The Bahamas Travel Guide
Introduction
Stretching well over a thousand kilometers from north to south in the Caribbean Ocean and sitting just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas are a tantalizing introduction to one of the most alluring destinations on the planet.
The bucket list worthy beaches may draw the attention of most visitors, though there are certainly attractions for the culturally minded as well.
Currency: Bahamian dollars
Languages: English, Creole
What To Do
While most of the attractions surrounding the Bahamas have to do with its world famous beaches (and we will get to them in due time), there are some cultural elements to Bahamian society that you can explore in the Nassau area.
There are a couple of fortifications close to the downtown core of its capital; start by exploring the remains of Fort Fincastle.
Built top the highest hill in the area, its primary purpose was to keep a lookout for pirates, and while it served admirably in this function, it never saw combat action in a state vs. state conflict.
Another fortress you should check out while in the Nassau area is Fort Charlotte. While Fincastle was meant to keep an eye out for raiders, the function of Port Charlotte was to fend off a full-fledged invasion by the French or the Dutch.
Complete with a moat, dungeon, 42 cannon, and 100 acres of ramparts and walls, this complex was built for all out war, though it never got the chance to test its mettle against the best militaries in the world in prior centuries.
If you’re fortunate enough that time your visit to the Bahamas during the Christmas season, make a point to attend a Junkanoo parade.
Typically taking place on Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day, the diversity of the costumes, the joyous dancing, and uplifting music could easily prove to be the cultural highlight of your time in this tropical archipelago.
Living in Paradise, inspiration is a fairly easy thing to come by for creative types, making a visit to the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas a must for culture vultures.
With rotating exhibits highlighting various aspects of Bahamian culture, and more permanent installations celebrating the paintings, drawings, and sculptures that its residents have created over the years, an evening spent here is the quickest way to discover the artistic soul of this nation.
Looking to have fun during your time in the Bahamas that doesn’t necessarily involve heading to the beach? Your best bet is to head to Paradise Island, which is home to the Atlantis Resort.
Within this resort complex, one can find water parks, casinos, an aquarium, top line restaurants, and much more.
When the time does come to head to the ocean, one of the finest beaches in the Nassau area can be found here, so if you’re looking for one last day on the sands before flying home, then this is a great place to spend your remaining time in the Bahamas.
Wondering what the best beaches in the Bahamas are? If you are looking to plot out an itinerary for this country based on some of its most envy inducing places, then the following suggestions will aid you in this quest.
Those looking for a jaw-dropping beach in an urban setting will want to book their hotel within close proximity to Cable Beach.
Every water sport you can think of is offered here, restaurants in casinos are within walking distance, and those looking to while away a day in their sun lounger will have one of the more spectacular foregrounds to gaze upon while they work on their tan.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful place, then the cays of the Exumas will be where you want to go. On some of these beaches, you might get the chance to swim with local pigs, who are much cuter than you can ever imagine.
What to Eat
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast in the Bahamas, a Johnnycake is a choice that will keep you in line with what the locals are eating.
Made simply of cornmeal next with hot water or milk and salt (sometimes with sugar), it is an unsophisticated dish that will fill the gnawing void within your gut as you begin your day of exploration here.
At dinner time, make time one day to have some Crack Conch, the national dish of the Bahamas. Extracted from its shell, breaded, and fried, it is typically served with peas and rice on the side.
When the time comes for dessert, be sure to have some Duff. A pinwheel style pastry, it typically contains a variety of fruits within dough that contains butter, sugar, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
