Prince George Wharf is the main cruise port of The Bahamas and one of the busiest cruise gateways in the Caribbean. Large cruise liners berth directly along the downtown waterfront. Following a major redevelopment completed in 2023, the port significantly expanded its berthing capacity and visitor infrastructure, accommodating multiple megaships simultaneously and handling several million cruise passengers annually in peak years.

Passenger arrivals now pass through the Nassau Cruise Port terminal complex, which replaced the former “Festival Place” branding. The terminal combines arrival halls with retail zones designed to manage high passenger volumes efficiently. Dozens of vendor stalls and shops offer resort wear, souvenirs, and locally made crafts, including straw goods, textiles, paintings, and small decorative items associated with Bahamian visual culture.

The wharf functions as a practical starting point for short excursions and services. Nearby operators arrange activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, scooter rentals, boat trips, and hair-braiding, many catering specifically to cruise schedules. On busy port days, live Bahamian music and informal performances are often staged within the terminal area, reinforcing the waterfront’s active, transit-oriented atmosphere.

Adjacent to the terminals, Woodes Rogers Walk offers an elevated viewpoint overlooking the harbor. From here, visitors can observe the constant movement of ships and passengers along a stretch of waterfront that has shaped Nassau’s maritime role for centuries.

Parliament Square developed in its present form in the early 19th century, following the arrival of Loyalists from the former American colonies who remained loyal to the British Crown after the American Revolutionary War. Their influence shaped both the layout of the square and the establishment of Nassau as a permanent seat of colonial government.

The square is visually defined by a tight grouping of pastel pink, Georgian-style government buildings arranged around an open civic space. Directly facing the square are the House of Assembly and the Senate of The Bahamas. The Supreme Court of The Bahamas sits slightly behind this frontage, visible beyond the main buildings rather than forming part of the square’s immediate edge.

The House of Assembly serves as the lower chamber of Parliament and is one of the oldest continuously operating legislative bodies in the Western Hemisphere, having first convened in 1729. When sessions are underway, visitors may observe debates from the public gallery, offering a direct view into parliamentary procedure within a historic setting. In front of the Senate Building stands a marble statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1905.

Beyond the main parliamentary buildings, behind the Supreme Court, lies the Garden of Remembrance. This quieter, enclosed space contains a cenotaph commemorating Bahamian soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars, with engraved plaques listing their names.

Rawson Square has long served as one of the city’s principal civic spaces, closely tied to the development of colonial administration and public life. The square takes its name from Sir Rawson William Rawson, who governed the Bahamas between 1864 and 1869. From its early years, Rawson Square functioned as a setting for official ceremonies, public announcements, and everyday exchanges at the edge of the harbor.

The square sits at the intersection of several key institutional zones rather than being enclosed by a single architectural ensemble. To the north, it opens directly onto Bay Street, Nassau’s main commercial artery, while just across the road lies Parliament Square, home to the House of Assembly and other historic government buildings.

Within the square, several commemorative features reflect modern Bahamian history. A bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the country’s first Bahamian Governor-General, positioned near the central area of the square, stands as a reminder of the transition to self-governance. Nearby, a fountain honors Sir Stafford Sands, a prominent political figure of the mid-20th century. Although often associated in popular accounts with Christopher Columbus, Rawson Square does not contain a major Columbus statue; instead, it includes a modest commemorative marker, which lies closer to the eastern edge of the square, installed in 1992 by the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors.

Today, Rawson Square functions primarily as a busy gateway rather than a place of prolonged pause. It forms the main pedestrian link between Prince George Wharf and downtown Nassau, channeling cruise passengers, office workers, and shoppers toward Bay Street.

Queen’s Staircase, often referred to as the 66 Steps, was hand-carved out of solid limestone in the late 18th century, most likely between 1793 and 1794, and provides a direct pedestrian route up Bennet’s Hill to Fort Fincastle. Although only 65 steps are visible today, the missing 66th step was buried during later paving works at the base of the staircase.

The staircase was created during a period when the British colony was strengthening its defenses against potential foreign threats in the Caribbean. Rather than responding specifically to pirate attacks, it formed part of a broader defensive network that included Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu, and Fort Charlotte. Fort Fincastle stands at the highest elevation of the three, and the staircase functioned as a practical shortcut between the town below and the hilltop fortification.

