Destination information
New Providence is commonly known as Nassau, even though the Bahamas’ capital city occupies only the northeast tip of the island. Certainly Nassau is its star turn, lively and cosmopolitan in atmosphere with attractions aplenty, including little sister, Paradise Island, home to the awesome Atlantis complex. Cable Beach also draws people from around the world, offering luxury hotels to suit just about every type of holidaymaker whether you’re a family or a couple seeking romance. It is where you’ll find one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean and a beautiful stretch of coastline with water sports very high profile, including diving, parasailing and windsurfing. For those who prefer not to get wet, there’s a championship 18-hole golf course at Cable Beach, tennis courts and volleyball. If shopping appeals, head to the Bay Street area to stock up on duty-free cameras, electronics and crystal. There’s also an impressive straw market which sells just about anything made from straw as well as handmade yards of batik and fine wood carvings. Culture vultures will appreciate mooching round Nassau’s colonial-era buildings, including the pink Parliament Buildings and the Supreme Court. Not far from downtown is historic Fort Charlotte where you can learn all about the battles of yesteryear, whilst nature lovers should check out Ardastra Gardens which features one of the world’s few captive flocks of breeding flamingos. Outside of Nassau the pace is much slower with secluded beaches of fine white sand to discover. You can also charter a boat from Nassau and sail to the nearby Out Islands.
Eats & drinks
Conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas ‘n’ rice, johnnycakes and guava duff are just some local dishes to tantalise your taste buds. Also try Sousse – which rhymes with house – a thin stew made with water, onion, lime, celery, hot peppers and chicken. Very popular it goes nicely with a glass of the local tipple, Kalika beer!
Getting around
New Providence is small and fairly easy to navigate. Roads are well paved and maintained and Bay Street flows east to west along the shoreline, making travelling from one end of the island to the other relatively simple. Taxis are plentiful or hire a car to explore. You can also use the ferry service or wait for a jitney, a bus that runs between 6am-8pm but to no fixed schedule.