Official language: English
Time zone: UTC-4
(summer),
UTC-5
(winter)
Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD)
Alcohols imported from outside the island are quite expensive. If you want to spend many hours in local bars, choose what residents do – local rum or beer, which two types are produced on the island – Kalik and Sands.
In Nassau there is located one of the most expensive hotels in the world – Atlantis. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to try, for instance, water slide going through pool with sharks. Entrance costs around 120 euros.
Near hotel you will find breath taking, richly encrusted stairs built in 1793. They were leading to a restricted area, reserved for a queen.
The capital of Bahamas, for which Spanish, French and British were fighting. When in the year 1703 soldiers completely destroyed Nassau, it has become one of favourite ports of corsairs. Finally, Great Britain took over power.
If you have an opportunity, go to Nassau on the turn of the year. Twice per year – on 26th December and on 1st January – there is taking place Junkanoo, a huge parade in the city’s centre, whose members dance to the rhythm played out on drums and cow’s bells. The festival probably originates from dances conducted a few centuries ago by local slaves working on plantations. They have aforementioned days free, so they were celebrating by dancing, playing music, getting dressed up in colourful costumes.
Make sure to go to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This first in the world land-water park still has the opinion of one of the best ones. You can rent there canoe and go for a trip through coral reef, during which you can observe unique underwater life.
Nassau has also something for history lovers. Step by Fort Charlotte, east of the port near Clifford Park. The building is from 1780. Preserved are a huge ditch, cannons, from which intruders were shot at, hidden passages between rooms and dark dungeons. Entrance is free.
Another worth visiting place is distillery, where John Watling rum is made. It is served in every bar in Nassay, as it is made in of local houses. The building on the hill has 200 years. Guests are greeted by sample of piña colada. Sightseeing takes no longer than 15 minutes but is for free. In the end you can try in local bar three types of rum, order piña colada and buy products in a shop.
What to eat in Nassau? Make sure to visit Fish Fry’s at West Bay Street, a favourite place of Nassau’s citizens. You can get there delicious, fished on the very same day seafood, as well as traditional potato salad, local pasta with cheese and tasty rice with green bean.