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Nassau Culture & history

Our most recommended Nassau Culture & history

Nassau: Historic Downtown Nassau Bike Tour

1. Nassau: Historic Downtown Nassau Bike Tour

Take a guided tour of the historic Bahamian architecture in Downtown Nassau. Meet the staff for a short safety briefing, before you start exploring the points of interest like the Water Tower, Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase, the Nassau Public Library/Former Prison, the Graycliff Restaurant and Hotel, the Bahamas Heritage Museum, and the National Art Gallery. You will also explore Fort Charlotte, Junkanoo Beach, Rawson's Square, the Governor General's House, and more. Following that, discover beautiful murals and photo opportunities as you cruise along colorful buildings of Bay Street. You will later be taken for a lunch break at a vibrant and energetic food spot called Arawak Cay, where at a nominal fee, you may purchase food and beverages unique to the islands of the Bahamas. Following lunch, stop at the Straw Market to admire the handiwork of local vendors, and at the conclusion of your experience, your guide will return you to your tour collection point.

Nassau: Sip, Sample & See, Food & History Bus Tour

2. Nassau: Sip, Sample & See, Food & History Bus Tour

See and taste the islands...... don't just visit The Bahamas, Sample the exotic cuisine, sip locally blended spirits and brews, be immersed in the culture, and see the unmatched beauty of these islands. You can pound the city pavement just about anywhere in the world, but if you want a homely island experience that's safe and entertaining then this tour is for you.  You'll spend the day being introduced to the vibrant culture, hearing local music, learning a few Bahamian phrases, and eating and drinking like a local. Travelling along the island’s coasts, you'll pass sandy beaches, majestic locations and old plantations. The tour has 6 stops where you'll sample the island delicacies -  some being made right before your eyes -  sip on tropical drinks and bush teas, visit a historical museum, a rum cake factory and then end the afternoon with  a delicious Bahamian lunch at a family restaurant. 

Nassau: Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau

3. Nassau: Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau

Begin your adventure in downtown Nassau and follow your guide as you stroll to some of the most historic landmarks and sites in town. Walk up to the top of Elizabeth Avenue for a 15-minute stop at the famous Queen’s Staircase, a major limestone staircase that consists of 66 steps. Here you will get the chance to capture its majestic beauty with your camera as your guide shares the history of this 18th-century staircase, including how 600 slaves constructed it in honor of Queen Victoria’s assistance in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas. Continue up Elizabeth Avenue for a five-minute stop at Nassau’s tallest structure, the historic 126-foot Water Tower that supplied water to the island of New Providence back in the early 20th century. Next, your tour will take you to the top of Bennet’s Hill to spend 15 minutes at Fort Fincastle, a fort built in the late 18th century to protect Nassau from pirates. Next, grab your cameras for the chance to take beautiful pictures of the exterior of the Government House. During a 10-minute stop, your tour guide will share tales from this historic site’s past as you admire the architectural excellence of this Georgian Colonial-style residence of the Bahamas’ Governor-General. Now that you have worked up an appetite, make a stop at Graycliff Chocolatier and indulge in a sampling of these locally made delicious treats. Next, tour the galleries of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and learn about the history of Junkanoo at the Educulture Museum. Afterwards, you will travel to John Watling's Distillery where you may sample rum and tour the facility. From here your next will stop at Tasty Teas where you will learn about the Bahamian bush teas and traditional medicines. Next up is the Nassau Straw Market for a brief history and shopping break. The last stop is at Rawson and Parliament Square where you can learn about the history of the buildings and statues from the colonial era up to present day.

