Nassau is one of the most walkable Caribbean cruise ports, making it ideal for a self-guided walking tour. However, the capital city of the Bahamas gets mixed reviews. Some cruise ship passengers love the island’s charm, while others struggle with the crowds near the port. And it’s true—it’s one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. But here’s what I’ve found: if you get ashore early and plan your walking tour strategically, you can still enjoy quieter spots in downtown Nassau.
A walking tour of Nassau City isn’t about ticking off landmarks. No, it’s about discovering those quieter spots and historical landmarks. Despite its reputation as a tourist trap, Nassau has some lovely places to visit. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or want to snap some iconic landmarks in the Bahamas, there’s something on this path for everyone.
This Nassau self-guided walking tour includes historical sites, rum distilleries, museums, and even a beach stop. So, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes and prepare to embark on a leisurely stroll around this popular tourist destination.
Nassau Walking Tour Map
Explore Nassau’s top attractions at your own pace with this detailed self-guided tour map.
Self-Guided Nassau Walking Tour Itinerary
Exploring Nassau on foot is the ideal way to uncover its history, culture, and charm at your own pace. Based on visits to the Bahamas and reviews from tourists, I’ve created this itinerary to include historic landmarks, lesser-known spots, and some hidden gems along the way.
Of course, Nassau can get crowded near the port area. And as soon as you leave the cruise terminal, you’ll encounter persistent—some say overly-pushy—vendors. However, a polite “no thank you” usually does the trick. As you get further from the cruise terminal, you’ll find quieter streets where you can enjoy an authentic Bahamian experience.
The trick to avoid the crowds and heat is to start your tour early in the morning. Bring some cash—Bahamian and U.S. dollars are widely accepted—stay hydrated, and keep your camera ready to snap iconic shots of Nassau.
Note: Nassau is a relatively safe cruise port if you stick to well-tracked tourist routes. However, many cruisers advise against going off the beaten track to avoid potential safety issues on your port day in the Bahamas.
Start: Nassau Cruise Port
Prince George Wharf—the alternative name of Nassau cruise port—is a modern terminal with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. It also has free WiFi, which is perfect for uploading your photos of Nassau to social media after the tour.
But don’t stick around the terminal too long. If you want to beat the crowds, exit the terminal as soon as possible. You can always browse the duty-free shops and gift stalls when you return. Also, the terminal can feel chaotic when several ships dock simultaneously. There can be up to seven ships docked in Nassau at once!
Exit the terminal area without engaging with any vendors lingering nearby and continue straight along Parliament Street, where you’ll find Rawson Square and Parliament Square.
Stop 1: Parliament Square
Parliament Square connects with Rawson Square—the heart of Nassau’s colonial past and political present. Here, you’ll find stunning examples of British-style colonial architecture and a marble statue of Queen Victoria. The buildings, with their grand, pink facades and white pillars, are impressive and a great photo op. But don’t forget to walk around Rawson Square—the buildings are just as remarkable.
Get to the square early to avoid the crowds. One cruiser shared, “Rawson Parliament Square is a great first stop—those pink buildings are so photogenic! We got there early and had the whole place to ourselves for pictures.”
A popular photo spot is to stand in front of Queen Victoria’s statue with the pink senate buildings in the background and cannons on either side.
From Parliament Square, head along East Street and along Prison Lane to come to another significant landmark in Nassau—the Queen’s Staircase. It’s about a 10-minute walk.
Stop 2: Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase is one of the most popular attractions in Nassau. The 66 steps were carved out of solid limestone rock by 600 enslaved people in 1793. It was built as a direct escape route from Fort Fincastle to downtown Nassau. The staircase is named to honor Queen Victoria for her role in ending slavery in the British Empire.
Many visitors describe the staircase as “one of the most peaceful and tranquil spots in Nassau.” You’re surrounded by lush greenery, and the cascading water down the wall adds to the serenity. Its shaded location gives respite from the intense Caribbean heat.
Arrive early in the day before guided tours and throngs of tourists arrive. The best photo shot is at the base of the staircase to show the height of the limestone walls and the small waterfall.
Fun fact: You’ll only count 65 limestone steps when going up the staircase. This is because the bottom one is under the asphalt, which happened when they paved the path leading to the stairs.
After climbing the staircase, you’ll arrive at one of Nassau’s historic landmarks—Fort Fincastle.
Stop 3: Fort Fincastle
The strategic location of Fort Fincastle on Bennett’s Hill made it ideal for protecting Nassau from invaders and pirates. This 18th-century fortress was built in the shape of a paddlewheel steamer, and you can still see some cannons on its ramparts. It’s the perfect attraction for history buffs.
