Paradise island is the most happening place in Bahamas mostly due to the
Las Vegas-style Atlantis resort, which contributes to over 10% of the
Bahamas' GNP. It is also the most expensive place to stay in the entire country
of Bahamas. It is connected to Nassau by a bridge. The Atlantis Paradise Island
Resort and Casino features the world’s largest open air marina. It has a huge
casino, a private beach, and hundreds of rooms. Regardless you stay here or not,
this island should be visited. Most hotels offer free roundtrip shuttle service
to most popular beaches in the area. Paradise Island also has one of the best
golf courses. This island can be reached either by crossing the bridge from
Nassau or on ferry from Paradise Island to the main land. Atlantis resort also
has large a Predator Lagoon and an underwater tunnel which passed through
a tank full of sharks. Paradise island was once called the Hog Island.
Huntington Hartford bought this island for 11 million in 1959 and did a complete
transformation, and ownership of the island has changed hands multiple times
since then.
Nassau is the capital city of Bahamas and famous for nightclubs, Dolphin encounters, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, spring break parties and also the cultural center of the Bahamas. Spring break parties are so popular that you have to almost always book the hotel in advance, Spring break activity is concentrated in the downtown area and beaches. Many travelers come to Nassau specifically come to see Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters. You can either fly or just come from a lot of cruise ships which come here. The Straw Market and Bay Street are the two main centers for shopping. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant center for entertainment as well as commerce.
Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island combine to form New Providence Island with population of over 200,000. Nassau is the capital of Bahamas with the location of parliament and many government offices. Once it was also a popular home of pirates. Attractions include Botanical Gardens, zoo, golfing, tours, horseback riding and beautiful beaches. Other attractions include historical landmarks, including the Victoria Staircase. Both Paradise Island and Nassau are popular travel and tourism destinations in the Bahamas.
Popular Tourism Attractions:
Fort Charlotte:
There are many forts in Bahamas and Charlotte is the largest. It was built in 1788 and it is picture perfect place with a moat and dungeons.
Government House:
This large old mansion is where the British governors lived, this imposing pink and white building is located on Duke Street. The architecture and layout is truly majestic.
Queen's Staircase:
Nassau's most visited attraction is the Queen's Staircase. 66 steps were carved out of solid limestone's by slaves in the late 18th century with axes and other sharp hand tools. These stairs link Fort Fin castle to the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Royal Victoria Gardens:
It was built during the American Civil War, beautifully landscaped gardens offering over 300 species of tropical plant. It was once the location of Royal Victoria Hotel which was destroyed in fire, this location combines those ruins with botanical gardens
Ardastra Zoo:
Flamingo is the national bird and you will find plenty of them here
Crystal Cay:
Its an underwater park, which was built around an existing reef. Here you discover a wealth of knowledge about the sharks, the turtles, the stingrays and numerous other sea animals.
Pompey Museum:
A museum that exhibits some of the finest examples of Bahamian art and history. Once the enslaved people were among the commodities sold in a two-story building.
The Straw Market:
Bahamian women started plaiting and decorating dried palm and sisal plant leaves to create items such as baskets, bags and dolls. Soon large numbers of women were making straw souvenirs that were sought after by visitors.
