Nassau Straw Market

The Straw Market Nassau Bahamas features vendors selling straw products, wood products, and much more. While the market may feel touristy, it nevertheless offers a glimpse of simpler times in the country.

The Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is a lively shopping attraction in the capital. While much of the shopping in Nassau is high-end, the Nassau Flea Market stands in stark contrast. Given the experience it offers and its convenient downtown location, it’s one destination you won’t want to pass up.

Good to Know

Location: Bay Street Nassau, close to the Nassau Cruise Terminal.

How Long to Spend: 30 minutes to an hour

TripAdvisor Rating: 3 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Bay Street, Pirates of Nassau, Parliament Square, Cruise Terminal, Pompey Museum

Entry Fees: Free entry [Correct as of 2023]

Straw Market Nassau Bahamas on Bay Street

Enjoy shopping in Nassau Bahamas Bay street at the Nassau Straw Market.

The Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is in a large, colorful building.

Bay Street Nassau: How to Visit

Bay Street Nassau features several of the most important destinations on the island. That makes it one of the easiest areas on the island to visit.

Travelers arriving on cruise ships are only steps away from Bay Street Nassau when they disembark. It’s the first major street you’ll arrive at, and heading east or west will give you the opportunity to see and do a lot.

The Straw Market Nassau Bahamas itself is a short walk (around 2 minutes) west from the cruise terminal. It’s open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with vendors accepting both the Bahamian dollar and the U.S. dollar.

Straw Market Nassau Bahamas: Where Is It?

The Nassau Flea Market is on Bay Street Nassau and next to the northernmost point of Market Street. While you can find stalls and small shops scattered around the island, the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is a structure containing dozens of these stores.

Bay Street Nassau is home to many other stores and venues. Many of these are luxury jewelry, watches, and diamond stores. Given its high-end surroundings, the Nassau Straw Market offers a welcome return to the country’s roots.

What to Do at the Nassau Straw Market

Go Shopping

There are many souvenirs, wood carvings and local straw handicrafts sold at the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas on Bay Street

Straw and wood carvings are two of the most popular product types.

The Nassau Straw Market history goes back to the early days of the country. For much of the country’s history, islanders wove straw into many different products. From baskets to carry fruit to fishing traps and hats, straw was an essential product for the Bahamian people.

While manufacturing methods may have evolved, the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is the perfect place to go shopping for traditional straw products.

Besides straw, you can also find wooden carvings, as well as more generic products, like t-shirts and baseball hats.

Take in the Sights and Sounds

There are many local sellers at the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas located on Bay Street. Local handicrafts made of straw and wood carvings are popular items to purchase.

Haggling is a good practice at the Nassau Straw Market.

If you’ve never been to a traditional market or bazaar, you’ll find the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas to be a lively experience. From tourists (and locals) haggling with shopkeepers to the store shelves overflowing with merchandise, there’s a lot to soak in as you walk through the aisles.

Explore the Surrounding Area

Bay Street Nassau is the main hub of shopping and touristy things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Be sure to visit the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas located opposite the Cruise Port Terminal.

Bay Street Nassau is home to dozens of other attractions.

As mentioned, the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is on the center of the island. Because of that, you’ll want to ensure you explore the surrounding area before moving on to somewhere else.

Nassau Old Town contains a lot of history. Parliament Square is the political center of the island and features historic buildings and a statue of Queen Victoria. Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle are similarly old and offer a glimpse into the threats that the British colony faced in its early days.

Junkanoo Beach is another colorful destination and is just a short walk from the Nassau Flea Market. Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival that takes place at different points in the year. If you visit Nassau when the locals celebrate, you can expect to see straw costumes, as well as musical instruments, performances, and much more.

Nassau Straw Market Travel Tips

Try to barter to bring the prices down: It’s normal for the vendors at the market to charge upwards of double the price you should pay. To get the price down to a reasonable level, try to barter before committing to buying.
Identify quality items from cheap ones: At the Nassau Straw Market, you’ll see many fabulous goods available for purchase. However, you’ll also see some lower-quality products that most definitely aren’t made by hand. Try to avoid the latter category of goods, as you can buy them anywhere.
Appreciate the history: While the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas may feel a bit touristy today, straw played an important role in the Bahamas for decades. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, you can still appreciate the material’s significance.
Cash: Bring cash in Bahamian Dollars or U.S. Dollars. While some vendors may accept credit cards, cash is generally preferred, especially for small transactions.
Explore the Variety: The Straw Market offers a diverse range of handmade goods, including straw bags, hats, baskets, and local crafts. Take your time to explore different stalls and find unique items.
Quality Check: Inspect the quality of items before purchasing. Handmade goods can vary in craftsmanship, so ensure that you are satisfied with the product’s quality.
Early Visits: If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting the Straw Market earlier in the day. Cruise ship passengers often arrive later in the morning, so going early can offer a quieter shopping environment.
Local Advice: Strike up friendly conversations with the vendors. They can provide insights into the products, local culture, and may even share recommendations for other places to visit in Nassau.
Public Restrooms in Downtown Nassau & Bay Street: You can find Public Restrooms in downtown Nassau located within the Straw market or Cruise Terminal.

Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is a unique and historic landmark in Nassau Old Town downtown.

It’s worth exploring a bit to find quality items at the Nassau Flea Market.

Nassau Straw Market History, Shopping, and More

If you’re planning on a trip to the Bahamas, make sure to visit the Nassau Straw Market. Between the shopping opportunities, the colorful atmosphere, and the importance of straw in Bahamian history, the Straw Market Nassau Bahamas is a fantastic attraction to check out.

The Nassau Straw Market is a popular destination on the island. However, Nassau is home to dozens of other great attractions – many of which travelers miss out on. To learn more about these, make sure to explore our other travel posts and interactive Nassau map.