Visitors say the climb to the top is well worth it for the spectacular views of Nassau, Paradise Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. Another visitor shared online, “It’s small but packed with history, and an ideal spot to escape crowds of tourists, especially if you arrive before 11 a.m.”
A small market stall beside the fort sells handmade crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
For the best photo spots, take a wide shot of the fort with the cannons in the foreground or take a photo from the ramparts looking out over Nassau and the ocean.
To get to the next stop, head back down the Queen’s Staircase and stroll back along East Street until you come to Shirley Street.
Stop 4: Nassau Public Library and Museum
The Nassau Public Library and Museum is in a unique pink octagonal building that was once a colonial jail in the 18th century. Touring this hidden gem lets you see books, historical records, small museum exhibits from colonial times, and artifacts related to the Lucayan Indians—the island’s original inhabitants.
The building was the first to be constructed in Parliament Square. It also sits among stately palm trees, adding to its photogenic value. Although close to Parliament Square, it’s on the tour after Fort Fincastle as it tends to be quieter mid-morning.
Note that the Lonely Planet guide states that visitors can see the dungeon. However, on my visit, I asked the guide and was told an emphatic “No!” Maybe you will have better luck?
Hidden Gems Along the Way
On your way to the next stop, take some time to visit some lesser-known spots and take great photos.
Balcony House Museum. This 18th-century wooden structure on Market Street is Nassau’s oldest residence and a museum showcasing colonial life.
From the Balcony House Museum, head back along Market Street and cross over Duke Street. Get a shot of Gregory’s Arch—a lesser-known landmark in Nassau named after Governor John Gregory, who served in the mid-19th century. After the arch, take a right on East Hill Street to see another hidden gem—Government House. The pink building with its white columns at the top of an imposing staircase and the cannon at the gate makes for a great photo.
After Government House, continue along Duke Street and then West Hill Street. Pop into the Bahama Barrels Winery to taste some Bahamian blended wines. Across the road is Graycliff Chocolate Co., where you can pick up some delicious Caribbean-made chocolate.
Stop 5: Heritage Museum of the Bahamas
The Bahamas’ Heritage Museum is a little-known attraction that showcases Bahamian history. The museum is in the historic Mountbatten House on West Hill Street. It showcases exhibits and displays from pre-Columbian times to the present, including natural history, the piracy era, and plantation life. Highlights include artifacts like fossils, shipwreck relics, and even a slice of a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite.
You’ll leave with a greater understanding of the Bahamas.
It’s a shame that this museum isn’t usually included on walking tours. One tourist said, “The Heritage Museum was such an eye-opener! We enjoyed learning more about the history of Nassau, and the staff were knowledgeable and willing to share many stories. Definitely worth a visit!”
For the best photo op, capture the museum’s charming colonial exterior or snap a close-up of unique artifacts like the meteorite inside.
Stop 6: National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
The spectacular yellow colonial mansion that houses the National Art Gallery is hard not to miss at the end of West Hill Street. The gallery has an eclectic collection of Bahamian paintings and sculptures, ranging from historical pieces to contemporary works. Even if you’re not an art lover, there’s enough in the small gallery to stay interested.
One visitor shared online, “The Art Gallery was one of the most memorable stops on our tour. The mix of old and modern art really gave us insight into the Bahamian way of life. Plus, the mansion itself is stunning!” The colonial mansion’s exterior also makes a picturesque backdrop.
Just across the street is a hidden gem, the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral—Nassau’s oldest Catholic church.
After the art gallery, head along West Street and turn onto Delancy Street, where you’ll find the next stop—the Buena Vista Estate.
Stop 7: John Watling’s Distillery
Try to get to the John Watling Distillery mid-morning or late afternoon when there are fewer crowds. The distillery is home to signature small-batch rums and the Red Turtle vodka. The free 10-minute guided tour tells about the rum industry in the Bahamas. As a bonus, you get to sample some of the distillery’s finest spirits.
John Watling’s Distillery is also famous for being a filming location in the James Bond film Casino Royale, where it served as the Madagascar Embassy.
Most visitors highly rate the tour. For example, one tourist commented on Tripadvisor, “We loved learning about the rum-making process and enjoyed the rum samples at the end. The estate itself is beautiful and worth a visit, even if you’re not into spirits!”
After the distillery, continue west along Delancy Street and then onto Dean’s Lane. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Fort Charlotte. However, some cruise passengers who want more time at the beach miss the last stops and walk directly to the beach.
