5 Things to Know About Nassau’s Famous Straw Market
A visit to the Straw Market is a must-do for many travelers spending time in Nassau—whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, staying on nearby Paradise Island, or exploring as a local tourist. This bustling marketplace attracts visitors from all over the world, all in search of authentic Bahamian souvenirs and one-of-a-kind island finds.
Despite the name, the “straw” used in the market actually comes from dried palm fronds, traditionally woven into beautiful items like bags, hats, and baskets. But that’s not all you’ll find here—stalls are also packed with locally made jewelry, hand-carved wooden sculptures, colorful dresses, t-shirts, and handbags, giving you plenty of ways to bring a little piece of the Bahamas home with you.
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5 Things to Know About Nassau's Straw Market
1. This Place is Poppin'
With more than 400 vendors and entertainers packed along Bay Street, the Straw Market is far more than just a place to shop—it’s an experience. You’ll find stalls stacked with everything from colorful hats and breezy island shirts to handmade crafts, conch shell jewelry, and even dried starfish (yep, really). And if your beach hair needs a glow-up? There are plenty of skilled braiders ready to work their magic.
In recent years, the market added a live performance stage, bringing even more energy to the scene. Throughout the week, local bands and solo artists set up, grab their drums or guitars, and bring the sounds of the islands to life. It’s a vibe—one that makes souvenir shopping feel more like a mini festival.
2. Straw Weaving is a Big Deal
For centuries, weaving and braiding straw has been a huge part of the Bahamian culture. Historically, locals would craft baskets to carry fruit and crops. They would also weave nets for fish traps.
After World War II, American tourists began traveling to The Bahamas. Since the 1940s, Bahamians have turned their traditional weaving and braiding goods into souvenirs.
You won’t believe how many straw weaved items you’ll spot at the straw market! You’ll find hats, pot holders, baskets, bags, and so much more!
3. Not All Goods Are Hand Made
While the Straw Market is a fantastic place to find handcrafted goods made by skilled local artisans, it’s worth noting that not everything is handmade. Mixed in with the woven bags, baskets, and conch shell jewelry, you’ll also find the usual lineup of mass-produced souvenirs—think t-shirts, dresses, magnets, shot glasses, towels, and hats, many of which are labeled “Made in China.”
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a browse—it just helps to know what you’re looking for.
4. You're Expected to Barter
We get it—bartering can feel a little uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. But at the Straw Market, it’s not just accepted—it’s expected. Vendors here are used to negotiating, and if you don’t speak up, chances are you’ll end up overpaying.
Don’t be shy about making a counteroffer. In many cases, you can lower the price and score something extra, like a small gift or an additional item, to sweeten the deal.
For a lot of visitors, the thrill of the haggle is part of what makes the Straw Market experience so memorable.
5. This Isn't the Original Market
The original Straw Market had a totally different vibe—an open-air setup with a flea market feel that stretched across an entire block of Bay Street. It was a Nassau staple. But in 2001, a devastating fire reduced the market to ashes. A temporary structure was put in place, but it wasn’t until Hurricane Irene swept through that serious plans for a permanent space took shape.
In 2011, vendors finally moved into a new, two-story concrete building—complete with air-conditioning (a game-changer in the Bahamian heat!). The modern building may be sturdier, but you’ll still find the same quirky souvenirs, handcrafted items, and local charm that made the original market so iconic.
The Vendors
The vendors at the straw market are notorious for being aggressive…extremely aggressive. You will be hounded about hair braiding, purchasing bags, or booking a tour as soon as you’re in the area. Some may even get into your personal space and put items in your hand, trying to convince you to purchase them.
This can be intimidating, if you aren’t used to this aggressive sales-tactic. Don’t let this scare you. Simply give a polite, “No, thank you” and walk away if you are not interested.
At the end of the day, they are trying to make a sale, and you’re trying to score a good deal.
Forms of Payment
It is strongly recommended that you pay with cash while visiting the Straw Market. Vendors will accept US Dollars. Bring along some small bills and don’t be afraid to barter. In fact, it is expected that you do so.
There is a chance that your change will be given to you in Bahamian dollars.
The Bahamian Dollar and the US Dollar are equal to one another- $1 USD = $1 BSD
Visiting the Straw Market
The market is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. If you are visiting Nassau via cruise ship, the straw market is within walking distance from the cruise port.
If you are staying at nearby Atlantis on Paradise Island, you can easily access the market via taxi or water taxi.
Things to Do Near the Nassau Straw Market
- Pirates of Nassau Museum
- Government House
- Parliament Square
- Shopping on Bay Street
- Queen’s Staircase
- Fort Charlotte
- Fort Fincastle
- Junkanoo Beach
- Margaritaville
Final Thoughts: Is the Straw Market Worth a Visit?
Absolutely. Whether you’re on the hunt for handwoven treasures, looking to soak up some local culture, or just want to test your bartering skills, the Straw Market delivers. It’s loud, lively, and a little chaotic—in the best possible way.
Sure, you’ll find a few mass-produced trinkets mixed in, but you’ll also discover authentic Bahamian craftsmanship, meet incredibly talented artisans, and maybe even walk away with a story or two.
So bring your cash, practice your polite-but-confident “how much?”, and enjoy the ride. Because no trip to Nassau is complete without a little hustle, a lot of heart, and maybe a straw bag you didn’t know you needed.
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Post updated: 5/6/25
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