Community News
A 16-minute walk around Nassau, Bahamas; let’s embark on this novel experiment
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
With gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for tourists.
The Bahamas is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, providing an ideal environment for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Nassau has a fascinating history and a vibrant local culture. It showcases charming colonial architecture, pastel-colored buildings, and historic landmarks like Fort Charlotte and Government House.
The bustling old town of Nassau is packed with things to see and do. Occasional spots of traffic can make it harder to get around by car or taxi, but a self-guided walking tour suffers from no such pitfall. With such an incredible climate, some locals even believe that the best way to experience The Bahamas is on foot – with your feet in the sand and the cool breeze at your back. Rich in both history and beauty, Nassau is an ideal locale for an unforgettable walking tour.
With so much to see in Nassau we are going to embark on a novel experiment. In the next two editions, we will take you on an expansive Nassau-by-foot itinerary. We will present you with an experience that one could cover in about 16 minutes without stopping – but of course, we recommend taking time to appreciate each one. Without further ado, let’s get walking!
Bennet’s Hill, Prison Lane, open daily, with guided tours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m
We start our expedition off with much gusto, arriving first at the imposing Fort Fincastle. Time your visit on Wednesday or Friday to catch the historic re-enactments at 11:30 a.m. concluding with the noon gun. The fort was constructed in 1793 from local limestone by the Governor who named it after one of his lesser titles. The fort, whimsically shaped like a boat, was equipped with half a dozen guns to protect the town from pirates. However, none of the guns was ever fired in anger. (Most asked question? “What time is the noon gun?”)
Queen’s Staircase (Elizabeth Avenue, Always Open)
Descend from the fort to the town by stairs carved out of solid limestone rock and finished in 1794 to create an escape route from the fort above. The staircase was eventually named to honour Queen Victoria, many years after completion. Water cascades down the side of the stairs to a pool below, where a walkway goes between high stone walls, tropical plants and trees, keeping the area cool. Originally 66 steps, one was paved over when the lower pathway was covered in asphalt.
The Supreme Court of The Bahamas (Bank Lane, Not Open to the Public)
This grand Neo-Georgian-style building built in 1921 is worth a look for its handsome design. It is similar to the Central Public Building to the north. Due to a serious break-in a decade ago, the building is no longer open to the public. The exterior remains impressive, rendered in a gentle pink – a quintessentially Bahamian aesthetic.
Parliament Square (East Bay Street, Always Open)
This elegant public space is always busy, surrounded by impressive public buildings including the Parliament of The Bahamas, which was constructed in 1815 and – as you might now predict – is a pleasing pink! If you happen to visit on a day in which the House is in session, you can even watch the government at work via the visitor’s gallery.
Queen Victoria’s Statue (Parliament Street, Always Open)
One of many statues around the British Commonwealth dedicated to the Queen who ruled an Empire between 1837 and her death in 1901. This statue was dedicated in 1905 and makes a great backdrop for a photo op. It sits in front of the Bahamian Senate Building.
Nassau Straw Market (West Bay Street, open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m)
If, at this point of the tour, the Caribbean sun is beginning to take its toll, take a detour to this world-famous straw market, where visitors can buy handmade hats, baskets and bags locally made from straw. The tradition of straw weaving dates back to the days when Bahamians made straw fish traps and baskets to carry fruit. Conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, gifts and souvenirs are also available in profusion. Currently, about half of the 300 pre-pandemic vendors have returned and opened their stalls.
The Last Stop: Pink Bricks Hide an Important Story
Pompey Museum (Bay Street, open Monday to Wednesday and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m)
The Museum of Emancipation and Slavery is housed in a 1760s original arcaded building. It is still distinguishable by the pair of Corinthian columns in front, along with its traditional colonial pink colour. Originally, it was used as a market from which commodities of all kinds were sold, including human beings. The museum, which opened in 1992, is named for Pompey, an enslaved man who raised a revolt against unfair plantation conditions. Changing exhibits and multimedia kiosks are packed with content and relics of slavery. In 2018, a powerful mural was added to the building highlighting events in Bahamian history.
With a good bit of walking and a whole lot of history now under your belt, we recommend finishing this easy walking tour of the Bahamian capital with a visit to one of the many excellent bars, cafés and restaurants along Bay Street. We hope you’ll look forward to Part 2 of our walking itinerary next month, which starts nearby and ends at a famous rum distillery. In the meantime, head over to https://www.bahamas.com/ to start adding a few of your own stops.