Select a Category

Top Rated Attractions in Nassau/Paradise Island

Search Radius (Miles)

Not to be missed, this immensely popular beach is lined with bars and high-end luxurious resorts. It was a beach with no name until 1907 when it became the landing point for the Trans-Atlantic cable, which stretched from here to connect The Bahamas to mainland America at Jupiter, Florida. Today, it's the ultimate playground for fun in the sun. You can indulge in water sport activities and get an adrenaline rush or simply bathe in the sun and get a tan on during your visit to the Cable Beach.

Joker's Wild Comedy Club

This posh little club features comedy acts from around the world that have been seen on the likes of HBO and Comedy Central. The interior of the club is cozy and intimate, characterized by dim lighting, rich green walls, the standard round tables and plush seating. Shows take place six nights a week, with doors opening at 8:45p and shows starting at 9p. The subject matter is for a mature audience, so the strict age limit of 18 and over is enforced. Admission is reasonably priced at USD 20.

Bahamas Historical Society Museum

To gain a better appreciation for all things Bahamian, take a few hours to browse through this museum. There's a permanent exhibition here titled "A Reservoir of History." The name sounds a bit bookish, but the exhibit itself is enlightening and enjoyable. There's also a collection of anthropological and archaeological artifacts, all Bahamian of course. Admission costs only USD1 for adults, and children get in for half that. Guided tours are available.

Free

French Cloister at Versailles Gardens

This 14th Century French stone monastery was brought over brick by brick to Paradise Island during the 1920s by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Years later, grocery-store heir Huntington Hartford had the site rebuilt at the current location presiding over Nassau Harbour. Today, many couples take their nuptial vows at this historic Old World venue. The site is now owned by the Ocean Club but all visitors are welcome to visit and enjoy free of charge.

Versailles Gardens

Statues of notable historical and mythological figures populate this stone garden. Marble and bronze visages of Hercules, Napoleon and Josephine, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt are featured here, along with a host of others. The Cloisters, a 14th-century French monastery, was brought brick by brick from its mother country and reconstructed at the top of the garden. Versailles Gardens is part of the Ocean Club property, but visitors are welcome to inspect the statues free of charge.

Clifton Heritage National Park

Encompassing a variety of attractions ranging from ancient ruins to cave systems, the Clifton Heritage National Park is an expansive area brimming with natural wonders. Tour guides narrate the history embedded into every nook and cranny of the land, with special emphasis on the derelict structures which are remnants of the Lucayan, Arawak, and the Loyalist and Slave Trade eras. Remains of houses belonging to the Lucayan period are interspersed among the historical attractions, the age-old lumbers of wood and thatched roofs reminiscent of the shelters constructed during the time. Beaches fringe the park, with pristine waters lapping at the sandy shores. The ragged caves lurking just beneath the Banana Hole are imbued with religious and ritualistic significance. The underwater experience here is especially exhilarating, owing to the thriving marine life. Snorkeling is a popular activity in the area.

More Attractions

Ministry of Tourism

Market Plaza, Bay Street, behind the Straw Market, Nassau, Bahamas

Find information on any of Nassau's attractions, as well as attractions on other islands. Restaurant and hotel info can also be found here, although not in such a high volume. The Ministry is a small room, with racks upon racks of fliers and brochures. You can browse in peace here, with plenty of time to make up your own mind about what you want to do. No tour operator is going to try to press you into making a decision. Someone is available to answer questions, but it is up to you to approach them.

Bahamas Reef Environmental Educational Foundation

West Bay Street, Caves Village, Nassau, Bahamas

Dedicated to educating the public about the role of coral reefs in the environment, B.R.E.E.F. promotes the preservation and appreciation of the Bahamas' most treasured natural attribute. Marine biologists across the entire hemisphere come to study and hold workshops. The public is welcome to attend weekly lectures at various destinations free of charge and enjoy snorkeling trips to a variety of reefs. Call ahead for a schedule of events, location and seminars.

Central Bank of The Bahamas - Art Gallery

Trinity Place and Frederick Street, Nassau, Bahamas

The Central Bank of The Bahamas encourages artists and artists forms through their Art Gallery. Supporting local artists of The Bahamas both old and new, the gallery permanently features works by Eric Ellis Eddie, Minis and Antonious Roberts. The Bank also encourages art appreciation among the young by hosting various competitions at school level throughout the year. Their versatile exhibits and events are definitely a must-visit.

Junkanoo Beach

West Bay Street, Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas

Junkanoo Beach located few minutes from the cruise terminal is a perfect spot for fun and leisure in Nassau, Bahamas. The beach bars, restaurants and shopping areas are also at a short distance from the beach. There are non motorized water sports facilities including equipments like single kayaks, double kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boards and water trampoline.

Doongalik Studios

18 Village Street, Nassau, Bahamas

Jackson Burnside, the locally famous artist who founded Doongalik Studios, was apparently among the last in the art world to realize how successful his enterprise had become. He still considers Doongalik to be more of a studio than a gallery, and his down-to-earth attitude is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to the stunning talent and friendly manner of the proprietor, this is one of the best places to look for quality Bahamian art. Visitors to the studio can view prints, Junkanoo faces or original works in progress. Gift items include coloring books and T-shirts.

Balcony House

Market Street and Trinity Place, Nassau, Bahamas

Much of the architecture found in the Caribbean is a hodgepodge, or melting pot, because early settlers transported their design ideas and influences from their homeland. This is no exception. Balcony House is typical of early 18th century southeast American architecture: a wooden structure, totally restored between 1992 and 1993. As you tour New Providence, you'll recognize this as a popular style that many of the early arrivals embraced. The refurbishment includes interiors, furnishings and home accessories from the period. Guided tours are available and encouraged. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.