Custom Walk in Nassau, Bahamas by kimberley_cardinal_c6ff7 created on 2023-12-07

Guide Location: Bahamas » Nassau
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 6
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.7 Km or 5.4 Miles
Share Key: 9CNWF

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

Retrieve This Walk in App


Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Nassau Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: 9CNWF

1
Prince George Wharf

1) Prince George Wharf

Prince George Wharf is the largest cruise port in The Bahamas. It's the place to see massive cruise liners load and unload passengers. More than a million passengers arrive at Prince George Wharf every year.

Cruise ship passengers come and go through Festival Place, which is a great place to shop for resort wear and souvenirs. Festival Place is a bright and colorful area that features over 45 artisan and seller stalls. You'll find traditional crafts such as hand-crafted straw bags, textiles, and paintings.

Prince George Wharf is a great place to arrange tourist attractions such as horse-drawn carriage rides, scooter rentals, boat excursions, and hair-braiding. Visitors can also check out live Bahamian music on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The adjacent Woodes Rogers Walk offers a great viewpoint of the historic wharf.
2
Fort Fincastle

2) Fort Fincastle (must see)

Fort Fincastle was built with cut limestone in 1793. Its location on top of Bennet's Hill was chosen as the best strategic location to protect Nassau and the harbor from attacks. Governor John Murray, also known as Lord Dunmore and Viscount Fincastle, was in charge of the fort's construction. Visitors can access the fort by climbing the historic Queen's Staircase.

Fort Fincastle was built in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer. The fort had a 68 cannon capacity but never fired a single shot. The fort also served as a lighthouse until 1817, when the Paradise Island lighthouse was built.

Bennet's Hill is the highest point on the island, and the fort offers fabulous views of historic Nassau, Paradise Island, and the harbor. Visitors can also read several information signs to learn more about the fort's history.
3
Queen's Staircase

3) Queen's Staircase (must see)

The Queen's Staircase is known as the 66 steps and is one of Nassau's most visited attractions. The staircase was cut from limestone and completed in 1794. The staircase provides a direct route to Fort Fincastle on Bennet's Hill.

When the staircase and fort were built, The Bahamas feared invasions by other European nations who wanted to control the Caribbean. As a result, the British built several forts to defend the country against European attackers and pirates. These forts include Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu, and Fort Charlotte. Fort Fincastle is the highest of the three forts, and residents wanted a direct access route to and from the fort in case of an attack.

Six hundred slaves worked for over 16 years to complete the staircase. The enslaved people used hand tools to cut through solid limestone.

In the 1800s, the staircase was renamed after Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901.

The Queen's Staircase has a beautiful water feature that cascades next to the staircase to a pool at the bottom of the stairs. The staircase is surrounded by a peaceful garden area with high stone walls and lush foliage.

Today, the staircase is still used to access Fort Fincastle. The garden setting makes it a wonderful place to visit during the day or night. Residents and visitors can enjoy the peaceful grotto in the middle of bustling Nassau.
4
John Watling’s Distillery

4) John Watling’s Distillery

John Watling's Distillery is located on the Buena Vista Estate, which was founded in 1789. The distillery is named after John Watling, a pirate captain who sailed Bahamian waters. John Watling was known as "the gentleman pirate" who observed the Sabbath and threw out gaming boards.

Buena Vista Estate overlooks Nassau harbor and has two acres of landscaped grounds. The beautiful estate features more than 300 years of antiques and prints that showcase the area's history and culture. Visitors will also find a well carved from limestone over 200 years ago.

The distillery has over 1,000 white oak barrels. Guests can tour the estate and watch the rums being bottled by hand. Guests can also taste the various liquors, which are known as the Spirit of The Bahamas. Try the Amber, Pale, or Beuna Vista Rum. The Red Turtle Vodka is filtered with Eleuthera's pink sands, and the Gin is infused with botanicals from Andros.

The on-site Red Turtle Tavern offers special hand-crafted Bahamian cocktails.
5
Junkanoo Beach

5) Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is a must-visit destination if you are looking for a pristine beach area to relax and enjoy. Located on the north side of Nassau, it boasts the best location of all the beaches on the island. The beach is situated right in the middle of downtown Nassau, making it easily accessible and conveniently located for visitors.

The crystal clear turquoise waters and soft sandy beach make Junkanoo Beach the perfect place to spend an entire day. It is also lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and water sports activities, providing endless entertainment options for visitors. From shopping to dining, there is something for everyone at Junkanoo Beach.

Despite being located in a busy area, Junkanoo Beach remains relatively quiet for much of the year, making it a perfect family destination. The beach is well-maintained and offers clean restroom and changing facilities, providing visitors with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable day out.
6
Cable Beach

6) Cable Beach

Cable Beach, located on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. This beach has a lot to offer, including convenience, amenities, and stunning natural beauty. It is located just 6 miles west of downtown Nassau, making it easily accessible for visitors who want to enjoy a day on the beach.

One of the things that sets Cable Beach apart from other beaches in the Bahamas is its abundance of amenities. Visitors can rent chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment right on the beach. The beach is also surrounded by restaurants and bars, thanks to its proximity to hotels and West Bay Street. These amenities make it easy for visitors to spend the whole day at the beach without having to worry about packing a lot of supplies.

Beyond its amenities, Cable Beach is a beautiful place to spend a day. The sand is white, the water is clear and turquoise, and the beach stretches for more than 2 miles, leaving plenty of space for visitors to find a spot in the sand. The water is calm and largely absent of waves, making it a great option for families with children. Recent visitors have described the beach as beautiful and relaxing, with one traveler even saying it looked "like a postcard."

For those who enjoy snorkeling, Cable Beach has plenty to offer. Visitors have reported seeing fish and manta rays while snorkeling in the clear waters. However, it's important to note that the beach can be crowded with activity from surrounding hotels. Frequent Jet Ski and boating rentals can be quite loud and the Jet Skis specifically have a habit of getting too close to the swimming area of the shore.

Despite the surrounding activity, Cable Beach itself isn't usually super crowded. Visitors have reported spending hours soaking up the sun on this shoreline. It's important to note, however, that there are no bathrooms at the beach, so visitors should plan accordingly.
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