The City Column: What to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is located on the beautiful island of New Providence. The city — the largest in the country — and the adjoining Paradise Island offer pristine beaches, great restaurants, golf, sailing and a vibrant art scene.
Check out our guide to Nassau!
The Ocean Club
Where to stay
New: Goldwynn Resort & Residences
This boutique resort on Cable Beach in the Bahamas is just a 15-minutes’ drive from the energy of Nassau’s downtown. Each room has a private balcony with sweeping views of the ocean, and you can book a private cabana at the infinity pool. There are three restaurants including Oia, an oceanfront spot where the menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
340 West Bay St.
Classic: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Travellers in search of a discreet island getaway — read: celebrities — have been coming to The Ocean Club since 1962. Enjoy eight kilometres of sandy beaches and 14 hectares of lush gardens. Rooms range from ocean-view suites to three-bedroom beachfront villas with private pools. Choose between an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a lagoon fit for families, and the Versailles pool surrounded by palm trees. Enjoy the extensive spa, tennis lessons and a championship golf course. There are numerous restaurants, and the Atlantis Casino complex is nearby.
1 Ocean Dr., Paradise Island
Paranza, and chef Michael White (pictured)
Where to eat
New: Paranza
The newest restaurant at Atlantis, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Michael White, features coastal Italian cuisine with seafood at its centre. Pair housemade pasta with grilled swordfish, poached lobster or strawberry grouper. Save room for dessert, a showcase of Italian classics, from semifreddo to nocciola.
1 Casino Dr., Suite 2301
Café Matisse
Classic: Café Matisse
The restaurant, housed in a 100-year-old building steps from Parliament Square, has been welcoming locals and guests for almost 30 years. For something light, the Fantasia Tropicale salad tops fresh veg with crab and lobster, or opt for the island’s best pizza. Top it off with the white and dark chocolate mousse cake.
Bank Lane
Atlantis Paradise Island
What to see
A home for Bahamian contemporary painters, printmakers and multimedia artists, Cab curates both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery also offers classes and workshops where you can try your hand at printmaking, pottery glazing and sculpting.
South Ocean Blvd.
Classic: Atlantis Paradise Island
Book a day pass and explore the world’s largest open-air marine habitat — including a 30-metre-long underwater tunnel that allows you to walk alongside sharks, stingrays, barracudas and sawfish. Or, book a cabana or daybed and relax for the day by one of the resort’s 14 pools.
1 Casino Dr., Paradise Island
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Classic: National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
The country’s leading venue for arts and culture. This fall, NAGB’s two exhibitions offer guests insight into the evolution of the Bahamian identity. From the Collection is a curation of pieces that speaks to the realities of life in the country, while Neleven: Into the Void features works by contemporary artists who are looking to the future and what may come.
West St. entrance or West Hill St. entrance
Where to shop
Bring a piece of island whimsy home. As its name suggests, The Island Store is full of homewares and decorating accents that exude the tropics — think pineapple-shaped pitchers and serving platters that look like papayas.
Western Rd.
Find furniture and accent pieces influenced by coastal living and global styles. Drawing inspiration from the design aesthetics of Mexico, Morocco, India and, of course, the Bahamas, owner Brooke Pyfrom offers a collection showcasing natural materials including bamboo, rattan, driftwood and teak.
Sandyport Plaza