Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, on the northeastern edge of New Providence Island.
Understand
Founded around 1650 by the British as Charles Town, the town was renamed in 1695 after William III of Orange-Nassau in 1695. Due to the Bahamas' strategic location near trade routes and its multitude of islands, Nassau soon became a popular pirates' den, and British rule was soon challenged by the self-proclaimed "Privateers Republic" under the leadership of the infamous Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. However, the alarmed British soon tightened their grip, and by 1720 the pirates had been killed or driven out.
Today, with a population of 200,000, Nassau contains nearly 70% of the population of the Bahamas. However, it's still quite low-rise and laid back, with the pretty pastel pink government buildings often overshadowed by the looming giant cruise ships that dock daily. It's also often said that Nassau is the ugliest place in the Bahamas — not because it's so bad, but because it just doesn't compare to the natural wonders elsewhere.
Orientation
Orienting yourself in central Nassau is fairly easy. Bay Street, which runs parallel to the shore, is the main shopping street, filled with an odd mix of expensive jewelry boutiques and trashy souvenir shops. The hill that rises behind Bay St contains most of the Bahamas' government buildings and company headquarters, while the poor residential Over-the-Hill district starts on the other side.
Get in
Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (, ) is the largest airport in the Bahamas. Most major U.S. airlines (with the notable exceptions of Northwest and Southwest) have flights to Nassau. Limited service from Toronto and London also exists.
The airport itself has seen better days, but the free drinks occasionally served on arrival and the live band serenading the Immigration hall help set the tone. No public transport is available at the airport, but there's a list of fixed taxi fares posted at the exit. It's about US$25 and 10 mi (16 km) to most hotels in central Nassau.
On the way back, note that there are three terminal concourses: domestic and charter flights, flights to the US, and non-US international flights. US Immigration/Customs preclearance can be very time-consuming, so show up at least two hours before your flight. Security for other destinations is considerably more laid back, and an hour should suffice.
Get around
By jitney
Jitneys are minivans that act as the bus system of Nassau and New Providence. Journeys cost a dollar per ride, and buses can be found congregating on Bay St, but figuring out the routes gets complex as they're run by multiple companies — ask around for your destination.
By taxi
Taxis, often minivans and always identifiable by their yellow license plates and little Gothic blackletter "Taxi" lettering, roam the streets of Nassau. They're equipped with meters but will usually refuse to use them, so agree on the fare in advance.
By car
You could also rent a car. All major U.S car rental shops are in Nassau.
Worthy of note for travelers from the UK is the very British feel of the roads. Unlike the nearby US, the Nassau roads are left hand drive, have UK road signs and even the odd roundabout.
By scooter
Scooter (small motorcycle) rental is also popular in Nassau.
By bike
Bicycle rental is not popular and not recommended as traffic is bad, there are many blind corners in the old streets of Nassau, and cars drive recklessly and on the left side of the road, which you may not be used to.
By foot
Within downtown Nassau, you could walk around. Distances are very short and a walking tour is a pleasant way of exploring downtown Nassau.
See
Do
The bus tours are pretty interesting. They'll drive you around, and tell you about the local government, tell you about different points of interest, and take you to old forts, and to Paradise Island, to see the famous 'Atlantis' hotel resort and its stunning aquarium. It's neat.
Buy
Eat
Get out of the hotel and try real Bahamaian fare. You can get greasy fish, sides and desserts at one of the holes-in-the-wall in downtown Nassau for around $8. On the upscale side, there's no shortage of waterside seafood restaurants where it would be easy to part with $50 for an excellent piece of lobster. Sbarros, McDonalds and Chinese restaurants are mixed in to satisfy the budget diner or someone who's simply sick of conch.
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Nassau isn't a spring break mecca for nothing. The club scene is nightly and rowdy. Some popular establishments:
Cover charges average an outrageous $20, although all major hotels sell "passes" for $5. With a pass, cover charge is only $5, so you actually pay $10. Cover charges on weekends can climb up to $45, so it's a good idea to get a pass from your local taxi driver/hotel desk.
You can also opt for an all-inclusive entertainment pass, which will include a schedule. Expect to follow this itinerary with at least 5,000 other co-eds. (It might be a good idea to pick up this schedule even if you don't plan on participating. It will give you a good idea of places to avoid on certain nights.)
Drinks in clubs can get expensive, depending on the club and its location. Most locals "drink up" before going out, to defray this cost... That or they can be found in the parking lots with a cooler ;) Expect to pay at least $4 for a beer and $5 for a cocktail. The one caveat is rum, which is cheap and plentiful. Cocktails with rum might still be pricey at a club, but they will be strong.
Sleep
Many of Nassau's hotels are located outside the city core on Paradise Island or Cable Beach.
Stay safe
The "Over-the-Hill" area south of downtown is the poorest part of Nassau, and tourists might want to be wary. It is, however, much nicer than "slums" in the Third World, and indeed, parts of the United States.
Some criminals target restaurants and nightclubs frequented by tourists. The most common approach is to offer victims a ride, either as a "personal favor" or by claiming to be a taxi, and then robbing and/or assaulting the passenger once they are in the car. Take care to ride only in licensed taxis, identifiable by their yellow license plates.
Get out
Nassau may mean the following:
Place names:
other Nassau Locations, not named from Nassau, Germany:
House of Nassau
Of the House of Orange-Nassau, royal dynasty of the Netherlands:
Of the branch of Nassau-Siegen
Of the branch of Nassau-Weilburg, ultimately the grand ducal dynasty of Luxembourg:
Other:
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Other types of things
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