Summertime is finally here! We know what you’re thinking. You are probably on the lookout for the best beaches you can visit. If you are, you might want to check out influential socialite – and traveler at heart herself – Paris Hilton’s favorite beaches. Her list includes Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Santorini in Greece, Positano in Italy, St. Tropez in France, Boracay in the Philippines, Miami in Florida, and Maui in Hawaii. But would Paris ever forget the Bahamas on her list of favorites? Of course not! The Bahamas is the perfect summer destination, and if you’re visiting this country, you better get started at Nassau. Lots of things to do in Nassau, and we’re presenting them right here.

The Bahamas’ sheer size and diversity are this Caribbean island nation’s best kept secret. With 16 major islands, the Bahamas is a destination like no other, providing every tourist with heart-pounding adventures across a hundred thousand square miles of what’s dubbed as the world’s clearest ocean. 

Kinda confused where to get started here in the Bahamas? Tourists who previously visited the place recommend Nassau. Though Nassau is well-embraced by its home country as its capital, it still has a distinct personality. Nassau is touted as the gritty and vivacious alter ego of the rest of the Bahamas, which are generally laid-back. Nassau is the country’s only city, so there’s no way to go but to make the most out of it. What are the best things to do in Nassau? Read on.

Fly To The Bahamas: Best Things To Do In Nassau

The Bahamas is one of the most famous destinations in the world, especially for beach lovers. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Nassau, the island nation’s capital. 

1. Explore Nassau’s Beaches, Do Some Island-Hopping!

If you are still clueless about the things to do in Nassau, well, we’re telling you right now that there are a lot of water adventures. We’ll begin the list of the best things to do in Nassau with, what else, visiting its beaches and doing some island-hopping. After all, what’s a trip to Nassau without heading over to its beaches?

If, in case, you haven’t tried island-hopping before, the Bahamas is a great place to start, compared with other destinations in the world. This tropical paradise takes pride in its up to 700 inhabited and uninhabited islands, rocks, and cays that you’ll fall in love with just by learning about them. And Nassau is the perfect place to kick off your island-hopping adventure. From Nassau, you can easily access the other islands, including the Bahamas’ more faraway islands. Plus, it will also cost less to visit some of the other islands from Nassau too. 

Some of the best destinations you can include on your island-hopping list are Grand Bahama, Bimini, Rose Island, the Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros, and Paradise Island, just to name a few. 

2. A Luxurious Getaway At Atlantis Paradise Island Resort

Speaking of Paradise Island, connected to Nassau by bridges, this is where you can visit the luxurious Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, one of the not-to-miss things to do in Nassau. Well, you are right if you’re thinking that Paradise Island is not part of Nassau, but tour guides would tell you that technically, it is. 

There are so many things to do in Nassau once you’re here at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. This resort is deemed as the most popular resort destination all over the Bahamas. It features the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, the Aquaventure water park and the iconic Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith slider that tourists can’t get over with, 11 unique pools, famous beaches, an 18-hole golf course, the largest casino across the Caribbean, more than 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, a nightclub, and the best accommodations.

It’s literally all about playtime and relaxation here. The resorts at Atlantis Paradise Island are Harborside Resort, The Royal, The Coral, The Beach, The Cove, The Reef, and Atlantis Marina.

3. Join In The Junkanoo Street Festival

If Brazil is to the Carnival, the Bahamas is to the Junkanoo street festival. Junkanoo is a street fest that dates back to when slavery was widespread. This event is touted as the most vivid form of Bahamian cultural expression, and you can join in the fun. 

Revelers gather during the wee hours of the morning to celebrate in costumes down Nassau’s Bay Street. Adorned in the most elaborate and colorful costumes (take note, not just any costume, because they are hand-made), thousands of dancers and musicians compete for top prizes in music and dance. 

It can remind you of Brazil’s Carnival, but, instead of using recorded music, the Junkanooers shake cowbells, blow whistles and brass instruments, and beat goat-skin drums. Though the main parade only happens twice a year (you’re lucky if you can chance upon these times), there are various Junkanoos being held at Nassau’s major resorts and restaurants. This is definitely one of the things to do in Nassau that you should try.

We’re so happy you found your way to this “things to do in Nassau” piece (after the many stories written about this topic around online, right?). If you liked this piece, you might want to also read about the best photography spots in nearby Miami. 

4. Get Married Underwater With A Dolphin As Your Ring Bearer

Meanwhile, if you’re a couple and are thinking of the most unique and unforgettable wedding event, you might want to head over to Nassau in the Bahamas. Nassau is considered as one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. Here, you can partake in an underwater wedding with a dolphin as your ring bear, or, if you want less of the thrill but still make it unforgettable, you can exchange vows on a beach at sunset. 

It has been said that thousands of brides exchange vows in the Bahamas each year, and counting. If you are looking at getting married here, remember that the couple must be on the island at least three days before their desired wedding day. Bahamian law states that both the bride and the groom should reside on the island no less than a day before applying for a wedding license, which process takes a maximum of three days.

5. Learn Bahamian History At Bay Street

So those are pretty much it about the things to do in Nassau that involve the waters. And to get started with a more “dried up” experience, the first place to visit is Bay Street. Bay Street is the main street in Nassau’s downtown. You can opt to explore it alone, or take a guided tour where you’ll learn about some Bahamian history. 

