When you think of the Bahamas, the first things that probably come to mind are turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, and tropical island vibes. Nassau has all of that, but it also has colorful colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and plenty of places to explore on foot.
We recently visited Nassau, Bahamas, during our cruise and decided to skip the organized shore excursions and explore the city ourselves.
Honestly, we weren’t sure how much we would be able to see on foot, especially since we wanted to squeeze in some beach time. But after doing a little research and putting together our own walking route, we realized that quite a few of Nassau’s popular attractions are within walking distance of the cruise port.
We ended up visiting Parliament Square, Queen’s Staircase, Graycliff Heritage Village, Junkanoo Beach, and the famous Straw Market, all without needing a taxi or booking an excursion.
Some stops were more exciting than others, and a couple didn’t go exactly as planned, but that’s part of traveling!
Here’s exactly what we did, what we thought of each stop, and how you can follow a similar walking itinerary during your Nassau cruise stop.
Can You Explore Nassau From the Cruise Port on Foot?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Nassau is how conveniently the cruise port is located near downtown.
Unlike some Caribbean ports where you need transportation just to reach the main attractions, Nassau’s cruise terminal puts you right in the middle of the action.
Within about 15–20 minutes of walking, you can reach historic landmarks, local shops, restaurants, and even a public beach.
Our goal was simple: explore some of Nassau’s history and architecture, enjoy a beautiful Bahamian beach, and make it back to the cruise ship without feeling rushed.
We didn’t follow a guided tour or pay for transportation. Instead, we used Google Maps and made our way around the city at our own pace.
Our walking route:
Nassau Cruise Port → Parliament Square → Queen’s Staircase → Graycliff Heritage Village → Junkanoo Beach → Straw Market → Nassau Cruise Port
We also planned to visit Fort Fincastle, but unfortunately, it was closed.
Stop 1: Parliament Square – A Glimpse Into Nassau’s Colonial Architecture
Our first stop after leaving the Nassau cruise port was Parliament Square.
Located just a short walk from the cruise terminal, Parliament Square is one of the easiest historic attractions to visit in downtown Nassau.
The square is known for its pastel-pink colonial buildings, which house important Bahamian government institutions.
If you’re interested in architecture, like we are, it’s worth stopping here to admire the buildings and see a little of Nassau’s British colonial influence.
The architecture is quite different from the modern cruise terminal and gives you a glimpse into the island’s history.
We wouldn’t necessarily plan a huge amount of time here, but since it’s conveniently located along the walking route, it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
Our recommendation: Spend around 10–15 minutes exploring Parliament Square before continuing toward Queen’s Staircase.
Stop 2: Queen’s Staircase – Beautiful, but We Couldn’t Climb It!
Next, we walked toward one of Nassau’s most famous attractions: Queen’s Staircase.
Also known as the 66 Steps, Queen’s Staircase was carved into limestone by enslaved people in the late 1700s. It was later named in honor of Queen Victoria.
The staircase is surrounded by towering limestone walls and greenery, making it one of Nassau’s more unique historic landmarks.
Unfortunately, when we arrived, there was quite a bit of standing water at the base of the staircase.
Because of the ponding, we decided not to climb the steps.
It was a little disappointing since climbing the staircase was part of our original plan, but we were still able to see the historic site from the bottom.
This is one of those things you don’t always read about when researching attractions online. Weather and site conditions can affect what you’re actually able to experience.
Our recommendation: Queen’s Staircase is worth including in your Nassau walking itinerary, but be prepared for potentially wet conditions, especially after rain. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Stop 3: Fort Fincastle – Unfortunately Closed During Our Visit
After Queen’s Staircase, our original plan was to visit Fort Fincastle.
Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle sits on Bennet’s Hill, overlooking Nassau. It was constructed to help defend the island and is known for its distinctive limestone architecture.
Since it’s located near Queen’s Staircase, these two attractions are commonly visited together.
However, when we checked online, Fort Fincastle was listed as closed.
Rather than making the additional climb, we decided to skip it and continue exploring elsewhere.
While we can’t share a firsthand review of the fort itself, we would recommend checking its operating status before making the trip.
This is especially important if you’re visiting Nassau on a cruise and have limited time on the island.
Stop 4: Graycliff Heritage Village – A Quick Stop Along the Way
With Fort Fincastle off our itinerary, we decided to walk toward Graycliff Heritage Village.
Located in the historic Graycliff area of Nassau, the village is associated with local arts, crafts, and Bahamian heritage.
The surrounding neighborhood also has some interesting older buildings and architectural character.
We spent some time exploring the area, but to be completely honest, it was just okay for us.
It wasn’t necessarily a bad stop, but compared with the other places we visited that day, it didn’t stand out as much.
