Guide Note

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, as well as the largest city. The city is located on one of the more popular islands, New Providence. It's a well visited island for travelers because of it's close proximity to Paradise Island, as well as it's location not far from the coast of Florida, and it's "natural beauty" and great weather.

Fast Facts

1. Country: Bahamas
2. Island: New Providence
3. Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
4. Language spoken: English
5. Population: 210,832 (2000)
6. Currency: Bahamian dollar
7. Country code: 242
8. Time zone: EST

Beaches are always the main attraction on a Caribbean island, but Nassau offers so much more then that. There are water-sports that are great as a family activities, including snorkeling in the calm, warm water just off the coast, as well as visiting the dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island. For the older crowd, there's golf, tennis and of course, shopping.

When the sun goes down, there's still always something to do. Between the dance clubs and casinos, there's a late-night activity for everyone. On Paradise Island, the resort offers one, if not the largest casinos in the Caribbean. The Wyndham Nassau Resort also has a club that provides drinks, dancing and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Junkanoo is one of the most popular events in all of the Bahamas, but it is particularly notorious in Nassau because of the large parade. The annual festival takes place on Boxing Day (December 26) and also on New Years Day (January 1). The event is full of colorful decorations, costumes and floats, as well as live music and dancing. It's one of those celebrations that will forever be exciting and well-known, and it definitely shouldn't be missed.

When planning your trip, please see the pages on Nassau Hotels and Nassau Restaurants.