About Nassau
Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. It is on the island of New Providence, which has a population of 296,522, 74.26% of the country's total population. Nassau is commonly defined as a primate city, dwarfing all other towns in the country. It is the centre of commerce, education, law, administration, and media of the country.
Where to stay in Nassau
Popular hotels in Nassau, out of 36 properties you can book.
Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach
From $175 per night
SLS Baha Mar
From $741 per night
Riu Palace Paradise Island - Adults Only - AI
From $1,540 per night
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
From $310 per night
Sandyport Beach Resort
From $309 per night
Breezes Bahamas
From $319 per night
British Colonial
From $343 per night
Rosewood Baha Mar
From $1,494 per night
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas
From $321 per night
The Island House
From $1,376 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Nassau
From $235 per night
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
From $1,796 per night
Best time to visit Nassau
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nassau is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 76–80°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Nassau weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 83° 77° 30%
- Thu 22 Oct 80° 78° 47%
- Fri 23 Oct 80° 78° 82%
- Sat 24 Oct 80° 76° 89%
- Sun 25 Oct 80° 75° 86%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 79° 72%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Bahamian dollar (BSD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.00
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- America/NassauUTC−4
Upcoming public holidays in Bahamas
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Majority Rule Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Nassau
These are the airports closest to central Nassau. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NAS Lynden Pindling International Airport8 mi (14 km) from the city centre
Getting around Nassau
A water taxi service is an available alternative to a taxi to get to Paradise Island from downtown. It is picked up under the bridge and costs $6 round trip. The water taxi stops operating at 6PM.
By minibus
Minibuses (locally known as jitneys) act as the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence island. Jitneys are found on and near Bay Street. The famous #10 Jitney to Cable Beach loads passengers on George & Bay Streets (in front of McDonalds, across from the British Colonial Hilton). Other jitneys are located on Charlotte & Bay Streets. A bus will typically wait until it's full before departing. Understanding the various routes can be complex.
By taxi
Taxis, often minivans and always identifiable by their yellow license plates and little Gothic blackletter "Taxi" lettering, roam the streets of Nassau. They're equipped with meters but will usually refuse to use them, so agree on the fare in advance. A short ride from the airport to Cable beach costs $18, to downtown is $26. Expect to pay $15-20 for even the shortest of trips from downtown to Cable Beach. They cost $4 (per person, $11 minimum) from Paradise Island to Downtown.
By car
You could also rent a car. All major U.S car rental shops are in Nassau. Worthy of note for travelers from the UK is the very British feel of the roads. Bahamian roads are left-hand drive, have UK road signs, and the odd roundabout.
Nassau travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Nassau?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nassau is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 76–80°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Nassau?
August is usually the warmest month in Nassau, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 70°F (21°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 204 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Nassau?
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (14 km) from the centre of Nassau.
What currency is used in Nassau?
Nassau uses the Bahamian dollar (BSD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.00.
What time zone is Nassau in?
Nassau uses the America/Nassau time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Nassau?
A water taxi service is an available alternative to a taxi to get to Paradise Island from downtown. It is picked up under the bridge and costs $6 round trip. The water taxi stops operating at 6PM.
Where should I stay in Nassau?
Popular areas for hotels in Nassau include Old Town, Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Well-reviewed options include Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach and SLS Baha Mar.
How many hotels can I book in Nassau?
Destina Holidays currently lists 36 properties in and around Nassau, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