If you’re interested in historic neighborhoods, architecture, or artisan experiences, you might enjoy it more.
However, if you only have a few hours in Nassau, we wouldn’t consider it a must-see attraction.
Our recommendation: Stop here if it’s conveniently along your route, but don’t sacrifice your beach time to fit it in.
And speaking of the beach, our next stop ended up being our favorite part of the day!
Stop 5: Junkanoo Beach – Our Favorite Stop in Nassau!
After exploring the historic areas of Nassau, we made our way toward Junkanoo Beach.
And we’re so glad we did!
Junkanoo Beach is one of the closest public beaches to Nassau’s cruise port, making it incredibly convenient for cruise passengers who want to enjoy the Bahamas without paying for a beach excursion.
The beach has beautiful turquoise water, sandy shoreline, and a lively atmosphere.
There are vendors offering beach chairs, umbrellas, drinks, and food, but you don’t have to purchase any of these things to enjoy the beach.
Do You Need to Rent Beach Chairs at Junkanoo Beach?
No! And this is one of our favorite money-saving tips from the day.
We brought towels from our cruise ship and simply found a spot on the sand.
No beach-chair rentals, no umbrellas, and no unnecessary expenses.
It worked out perfectly for us!
If you prefer having a lounge chair and umbrella, rentals are available. But if you’re comfortable sitting directly on a towel, there’s really no need to spend the extra money.
Sometimes the simplest experiences end up being the best.
After all, the reason we wanted to visit Junkanoo Beach was to enjoy the beautiful Bahamian coastline, and we were able to do exactly that without spending anything on beach access or seating.
Is Junkanoo Beach Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, absolutely!
Of all the stops on our Nassau walking itinerary, Junkanoo Beach was our favorite.
It’s convenient, accessible, and a great way to experience the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas without traveling far from the cruise port.
It does have a lively atmosphere, so don’t expect a completely secluded tropical beach.
But for cruise passengers with limited time, we think it’s a fantastic option.
Our recommendation: Bring a towel from your cruise ship, sunscreen, and water. You can easily spend an hour or two here before heading back toward the port.
Stop 6: Nassau Straw Market – Shopping Before Heading Back to the Cruise Ship
After spending time at Junkanoo Beach, we started walking back toward the cruise port.
Along the way, we stopped at the famous Nassau Straw Market.
Located on Bay Street, the Straw Market is one of Nassau’s best-known shopping destinations, with vendors selling souvenirs, straw bags, hats, wood carvings, and other items.
It’s a popular stop for cruise visitors looking to bring something home from the Bahamas.
The market is also conveniently located between Junkanoo Beach and the cruise port, which makes it an easy place to visit at the end of your day.
We liked having this as our final stop rather than visiting it at the beginning, because we didn’t have to carry any potential purchases around while sightseeing or spending time at the beach.
Our recommendation: Save the Straw Market for the return walk to your ship. It’s an easy way to finish your Nassau itinerary without making an additional trip.
Our Nassau Cruise Port Walking Itinerary at a Glance
If you’re planning a similar day in Nassau, here’s the route we followed and the approximate amount of time we would recommend allowing for each attraction.
Stop
Suggested Time
Cost
Parliament Square
10–15 minutes
Free
Queen’s Staircase
15–20 minutes
Free
Fort Fincastle
Optional; check opening
Check admission
Graycliff Heritage Village
15–30 minutes
Free to explore public areas
Junkanoo Beach
1–2 hours
Free beach access
Straw Market
15–30 minutes
Free to browse
Depending on your walking speed and how much time you spend at the beach, you can comfortably plan for approximately 3–4 hours, or longer if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
These are suggested times for planning your own visit, not a record of our exact stop durations.
Tips for Exploring Nassau Without a Cruise Excursion
After spending the day exploring Nassau independently, here are a few things we’d recommend to anyone planning a similar visit.
1. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Although many attractions are close together, Nassau has some hills and uneven sidewalks, especially around Queen’s Staircase.
2. Don’t feel obligated to book an excursion.
If your goal is to see historic downtown Nassau and enjoy some beach time, it’s entirely possible to do both independently.
3. Bring a towel from your cruise ship.
This saved us from having to rent beach chairs at Junkanoo Beach. Just make sure your cruise line allows towels to be taken ashore and that you return them afterward.
4. Check attraction hours before visiting.
We had to skip Fort Fincastle because it was closed, so it’s worth confirming opening hours and any temporary closures.
5. Save the Straw Market for the end.
It’s conveniently located on the return route from Junkanoo Beach to the cruise port.
6. Keep track of your cruise ship’s all-aboard time.
Even though downtown Nassau is close to the cruise terminal, you should leave enough time for walking, security, and returning to the ship. We recommend building in at least 30–45 minutes of buffer time before your designated all-aboard deadline.