The carving was carried out by enslaved Africans, using only hand tools to cut directly through the limestone cliff. One lesser-noted detail is that the chisel marks left by this work are still visible along the walls, offering a rare, tactile reminder of the labor involved. In the mid-19th century, the staircase was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, reflecting the colony’s continued ties to the British Crown.

The water feature that runs alongside the staircase and the surrounding garden setting are later additions. Today, high stone walls, shade, and flowing water give the staircase a cool, grotto-like atmosphere. Although it still leads to Fort Fincastle, Queen’s Staircase is now appreciated less as a military route and more as one of Nassau’s atmospheric historic passages.

Fort Fincastle was constructed in 1793 using cut limestone and occupies the summit of Bennet’s Hill, a position selected for its clear command over Nassau and the harbor. The fort was commissioned by John Murray, then Governor of The Bahamas. Most visitors arrive on foot via the historic Queen’s Staircase, which emerges at the base of the fort and leads directly into the outer grounds.

Viewed from above, the fort’s circular form is often said to resemble a paddle-wheel steamer. The structure was designed to mount approximately a dozen cannons, though there is no record of the fort ever firing its guns in combat. For a short period in the early 19th century, the fort also served as a lighthouse, before navigational duties were transferred to later harbor lights.

Once inside the fort grounds, the main viewing area is reached by walking along the outer parapet, where the low stone walls open outward toward the city and sea. Looking west, you can see the dense layout of historic downtown Nassau, with its low-rise buildings and street grid spreading outward from the harbor. Turning south, the view opens toward Nassau Harbor itself, where cruise ships and smaller vessels trace the same maritime routes once monitored by the fort’s garrison. To the east, Paradise Island comes into view across the water, its shoreline and bridges clearly visible from this elevated position.

Interpretive information panels are positioned along the inner walls and near the cannon mounts. These panels explain the fort’s construction, its relationship to other defensive sites such as Fort Charlotte and Fort Montagu, and the strategic importance of Bennet’s Hill. Together, the viewpoints and signage help visitors understand how Fort Fincastle functioned within Nassau’s wider system of coastal defenses while offering one of the clearest panoramic perspectives in the city.

Fort Charlotte is an impressive British-colonial era fort located on a hill that overlooks the beautiful harbor of Nassau, The Bahamas. It was constructed by the British colonial governor Lord Dunmore in the late 18th century, following the end of the American Revolutionary war. Interestingly, the fort was never used in battle, despite being part of a series of English forts in Nassau that were intended to serve as battle stations to defend against the invading Spaniards.

Fort Charlotte's construction began in 1789, as a replacement for the Old Fort of Nassau which had been largely destroyed by the Spaniards in 1782. It was finished in 1819, and remains one of the most imposing structures in the Bahamas. The fort complex consists of a 100-acre area, which includes two other forts, Stanley and D’Arcy. Visitors can tour these forts and learn about their history while enjoying magnificent views of the western harbor.

Fort Charlotte is surrounded by a dry moat and is a massive stronghold that has never seen any action. Despite its size, the fort was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of the United Kingdom, and the mother of his 15 children. The fort's cannons have never been used in battle, but they serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of the site.

Arawak Cay is known as Fish Fry Street to all those who visit Nassau. Arawak Cay is the location of a wide number of Bahamian restaurants. Traditional food, including fried fish, dominate the cay. It is accessible from Arawak Cay Drive and Fish Fry Way.

Arawak Cay dates to 1969. Sand was taken from Nassau Harbour to build the cay as a tourist attraction. The original plan was to only provide restaurants and bars. However, Arawak Cay now offers a performance stage that features international and local music. The name comes from the original West Indian inhabitants of the island.

Though entertainment is on the menu, food is still the primary draw to Arawak Cay. Most restaurants specialize in seafood. Conch is a particularly popular dish though grilled ship and lobster tails are also easy to find. Most restaurants serve Bahamian beer and cocktails as well.

Senor Frog in Nassau is a popular bar and restaurant that offers a unique and fun experience to both locals and tourists. Situated on the waterfront, guests can enjoy splendid views of the sea while indulging in great Mexican food and drinks.

