Holidays to Nassau

Sugar-white sand, gently lapping waves, umbrella drinks by the pool — holidays to Nassau are everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise. But beyond the glitzy resorts and boisterous bars, the Bahamian capital is a laid-back island town where European influences meet Caribbean traditions. Explore its cuisine, carnivals and world-class diving spots.

Nassau holiday highlights

Nassau

Get in the water

Spend your holiday to Nassau on and under the water. Rent jet skis or go parasailing at Cabbage Beach. Learn to scuba dive, or book a snorkelling tour to swim among colourful fish, other-worldly coral reefs and downed planes and ships. Or simply go for a relaxing swim in the warm waters of Nassau’s beaches.

Follow the music

There’s a reason the Bahamas is known as the ‘Islands of Song’. Music is a huge part of the culture here. You’ll hear Junkanoo, goombay and rake ’n’ scrape music year-round at energetic venues overlooking the ocean. Keen to learn more? Head to the Educulture Junkanoo Museum to see and maybe even play traditional Junkanoo instruments like cowbells and drums.

Set your sights inland

There’s lots to see and do away from the beach. Tee off at any time of year at the Royal Blue Golf Club. Or immerse yourself in nature with a hike in Clifton Heritage National Park, best during the November to June dry season. Ready to horse around? Saddle up at Happy Trails Stable and ride through the island’s tropical interior.

Nassau: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

Bahamian dollar (B$)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

December – April

Low season

August – October

Find the best time to go to Nassau

Weather in Nassau

May – October: The wet season in Nassau is hot and humid. Luckily, there’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches and swimming pools to choose from. Brief afternoon thunderstorms help take the edge off. Storms tend to clear quickly, leaving long stretches of sunshine to enjoy. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

November – April: You’ll experience pleasant weather during Nassau’s dry season, with balmy daytime temperatures and low humidity. It’s no wonder why this is the most popular time to visit the Bahamas. Nights can get cool, so pack a light jacket for those evening breezes.

Events in Nassau

Junkanoo (December and January): This joyful display of Bahamian culture features music, dance and extravagant costumes. Join thousands for the big parade on Bay Street. The main events happen on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but more Junkanoo celebrations take place throughout the year.

Bahamas Independence Day (July): Beyond independence, 10 July is a day to celebrate the Bahamas’ natural beauty, rich culture and the spirit of its people. Celebrations include fireworks, parades and musical performances.

Bahamas International Film Festival (November): Film buffs flock to Nassau for this showcase of independent cinema from around the world. Settle in for a programme full of screenings, panels and masterclasses.

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The best neighbourhoods in Nassau

Downtown Nassau

Downtown is where to stay in Nassau if you’re passionate about both fascinating history and great food. Check out neoclassical architecture in 18th-century Parliament Square, and sample local dishes like peas ’n’ rice and other comfort foods. The souvenir shopping is strong at the Straw Market, and you can easily spend a couple of hours with the interactive exhibits in the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

Good for: Shopping, history, restaurants

Paradise Island

Paradise Island is the best area to stay in Nassau for resorts and nightlife. Visit Aquaventure, the Atlantis Bahamas resort’s enormous waterpark. For dinner, you’ll find celebrity chef menus at five-star restaurants in the various resorts. At night, it’s all EDM and dance moves. Escape the crowds and head to Arawak Beach.

Good for: Waterparks, dining, nightlife

Cable Beach

Looking for a luxury getaway? Resorts line this stretch of coastline, where the gorgeous beach boasts soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Rent a jetski for high-octane thrills, or take it slow with a spa day. Reserve a table at high-end restaurants for gourmet specialities like Bahamian cracked conch. Or grab a cocktail and explore nearby Cave Beach.

Good for: Resorts, cocktails, gourmet dining

Things to do in Nassau

Family friendly things to do

The Pirates of Nassau is one of the top things to do with family in Nassau. Learn all about the island’s role during the Golden Age of Piracy in this interactive museum. Or ride the slides and float down the lazy river at Fins Up Water Park in the Margaritaville Beach Resort. For a low-cost afternoon, swing by the playground at family-friendly Saunders Beach.

