Seven hundred islands and cays make up The Bahamas, but if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all Bahamian experience, make your trip to Nassau on New Providence Island. There are more things to do in Nassau, Bahamas than you’ll find in all the other islands combined. Stunning beaches and resorts, clear water with coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, glamorous casinos, historic architecture, luxury shops, and a distinct local culture are just a few of the things you’ll discover in The Bahamas’ capital city.
This tropical paradise encapsulates the best of Bahamian culture, a distinct blend of African, British, and American influences. It’s evident in the colonial architecture painted in bright colors; the music– Goombay, Rake n Scrape, and Junkanoo –and the cuisine. Best of all, the Bahamas has a friendly, welcoming spirit.
Many British traditions live on in Nassau, as it was a Crown colony for 325 years. Bahamians drive on the left, drink tea, and play cricket (the national sport). Even 007 spent time here, with several James Bond films having been shot in and around Nassau including Thunderball, Never Say Never Again, and Casino Royale.
All this and more awaits just 180 miles southeast of Florida. Nassau can be reached via Tradewind Aviation, whose Pilatus PC-12 fleet is the largest available for on-demand private charter in the US, meaning you’ll have the best availability in the industry for private charter flights to Nassau. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of personal air travel, touching down directly into Lynden Pindling International Airport, just nine miles from the city center. Tradewind’s executive-configured aircraft features a four-person club plus two rows of facing seats, ample room for luggage, complimentary snacks, and refreshments on board (including beer, wine, and champagne)—and they are also pet-friendly.
Fly personal with Tradewind and arrive in paradise, ready to step into a colorful world of relaxed Bahamian glamour. Here are some top things to do in Nassau.
Explore the Beaches
Cable Beach is considered one of the most breathtaking beaches on the island with a 2.5 mile-stretch of white sand edging crystal-clear water. In the 1950s, America’s jetsetting socialites wintered here. Today you’ll find a string of resorts, beachfront bars, and a variety of watersports like jet skiing and parasailing. The shallow, calm water is ideal for snorkeling and you’re likely to see green sea turtles, eagle rays, and colorful reef fish. On the eastern end of the beach is the luxury resort complex Baha Mar, featuring a water park, three luxury hotels, a casino, and plenty of restaurants.
For a lively beach scene that’s close to town, visit Junkanoo Beach. Locals and tourists (many from the neighboring cruise port) come here for the Caribbean music and colorful beach shacks where you can enjoy a cold Kalik (local beer) or rum punch and grilled seafood.
Snorkel the Coral Reefs
With both natural and manmade coral reefs, there is no shortage of places to snorkel and see the tropical fish and wildlife that call the Bahamas home. One of the best is Clifton Heritage National Park, home to the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, which features the world’s largest underwater sculpture, Ocean Atlas, as well as sunken props from the James Bond and Jaws franchises.
Walk in Old Nassau
Take a walk through this historic downtown area to see colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Many of the government buildings are painted a coral or flamingo pink, a defining characteristic of the colonial era. These buildings were primarily built by British Loyalists, who fled to the Bahamas from North America after the American Revolutionary War. The color choice was most likely influenced by what was popular in Britain at the time. Parliament Square, for example, is bordered by three, pink Georgian neoclassical buildings presided over by a statue of Queen Victoria. These house the key branches of Bahamian government, where you might catch a glimpse of judges and lawyers dressed in the traditional British robes and wigs for court. Twice a month, you can witness the Changing of the Guard at Government House, another pink building around the corner, which is home to the Governor General of the Bahamas.
Shop the Nassau Straw Market
The Straw Market, at the west end of Bay Street, is a bustling indoor marketplace where hundreds of vendors gather to sell handmade straw souvenirs and other items. The tradition of straw weaving dates back to the island’s earliest inhabitants who wove practical objects like fish traps. Handed down through generations, the technique has become a skilled art primarily for producing handicrafts. Thatch palm leaves are dried and treated before being braided into various styles and patterns to create handbags, hats, baskets, mats, and other objects. Some artisans can customize items with initials or personal names. Remember to bring cash with you when shopping throughout the market.
Climb Queen’s Staircase
This steep outdoor stairway, also known as “the 66 Steps,” was completed in 1794 to connect Fort Fincastle with the city center. Later renamed in honor of Queen Victoria, the steps were chiseled from solid limestone, slicing a path between two tall stone walls. Today, the beautifully weathered staircase resembles a grotto with cascading water and tropical plants on either side of the steps.
Appreciate Local Art
Nassau has a thriving contemporary art scene with independent studios, trendy galleries, and artists. Art lovers will want to visit The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to view works by pioneering Bahamian artists like Brent Malone, Stan Burnside, and folk artist Amos Ferguson. The museum houses a collection of Bahamian art including paintings, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. From here you may be inspired to view more art exhibits at Doongalik Studios, D’Aguilar Art Foundation, and other studios in town.
Try the Local Cuisine
When you’re in the Bahamas, you must try conch, a local Bahamian delicacy. The popular seafood is harvested from a large, pink, spiral-shaped shell which contains the edible meat of a large sea snail. Try it in all its many forms: breaded and fried for conch fritters, stewed in a pepper sauce, or raw in a Bahamian-style ceviche with tomatoes, onions, peppers, lime, and orange juice.
For sundowners, imbibe in tropical drinks with local rum, which always tastes better when in the islands. Order a Goombay Smash, Planter’s Punch, or Bahama Mama to fully embrace the tropical spirit.
Your Bahamian escape via private charter begins the moment you leave home. Fly personal with Tradewind Aviation and immerse yourself in effortless luxury, where the journey is as exceptional as the destination. Arrive refreshed and ready to indulge in all that the Bahamas have to offer in Nassau. When every detail matters, it’s the only way to arrive.
To learn more about booking a private charter flight with Tradewind, please visit our website. To receive a quote, please submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-203-267-3305 option 2.