Bay Street

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street features some of the best elements of the country. From gorgeous beaches and vistas to shopping and history, the area offers some of the top attractions in the capital.

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street is the main street that runs through the capital. While some destinations on the island cater to specific crowds, Bay Street Nassau has something to offer everyone. From shopping and history to cultural sites and more, the bustling street is a fantastic destination to explore.

Good to Know

Location: Downtown Nassau, stretching east and west along the coast of New Providence

How Long to Spend: Anywhere from an hour to an entire afternoon

TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5 stars

Nearby Attractions: Parliament Square, Balcony House Museum, Nassau Straw Market, Pompey Museum.

Entry Fees: Bay street is a public road, open to the public

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street: Experience History and Shopping at Bay Street Nassau

During Bahamas Independence Day celebrations, Nassau Bahamas Bay Street, is adorned with Bahamas flags and celebrates with the Junkanoo Carnival.

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street gets holiday-specific decorations throughout the year.

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street: How to Visit

Because it stretches across much of New Providence, Nassau Bahamas Bay Street is one of the easiest places on the island to visit. Its length can be intimidating, however, so it’s worth knowing which attractions you’re hoping to visit.

Travelers arriving in Nassau at the cruise terminal hoping for beach time can take a right and head west. There you’ll find Junkanoo Beach, which you can walk to, and Cable Beach, which you’ll need to taxi to.

Bay Street Nassau Bahamas is a hive of activity during the day, as tourists and visitors pour off the nearby Nassau Cruise Port Terminal into the downtown Nassau Attractions.

In the day, Nassau Bahamas Bay Street is full of people.

The stretch of road directly in front of the cruise terminal is where you’ll find all of the Bay Street shopping Nassau opportunities. This includes the Nassau Straw Market, luxury shopping, and everything in between.

Taking a left outside of the cruise terminal and heading east will take you past many different restaurants. You could also walk east to Potter’s Cay, which is the local’s fish fry.

Bay Street Nassau: Where Is It?

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street stretches across the busiest northern parts of New Providence. From Fort Montagu in the east to Love Beach in the west, it stretches for around 14 miles (23 km).

Downtown Nassau Bay Street is home to the Nassau Straw market and lost of historical and cultural Nassau Attractions. Be sure to visit the Bay Street Shopping Nassau.

The Bay Street area encompasses many of the island’s top historical attractions.

While there are sites to see at both the eastern and westernmost parts of the island, a walking tour of the Downtown area lets you see some of the highlights. After shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay Street, you can then head further into New Providence to see some of the other, less frequented attractions.

What to Do on Bay Street

1. Balcony House Museum

Balcony House, open during the week, is a popular Nassau Attractions just off Bay Street Nassau. Situated in the heart of Downtown Nassau Bahamas.

Balcony House is another historic structure in the area.

The Balcony House Museum is the oldest residential building on New Providence. Located on Market Street, one of the many streets that branch off of Nassau Bahamas Bay Street, it provides travelers with a detailed look into Nassau’s past.

Built more than 200 years ago, the house’s name comes from its original wooden balcony. The structure’s interior offers insight into what colonial life was like centuries ago.

2. Shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay Street

John Bull is department store on Nassau Bahamas Bay Street, offering luxury shopping expereinces and luxy watch brands, handbags and jewelry. It offers some of the best Shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay Street.

Shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay Street is a can’t-miss experience.

Travelers looking to go shopping on Bay Street have upscale options, bargain options, and everything in between.

If you’re looking to splurge, head to John Bull, at 284 Bay Street. There you can buy jewelry, luxury bags, Starbucks, and more.

3. Nassau Straw Market

Visit the Nassau Straw Market for souvenirs and local handicrafts, located on Nassau Bahamas Bay Street. One of the best places to go shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay Street.

The Nassau Straw Market is an island highlight.

On the opposite end of the Bay Street shopping Nassau spectrum is the Nassau Straw Market. Featuring stalls selling hats, bags, dolls, and more, the experience can be fun, but somewhat overwhelming.

If you do decide to buy something, make sure you try to haggle a bit first.

4. Parliament Square

Parliament Square - the center piece of Nassau Bahamas Bay Street, is the home of Bahamas Parliament. Ideally located opposite the Nassau Cruise Port Terminal

Parliament Square is the centerpiece of Bay Street Nassau.

As one of the island’s many historic attractions, Parliament Square features buildings from the 18th and 19th Century. However, these structures also serve a modern purpose – they house the different branches of the modern-day Bahamian government.

Parliament Square is right on Nassau Bahamas Bay Street.

5. Pompey Museum

The Pomepy Museum in Nassau Bahamas, is housed in Vendue House, home of the Pompey Museum of Emancipation and Slavery on Bay Street Nassau.

The Pompey Museum of Emancipation and Slavery offers insight into the country’s past.

Great Britain practiced slavery in the Bahamas until abolishing slavery in 1834. The Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation being one seeks to shed light on the practice and, specifically, what slave auctions looked like in 18th-century Nassau.

Bay Street Top Travel Tips

Don’t write off Bay Street Nassau: Some travelers have reported not enjoying Nassau Bahamas Bay Street. While a couple of areas – particularly those near the cruise terminal – can feel touristy, writing it off entirely is a shame. Visit the destinations that interest you, and then move further inland to see what else Nassau has to offer.
Map out an itinerary: Given the number of Bay Street destinations, it’s easy to miss out on some of the attractions. Whether you’re hoping to go beach hopping, shop, or learn about the island’s history, it’s worth mapping out an itinerary of where you plan on visiting before you arrive.
Appreciate the history: Many visitors to Nassau spend most of their time on the beaches and shopping. While both of those things are worth doing, Nassau is full of under-appreciated history. Try to visit at least a couple of the island’s many historical attractions.
Currency and Payment: The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Make sure to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, as not all places may accept credit cards.
Shopping: Bay Street is known for its duty-free shopping. You can find a variety of shops selling jewelry, watches, clothing, and local crafts. Remember to bargain in local markets for better deals.
Local Cuisine: Explore the local cuisine by trying Bahamian dishes. Conch fritters, cracked conch, and Bahamian rock lobster are popular choices. Ask locals for recommendations on the best places to eat.

Shacks and drinks outlets line the streets at the Nassau cruise port terminal, close to the Nassau Bahamas Bay Street.

Cruise passengers should visit the shacks near the terminal before venturing further into the island.

History, Culture, and Bay Street Shopping Nassau

Nassau Bahamas Bay Street is a menagerie of sights and sounds. Whether you’re hoping to go shopping or learn about the island’s past, Bay Street Nassau is an excellent area to add to your Bahamas itinerary.

If you’re looking to learn more about the top Nassau attractions, make sure to check out our other travel guides and our interactive map of Nassau & Paradise Island.