Nassau Bahamas is the most popular Bahama island vacation destination. Located on the island of New Providence, Bahamas, Nassau is the capital city and has been the centerpiece of this island nation since the shipwrecking days of Blackbeard the pirate. A busy hub of international commerce and finance, Nassau is the most cosmopolitan city in the Bahama islands, the seat of government and a vibrant center for tourism, as well as world-class entertainment.

Bahamas Attractions

The Bahamas' most popular activities center on diverse natural attractions: swimming and diving in the clear waters; lounging on white sandy beaches; and hiking and bird-watching in the national parks. If you prefer card sharks to makos, head to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino. Nassau abounds with historical attractions such as Fort Fincastle and The Cloisters in the Versailles Gardens. Or soak up the local atmosphere at Potter’s Cay Dock and at the Straw Markets in Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau is the capital city and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has a population of 210,832 (2000 census), nearly 70 percent of the entire population of the Bahamas (303,611). Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major airport for the Bahamas, is located about 16 kilometres or 10 miles west of downtown Nassau, and has daily flights to major cities in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Caribbean. The city functions much like a federal district, as there is no local government of the island, and it is governed, directly, by the government.

Nassau was formerly Charles Town; it was burnt to the ground by the Spanish in 1684, but later rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695 to honor King William III (from the House of Orange-Nassau)

Located on New Providence island, Nassau has an attractive harbour, a colourful blend of old world and colonial architecture and a busy port. The tropical climate and natural beauty of the Bahamas has made Nassau a popular tourist destination, with a reputation for relaxing days and an exciting nightlife.

Summertime temperatures rarely exceed 33 degrees Celsius (92 degrees Fahrenheit) and the winter months have daytime temperatures between 20 and 26°C (68 and 80°F), rarely falling below 10°C or 50°F.

The city's proximity to the United States (180 miles or 290 km east-southeast of Miami, Florida) has also contributed to its popularity as a vacation spot, especially after the banning of American travel to Cuba. The world famous Atlantis resort on nearby Paradise Island accounts for more tourist arrivals to the city than any other hotel property. The mega resort also employs over 6,000 Bahamians, the largest outside of government.

The city also boasts of Junkanoo, an energetic, colourful street parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. The celebration occurs on December 26th and January 1st, beginning in the early hours of the morning (1:00 a.m.) and ending around 10 a.m.