Parliament Square

Parliament Square in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is a historic and iconic area known for its colonial-era architecture and government buildings. Not only a place of governmental importance but also a historical and architectural gem in Nassau.

Anyone looking to learn about Nassau’s history while appreciating its colorful present will want to head over to Parliament Square Bahamas. Located right in Nassau Old Town, the site offers bright and historic buildings along with insight into the political happenings of today. An accessible location further makes the square easy and worthwhile to visit.

Good to Know

Location: Intersection of Bay Street and Parliament Street in Nassau Old Town

How Long to Spend: 10 minutes

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Bay Street, Straw Market, Cruise Terminal, Nassau Library

Entry Fees: Square is open to the public, no fees

Parliament Square Bahamas: A Highlight of Bay Street Nassau

Historic Buildings surround the Parliament Square Bahamas, one of Nassau tops historic attractions located on Bay Street in Nassau Old Town.

The government buildings in Nassau all have a pink color.

Nassau Old Town: How to Visit

Like many Downtown attractions, Parliament Square Bahamas is easy to visit.

Travelers staying in the Nassau area can reach the square by taxi, bus, or if you’re close enough, by foot. If you’re not staying in the immediate downtown vicinity, consider making a stop at Parliament Square Bahamas part of a Nassau Old Town tour. Spending an afternoon in the area gives you time to see other historic sites, like Fort Fincastle.

If you’re just in Nassau for the day and are entering the island by cruise ship, you’re in luck – the square is just a two-minute walk away from the terminal. You can easily visit the square, tour the surrounding areas, then go lounge on a beach before needing to head back to the ship.

A historic cannon guards the entrances to the Parliament Square Bahamas

Parliament Square Bahamas: Where Is It?

As mentioned, Parliament Square Bahamas is in Downtown Nassau, making it a convenient location to visit.

You can find the square at the intersection of Parliament Street and Bay Street. The square is hard to miss, as it features pink buildings and a statue of Queen Victoria. You’ll know you’re there when you see those elements.

What to See and Do

While it might not be as expansive as Times Square, Parliament Square Bahamas has some of the oldest and most culturally significant attractions on New Providence.

A Statue of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was the monarch who ruled Great Britain for over 60 years in the 19th Century. During that time, she oversaw the largest empire in world history, ruling over 25% of the globe.

On May 24th, 1905 (four years after her death), the Bahamian government erected a statue of Queen Victoria in Parliament Square. Today, over 100 years later, it continues to stand as a testament to the Bahamas history as a British colony.

The Parliament Square Bahamas can be visited on a walking tour of downtown Nassau Old Town in New Providence island.

Look for a statue of Queen Victoria in front of the government buildings

The Historic Buildings

There are three colorful buildings found along the edges of Parliament Square Bahamas:

House of Assembly
Senate Building
Supreme Court of the Bahamas.

The House of Assembly is where lawmakers meet to debate and discuss how they believe the country should progress forward. This building is on the right-hand side of the square.

The Senate Building is where the 16 members of the Bahamian Senate meet to discuss matters of state when they’re not in the House of Assembly. You can find it in the center of the square, behind the statue of Queen Victoria.

The Supreme Court of the Bahamas is on the left side of the square. Its members meet four times a year and don traditional British robes and wigs when they do.

One of the top things to do in downtown Nassau, is a visit to the historical Parliament Square Bahamas. Located wihtin the heart of Nassau Old Town.

Parliament Square is one of the many Nassau Old Town attractions.

Parliament Square Top Travel Tips

Peek into the House of Assembly, if possible: The House of Assembly is where many of the political debates in the Bahamas take place. If you’re visiting the square when the House is in session, you may be able to stand in the galley and listen in on what government officials are discussing. Doing so is a great way to get a sense of the modern political happenings in the country.
Respect the No Trespassing Signs: Some parts of Parliament Square may be off-limits to the public due to security or ongoing government activities. Respect any posted signs indicating restricted areas.
Learn About Bahamian Politics: If you’re interested in politics and governance, take the opportunity to learn about the Bahamian political system and its history. The square is an excellent place to start your exploration.
Make a visit part of a Downtown Nassau tour: 10 minutes might be all the time you need to walk around the square and experience what it has to offer. However, there are plenty of other great nearby historic sites worth visiting. From the oldest house in the Bahamas to forts, museums, and more, make the square part of a greater Nassau tour.
Photography: You can take photos of the government buildings and the square, but be respectful of security and any posted signage indicating restrictions on photography.
Read up on the history of the site: It’s one thing to see colorful buildings, and it’s another to know their history. Make sure to read some of the different signs scattered around the square to know what it is you’re looking at!

Parliament Square Bahamas gets a make-over during the Bahamas Independence day celebrations held in July annually. Located in the heart of Nassau Old Town in downtown nassau Bay Street.

Visiting during Independence month (July) lets you see different decorations at Parliament Square.

Things to Do in Downtown Nassau: Visit Parliament Square

If you’re looking for things to do in Downtown Nassau, you’ll want to visit Parliament Square. Housing several historic structures, statues, and monuments, the site provides insight into both the historic past and the political present of the country.

Many visitors to Nassau miss out on cultural and historic sites like Parliament Square Nassau. If you’re looking for more of the top attractions in and around the Nassau area, make sure to check out some of our other travel guides. And don’t forget to browse our interactive map!