Sightseeing in Nassau - what to see. Complete travel guide

According to historical chronicles, Nassau was founded in 1650. This city is the capital of the Bahamas. Nassau, which is located on a picturesque hill, has become a witness of important historical events. The city and its inhabitants carefully save the legacy of the past.

The Parliament Square is the central part of the city. The main decoration of this place is the statue built in honor of Queen Victoria. The buildings of the Colonial Administration, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court have been built around the square. Don’t forget to visit Fort Charlotte as this is one of the most notable places of interest in Nassau. The fort was built in 1788 and initially it served as a defense point aimed to protect the island from pirates. Today the walls of the fort host a museum that features a rich collection of historical artifacts.

In general, the architecture of the city represents mainly the Victorian style. The buildings, which were built in the 19th century, remind of the times of the British governing. In the central square of Nassau is the location of another interesting monument, which is dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It was installed in 1830 in honor of a great event - the opening of the New World. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Royal Staircase, which can be found on Elizabeth Avenue, is the most popular destination among the visitors of the city. This is a symbolic architectural complex that consists of 65 steps and symbolizes 65 years of the reign of Queen Victoria. Bay Street is the main shopping street of the city. Here you can find a variety of shops and outlets with numerous souvenirs. Tourists, who enjoy night life, should go to Cable Beach area, where they will find best night clubs, casinos, bars and discos. Once you’ve seen all sights of this city, it’s time to visit the Paradise Island, where you will find spacious beaches, sporting facilities and excellent restaurants.

A special attraction is Nassau Straw Market, one of the world's largest markets. This unusual place is located next to the main shopping street of the island - Bay Street. The market owes its unusual name to local craftsmen: here you can buy many extraordinary products and accessories made of straw. You will find baskets, all kinds of home decorations, beautiful straw hats and a lot of other goods actively bought by tourists as souvenirs.

In 1928, a water tower was built on the island, which is now considered one of its main attractions. Its height is about 40 meters, not so long ago a viewing platform was installed at the top of the tower. It is the highest observation deck in the Bahamas: in clear weather, from here you can see the famous island's sights and even other nearby islands.

The Public Library building is of great architectural value - it is a vivid example of colonial architecture. The beautiful structure with a pink facade and small windows is located in a tropical garden. The library is open to the public. Besides books, collections of old documents and postage stamps, as well as works of art are stored here. The library opened in 1879 has retained many original decoration elements. On the third floor of the historic building, there is another great observation deck.

Nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful Ardastra Gardens. Now it is a large-scale complex, the territory of which also includes a zoo. In total, the park hosts more than 300 species of animals, including rare pink flamingos and incredibly beautiful peacocks. During a walk in the garden, you can see many rare species of plants and flowers.

It would be interesting for everyone to visit the extraordinary Pirate Museum located on the island. Its exposition consists of a variety of antiquities, from wooden treasure boxes to weapons. The museum also has a very interesting exposition devoted to the traditions and life of the indigenous population. All tourists can go on very informative excursions here.