Nassau

Nassau,_Bahamas_welcome_gateway - |Welcome to Nassau.

Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas. It is the largest city in the Bahamas and its low-rise sprawl dominates the eastern half of New Providence|New Providence Island. This Muslim Friendly Travel Guide is part of eHalal.io Travel Group

Nassau Halal Explorer

Founded around 1650 by the British as Charles Town and the town was renamed in 1695 to honor the ruling house in the Netherlands (and later England), which ultimately derives from Nassau Castle, Rhineland Palatinate.

Today, with a population of 260,000, Nassau contains nearly 80% of the population of the Bahamas. However, it's still quite low-rise and laid back, with the pretty pastel pink government buildings and the looming giant cruise ships that dock daily.

How is the Climate in Nassau

Located slightly north of the tropics, Nassau has a tropical monsoon climate with considerable differences throughout the year in amounts of rain and rainy days. December to April are the driest months with 6-8 rainy days per month, whereas the rainest time of the year corresponds to the Northern Hemisphere summer months. Temperatures are warm throughout the year.

Orientation

Orienting yourself in central Nassau is fairly easy. Bay Street, which runs parallel to the shore, is the main shopping street, filled with an odd mix of expensive jewelry boutiques and souvenir shops. The hill that rises behind Bay Street contains most of the Bahamas' government buildings and company headquarters, while the residential Over-the-Hill neighborhood starts on the other side.

Travel to Nassau

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Nassau

Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (IATA Flight Code: NAS) is the largest airport in the Bahamas. Most major U.S. airlines have Flights to Nassau. There is also some service from Toronto and London.

The two most popular Fixed Based Operators (FBO) at Lynden Pindling International Airport are Executive Flight Services and Odyssey Aviation. Air taxi and air charter companies such as Jetset Charter and Monarch Air Group fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals into and out of Nassau.

The airport has seen better days, but the free drinks occasionally served on arrival and the live band serenading the Immigration hall help set the tone. There's a list of fixed taxi fares posted at the exit. It's about US$27 and 10 mi (16 kilometers) to most hotels in central Nassau. No public transportation goes into the airport, but if you really want to take the bus, you need to walk out of the airport onto the primary street (John Friday Kennedy Dr). Cross the road to catch the bus 12B that goes into the downtown. There is no bus stop so just wait by the roadside and wave it down when it comes. Runs about every 30 min. Fare is $2.50.

For departures and there are three terminal concourses: domestic and charter flights, Flights to the US, and non-US international flights. US Immigration/Customs preclearance can be very time-consuming, so show up at least three hours before your flight. Security for other destinations is considerably more laid back, and an hour should suffice.

By sea

Nassau is a favorite port of call for the many cruise ships plying the Bahamas. Up to seven cruise ships can dock at the Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal adjacent to downtown Nassau. For island-hopping within in The Bahamas, an excellent option would be Bahamas Ferries, which has several sailings each week to Nassau from most other islands.

How to get around in Nassau

By water taxi

A water taxi service is an available alternative to a taxi to get to Paradise Island from downtown. It is picked up under the bridge and costs $6 round trip. The water taxi stops operating at 6PM.

Travel by minivan in Nassau

Minibuses (locally known as jitneys) act as the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence island.Jitneys are found on and near Bay Street. The famous #10 Jitney to Cable Beach loads passengers on George & Bay Streets (in front of McDonalds, across from the British Colonial Hilton). Other jitneys are located on Charlotte & Bay Streets. A bus will typically wait until it's full before departing. Understanding the various routes can be complex. Many have destinations painted on the bus, but there is no standard as they are run by multiple companies and individuals.Ask around for your destination. Note that there is no jitney that goes to Paradise Island (Atlantis Resort).

Journeys cost $1.25 per person, per ride. A round trip, even if not getting off the bus (ie: sightseeing), is counted as two rides. Payment is received by the driver when disembarking. No change is given, and there is no transfer credit for changing busses.

The jitney is definitely a very affordable way to enjoy the local culture. Be aware that the jitneys stop operating between 6 and 7PM. The only way back to downtown after 7PM is by taxi which can be quite expensive.

The buses (also called jitneys) are 32-seaters and travel to many parts of the Island. They operate from 6:30AM to 6PM daily, except on Sundays when there is limited service. The basic fare is $1 per person and $2 for areas on the outskirts of town. Exact fare is required. The schedule is as follows:

From Bay Street (opposite Parliament Street) to the Eastern end of the Island (including foot of the bridge to Paradise Island) and return -- Bus Numbers: 1, 9, 9A, 9B, 19, 21, 21A, 23

From Bay Street (opposite Market Street) to the Marathon Mall and return -- Bus Numbers: 1, 1A, 3, 19, 21

From Frederick Street (Bay Street) to Town Center Mall and return -- Bus Numbers: 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 11A, 12, 15, 15A

From Bay Street (George Street) to Cable Beach and return -- Bus Numbers: 10, 10A

Best way to travel in Nassau by a Taxi

Taxis, often minivans and always identifiable by their yellow license plates and little Gothic blackletter "Taxi" lettering, roam the streets of Nassau. They're equipped with meters but will usually refuse to use them, so agree on the fare in advance. Expect to pay $15-$20 for even the shortest of trips from downtown to Cable Beach. They cost $4 (per person, $11 minimum) from Paradise Island to Downtown.

