The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Nassau, Bahamas: Explore the Capital of the Bahamas By Foot

Many tourists arrive in Nassau and only see a small portion of it (especially if they’re driving). This is all about helping you create the perfect walking tour of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas which is ripe for a self-guided walking tour. Here’s everything you need to know about each location, and where to go when you’re exploring Bahamas’ capital by foot.

Bri and I at Parliament Square in Nassau.

The bustling old town of Nassau on New Providence Island is packed with things to see and do. Occasional spots of traffic can make it harder to get around by car or taxi, but a self-guided walking tour suffers from no such pitfall.

With such an incredible climate, some locals even believe that the best way to experience The Bahamas is on foot - with your feet in the sand and the cool breeze at your back.

Rich in both history and beauty, Nassau is an ideal locale for your own unforgettable walking tour. Descending from one of the highest points on the island, you’ll pass a historic fortress, a thriving marketplace, and plenty of other points of architectural interest.

A Brief History of Nassau

There’s always something going on in Nassau!

Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, has a rich and diverse history. It was originally inhabited by the Lucayan people, an Arawakan-speaking indigenous group. In 1492, the ever contentious Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador, which is part of the Bahamas. This event ultimately marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the region.

During the 17th century, Nassau became a notorious hub for pirates due to its strategic location and the abundance of trade routes passing through the area. It was a base for legendary pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack, who used the island as a safe haven and operated in the surrounding waters.

In the early 18th century, the British claimed control over the Bahamas, including Nassau, and began to suppress piracy in the region. Nassau evolved into a British colonial outpost and a centre for trade and commerce in the Caribbean.

During the 20th century, Nassau experienced significant growth and modernization, becoming a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites. It also played a role in global events, hosting meetings like the 1942 "Conference of Allied War Leaders" during World War II.

Today, Nassau remains a key economic and cultural centere in the Bahamas, attracting tourists from around the world to its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and historical landmarks. It’s worth mentioning here that the country gained governmental independence in 1973, and we were lucky to visit when they were celebrating 50 years of independence.

*This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may receive a small commission for sharing some of our heartfelt and honest recommendations, at no additional cost to you.

Explore Nassau Bahamas By Foot!

Check Out Fort Fincastle

We start our expedition off with much gusto, arriving first at the imposing Fort Fincastle. Time your visit on Wednesday or Friday to catch the historic re-enactments at 11:30 a.m. concluding with the noon gun.

The fort was constructed in 1793 from local limestone by the Governor who named it after one of his lesser titles. The fort, whimsically shaped like a boat, was equipped with half a dozen guns to protect the town from pirates. However, none of the guns was ever fired in anger.

It’s located on Bennet’s Hill, Prison Lane, and is open daily, with guided tours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Walk Down the Queen’s Staircase

The Queen’s Staircase is a can’t miss spot in Nassau!

Descend from the fort to the town by stairs carved out of solid limestone rock and finished in 1794 to create an escape route from the fort above. The staircase was eventually named to honour Queen Victoria, many years after completion.

Water cascades down the side of the stairs to a pool below, where a walkway goes between high stone walls, tropical plants and trees, keeping the area cool. Originally 66 steps, one was paved over when the lower pathway was covered in asphalt.

You’ll find it on Elizabeth Avenue, and it’s always open.

Set Eyes on The Supreme Court of the Bahamas

This grand Neo-Georgian-style building built in 1921 is worth a look for its handsome design. It is similar to the Central Public Building to the north. Due to a serious break-in a decade ago, the building is no longer open to the public. The exterior remains impressive, rendered in a gentle pink - a quintessentially Bahamian aesthetic.

It’s located on Bank Lane, and you can get some great view of the outside, but note that it’s not currently open to the public.

Spend a Moment in Parliament Square

The pink facade that you’ll find in Parliament Square!

This elegant public space off Easy Bay Street is always busy, surrounded by impressive public buildings including the Parliament of The Bahamas, which was constructed in 1815 and - as you might now predict - is a pleasing pink!

If you happen to visit on a day in which the House is in session, you can even watch the government at work via the visitor’s gallery.

Take a Look at Queen Victoria’s Statue

You’ll find this off Parliament Street, and it’s one of many statues around the British Commonwealth dedicated to the Queen, who ruled an Empire between 1837 and her death in 1901.

This statue was dedicated in 1905 and makes a great backdrop for a photo op. It sits in front of the Bahamian Senate Building.

Head Into the Nassau Straw Market

If, at this point of the tour, the Caribbean sun is beginning to take its toll, take a detour to this world-famous straw market, where visitors can buy handmade hats, baskets and bags locally made from straw.

