nassau and its furnishings and design recapture the elegance of a bygone era. A mahogany staircase, believed to have been salvaged from a ship during the 19th century, is an interior highlight. A guided tour through this fascinating building is an hour well spent.

    Market St. and Trinity Pl., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-302–2621

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Donations accepted
  • 11. Christ Church Cathedral

    It's worth the short walk off the main thoroughfare to see the stained-glass windows of this cathedral, which was built in 1837, when Nassau officially became a city. The white pillars of the church's spacious, airy interior support ceilings beamed with dark wood handcrafted by ship builders. The Crucifixion depicted in the east window's center panel is flanked by depictions of the Empty Tomb and the Ascension. Be sure to spend a few minutes in the small, flower-filled Garden of Remembrance, where stone plaques adorn the walls. Sunday Mass is held at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 6 pm. Drop by the cathedral Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve to see the glorious church at night, and hear the music and choir. Call ahead to find out the time of the service.

    George and King Sts., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-322–4186

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 12. Fort Charlotte

    Built in 1788, this imposing fort features a waterless moat, a drawbridge, ramparts, and a dungeon with a torture device. Local guides bring the fort to life (tips are expected), and tours are suitable to children. Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore, who named the massive structure after George III's wife. At the time, some called it Dunmore's Folly because of the staggering expense of its construction—it cost eight times more than expected. Dunmore's superiors in London were less than ecstatic with the high costs, but he managed to survive unscathed. Ironically, no shots were ever fired in battle from the fort. The fort and its surrounding 100 acres offer a wonderful view of the cricket grounds, the beach, and the ocean beyond.

    W. Bay St. at Chippingham Rd., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Nonresidents $5
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  • 13. Fort Fincastle

    Shaped like the bow of a ship and perched near the top of the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle—named for Royal Governor Lord Dunmore (Viscount Fincastle)—was completed in 1793 to be a lookout post for marauders trying to sneak into the harbor. It served as a lighthouse in the early 19th century. A 15- to 20-minute tour that brings this historic site to life costs just a few dollars each and includes the nearby Queen's Staircase. The fort's 126-foot-tall water tower is more than 200 feet above sea level (and the island's highest point). Unfortunately the tower remains closed pending restoration.

    Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Nonresident adults $3; seniors, residents, and children $2
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  • 14. Fort Montagu

    The oldest of the island's three forts, Fort Montagu was built of local limestone in 1741 to repel Spanish invaders. The only action it saw was when it was occupied for two weeks by rebel American troops—among them a lieutenant named John Paul Jones—seeking arms and ammunition during the Revolutionary War. The small fortification is quite simple, but displays a lovely elevated view of Nassau Harbour. The second level has a number of weathered cannons. A public beach looks out upon Montagu Bay, where many international yacht regattas and Bahamian sloop races are held annually.

    Eastern Road
  • 15. Government House

    The official residence of The Bahamas governor-general, the personal representative of the Queen since 1801, this imposing pink-and-white building on Duke Street is an excellent example of the mingling of Bahamian-British and American colonial architecture. Its graceful columns and broad circular drive recall the styles of Virginia or the Carolinas. But its pink color, distinctive white quoins (cross-laid cornerstones), and louvered wooden shutters (to keep out the tropical sun) are typically Bahamian. Here you can catch the crisply disciplined but beautifully flamboyant changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every second Saturday of the month at 11 am. The stars of the pomp and pageantry are members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. There is a tea party open to the public from 3 to 4 pm on the last Friday of the month from January to June as part of the People-to-People program. Dress is casual but elegant—no shorts, jeans, or tennis shoes. Musicians, poets, and storytellers provide entertainment. You can't miss the larger-than-life statue of Christopher Columbus on the grounds overlooking Nassau.

    Duke and George Sts., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-356–5415-ceremony schedule
  • 16. Gregory's Arch

    Named for John Gregory (royal governor 1849–54), this arch, at the intersection of Market and Duke streets, separates downtown from the "over-the-hill" neighborhood of Grant's Town, where much of Nassau's population lives. Grant's Town was laid out in the 1820s by Governor Lewis Grant as a settlement for freed slaves. Visitors once enjoyed late-night mingling with the locals in the small, dimly lighted bars; nowadays you should exhibit the same caution you would if you were visiting the commercial areas of a large city.

    Market St., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 17. Heritage Museum of The Bahamas

    So many artifacts are on display in this small but interesting museum nestled in historic Mountbatten House that you can easily spend an hour wandering. There is a 40-minute guided tour that covers Bahamian history from the days of pirates through the days of slavery to the present. One of the best exhibits is the life-size replica of the old Bay Street General Store. Quite by a series of coincidences, the collection box from the oldest church ended up in this museum—right across the street from the remains of the very same church.

    W. Hill St., Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-302–9150

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $18.50 guided tour
  • 18. Junkanoo Beach

    Right in downtown Nassau, this beach is spring-break central from late February through April. The man-made beach isn't the prettiest on the island, but it's conveniently located if you only have a few quick hours to catch a tan. Food and drink shacks line the beach and you can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas and non-motorized water-sports equipment. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.

    Immediately west of Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 19. Nassau Public Library and Museum

    The octagonal building near Parliament Square was the Nassau Gaol (the old British spelling for jail), circa 1797. You're welcome to pop in and browse. The small prison cells are now lined with books. The museum has an interesting collection of historic prints and old colonial documents.

    Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-322–4907

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun.
  • 20. Parliament Square

    Nassau is the seat of the national government. The Bahamian Parliament comprises two houses—a 16-member Senate (Upper House) and a 39-member House of Assembly (Lower House)—and a ministerial cabinet headed by a prime minister. If the House is in session, sit in to watch lawmakers debate. Parliament Square's pink, colonnaded government buildings were constructed in the late 1700s and early 1800s by Loyalists who came to The Bahamas from North Carolina. The square is dominated by a statue of a slim young Queen Victoria that was erected on her birthday, May 24, in 1905. In the immediate area are a handful of magistrates' courts. Behind the House of Assembly is the Supreme Court. Its four-times-a-year opening ceremonies (held the first weeks of January, April, July, and October) recall the wigs and mace-bearing pageantry of the Houses of Parliament in London. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band is usually on hand for the event.

    Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
    242-322–2041

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends

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