Top tip: Attractions like the Nassau Straw Market, Pompey Museum, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum are on the way to the cruise ship port after Junkanoo Beach.
Stop 8: Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is the largest of Nassau’s three forts, offering stunning views of Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island. The fort includes underground passageways, dungeons, and a waterless moat, creating a fascinating exploration experience. It also features cannons and historical displays that bring the fort’s history to life.
The best photo spots at Fort Charlotte are from the top of the walls, with the cruise port, harbor, and Paradise Island in the distance. The waterless moat and cannons also make for unique historical photos.
Fun fact: The fort is named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England.
Top tip: If you feel tired at this point on the walking tour, you can miss out on the following two attractions and head straight for Junkanoo Beach
Stop 9: Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
After exiting Fort Charlotte, head toward the coast and along West Bay Street in the direction of the cruise terminal. After about 20 minutes, you’ll come to the Pompey Museum.
The Pompey Museum, housed in the historic Vendue House, tells the powerful story of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas. Once a slave marketplace, this 18th-century building now honors their resilience with artifacts, exhibits, and stories of freedom, including the legacy of Pompey, who led a rebellion in 1830.
Visitors to the museum describe it as a “deeply moving and educational experience.” One fellow cruiser shared, “The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, and the visuals and touchscreens make the stories come alive. It’s an eerie feeling to imagine what happened here at the height of the Bahamian slave trade.” One tourist recommended paying the extra fee for the upstairs exhibit.
Stop 10: Pirates of Nassau Museum
The Pirates of Nassau exhibition tells the story of how Nassau came to be—a pirate refuge. This fun museum features wax exhibits, pirate artifacts, and a replica pirate ship that brings the swashbuckling world of pirates to life. You’ll also learn about the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean—Blackbeard and Charles Vane.
Families highly rate the Pirate Museum, with one parent saying it was a hit with the entire family. They shared that a lot of work has gone into making pirate history come alive.
Stop 11: Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is popular with cruise ship passengers because it’s within walking distance of the terminal. This beach break is the ideal way to end a walking tour of Nassau. It’s famous for its upbeat vibe, lively beachfront bars, and food shacks selling Caribbean classics like jerk chicken and conch fritters.
One cruiser said that getting to Junkanoo Beach later in the day means fewer crowds. And if the beach is busy—which happens during peak season—head for Western Esplanade Beach that borders Junkanoo.
Return to Nassau Cruise Port
It’s a 10-minute walk back to the cruise terminal. But you may want to stop off at the Nassau Straw Market for some last-minute souvenirs and authentic Bahamian gifts. Here, you can haggle for deals on hand-crafted straw items, conch shell jewelry, bags, dolls, and wood carvings. However, one cruiser advised, “The straw market is only worth your time if your bartering skills are up to speed.”
Nassau Walking Tour Alternatives
Maybe a walking tour of Nassau isn’t for everyone. In that case, you could spend a cruise day at Atlantis Paradise Island and enjoy the water park, swimming, snorkeling, and getting up close to dolphins. Alternatively, you could use the port call to stay on board and enjoy the ship’s facilities.
Must-Try Dishes in Nassau
Dive into Bahamian flavors with conch salad from local stalls, fried snapper at Arawak Cay, and johnnycakes that pair perfectly with guava duff. Locals swear by spots like Twin Brothers for authentic dishes. Don’t miss sipping on Sky Juice, a sweet coconut and gin cocktail, for the whole island experience.
Top Tips for a Memorable Walking Tour of Nassau
Here are the best tips to enjoy a safe, unforgettable walk around the major landmarks in Nassau:
- Start early: Beat the crowds and the heat by beginning your tour early, ideally before 10 a.m., especially when multiple cruise ships are docked.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your stops. Nassau can get hot, and staying hydrated is key to an enjoyable experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Opt for sturdy walking closed-toe shoes to navigate cobblestone streets, stairs like Queen’s Staircase, and uneven terrain at the forts.
- Safety: Stay within popular tourist zones, especially near Parliament Square, Fort Fincastle, and Junkanoo Beach, for a safe and enjoyable experience. Don’t venture too far from the port, and avoid residential areas. Also, a crossbody bag or money belt helps to prevent attracting pickpockets in busier areas like Bay Street or the Straw Market.
Why Nassau’s Walking Tour Will Stay With You Long After You Leave
Walking the streets of Nassau close to the cruise port lets you experience the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and Bahamian character. Despite its mixed reputation, hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers visit Nassau every year without incident. Wishing you safe travels, unforgettable memories, and plenty of sun-soaked moments on your Nassau adventure!
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