Paradise Island is a compact, resort-heavy island connected to Nassau by bridge, and it is easy to treat it as a self-contained destination. Plenty of guests do, moving between the pool, the beach and the restaurants. But Nassau, a short taxi ride away, holds most of what makes The Bahamas feel like a real place: old forts, a colonial stair carved into rock, a working waterfront and some of the best local food in the islands. Our destination pages for Paradise Island and The Bahamas cover the resorts we track. This guide covers what is worth leaving them for.
Cabbage Beach, without the resort
Cabbage Beach runs along the north side of Paradise Island, and it is the island’s most popular stretch of sand. Beaches in The Bahamas are public up to the high-water mark, so you do not need to be staying at a particular resort to walk along it. The eastern end is generally quieter than the western end near the big resorts. Water sports operators work along the beach, so agree prices and safety terms before any ride, and check what the resort already includes before paying extra. Our post on included activities at an all-inclusive resort explains how to tell what is free and what costs extra.
The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
In central Nassau, the Queen’s Staircase is a narrow flight of steps cut by hand into limestone, shaded by tall trees and a small waterfall. It leads up toward Fort Fincastle, a small fort shaped like a ship’s bow, which gives a wide view over the city and harbour. Together they make an easy, low-cost morning outing, and both are within a short walk of each other. Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds that arrive on cruise ship days.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is the largest of Nassau’s old forts, with a dry moat, tunnels and ramparts, set on a hill west of the centre. It is a good fit for a family, because children can explore the walls and passages. Allow an hour or so. Opening hours and entry charges can change, so confirm them locally.
Arawak Cay and the fish fry
If there is one outing to prioritise for food, it is Arawak Cay, known locally as the Fish Fry. A row of small, colourful restaurants serves fresh conch in several styles, fried fish, cracked conch and Bahamian sides such as peas and rice. This is the place to try conch salad made to order. Locals eat here, which is a good sign, but quality varies between stalls, so look for busy ones. It is also a gentle stop for guests on all-inclusive plans, since it adds variety to a week of buffet and a la carte meals at the resort.
Straw Market and downtown Nassau
The Straw Market is a large covered market selling woven goods, souvenirs and crafts. Haggling is normal, and a friendly tone helps. Not all items are made locally, so if authenticity matters to you, ask the maker or look for a handmade tag. The surrounding downtown streets have museums, government buildings and shops, and the whole area can be covered on foot in a morning. On days when several cruise ships dock, the centre becomes very busy. If you want a calmer visit, check the cruise schedule before you choose your day.
Junkanoo and local culture
Junkanoo is the Bahamian street festival of costume, music and brass, with its major parades on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. If your trip falls around those dates, it is worth planning around. Outside the festival, you can still learn about it at Junkanoo-related exhibits and shops in Nassau. Check dates and venues locally, since schedules and locations change.
Day trips by boat
Boat excursions to nearby cays and the Exumas are a popular choice for guests with a free day. These trips vary widely in quality, length and price. Look at the size of the group, what the operator provides, and what happens in poor weather. Our guide to booking excursions through the resort desk or an independent operator sets out the questions to ask and the risks of each route.
Getting between Paradise Island and Nassau
- Taxis are the usual choice and are regulated, with set fares for common routes. Ask your hotel for the expected cost.
- Many people walk across the bridge in daylight, but it is exposed to the sun and the traffic, so it may not suit everyone.
- Ferries and water taxis run between Paradise Island and the harbour area. Confirm hours before you rely on them for a return trip.
Safety and sensible habits
Nassau is a city, and the usual urban habits apply. Keep valuables in the room safe, avoid walking alone at night away from busy streets, and use a licensed taxi after dark. Our post on resort safes, valuables and theft offers practical tips. Check official travel advice from your government before you travel, since advisories can change.
Matching the outing to your stay
One or two outings are enough for most one-week trips. A good pair is a morning at the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, followed by lunch at the Fish Fry. That mixes history, a view and local food in half a day. If you are weighing The Bahamas against another island, our comparison of Aruba and the Bahamas for an all-inclusive sets out how the two differ. Confirm all prices, hours and schedules before you go.