The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do

Updated May 8, 2026
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Vue du pont entre Nassau et Paradise Island
To the point Discover the best tours and activities for your trip to Nassau, Bahamas.

En janvier dernier, lors de mon voyage à Freeport sur l’île de Grand Bahama, j’ai également eu la chance de passer du temps à Nassau, capitale des Bahamas.

En ce moment, Air Canada propose de courts vols directs de Montréal vers Nassau, qui est également le point de départ pour s’envoler vers d’autres îles du pays.

Située sur l’île de New Providence, Nassau est souvent considérée comme la porte d’entrée des Bahamas. Elle permet notamment d’accéder à Paradise Island, là où se trouve la majorité des hôtels de luxe, grâce aux ponts du port de Nassau.

La capitale des Bahamas est reconnue pour ses paysages vallonnés, ses façades coloniales aux couleurs pastel, ses plages et ses récifs coralliens. J’ai beaucoup aimé découvrir son centre-ville avec ses superbes bâtiments comme la Government House à la façade rose, ses jolis kiosques de bord de rue, ses peintures murales modernes et ses marinas animées.

Voici quelques idées de visites et d’activités à Nassau.

Getting to Nassau with points

Air Canada is the only carrier operating direct seasonal flights between Montreal and Nassau (NAS). The route is operated 3 times a week in winter, from November to April.

The Bahamas is in the North America region for Aeroplan Flight Rewards. So flights are very affordable in points: you could fly for as little as 22,300 points + $194 in taxes.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - yul-nas-aeroplan-en

Les titulaires de la Carte Visa Infinite* TDMD AéroplanMD ont droit au tarif préférentiel sur les réservations en points Aéroplan. Cet avantage permet d’économiser 4 700 points Aéroplan sur cette réservation !

En ce moment, la prime de bienvenue de cette carte est suffisante pour vous offrir les vols aller-retour pour deux personnes vers les Bahamas.

Se loger à Nassau avec les points

Grâce aux programme de récompenses Marriott Bonvoy, il est possible de se loger à Nassau pour aussi peu que 16 000 points/nuit au Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach. Avec la prime de bienvenue de la Carte Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD*, cela représente trois nuits gratuites et même un total de six nuits pour un couple où chaque personne s’est procurée la carte!

Pour ceux qui souhaitent une expérience plus luxueuse, ou se rapprochant plus des complexes tout-inclus, il est possible de séjourner au The Coral at Atlantis pour 63 000 points/nuit, ou à The Royal at Atlantis, un immense complexe pour toute la famille, pour 74 000 points/nuit.

Vous pouvez également profiter de vos points Marriott Bonvoy pour réserver une maison ou villa de vacances, une bonne alternative à Airbnb qui peut être payée en points! Suivez notre guide sur Homes & Villas Marriott Bonvoy :

Explore paradisiac beaches

There are many beaches to explore in Nassau. Some of them allow the practice of water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, fishing and kayaking.

One of the most popular is Cable Beach. You will find it on the northwest coast of New Providence Island. It extends over more than 3 kilometers of fine white sand.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Travel Bahamas Facebook

Next, Cabbage Beach is another white sand beach with crystal clear waters located on Paradise Island. It is the ideal place for water sports and snorkeling.

Other popular beaches include Saunders BeachA public beach on the west side of Nassau with showers, toilets and picnic tables; Love Beacha more secluded beach at the western end of New Providence Island; and Junkanoo Beachlocated west of the Nassau cruise port and popular with partygoers.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Travel Bahamas Facebook

Discover the local culture

Pendant votre séjour à Nassau, profitez-en pour goûter aux spécialités culinaires locales dont la Conch Salad, le Peas n’ Rice, le jerk chicken, le Johnnycake et le Rum Cake.

Une expérience à ne pas manquer aux Bahamas est le Fish Fry, un rassemblement de restaurants et de bars où les visiteurs peuvent déguster des plats bahamiens traditionnels, surtout des fruits de mer. Le Fish Fry de Nassau se situe à Arawak Cay.

For the ultimate immersion in local culture, attend a Junkanoo performance, the annual Bahamian festival that takes place on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Otherwise, Junkanoo shows can be found throughout the year in some hotels and tourist sites.

