Nassau & Paradise Island
The Bahamas’ capital and its resort island next door: colonial streets, big-name resorts, easy beaches and the most flights in the country.
Get free Nassau & Paradise Island quotes »Nassau sits on the island of New Providence, home to most Bahamians and the country’s busiest airport and cruise port. Two bridges cross the harbour to Paradise Island, where the pink towers of Atlantis anchor a strip of resorts and beaches. West of downtown, Cable Beach is home to the Baha Mar resort complex. Downtown you’ll find pastel government buildings, the Straw Market, rum and chocolate tastings, and forts from the colonial era — with a quick boat ride to day-trip islands.
Highlights of Nassau & Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island
A water park, marine habitats, casino and a long run of beach, open to hotel guests (day passes vary — check before you go).
Cable Beach & Baha Mar
A long, calm beach west of downtown, lined with resorts including the Baha Mar complex.
Historic downtown
Parliament Square, the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte and the Straw Market.
Junkanoo
The Bahamas’ signature street festival parades through Bay Street in the early hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Arawak Cay “Fish Fry”
A strip of colourful stalls west of downtown for conch salad, fried fish and local music.
Day trips
Boat excursions to nearby cays, snorkel reefs and even day flights or tours to the Exumas.
Getting There
By air: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) has the most nonstop flights in the Bahamas from U.S. and Canadian gateways, and U.S. pre-clearance for flights home. It’s also the hub for domestic flights to the Out Islands. Compare fares on AirfaresForLess.com — flights to Nassau.
By sea: Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the region — see our Bahamas cruises guide.
Getting around: Taxis, jitney buses on set routes, water taxis between downtown and Paradise Island, and rental cars (drive on the left).
Where to Stay
Choose Paradise Island for Atlantis and beach resorts, Cable Beach for Baha Mar and all-inclusives, or downtown for walkable history and value. Compare live rates for every area on RoomsCheap.com — Nassau hotels, or browse the Bahamas Hotel Guide. See also our Bahamas hotels & resorts overview.
Plan Nassau & Paradise Island with a specialist
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Get up to 5 free quotes »Nassau & Paradise Island — FAQ
Is Paradise Island part of Nassau?
Paradise Island is a separate island just across Nassau Harbour, connected to New Providence by two bridges. Most visitors treat the two as one destination.
How far is Atlantis from the airport?
Lynden Pindling International Airport is on the western side of New Providence; the drive to Paradise Island typically takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I day-trip to the Exumas from Nassau?
Yes — many operators run full-day boat and flight tours from Nassau to the Exuma Cays, including the swimming pigs. See tours at 101 Things to Do in The Bahamas.
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