Nassau: Historical Sightseeing Guided Half-Day Tour

4. Nassau: Historical Sightseeing Guided Half-Day Tour

Begin the tour with a drive through the historic city of Nassau. Stop at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. Sample scrumptious flavors like pina colada, banana, and chocolate. Next, head across the 65-foot bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Pass by the beautiful Cloisters and take memorable photos of the lovely marble statute Silence. The Queen's Staircase will be your next stop. Carved out of solid limestone in the late 18th century, this 102-foot staircase is a must-see attraction. Climb the 65 steps to the top of Bennet's Hill the highest point in Nassau and access Fort. Guests not able to climb the staircase can stay on board and be driven to the top. At the top, you'll find a mini-market with authentic handmade goods at bargain prices. Then, go to the Graycliff Chocolate Factory for about 20 minutes to see how this famous chocolate is made and sample some of the 17 different flavors. Head to the John Watling's Distillery, a local producer of rum where you'll have a chance to sample. Next, visit Junkanoo Beach to take photos of the beautiful crystal clear waters. The last stop of the tour will be at the interactive Pirates Museum in the heart of downtown Nassau where you'll be transported to the year 1716 when pirates ruled the Caribbean.

Nassau: Guided City Tour by Scooter

5. Nassau: Guided City Tour by Scooter

Explore Nassau’s tropical streets by scooter and get to know Bahamian culture on this guided tour. Stop off at historical landmarks like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, savor the spicy aromas of the Rum Cake Factory and learn about the history of Junkanoo at the National Art Gallery. The first stop will be at Rawson Square, named after a former governor of the island, before you move on to the Rum Cake Factory. Here you’ll learn about the unique flavors and techniques that go into making this classic Caribbean delicacy. Next, you’ll head on to Fort Fincastle, stopping first to admire the dramatic Queen’s Staircase, which is made of 65 steps of solid limestone carved into the hillside. The fort itself was built in the 18th century to protect Nassau harbor from pirates and offers spectacular views out over the water. After this, the tour will make its way to Bahama Barrels, the first winery in the Bahamas, and on to the National Art Gallery. Here, you’ll be able to learn about Junkanoo, a Bahamian street parade, and admire the collection of colorful clothing and masks worn by the dancers. Finally, you’ll visit the John Watlings Distillery, where you can learn about small-batch rum production, and the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation, where your tour will come to an end.

Nassau: Sightseeing, Snorkeling, & Shopping Tour with Pickup

6. Nassau: Sightseeing, Snorkeling, & Shopping Tour with Pickup

Make the most of your cruise stop in Nassau and join this comprehensive journey to the island's most significant destinations. Get a nice overview of the scenery, the historic landmarks, and the beaches, while also enjoying a chocolate tasting and some souvenir shopping. Once your cruise ship docks, your guide will meet you at the port. Climb into the awaiting air-conditioned van and get going on your historic tour of Nassau, including the Queen's staircase. This 65-step landmark was carved out of solid limestone in the 1700s and is a true island icon. Lace up your hiking shoes for the 31-meter climb to the top of Bennet's Hill, Nassau's highest point. Check out Fort Fincastle and the nearby water tower. If you prefer not to walk, you can remain in the van for the ride to the top. Stop at the mini straw market to shop for souvenirs, then head over to the Graycliff Chocolate Factory for some of the best chocolate in the Bahamas. Get your camera ready for the next stop at New Providence Cave, once a lair for pirates, before heading over to Nirvanna Love Beach. Swim, snorkel, and refuel with lunch and a soft drink before returning to the cruise port for drop-off.