Shopping

Barter for Bahamian keepsakes at the Bahama Crafts Center in Downtown. Find designer clothes and perfumes on Bay Street, or take the ferry to Marina Village at the Atlantis on Paradise Island to shop for handicrafts and local fashions. There’s also an interesting mix of international and Caribbean vendors at the Mall at Marathon.

Take in the culture

Explore Bahamian culture at the historic sites and museums in Nassau. Go to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to see contemporary and classical art from the island nation. Visit 18th-century Fort Charlotte, located on a hill overlooking the city. And stop by the Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre to see costumes from Nassau’s most important festival.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Nassau mostly revolves around the hotels and resorts. Luckily there’s a wide range of venues to choose from. Find everything from boisterous dance floors and nightclubs to sophisticated lounge bars where you can enjoy a rum-based cocktail. Or hit the bars around the Cruise Port for a mix of the two.

Places to eat

You’re spoilt for choice at the restaurants in Nassau. Take your pick from international cuisines with Bahamian twists at fine-dining and casual establishments around the resorts and hotels. To sample Bahamian cuisine, Arawak Cay on West Bay Street is home to many authentic Bahamian restaurants, or you can head to the food stalls near Potter’s Cay Dock. Make sure you try conch salad, a local favourite.

Beaches

Junkanoo Beach is the most convenient beach in Nassau, right next to Downtown. Choose Saunders Beach, popular with local families, to swim in calm, shallow water. Head west of the city to Love Beach for snorkelling and windsurfing. And hike to secluded Cove or Colonial beaches on the western tip of Paradise Island for a more relaxed vibe.

Plan your holiday to Nassau

Budget

If you’re not careful, the Bahamas can do a number on your travel budget. But a cheap holiday to Nassau is still possible with a bit of planning. Instead of dining at pricey resort restaurants, buy your meals at food trucks and roadside takeaway shacks. And skip the fancy umbrella drinks in hotel bars. You can usually find a local beer for about five Bahamian dollars (B$).

Day trips from Nassau

Hop on a plane to see nearby islands on a day trip. A 45-minute flight brings you to the Exumas, a chain of 365 keys, each more beautiful than the last. Or fly 30 minutes to the pink sands of Eleuthera. From here, you can catch a ferry to the tiny New England–style towns of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.

Getting around Nassau

Nassau is a walkable city that’s easy to explore on foot. For spots further out, taxis are your best bet. To get to Paradise Island, hop on the ferry from Downtown. If you’re staying outside the main tourist areas or want to discover more of New Providence Island, hiring a car gives you the freedom to go at your own pace.

FAQs about Nassau holidays

The official currency in Nassau is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). It's always useful to carry some cash with you during your trip to Nassau, but digital payments and credit cards are usually accepted by most places.
English is widely spoken here. Get familiar with some local greetings or phrases during your city break in Nassau and you'll fit right in.
How long your trip to Nassau should be depends on where you're travelling from and what you plan to do. If you live close by, three to five days is enough to see the leading sights. If you're travelling from afar, it's worth staying a week or more to experience the city and surrounding areas.
The hottest month in Nassau is August, which sees maximum temperatures of 30ºC (86ºF).
Organise your Nassau trip for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. 20ºC (68ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
Visit Nassau from December through April for dry and mild weather. Temperatures are around 26°C during the day, with plenty of sunshine. Expect crowds, as this is the high season. You can snag cheap holidays to Nassau in May and November, when the weather is still pleasant and dry.
Your city break in Nassau can vary in price based on anything from your trip length to preferred hotel. To score a great deal on Nassau flights and hotels, stay flexible with your departure plans and keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
Nassau is generally safe around resort areas and on the beaches. Use caution during holidays to Nassau when travelling outside the tourist spots or isolated areas. Avoid problems by using only reputable tour and equipment rental companies.
Nassau is a good holiday destination for lovely beaches within easy reach. Book tours and visit beaches and attractions in the city. Or travel to tourist sites around New Providence island in under an hour. You can plan cheap holidays to Nassau and use the city as a base to explore other Bahamian islands.
The wettest month is October, which gets an average rainfall of 16 cm. But don't let the weather put a damper on your Nassau trip — there's still loads to do indoors such as shopping, discovering museums, or hanging out in cosy cafes.

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