One of the things that sets Senor Frog apart is its friendly and casual atmosphere that caters to people of all ages. Whether you're with your grandma, kids or friends, you're sure to have fun here. The staff at Senor Frog's is dedicated to making sure that everyone has a great time and enjoys the party music that fills the air.

The restaurant's philosophy is to let go and just have fun, and this is reflected in the lively and vibrant ambiance of the place. Smiles are free at Senor Frog's, and guests are encouraged to let loose and enjoy themselves.

Senor Frog's is not just another restaurant and bar chain; it specializes in entertainment, and this is evident in its unique concept and design. With restaurants in various locations throughout the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Senor Frog's has been a popular destination for over 20 years.

If you're in Nassau, make sure to visit Senor Frog's for a memorable experience. Enjoy the famous Yard-Glass Margaritas, dance to the party music, and let yourself go in a friendly and casual atmosphere. Senor Frog's is a place where you can expect the unexpected, and anything can happen!

Pompey Square is a lively and vibrant square named after the slavery rebel Pompey. The square was conceptualized in 2008 as a venue where tourists could immerse themselves in the culture, music, and arts scene of the Bahamas.

One of the main events that take place at Pompey Square is the famous Miss Bahamas Pageant Costume contest. The performances of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band are also a regular feature, which adds to the festive atmosphere. During festivals such as Christmas and New Year's, the square is bustling with activities such as the Kids' festival, Carolling, Holiday Lunch Buffet, and much more.

The square is adorned with beautiful sculptures that capture the essence of the Bahamas. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the various shops that line the square. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit The Sweet festival, which showcases mouth-watering treats. Another must-visit festival is the Goombay Festival, which celebrates the Bahamian culture through music, dance, and food.

One of the highlights of Pompey Square is the centrally located water fountain, which provides a refreshing respite on hot summer days. It's the perfect spot to sit, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling square.

Nassau Straw Market is one of the city’s best-known marketplaces and reflects a long tradition of Bahamian straw work. Long before it became a tourist attraction, straw weaving formed part of everyday island life, with baskets and braided items used for fishing, storage, and carrying produce. The Straw Market itself became firmly established as a public market in the mid-20th century, when rising tourism created demand for handmade goods that visitors could easily carry home.

The original market structure was destroyed by fire in 2001. Its replacement, a two-story building completed in 2011, introduced a more organized layout with mostly covered walkways and partially air-conditioned interior areas, offering relief from heat and rain while preserving the informal feel of a traditional market.

Inside, the market unfolds as a dense grid of hundreds of small vendor stalls, many operated by the same families for generations. Straw bags, hats, and baskets remain the core products, but visitors will also see wood carvings, shell jewelry, paintings, spices, and small locally inspired food items. A mix of handmade crafts and mass-produced souvenirs fills the aisles.

Bargaining is customary and usually friendly rather than confrontational. Prices are rarely fixed, and polite conversation often leads to better deals. A useful tip is to walk through the market once before buying-many stalls sell similar items, and prices can vary. Vendors are often happy to explain how straw items are made or how long a particular piece took to weave.

Bay Street is Nassau’s main commercial thoroughfare and its busiest shopping street. Running parallel to the harbor, it blends everyday retail with tourist-oriented shops. As you walk along the street, you’ll pass stores selling jewelry, watches, designer handbags, spirits, and souvenirs, alongside smaller vendors offering locally made crafts and beachwear.

The street also serves as a connective spine for many of downtown Nassau’s historical and cultural sites. Along or just off Bay Street are attractions such as the Pirates of Nassau Museum, the Nassau Public Library-housed in a former Carnegie Library building-Rawson Square, Parliament Square, and the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation. Toward the waterfront, tour operators and kiosks line the harbor side, offering short boat excursions, snorkeling trips, and island-hopping tours.

Retail highlights include several long-established cigar shops specializing in premium Cuban-style and Caribbean cigars, as well as duty-free stores popular with cruise visitors. Just off Bay Street, the Nassau Straw Market adds a more informal atmosphere, where bargaining is expected and straw goods, handicrafts, and souvenirs are sold in dense rows of stalls.

Dining options along Bay Street range from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants and bars. Many menus feature Bahamian staples such as conch fritters alongside familiar international dishes. For a more concentrated local food scene, Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry is located about one mile west of Rawson Square, where a cluster of restaurants serves traditional Bahamian cuisine in a lively setting.