Nassau, Bahamas

For the longest time, Nassau lived in my mind as little more than a cruise stop. When we got off the boat. we stayed a few days, and it turned out to be one of the better trips I've taken that year.

Here's are few notes from walking around, in no particular order.

The city itself

Downtown Nassau felt different from what I had imagined. It's compact, easy to explore on foot, and much smaller than the map would have you believe. Beyond the busy storefronts of Bay Street, the tourist scene gives way to the city's everyday heartbeat. Office workers weave through the streets, locals chat outside small shops, and the pace becomes unmistakably Bahamian.

Downtown Nassau has colorful pastel buildings, elegant wrought-iron balconies, and gently curving streets create the kind of atmosphere that makes it impossible not to keep walking—always wondering what you'll discover around the next corner.

Getting there and getting around

Getting to Nassau is easy. You can fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), the Bahamas' main gateway, or arrive by cruise ship, which is how we visited from Florida. If you're flying in, taxis operate on fixed fares based on your destination rather than a meter, so it's worth confirming the price with your driver before you hop in. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft aren't really available here, but taxis are plentiful and make getting around straightforward.

Downtown you don't need a car. The market, the pink government buildings, the harbor, the fort — all walkable. Paradise Island is a short cab ride over the bridge, or a long walk if you're feeling righteous about your step count. To get further out along the north shore, the jitney buses are cheap and slow and part of the fun.

Things I'd do again

1\. Walk Bay Street early, before the ships unload.

2\. Eat conch. Cracked, fritters, salad — doesn't really matter, just don't eat it at a hotel. A beach shack for lunch will ruin the hotel version for you, which is a good thing.

3\. Junkanoo Beach is worth an hour and a drink between wandering the city. It's not a quiet stretch of sand and it's not trying to be, so don't show up expecting one.

4\. The Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle take about five minutes, cost nothing, and get you out of the heat for a bit. Views are great!

5\. Get on the water at least once. If there's one experience I wouldn't skip, it's taking a small-group boat trip to one of the nearby cays. It's the kind of adventure I'd gladly cut something else from my itinerary to make time for—and one of the best ways to experience the crystal-clear waters and natural beauty that make the Bahamas so unforgettable.

Things I'd skip

The market as an actual shopping trip. Walk through it once for the scene, but most of what's in there isn't made anywhere near the island. If you want to bring something back, the small shops a few streets off Bay Street are better.

The casinos, unless that's already your thing. Nassau is best is outside.

Paradise Island is home to some of the Bahamas' most Instagram-famous beach clubs, but don't assume the biggest crowds mean the best experience. You can spend a small fortune for a packed stretch of sand, or venture just ten minutes away and find equally stunning turquoise water, fewer people, and beaches that won't cost you a thing.

What it costs, roughly

Nassau isn't a budget destination, and it doesn't try to be. Expect Caribbean resort prices rather than mainland U.S. prices, and you'll avoid sticker shock. Budget accordingly, and you'll be able to enjoy the experience without constantly worrying about the cost.

Where you sleep is what drives the whole trip. A downtown boutique is usually the sweet spot — noticeably cheaper than the Paradise Island mega-resorts and you can walk too almost everything.

Food prices in Nassau can vary dramatically. A casual lunch from a local shack paired with a nice dinner makes for a balanced budget, but dining at resort restaurants for every meal can add up quickly. The good news is that many of the island's best experiences cost little or nothing at all. Exploring downtown on foot, visiting historic forts, and relaxing on Nassau's beautiful public beaches are all free. If you're choosing where to spend your money, invest in one memorable day on the water—it often delivers a far better experience than booking several average tours.

If you want to pressure-test the numbers before booking anything, I run every trip through the Vacation Cost Calculator on this site. That's partly why I built it.

Worth bookmarking

• Bahamas.com For the practical details—entry requirements, hurricane season, and choosing licensed tour operators—it's worth doing a little research before your trip. A few minutes of planning can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress once you arrive.

• U.S. State Department – Bahamas is worth five minutes before any Caribbean trip.

Give Nassau more than a day off a boat. Stay downtown, walk everywhere, eat the conch and get on the water once. And just like that, the trip comes to an end. Nassau surprised me in all the right ways, and I left with a deeper appreciation for the island than I ever expected. I hope these notes help you make the most of your own visit.