Strolling around Bay Street, you’ll pass by the Straw Market, famous because of being rebuilt from a fire, and this is where you can buy souvenirs you can bring home. 

Bay Street is just a short walk from Prince George Wharf, the location of the cruise ship port. Aside from buying souvenirs, you can also lounge at the street’s bars and restaurants, or partake yourself for some jewelry shopping. Continuing on West Bay Street, you’ll also find some beaches. 

The Caribbean region has a lot to offer. Aside from this “things to do in Nassau” guide, you might also want to explore some of the best things to do in Cancun, another Caribbean destination.

6. See Modern Artworks And The 19th-Century Architecture Of The National Art Gallery Of The Bahamas

Another of the things to do in Nassau that won’t get you wet is visiting the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Anchoring the West Hill Street tourist enclave, this place is an oasis that lies within the stately Villa Doyle 1860s-era architecture, making this one of the most precious gems of Bahamian culture. 

The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary artworks though, unlike other museums that have a lot of ancient artifacts. Some of the most renowned artworks here are those from famous Bahamian sculptor Antonius Roberts and folk painter Wellington Bridgewater. The gallery also features other artworks from the wider Caribbean region, as well as seasonal exhibits on ecological, cultural, and historical themes related to the island nation. 

7. Swim With Pigs

A lot of tourists tried it, and they loved it. Perhaps one thing that makes Nassau in the Bahamas a unique summer destination amongst others in the world is that you can swim with pigs. One of the closest destinations from Nassau where you get to try this is at the Sandy Toes experience on Exuma’s Rose Island. 

The pigs are adorable, melting the hearts of everybody who encounters them this way with their hilarious personalities and cute antics. These creatures are curious and eager to play with the visitors. Certainly one of the must-try things to do in Nassau.

Summer is here, so if you want the best destinations for this season, you might want to check out this “things to do in Honolulu” guide, aside from our “things to do in Nassau” article you’re reading right now.

8. Be On A Dramatic Sunset Dinner Cruise

Bahamian cuisine is characterized by its vibrant and flavorful nature that reflects this Caribbean nation’s rich cultural heritage and tropical geography. The food combines elements of not just Caribbean flavors, but also those from Africa and Britain. If you want to try some of the favorite dishes here, the best way is to savor them on a sunset dinner cruise.

This tour treats you to views of the sunset as you enjoy a flavorful buffet dinner aboard a catamaran that will also take you to stunning views of Paradise Island Harbor and the Atlantis. 

The menu is a delicious Bahamian buffet that includes barbecue ribs, lemon pepper chicken, mixed green salad, pasta salad, peas, and of course, desserts and beverages.

9. Get To Taste Some Rum At John Watling’s Distillery 

The best pairing for those Bahamian meals? Rum. If there’s one beverage that’s associated with the Bahamas, no doubt, it has to be rum. After all, most of the world’s rum is produced in the Caribbean and Latin American regions, where the Bahamas belongs. In fact, during the Prohibition era, rums from the Bahamas made their way to the United States’ speakeasies and lounges because of this Caribbean country’s proximity to Florida state. 

Should you want to understand more about this beverage, and taste them too, you have to head over to John Watling’s Distillery. While it is true that Watling’s is pretty new to the Bahamian way of distilling rum. It has found a home in the exquisitely-restored 18-century Buena Vista Estate, in its extensive tiki-lit gardens that fluffy-legged bantams and staff in colonial-era costumes patrol. 

Tourists can get into a free 15-minute tour of the house and distillery, which is named after a pirate from the 1600s, before adjourning to its stylish bar to get a taste of the pale, amber, and Buena Vista rums. Truly one of the most remarkable things to do in Nassau.

10. Visit The Graycliff Chocolatier 

Does your tummy have more room for more treats? This time, it’s all about chocolates. Completing the Graycliff’s Heritage Village trifecta – wine, chocolate, and cigars – Graycliff Chocolatier is a chocolate factory that uses Caribbean cacao to produce an extensive array of chocolate products (take note, including chocolate cigars) that you must try. It also offers tours where you get to taste their offerings in liquid form, as well as the final products. The things to do in Nassau can’t get any better, right? 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Nassau” list? We have more related stories coming your way!

Best Things To Do In Nassau: Outdoor Activities To Try

Being the perfect summer getaway that the Caribbean region is proud of, you won’t run out of the best things to do in Nassau where you’ll get to immerse yourself with the outdoors. So, here’s a guide to the best outdoor activities to try in this wonderful Bahamian city. 

• Jet ski adventure in Cabbage Beach
• Pirate jeep sightseeing adventurer tours
• Swimming with pigs
• ATV tour around the island
• Snorkeling 
• Parasailing 
• Fishing
• Buggy tours

Start Your Ultimate Bahamas Escapade At Nassau

From the most wondrous beach days to the most mouth-watering fish fry crays, Nassau has a lot of culture, history, and dining to offer to every kind of traveler. Nassau is not just about the beaches. You can visit historical places that tell about the city’s British era, participate on a rum tasting tour, or venture out to remote islands.

Whatever the pleasure, this Bahamian capital offers everything. You can start your day learning about local history, spend the afternoon with some cold beers in hand and conch-based treats from the city’s fish shacks, and end the evening with a night dip in the ocean. Indeed, there are so many things to do in Nassau beyond its famous pink sands and crystal clear waters. It’s the ultimate summer destination.