Nassau: City Highlights Private Pedicab Tour

7. Nassau: City Highlights Private Pedicab Tour

Step up into your pedicab carriage and let's get rolling! This fun, active tour of Nassau hits all the highlights! As we pedal through historic Downtown Nassau, your friendly, enthusiastic guide will relate the history of the city through your audio ear set. It's just a short ride to the tropical setting of the Queen's Staircase. You'll hear the story of its architecture and climb the 66 steps to see the iconic Water Tower, a prominent landmark in Nassau's skyline, and visit Fort Fincastle. Although never actually used as it was intended (to defend the harbor from attack from the French), the fort remains an important part of Nassau's history. Back down the stairs and back into your pedicab, there's much more in store. Your next destination is the beautiful colonial Government House, home of the Governor General of The Bahamas. Right next door is the elegant Graycliff Hotel, a true Bahamian treasure. Visit the Graycliff Chocolatier and sample their exquisite chocolates before moving on to tour the galleries of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and its sculpture garden. A tour of the John Watling's Distillery is up next, where you'll learn the magic of turning raw, local products into the finest varieties of rum using traditional English methods. A sample is in order before pedaling on to the Pirates of Nassau Museum to tour exhibits portraying the golden age of piracy. Next, you'll head to the Straw Market to look for that perfect souvenir from your visit to Nassau. Your last stop will be the colonial style buildings of Parliament Square, where Queen Victoria Statue sits and the House of Assembly and Senate meet. It is here that we bid farewell.

Nassau: Bahama Life Pedal Crawler Tour

8. Nassau: Bahama Life Pedal Crawler Tour

Experience the best of Nassau from a pedal crawler on this exciting tour. First, head to The Queen's Staircase, a jungle oasis hidden among the bustle of Nassau. Admire the plant life that forms a beautiful canopy for shade as you walk up the stairs to see the waterfall. Learn more about the rich history of the area and the significance of the "66 Steps" before heading to Graycliff Chocolatier. Here, savor fine chocolates produced in the Graycliff Chocolatier factory paired with wine and Bahamian appetizers.  Your next stop is Fort Charlotte. Let yourself be amazed by the fort's intriguing past and fascinating structure. Walk along the massive drawbridge and admire panoramic views of Nassau Harbor from the water-less moat. Next, head to the beating heart of the city, Arawak Cay. Discover some of the best, most authentic cuisine in the Bahamas here. At the Fish Fry, learn about the conch and its preparation and help yourself to some samples of this local delicacy. Finally, head to your final stop, Western Esplanade Beach. Enjoy a traditional Bahamian lunch served in a fresh pineapple bowl. Finish your day by admiring the beach views or taking a dip in the crystal-clear water.

Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour

9. Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour

Discover Nassau's lesser-known treasures on this sightseeing bus tour. Begin with a brief stop in Rawson Square, located in downtown Nassau, to view and learn about its historical government buildings. Take in the numerous statues of Queen Victoria and hear about the first black Bahamian Governor General. Continuing on to Fort Fincastle and explore the historical landmark known as the Queen's staircase. Afterwards, continue on to view the governor's mansion. Next, head toward the largest fort on the island, Fort Charlotte, and enter to explore hundreds of years of history. After a healthy dose of history, journey along towards the rum cake factory to taste some of the country's finest treats. Before returning to Nassau, head to Paradise Island and stop by the famous Atlantis Hotel. Finally, return to the cruise ship terminal with a new found appreciation for the historic city.

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What people are saying about Nassau

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 30 reviews

The tour was worth every penny and then some! Karon was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable, thoughtful and welcoming. He went above and beyond to personalize the tour and make it worthwhile. We were able to go to the various high points of downtown Nassau, see the different neighborhoods and then hang out at a gorgeous beach. The beach water was crystal clear and we could see planes landing every so often, which was cool (we only saw maybe 5 planes in 3 hours, so it won’t cause a noise issue). Karon also made sure we got back to our ship in plenty of time. If you want a different excursion off of the ship that supports a great family owned business, this is it!

We had a great time on our Dilly Dally bike tour of Nassau. Quinn was a fantastic guide and took us to some great spots. He was a fun raconteur and made sure we were all safe on the busy streets. Especially loved Junkanoo Beach ( take swimwear for a lunchtime dip) and the view from the fort. Graycliff cigars was also fascinating. Would recommend this trip!

ARod was great. Enjoyed our time spent with him. He had a lot of knowledge of the island.

Dwight was so much fun he kept the laughter coming and sandy was full of Knowledge

The tour guide (Charles) was knowledgeable, engaging, and fun.