The beautiful islands of the Bahamas attracts travelers from around the world, in particular to New Providence Island, home to the capital city of Nassau. This island located off the coast of Florida, boast of their stunning sugar-white beaches and their turquoise waters. But there is much more that Nassau has to offer its visitors besides its natural beauty.
Shopping
Since Nassau is a port, there are numerous shopping locales in the area. Everything from local vendors selling trinkets along the streets to exquisite boutiques, Nassau is a shopper’s paradise. Because of Nassau’s history and deep-rooted culture, these gifts and souvenirs one may purchase are quite unique. Festival Place, next to the dock, offers shoppers handmade crafts and keepsakes, such as conch shell jewelry and the famous Bahamian straw hats and bags. More island mementos, like woodcarvings, hand-blown glass, and other types of art, can be found on Bay Street at the Straw Market. Bay Street is also home to a variety of boutiques, offering beautiful leather goods, jewelry, perfume and watches.
Things to See
Besides soaking up the rays on Nassau’s white-sand beaches, there are several interesting sites to see on the island. Those who are cigar aficionados may want to visit the Graycliff Cigar Company. Enjoy a hand-crafted cigar while taking in the scenery at this historic hotel. The Cloister and Versailles Gardens, set where an old French monastery used to stand, is not only a place to take the time and smell the colorful tropical flowers and plants, but it is an ideal place to watch a breathtaking sunset as well. For those foodies out there, try a fish fry at Arawak Cay. This Friday evening celebration is a wonderful way to try an assortment seafood, but with a Bahamian twist of course!
Restaurants and Bars
Being situated on the sea, Nassau offers the very best in seafood cuisine. Due to its history and influence from other countries around the world, the flavors of the Bahamian cuisine appeal to almost everyone. Conch, grouper, and snapper are popular favorites with locals and tourists alike and are usually prepared with a cajun or creole twist. There are restaurants for every type of budget and for every type of fare as well. One can dine casually at Anthony’s Caribbean Grill and sample the Bahamian cuisine. Perhaps a romantic dinner at the exclusive Dune would be an ideal way to indulge and enjoy French-Asian cuisine. If Italian cuisine is a favorite, then Carmine’s would be the place to sample the finest Italian food. The Columbus Tavern offers their patron’s a waterfront view and delicious tropical drinks. Kafe Kalik serves up their drinks with great local music! The newest nightclub on the island, Aura, is a 9,000 square foot club in the Atlantis, which offers visitors a non-stop party through the night!
As one can see, Nassau brings much more to the table than just their sandy white beaches and beautiful waters, but it sure entices one even more to visit!