There is no need to rent a car to travel around Nassau, there are plenty of taxis, buses and water transport options. There are several options if you wish to rent a car with US rental shops found at the airport, Bahamians drive on the left-hand side of the road and there is limited parking on the island.

There is no issue finding a taxi in downtown Nassau including Romeo`s Executive Limousine and Taxi Services. Taxi drivers are knowledgeable and kind, taxis are metered and cost around $4 per person from Paradise Island to Downtown Nassau, a short trip can cost between $15-$20.

Kroozzy is a rideshare app offered in Nassau, allowing passengers to book a ride on-demand from their cell (similar to Uber). A safe and reliable service with options for women only drivers.

It is possible to walk around the downtown Nassau area connecting to different shops and attractions. Distances from the beaches and areas of interest are within walking distance.

There are not many options to rent bicycles in Nassau, traffic can be dangerous. However, there are a few options to rent scooters.

Nassau is a relatively safe destination, however, there is a high crime rate on many of the Bahamian Islands especially on New Providence, Paradise, and Grand Bahama Islands. It is important to practice safe street smarts when out sightseeing and keep your wits about you. Leave your valuables at the hotel, and be sure to stay alert at all times and travel in groups.

The island of Bermuda is an excellent shopping destination, drawing in shopaholics from all over the world. For those visitors seeking a day of retail therapy, they can find it in the island’s local markets, modern shopping malls, and trendy dockside streets, many found within a few blocks of each other. Some popular shopping destinations include Washington Mall, Reid Street, and Front Street in Hamilton City, and in the historic town of St George’s, there are some unique boutiques found along Water Street in Somers Wharf. In the waterfront capital City of Hamilton, shoppers can stroll along the chic waterfront in a charming setting and check out the different shops selling local rum, high-end clothing, and luxury items. There are many unforgettable shopping experiences to check out in Bermuda with retailers offering the best selection of some of the top brand names in the world, as well as locally crafted artisans, innovators, designers, and merchants. 

Bermuda has some unique finds when it comes to the perfect gift or souvenir to take home. Take home an authentic gift like Bermuda-inspired resort wear such as colorful-knee length Bermuda shorts, and knee socks, beachwear, ceramics, glassware, handcrafted cedar carvings, island-inspired pottery, perfume, and locally made pink sand jewelry.  

The Old Cooperage Building is home to the Bermuda crafter market at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the hours vary depending on the season. Also at the Dockyard is the Bermuda Arts Center with beautiful artwork on display from local artists, there are also workshops, and shows hosted here. Harbour Nights is held every Wednesday during peak season (May to September), when the street closes down to traffic from 7-10 pm, the streets are filled with the island’s best artisans who come out to showcase their work.

The Washington Mall is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, the largest shopping center in Bermuda, and home to over 50 retailers selling everything from leather goods, furniture, clothing, and sportswear to jewelry. The mall is also home to one of Gibbons Companys Shop-In-Shops the Gibbons Home Store. The mall offers a wide variety of dining options including dine-in and takeout at their food court. There is a spa on-site and a virtual gaming cinema.

The Clocktower Shopping Mall is the top retail destination in Bermuda found at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard offering visitors a mixture of history, Bermuda-inspired souvenirs, and restaurants to choose from. The Mall’s iconic 98-foot twin clocktowers are a great photo opportunity, one tower displays the actual time, and the other marks high tide.

Shopping on Nassau Island can be done at several places including Crystal Court Shops and Marina Village on Paradise Island, which features upscale fashion and designer boutiques. In downtown Nassau, there are several popular shops found on Bay Street including unique boutiques, Bahamian stores, and bustling markets. Picking up authentic souvenirs is easy with all the shopping options found on the island along quaint streets and at the renowned straw market, duty-free shops, and Tortuga Rum Cakes stores.

Marina Village is situated next to the Atlantis Resort where over 20 designer and retail shops cover 65,000 square feet along with dining options including casual and fine dining. A stroll around this vibrant outdoor marketplace is a wonderfully unique experience. Retailers at the village include Atlantis Signatures, Columbian Emeralds International, La Parfumerie, Pirana Joe Resort Wear, Pandora, and Paradise Blue Surf Shop.

The official language spoken in the Bahamas is Bahamian Creole, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Bahamian Creole guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Nassau features a balmy, humid, subtropical climate all year round. The climate is identical to South Florida with very hot, humid weather throughout the year and cooler nights that rarely dip below the ’40s in the winter. The ideal time to visit Nassau is from mid-December to mid-April, which is peak tourist season in the Bahamas, hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th and the islands fall on the hurricane belt.

The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar, US dollars are widely accepted and is equivalent to the Bahamian dollar. If you pay in US dollars, you will likely receive change in Bahamian dollars, not the US. There are currency exchange desks at the airport and some banks on the island. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in the Bahamas.

There is some delicious Bahamian fare to enjoy in Nassau with many restaurants, bars, hole in the wall joints found downtown along with highly regarded restaurants and upscale dining options. Many restaurants are located on the waterfront providing great menu items such as fresh fish and seafood and spectacular tropical views. Some local favorites in Nassau include Pirate Republic Brewing and The Bearded Clam Sports Bar along with national chains such as McDonald’s and Sbarro’s.

Resorts such as the Four Seasons, Sandals Emerald Bay, and Atlantis offer gourmet restaurants with pricey menu items and top named chefs serving up delectable cuisine and Bahamian breakfast buffets. A few popular local staples include `johnnycakes` similar to cornbread made with peas and rice. Conch served in chowder, grilled and fried grouper, conch, and rock lobsters. Guava duff (a guava filled pastry) topped with rum or brandy butter sauce is a delicious dessert and rum cakes.

Nassau offers a bustling bar scene and features many breweries and distillery`s to tour. The Bahamas are legendary for rum cocktails, the drink of choice on the island for centuries and bars, pubs and restaurants all over the island offer delicious tropical rum drinks made with fresh tropical fruits grown on the islands. The historic John Watling’s Distillery is located in downtown Nassau and is well worth a visit to discover the history of the nation’s Rum. Pirate Republic Brewing is another great location, this one for the beer lovers, and Bahama Barrels will appeal to the wine drinkers, it is the first-ever winery founded in the Bahamas.

There are several popular establishments found in Nassau including Senor Frogs, Club Waterloo, and Cocktails and Dreams. The club scene is alive in Nassau and passes are offered for purchase through major hotels as well as an all-inclusive entertainment pass which covers the entry charge.

In case of an emergency dial 919 for an ambulance or fire, 911 for the police.

Hospital:

Princess Margaret Hospital tel. 244-322-2861

Doctor`s Hospital tel.242-302-4600