New Providence is by far the most visited island in The Bahamas, and for good reason. Not only is it a fantastic place to use as a starting point for accessing the other islands, but visitors also flock to the capital city of Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island for nightlife, restaurants, beaches and watersports.
Downtown Nassau offers a variety of options for the history buff and culinary adventurer. It’s also a great jumping off point for day trips to the Out Islands by boat. Downtown Nassau offers shopping, nightlife and both historical and modern architecture. Tour museums, old forts and a wide range of dining options. This is where the cruise ships dock, but it’s also where the hub of commerce is, so expect those in vacation-mode walking side by side with bankers and government workers.
On Paradise Island, Atlantis has been the gleaming gem of the area for 35 years, delighting visitors with an unending list of diversions for all ages. Paradise Island is probably the least reflective of Bahamian culture, and you may feel as though you could be at any tropical-getaway resort anywhere in the world, but it’s safe, clean and has all the amenities you might be looking for on vacation. Waterparks, shopping, and a range of dining options are all available, but be prepared to open your wallet, because you’ll be paying top dollar for it.
Head out west to Cable Beach and the less bustling areas of the island. Cable Beach is perfect for families who would like the ease of stepping off the plane and onto the beach within a matter of minutes. The further you venture west, the more far removed from the action of cruise ship docks and tourists. The quieter side of Western New Providence offers fantastic upscale ethnic dining options, boutique hotels and less crowded beaches.
Getting around is easy, either by rental car, jitney bus or taxi. Most of the sights are along the scenic Bay Street corridor which runs east/west along the northern side of the island. It takes about 30 minutes to traverse from one end of the island to the other, so seeing the entire island’s scenic areas will take you less than one day. Although many will say that you aren’t experiencing the real Bahamas until you get away from Nassau, as with most capital cities in the world, it’s still a noteworthy stopover in order to get an overall feel for architecture, art, history and culture. The top attractions can be fully experienced in one or two days, and then you may be ready to trade your walking shoes for flip-flops and head to one of the other treasured islands that make The Bahamas so unique.