The tradition of straw weaving dates back to the days when Bahamians made straw fish traps and baskets to carry fruit. Conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, gifts and souvenirs are also available in profusion. Currently, about half of the 300 pre-pandemic vendors have returned and opened their stalls.

It’s located on West Bay Street and is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Make Time for the Pompey Museum

The Museum of Emancipation and Slavery is housed in a 1760s original arcaded building. It is still distinguishable by the pair of Corinthian columns in front, along with its traditional colonial pink colour.

Originally, it was used as a market from which commodities of all kinds were sold which, sadly, included human beings. The museum, which opened in 1992, is named for Pompey, an enslaved man who raised a revolt against unfair plantation conditions.

Changing exhibits and multimedia kiosks are packed with content and relics of slavery. In 2018, a powerful mural was added to the building highlighting events in Bahamian history.

If you started early in the morning, this might be a good time to stop for lunch, head into a cafe for a cup of coffee, or grab a beer at a local bar or brewery.

Learn About the Pirates of Nassau

The pirate history here is like nowhere else.

Although the age of piracy was violent in the extreme between 1690 and 1720, this interactive exhibit is entirely suitable for all ages.

Visitors get to dress and act like pirates of old and board a pirate ship as part of the fun experience. Exhibits feature artifacts from the Golden Age of Piracy. Piracy souvenirs are available in the gift shop.

It’s located on George Street, and is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Understand the Role of the Loyalists at the Balcony House Museum

Following the American War of Independence, a group of Loyalists arrived in Nassau. This gem of a building, distinguished by the long balcony which gives it its name, was built around this time and is now considered the oldest wooden residential building in The Bahamas.
In 1994, after an extensive restoration, it opened as a free museum, featuring fascinating period artifacts, stately furnishings and unique objects.

Snap a Photo of the Government House

This colonial building, rendered in a powerful pink, is located on a 10-acre estate on Mount Fitzwilliam. The property dates back to 1737, although the present building was constructed in 1932. It continues as the home of the Governor General of The Bahamas.

Visitors admire its stunning façade and enjoy breathtaking views of neighbouring Paradise Island.

You will find the Government House on East Hill Street, and you can check out the exterior from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pop Into the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas

Guided tours take visitors through the extensive collection which includes prehistoric fossils, pirate-era pieces, artifacts from the days of slavery, and other items that belonged to the Royal Air Force, and the Duke of Windsor. A 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite is a highlight of this once-private collection of curious.

This museum is located on West Hill Street, and it’s open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Get Your Culture Fix at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

The striking National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Photo Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation

The Gallery occupies the historic Villa Doyle, a colonial-era home built in 1860. As the country’s leading art institution, the Gallery collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets historic and contemporary Bahamian art with a constantly changing series of exhibitions.

This museum is also located on West Hill Street, and it’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Wrap Your Head around the Wonders of the educulture Junkanoo Museum

Once simply a celebration of newfound freedom, Junkanoo has blossomed into an exuberant, colourful parade accompanied by the lively beat of drums, cowbells, horns and whistles.

Established in the museum founder’s childhood home, exhibits tell the history of Junkanoo and feature costume pieces, traditional fabrics and music. Visitors can make colourful masks and dance to Bahamian music.

Also on West Hill Street, it’s open from Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm.

Grab a Beverage at John Watling’s Distillery

John Watling's Distllery. Photo Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation

The graceful mansion at the heart of the Buena Vista Estate was developed in 1789, enjoying a serene view over the bustling harbour below.

The estate passed through many owners and years of both change and neglect, including time as a restaurant and hotel. One owner was responsible for saving the flocks of Caribbean flamingoes now found throughout the islands and developed the extensive gardens with their ancient trees as a bird sanctuary. Then in 2013, after a major restoration, John Watling’s Distillery opened, named for a 17th-century buccaneer.

Visitors can enjoy a free tour of the facility, with shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails in the tavern.

You can find this distillery on the Buena Vista Estate on Delancy Street, and it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Want To Be a Part of A Guided Tour?

If self-guided tours of Nassau aren’t your preferred route, we’d recommend considering these three tours:

Looking for a Place to Spend the Night in Nassau?

We Hope You Enjoyed Your Nassau Walking Tour

If you’ve ended your self-guided walking tour of the old town of Nassau with a colourful cocktail at Buena Vista Estate, then you will indeed be a happy traveller, knowing that your walk back into town is all downhill!

This concludes your walking tour of The Bahamas’ capital city of Nassau. Take it as slow or fast as you please: these locales are all relatively close together, giving you the freedom to do as many (or as few) as you like in a day and spread them out over the duration of your vacation.

We want to thank Jesson+CO for their press release on The Bahamas, which has inspired this article.