Nassau is a wonderful place to go on a lovely driving tour (rent a car or hire a taxi for a day) to take in the gardens, churches, parks and reserves. This island has a long history of extending a warm welcome to visitors. So do yourself a favor and sample this tradition of hospitality that you will find still ingrained when you meet the locals. This tour takes the better part of a day, depending on your pace and interest. There are countless attractions and activities to engage in on a holiday to The Bahamas, but this tour is a good introduction to our island paradise.
Queen’s Staircase
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With just 65 steps spanning 102 feet, this is a steep ascent from Elizabeth Avenue to Fort Fincastle. Carved out of a limestone wall by 18th century slaves, the steps once afforded soldiers protected passage from the fort to the town. Named to honor the 65 years of Queen Victoria’s reign, this is one of the most popular stops in Nassau.
Cloisters & Versailles Gardens
With just 65 steps spanning 102 feet, this is a steep ascent from Elizabeth Avenue to Fort Fincastle. Carved out of a limestone wall by 18th century slaves, the steps once afforded soldiers protected passage from the fort to the town. Named to honor the 65 years of Queen Victoria’s reign, this is one of the most popular stops in Nassau.
Fort Charlotte
The largest of the three forts still on the island, Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore in 1789 to guard the western entrance to the harbor. Today, it offers a waterless moat, ramparts, canons, underground passages to dungeon rooms, and spectacular views of Paradise Island, the harbor and much of Nassau. Happily, the fort never fired a shot in battle. Costumed and trained tour guides, working for tips, are available to enrich your visit with tales of the history of the area.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens – an 18-acre oasis featuring over 600 species of tropical flora. Nature lovers don’t have to venture far from the centre of Nassau to experience one of the island’s most calming green spaces. Founded on the country’s first day of independence, 10 July, 1973, the gardens feature some of the country’s most beloved flowers, including the Yellow Elder tree which sprouts clusters of sunny and vibrant yellow bell-shaped blossom. Popular with locals as a venue for weddings, parties, concerts, and events, the reserve has seen some of the country’s most important occasions, including the annual cultural festival – a yearly fair celebrating the nation’s diversity with food, drinks, music, and dancing.
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