By car

You could also rent a car.All major U.S vehicle rental shops are in Nassau. Worthy of note for travelers from the UK is the very British feel of the roads. Bahamian roads are left-hand drive, have UK road signs, and the odd roundabout.

By scooter

Scooter (small motorcycle) rental is also popular in Nassau.

By bike

Bicycle rental is not popular and not recommended as traffic is bad and there are many blind corners in the old streets of Nassau, and cars drive recklessly and on the left side of the road, which you may not be used to.

By foot

Within downtown Nassau, you could walk around. Distances are very short and a walking tour is a pleasant way of exploring downtown Nassau.

What to see in Nassau

Nassau ParliamentHouse - |Parliament House

Take a walk around Old Town, an interesting mixture of abandoned buildings and bright Caribbean structures. It doesn't take long to get away from the over-scrubbed tourist areas in the very center. Walk ten minutes uphill to the pink Parliament House GPS 25.077738,-77.340488, which has a statue of an enthroned Queen Victoria out front.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center - Visit the Bahamas' only zoo. See the marching flamingo shows. Let the parakeets land on you as you feed them.

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas - Opened in 2003, this showcases Bahamian art from the precolonial perioid to the present. The quality of art is rather uneven to say the least, but the renovated building — once the residence of the Chief Justice — is a sight in itself.

Pirates of Nassau Museum - Recreations of a pirate town, a pirate ship and a pirate battle, with a few real artifacts mixed in. Cheesy, but fun. Try to catch a guided tour.

Fort Fincastle - A small fort built in 1793 which overlooks the city of Nassau from a small hill south of town. Several cannons are on display. Tours are conducted daily 8AM Monday - 3PM.

Cable Beach

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nassau

The bus tours are pretty interesting. They'll drive you around, and tell you about the local government, tell you about different points of interest, and take you to old forts, and to Paradise Island, to see the famous Atlantis hotel resort and its stunning aquarium.

Queen's Staircase | 66-step staircase named after Queen Victoria.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Nassau

Straw Market, Bay St. Originally a local residents' market, this is now devoted to tourist bric-a-brac. If you are in the market for some souvenirs, this is the place to come. Don't be discouraged by the initial price of things, as this is the only place you can haggle for a better one. Americans don't have to worry about exchanging any money either, as US currency is accepted universally.
Potters' Cay, under the Paradise Island bridge. Best known for its fish market, and there are plenty of stalls that prepare fresh conch salad, conch fritters and other Bahamian seafood delicacies, but there's plenty of other exotic tropical produce available too.

Halal Restaurants in Nassau

Get out of the hotel and try real Bahamaian fare. You can get greasy fish, sides and desserts at one of the holes-in-the-wall in downtown Nassau for around $8. On the upscale side and there's no shortage of waterside seafood restaurants where it would be easy to part with $50 for an excellent piece of lobster.

The Shoal Restaurant - If the tourist crowds are getting you down, take a taxi out to where the local residents eat. Enjoy fish that falls off the bone, friendly service, and a dessert of guava.

Muslim Friendly Resorts in Nassau

Many of Nassau's resorts are located outside the city core on Paradise Island or Cable Beach.

British Colonial Hilton Nassau - A hotel catering more to business travelers than package tourists. Occupies the site of a historical landmark (Fort Nassau), and has its own private beach, from which you get a fantastic view of the cruise ships going into, going out of, and berthed at the docks. Step out of the hotel and you're right downtown on Bay Street's shopping attractions.

Sunrise Oceanfront Cottage - Eastern Point, Nassau, Bahamas Eastern Road travelling East, pass Prince Charles Drive T-junction on your right, beach on the left, after the 3rd house on your left, turn left, straight ahead yellow cottage on the ocean.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar | This Nassau luxury resort includes the Baha Mar Casino, along with the sumptuous spa, ESPA Baha March. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas offers a luxury stay during your island getaway. Halal food can be ordered in 30 days advance.

Stay Safe

Nassau ColonialWreck - |Colonial wreck, Over-the-Hill

Some criminals target restaurants frequented by tourists. The most common approach is to offer victims a ride, either as a "personal favor" or by claiming to be a taxi, and then robbing and/or assaulting the passenger once in the car. Take care to ride only in licensed taxis, identifiable by their yellow license plates.

Most Cuban cigars for sale in Nassau are counterfeit. Buy only from reputable dedicated tobacconists. See warning on main Bahamas page.

No Travel warnings issued by any OIC country.

News & References Nassau

Travel Next

Paradise Island, just across a bridge from Nassau. It is home to the lavish Atlantis hotel and resort.