A Guide To Nassau, Bahamas | The Basics

Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, sits on New Providence Island, and it’s a short, easy escape for East Coast travelers. Most major cities like Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York offer direct flights, many under three hours, which makes it one of the most accessible tropical getaways in the region. English is the official language, the Bahamian dollar is tied 1:1 to the U.S. dollar so you can use either interchangeably), and the island blends laid-back beach culture with a lot of local flavor. This quick guide covers the essentials to help you get grounded before you explore Nassau in depth.

Best Time to Visit the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a year-round destination, but the experience can vary depending on when you go. The most popular time to visit is December through April (I went in February), when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for beach days, boat excursions, and outdoor dining. This is also peak season, so expect higher prices and fuller hotels.

If you’re looking for a quieter experience with better deals, May through early June and November are great shoulder-season options. The weather is still beautiful, crowds thin out, and you’ll find more flexibility with accommodations and activities.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk typically between August and October.

The Airport

You’ll be arriving to and departing from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), which is the main airport in Nassau. It’s a modern airport that is fairly easy to get in and out of. Arriving to Nassau, I got through customs and to a transfer car in ten minutes. You won’t have to look very far, as there are many taxis and private transfer cars waiting right outside the doors to transport travelers. If you’re heading to Junkanoo Beach or the downtown area of Nassau, you’ll only have about a twenty minute ride without traffic.

Similar to my arrival, I got through security in about ten minutes departing Nassau, especially because pre-check is available at this international airport.

Getting Around

Taxis are the recommended way to get around in Nassau, and you won’t have to pay very much. A taxi ride from the airport should cost you no more that $35 to $40 and you likely won’t pay anymore that $10 to get anywhere in the downtown area. Most hotels, like the Courtyard by Marriott, have a taxi stand nearby. When you’re ready to head out, an attendant will call for a taxi and let them know where you’d like to go. Keep in mind that you will need cash to pay for your taxi rides.

Walking is also very much an option depending on where you stay, you could take public transportation like the minibus, or if you’ll be on the island for an extended period of time, you could also rent a car.

Currency

There is no need to exchange money, as US dollars are widely accepted. You’ll need cash for taxis and exact change for bus rides (carrying small bills is recommended), but you can pay with a credit or debit card at most restaurants and merchants. You’ll find that most natives have a mix of Bahamian and US dollars on them at any given time because both are accepted anywhere you go.

Communication

Natives speak English in The Bahamas, especially to tourists, while to other natives, they most likely will speak Bahamian creole or Haitian creole, both quite beautiful dialects. More often than not, Bahamians are easily understood and happy to talk to tourists. Whether it’s asking for directions, striking up small talk, or negotiating a purchase, you’ll find natives to be friendly and outgoing people so long as you approach them with a similar friendly attitude.

Safety

The Bahamas is generally safe for travelers, especially in well-traveled areas and resort zones. Like anywhere else, being aware of your surroundings and using common sense goes a long way.

Stick to populated areas, especially at night, and use licensed taxis or hotel-arranged transportation when possible.

For solo travelers, the Bahamas can be an easy and welcoming destination, but trust your instincts and keep your valuables secure.

Accommodations

I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott on Junkanoo Beach, which is right in the middle of everything. You can walk about eight minutes to eat at The Fish Fry or you could walk about fifteen minutes to get downtown where there are plenty of restaurants and things to do and see. Overall, my stay here was wonderful because the staff is both helpful and friendly, the hotel is very clean, the location was convenient, and there were other perks such as the onsite taxi stand, daily drink vouchers, and fast wi-fi.

Food

As with any island, there is really no shortage of great food. Conch is their main export and most popular dish; it will be the most recommended dish in any form in The Bahamas. You’ll also hear quite a bit about snapper and grouper, the two most eaten fish on the island. For a list of restaurants I would recommend, visit here.

The Bahamas is one of those destinations that feels familiar. With easy flights from the East Coast, friendly locals, and a relaxed, slow pace, it’s a place that works just as well for a quick getaway as it does for a longer vacation. Hopefully these basic tips help you enjoy the island for what it is: an effortlessly beautiful destination.