6 Free Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Over our last 7 or 8 trips to The Bahamas, we’ve been collecting a list of all of the fun free things to do in Nassau. You might be asking, “Why in the world have you been there so many times?” The answer is simple, Nassau is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. Because of this, there’s a plethora of free things to do in Nassau…if you know where to look.

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6 Free Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Hit the Beach

It goes without saying that one of the best free things to do in Nassau is hit the beach! While Nassau may be known for it’s high dollar resorts, you don’t need to spend any money to spend the day on the beach. Some of the best beaches in Nassau are free! Here are three great options:

Junkanoo Beach- This beach is popular with cruisers because it is easily accessed on foot. Although the beach is a little smaller than some of the others, you’ll still be able to find a spot to enjoy the rays. The beach features public restrooms and changing facilities and it’s a hot spot for snorkeling.
Cable Beach- Wanna know how you know this is a great beach? Look at all of the hotels that surround it! There’s a reason the resorts have been built here- it’s breathtaking! The beach stretches for over 2 miles along the coast and is free to visit. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that dot the beach here, which makes it easy to grab a bite. You’ll need to hop in a cab to check out this beach.
Cabbage Beach– This beach is drop dead gorgeous and located on Paradise Island, the same island as Atlantis Bahamas. This beach has consistently been rated as one of the best beaches in Nassau. There’s plenty of white coastline to spread out enjoy your little slice of paradise. You’ll need to shell out money for a cab if you want to visit, though.

Stroll Around Parliament Square

This square is a great place to stop and snap a few photos. A statue of Queen Victoria stands as a reminder of The Bahamas colonial days. The statue was erected in 1905 in honor of the Queen’s birthday.

The country’s main government buildings surround the square. These flamingo pink buildings were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They were constructed by Loyalists who came to The Bahamas from North Carolina.

The House of Assembly is where the Prime Minister and two houses of Parliament meet.

Behind the House of Assembly, you’ll find the Supreme Court. Keep an eye out for judges or lawyers who still follow the tradition of dressing in the traditional British wigs and robes.

At the center of the square, facing Bay Street, is the Senate.

Hidden behind the Supreme Court building is the Garden of Remembrance. The garden honors the Bahamian soldiers that lost their lives during the two World Wars.

Visit Queen's Staircase

The Queen’s Staircase, also known as the 66 Steps, is a major landmark in Nassau. The rocks were chipped out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 1700s. These steps gave a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City- an area notorious for attracting pirates.

The steps were later named in honor of Queen Victoria after her role in ending slavery in the British Empire. If you’d like to know more, there are always plenty of locals on hand that will share the history of the staircase and Nassau- for a small tip.

Walk Along Bay Street

Nassau’s oldest thoroughfare, Bay Street, is now the heart of the tourist district. The street is lined with bustling shops, busy eateries and bars, and tourist sites. Whether you’re looking to pick up a souvenir or a chick at the bar (kidding…kinda), this is the spot for you!

Bay Street is home to the world-famous Straw Market, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and the cruise terminal.

Explore "Blackbeards" Tower

Pirates are deep-rooted in the history of The Bahamas. Back in the Golden Age, between the 1600s and 1700s, Nassau was a mecca for pirates. They preyed on the ships that passed through carrying their goods, gold, and other treasures.

One of the most popular pirates in his day was Edward Teach “Blackbeard”. Blackbeard was an infamous and terrifying pirate who used scare tactics to get his victims for fork over their treasures.

Blackbeard’s Tower once served as a lookout tower in the 1700s. Today, it stands as a crumbling monument to the pirates of the Caribbean.

While there is very little to do at these ruins, they do offer a lovely view.

Tour John Watling's Distillery

John Watling’s Distillery is a rum distillery that creates the small-batch rum known as the “Spirit of The Bahamas”. The distillery is housed in a historic home known as the Buena Vista Estate, which was established in 1789 and overlooks the harbor.