Walking Tours in Nassau

Located on the lush island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is known for its charming architecture, vibrant street festivals and rich history. Discover the charms of the capital for yourself when you book a walking tour in Nassau.

Walking tours allow you to familiarize yourself with major landmarks and gain a better understanding of the city’s layout as well as Bahamian culture. A local guide leads the way, ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, some of the most complete and interesting sightseeing tours in Nassau.

What are the best walking tours in Nassau?

Nassau food tasting and cultural tour

Explore foodie hotspots and visit five different venues when you embark on this culinary adventure in Nassau. You’ll meet your guide and the other participants in the city center, where you’ll begin this walking tour that is perfect for food lovers of all kinds.

Follow your guide as you make your way to the first stop on your itinerary, a family-owned restaurant in downtown Nassau. Throughout your tour, you’ll get to taste authentic Bahamian dishes as you learn more about regional ingredients.

In addition to restaurants and eateries, you’ll also visit an art gallery, a chocolatier and a craft cocktail bar. As you make your way between the different locations, your guide will point out historic landmarks and give you a brief introduction to Nassau’s rich history.

This tour is limited to just 12 participants, which ensures an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide about Bahamian cuisine and culture.

Cultural walking tour in downtown Nassau

On this walking tour, you’ll discover the rich cultural diversity that the capital of the Bahamas has to offer by exploring some of downtown Nassau’s iconic landmarks and monuments. Your knowledgeable local guide will provide insightful commentary and insight along the way.

You’ll be provided with an audio headset to ensure that you don’t miss a thing as you explore places such as the Queen’s Staircase, the Water Tower, Fort Fincastle, the Government House, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and Graycliff Chocolatier.

The tour’s professional guide will provide you with valuable information regarding everything from pirates to slavery. By the end of the tour, you will have gained a decent introduction to Nassau’s interesting history.

Before the tour comes to an end, you’ll be given some time to explore the Straw Market, as well as Parliament Square.

Free historic and cultural walking tour in Nassau

Take the opportunity to join an unaffordable and unforgettable walking tour in Nassau that allows you to see the city through the eyes of a local. By visiting a combination of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, you’ll gain a thorough introduction to the Bahamian capital.

Meet your experienced tour guide at The Pirates of Nassau Museum, and begin your tour from there. Follow your guide as you walk along picturesque streets, past historic monuments and through leafy, green suburbs.

Some of the places that you’ll visit on this authentic Bahamian excursion include Parliament Square, Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s Staircase, GrayCliif Heritage Village, John Walting’s Distillery and so much more.

This 3-hour adventure is anything but boring and you’ll be intrigued from beginning to end as you learn more about local history and culture.

Bahamas ghost walking tour in Nassau

Did you know that the Bahamas is filled with ghost stories and creepy mysteries? This ghost walking tour allows you to travel back in time and experience Nassau’s darker side which is filled with hair-raising tales and unsolved mysteries.

Your tour begins with a tour of the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, where you’ll gain an introduction to local history. Next, you’ll wander through the nearby streets of the Old Town, where your guide will point out haunted mansions and relay ghost stories.

Next, you’ll visit the Buena Vista Estate, where two friendly ghosts are rumored to frequent the gardens. You’ll also get to see a historic escape tunnel, filled with deadly secrets, as well as a spooky graveyard.

A ghost meter is available to determine when any paranormal activity may be present, making this the perfect tour for those interested in otherworldly experiences.

Which places are visited?

While each Nassau walking tour offers a slightly different itinerary, many of them — excluding food walking tours — visit the same major landmarks. Some of the places that you can look forward to seeing include the Queen’s Staircase, the Water Tower, Rawson Square and more.

Queen’s Staircase

This beautiful limestone staircase, consisting of 66 steps, was built in the 18th century by over 600 slaves. It was built in honor of Queen Victoria, who had aided in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas.

Fort Fincastle

Built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore, Fort Fincastle is shaped like a paddle steamer and its original purpose was to protect the city from pirate attacks, which were very common at the time. The fort is steeped in history and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Nassau.

Government House

The Government House in Nassau is a colonial-style house that serves as the official residence of the governor-general. The house can be viewed from the outside and is famous for its pink walls and lush gardens.

Straw Market

The Straw Market in Nassau is the best place to shop for souvenirs and learn more about local craftsmanship. You’ll find a variety of hand-woven items as well as shells, wood carvings and so much more.

Rawson Square

Situated in downtown Nassau, Rawson Square serves as the gateway to Nassau for anyone visiting the city by cruise ship. The picturesque public square is also home to the famous statue of Sir Milo Butler.

The Water Tower

Standing at 38 meters high, the historic Water Tower is the tallest point in Nassau. The tower was built in 1928 and it originally stored all the freshwater used on the island of New Providence. Today, you can climb to the top and enjoy incredible views of the island.

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

Art lovers will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, which houses an impressive collection of Bahamian art. The gallery, which is housed in Villa Doyle, is seen as a world-class museum.

How much do walking tours in Nassau cost?

When browsing the various Nassau walking tours, you’ll find that several free excursions are also available. If you opt for a guided paid walking tour, here is a summary of the prices you will encounter:

Basic Nassau walking tours, such as cultural and historical walking tours, usually cost between US$30 and US$45 per person for a shared group experience led by a professional guide. If you are looking for a private experience, you can expect to pay at least US$50 per person.

Food walking tours, which are inclusive of several food and drink samples, usually cost around US$90 per person for a group tour that visits four different establishments.

What is included?

The inclusions of walking tours in Nassau depend on what type of walking tour you choose. For example, food walking tours are typically inclusive of several food and drink tastings.

Other tours may be inclusive of bottled water and museum admission tickets, but it is always a good idea to check specific tour inclusions so that you know what to expect. You may also want to bring along some spending money for any personal expenses along the way.

Where does it start?

Most walking tours in Nassau begin at easy-to-find landmarks in the city center, such as the Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant and Bar, the McDonalds in Marlborough Street and in front of The Pirates of Nassau Museum.

Make sure that you get to the meeting point around 10 minutes before the official start time. You don’t want to keep anyone waiting or have the tour leave without you.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a walking tour in Nassau is around 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to discover the city with a local guide. However, if you are short on time, there are also plenty of 1-hour and 2-hour tours to choose from.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, walking tours in Nassau are not considered a suitable activity for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Nassau?

The best time of the year for a walking tour in Nassau is also the peak tourist season (from late December to mid-April). During this period you will encounter comfortable temperatures and low chances of rain.

If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting Nassau during the shoulder seasons, which are late spring (April to early June) and late fall (mid-September to early December).

Regardless of the season, it's often more comfortable to embark on a walking tour during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day, especially if you plan to explore on foot for an extended period.

Travel tips

• Nassau can get hot and humid, so make sure to carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during your walk.
• Choose comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sandals with good support, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate.
• Don't forget your swimwear if you plan to take a dip in the ocean.
• While US dollars are widely accepted in Nassau, it's a good idea to have some Bahamian dollars on hand, especially for small purchases and in more local areas.
• English is the official language in the Bahamas, so communication should not be a problem for English speakers.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
• Try Bahamian cuisine during your walking tour. Conch salad and conch fritters are popular local dishes, and you can find them at various street food stalls.
• Nassau is picturesque, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant colors, historic buildings, and beautiful landscapes.
• Dispose of your trash responsibly, and avoid touching or disturbing wildlife, especially in nature reserves and protected areas.