Explore the Best of Nassau:
Iconic Attractions and Hidden Gems

Fort Fincastle is only five minutes away from the port by car and 15 minutes away by foot….

Historic Fort Charlotte is an eight-minute drive and 30-minute walk from The Port. Fort Charlotte, the largest of the Nassau Forts, sits on 100 acres on a hill overlooking the western end of Nassau Harbor.

The World Famous Fish Fry, found at Arawak Cay, is a 10-minute drive and a 30-minute walk from the port.

The World Famous Straw Market is only a few steps away from Nassau Cruise Port.

On the very southern end of Parliament Square and Shirley Street, a four-minute drive and five-minute walk from The Port is The Nassau Public Library & Museum. This octagonal-shaped building was originally constructed as a jail in 1797.

Frequently referred to as “The 66 Steps” and located a five-minute drive and 13-minute walk from The Port is The Queen’s Staircase. This staircase was chiseled out of solid limestone between 1793 and 1794 by slaves and connects Fort Fincastle to Downtown Nassau.

For a short time, Nassau was once known as the pirate capital of the world. Located a four-minute drive and eight-minute walk from The Port is Pirates of Nassau Museum.

A two-minute walk from The Port lies Parliament Square. The pink and white buildings adorning the square were constructed in 1815 by Loyalists and perfectly depicts the colonial architecture of old Nassau.

A five-minute drive and 13-minute walk from The Port is The Water Tower. Constructed in 1928 as a means to maintain water pressure on the island of New Providence, The Water Tower lies behind Fort Fincastle and stands at an imposing 126 feet tall. In the past, visitors could climb the spiral staircase up to the top of the tower, but these days the inside of the structure is now closed to The Public.

Craving some natural, lush scenery and respite from the hustle and bustle? Then be sure to visit Nassau Botanical Gardens! An eight-minute drive and 32-minute walk from The Port, this peaceful 18-acre garden is home to over 600 species of tropical flowers and plant life.

A wild time awaits you at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center. Located off West Bay Street, an eight-minute drive and 35-minute walk from The Port, this mini zoo has over 200 birds, reptiles and mammals over four acres of vibrant, lush tropical landscape.

Have art and Bahamian cultural expression on the brain? Then The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) is worth checking out! NAGB is a six-minute drive and 15-minute walk from The Port and is a world-class, non-profit museum and art gallery. NAGB collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets historic and contemporary Bahamian artwork and is housed within the historic Villa Doyle.

An island paradise awaits a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk over the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge which will land you on famed Paradise Island (Formerly known as Hog Island).

Government House is the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas. Located on Mount Fitzwilliam, the 10-acre sprawling estate was built in 1801 and is a five-minute drive and 10-minute walk from The Port.

A large street parade beginning in the early hours of the morning, Junkanoo is the National Festival of The Bahamas. It is an expression of Bahamian art and culture and represents the roots and heritage of The Bahamian People. Junkanoo originated in the days of slavery when slaves were given time off during the holidays and celebrated with African music, costumes and dancing.

Needing the beach? Located a five-minute drive and 13-minute walk from The Port, Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to The Port and offers nice views of Nassau Harbor.

Located a four-minute drive and six-minute walk from The Port is historical Vendue House, home of the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation.

Steps from The Port is Rawson Square. Named for Sir Rawson W. Rawson, Governor of The Bahamas during the late 1860s, Rawson Square faces historic Parliament Square with Bay Street separating the two Squares. In the middle of Rawson Square is a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor General, serving from Bahamian Independence in 1973 to 1979.

Located on Market Street, a three-minute drive and 10-minute walk from The Port, is Gregory’s Arch. An arch chiseled out of stone with beautiful, natural limestone adorning either side of it, Gregory’s Arch was named after Governor John Gregory.

The oldest church in Downtown Nassau is a five-minute drive and nine-minute walk from The Port. Christ Church Cathedral was the first church built in The Bahamas and the first structure of the church was constructed in 1670