Nassau has a thriving music scene. If you are a music lover, you will enjoy attending a local reggae, soca or rumba concert or show in the local clubs or hotels.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Festival Junkanoo

Visit of the historic city center

While visiting historic downtown Nassau, be sure to visit Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte. On Mount Fitzwilliam, you will find Government House, the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas, which dates back to 1800. In front of the building is the statue of Christopher Columbus imported from London in 1830.

One of my favorites in the historic downtown area is climbing theQueen’s Staircase, commonly known as the 66 steps. This major monument is located in the historic Fort Fincastle complex. It was carved by slaves from solid limestone between 1793 and 1794. Later, the staircase was named in honor of the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain, from 1837 to 1901.

Boat trip to another island

Plusieurs îles sont accessibles en bateau depuis Nassau. La plupart d’entre elles possèdent des sites populaires pour la plongée sous-marine ou en apnée, dont la barrière de corail de Andros Island, Rose Island et les épaves sous-marines.

Les familles aimeront l’île privée de Blue Lagoon accessible en bateau-taxi depuis Nassau. En plus des plages de sable blanc, plusieurs activités sont proposées, dont une variété de sports nautiques et un parc aquatique pour enfants.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Wikipedia

One of the closest islands is Rose Island, about 30 minutes by boat from the capital. With its crystal clear waters and coral reefs, this small island is ideal for diving enthusiasts.

Other islands to visit include Pearl Island, an hour’s boat ride away, which has an abundance of marine life; and a little further away,Exuma Island , located about 130 km away, is known for its exceptional waters and its famous swimming pigs.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Pixabay

Shopping in the colorful shops

If you enjoy shopping at local souvenir stores, head to Bay Street, a popular Nassau shopping street lined with colorful boutiques. You will find clothing, jewelry, art and handicrafts.

Next, the Straw Market is a covered market ideal for buying souvenirs, straw baskets, hats, handbags, t-shirts and other local handicrafts. Don’t hesitate to bargain.

Some of the stores in Nassau are worth a visit, such as Nassau Glass Company, a hand-blown glass store; Doongalik Studios, an art studio and gallery; and Graycliff Cigar Company, a handmade cigar store where you can sample cigars.

Enjoy one of the many spas on the island

Nassau has many spa and wellness centers to relax and rejuvenate, whether in the studio or in its upscale hotels. Some of these are: Mandara Spa, located at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort; Senses Spa at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar; Red Lane Spa at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Espa at Baha Mar, located at the Baha Mar Resort.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Mandara Spa

Nature-based tours

Located in the heart of Nassau are the Ardastra Gardens, a popular attraction that is home to pink flamingos. Across four acres of tropical landscape, its mini zoo boasts over two hundred mammals, birds and reptiles.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Ardastra Gardens

On Paradise Island, the Versailles gardens are also worth a visit, especially for a romantic getaway! They include a lush multi-terrace landscape in a rectangular design approximately 75 feet wide.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Versailles Gardens

National park enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Clifton Heritage National Park, with its remnants of three important groups that have had an impact on the country: the Lucayans, the Loyalists and the Africans. Officially opened in 2009, this park offers a walk along winding trails surrounded by a rich ecosystem of native coppice, cliffs, coastal wetlands and beaches. Among the local fauna to observe: songbirds, wading birds, sea birds.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Page Facebook

Save in Nassau with points

Les points récompenses flexibles sont votre allié pour économiser sur les activités une fois à destination. Mettez toutes vos dépenses sur une carte de crédit comme la Carte World Mastercard de la Banque Nationale ou la Carte AventuraMD CIBC Visa Infinite* puis appliquez vos points en crédit au compte.

De plus, les cartes sans frais de conversion comme la Carte Visa Infinite Passeport Banque Scotia vous permettent d’économiser 2.5% à chaque transaction en devises étrangères.

Bottom Line

La capitale des Bahamas offre une variété d’activités et de sites touristiques. Son atmosphère cosmopolite et internationale et la convivialité de ses habitants rendent Nassau très attrayante pour les touristes. C’est une ville animée, pittoresque et culturelle, entourée par les eaux chaudes et cristallines des Caraïbes.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Marjorie, with a passion for writing, travel, and wellness, has spent the last decade exploring the world from Central America to Asia, Europe, and Africa. A former travel advisor, she loves inspiring others and sharing her best discoveries. As the author of several novels and guides, Marjorie is also a specialist in the Caribbean and the travel agency sector, offering valuable insights for enriching travel experiences.
All posts by Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Region
Bahamas, Nassau

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