Things to See and Do in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas

Last weekend, Tom and I jet-setted off to a balmy destination to celebrate our wedding anniversary and shared some of those moments and beautiful scenic views in real time with you over Snapchat. We had a few destinations in mind, but in the end we chose the Bahamas, and I am so glad that we did!  I had played with the idea of going to the Bahamas from Toronto for a few years, but kept booking trips to other destinations, and now I’m really glad I didn’t because we both got to experience Bahamas for the first time ever together.

Prior to the trip, I went hunting for some resort pieces. I have been really into the off the shoulder trend this season and just a couple of days before taking flight, I scoured the web for a few affordable pieces and came across this really cute bikini. I usually wear low rise bottoms, but when I tried these on, I immediately fell in love and couldn’t wait to wear this on our sunny getaway.

Tom and I spent a lot of time on the beach, but we made time to enjoy the local Bahamian flavours, culture and explore the city.  We made a few wonderful stops and of course, I kept note of some of the best of Nassau and Paradise Island to share with you, so that when you finally get the chance to visit, you can just go and enjoy it.  There’s just so much to share with you, so here’s part 1 of our trip to the Bahamas.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND

 A trip to Nassau is not complete until you’ve visited Atlantis on Paradise Island.  Ranked as one of the best resorts to stay at in the world, this enormous marina park has tons of really cool water-themed activities, beautiful beaches, a casino, night life, shows, great food options and so much more.  For details on Atlantis Bahamas, click here.

Food Recommendations in Nassau

Fish Fry

Fish Fry is actually a small district of about 40 restaurant bars that serve authentic Bahamian food about 15 minute walk from the ferry docks in downtown Nassau.  My favourite for Conch Fritters and Conch salad is Goldie’s, which is closest to the sidewalk on the west side of the district.  Goldie’s is the person who started the entire district.  They’re very friendly and the fresh fish is great here.  Twin Brothers has some good fresh fish, but the Conch Fritters are better at Goldie’s. Fish Fry is a very laid back foodie district.

Lukka Kairi

Located just off the pier, this restaurant serves nice fresh fish. It’s around the corner from the British Colonial Hotel.

 Cafe Matisse

This is a nice fine dining option in downtown Nassau with great service and good food, but it’s not for those on a budget. They have a good chocolate dessert, the service is great and the ambiance is lovely.  A great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Other restaurants that we heard were good, but didn’t go to because we wanted to enjoy Bahamian cuisine were Athena’s and Nobu.

Food Recommendations on Paradise Island

Since we were walking around the resort, we didn’t actually dine on the strip of restaurants, but there is an entire section of restaurants.  When we were at the Atlantis, we saw a dining tables alongside their enormous aquarium filled with fish, baby sharks and sea creatures.  There’s live music along their restaurant strip, and at night this place just comes alive.

Beach Recommendations

The Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island

Cable Beach, Nassau

Pink Beach, Harbour Island (if you have time, as it’s 3 hours ferry from downtown Nassau, or 30 mins by plane from Nassau airport)

Night Life

Atlantis

Nassau is bustling from the morning to mid-afternoon, but when 5PM rolls around all the tourists jump back into the cruise ships and the city becomes incredibly quiet. Even most restaurants are closed. If you want nightlife, head over to Atlantis on Paradise Island to the area where all the shops and restaurants are.  You can take a cab.  Costs are listed under Transportation.

The Bullion in the British Colonial Hotel

I really enjoyed my time at this bar.  It’s small but has a great vibe, live music and their bartenders make really yummy mixed drinks.  It has been ranked one of the top 10 bars in the Carribean.

Additional Things to Know

The Bahamian dollar is on par with the US dollar. I think most tourists spend US dollars, or charge to their credit cards. Most of the banks are actually Canadian. You’ll find Scotiabank and CIBC and a couple of US banks to withdraw cash if you need it.

Bahamas is known for tea, not coffee.  You’ll hardly find coffee or tea shops in Bahamas, as most locals make their tea at home, so ask a few locals for any potential places for good tea.

Transportation

Buses

Buses come frequently and cost $1.25, but you can take cab anywhere. Nassau isn’t very large, so you’ll take maybe a maximum of 25-30 minutes to get anywhere.  It’s safe.

Cab

If you’re in downtown Nassau, it’s incredibly easy to find a cab driver. Cab fares are set by the government and if you’re lucky you can probably negotiate, but they’re pretty standard.  Downtown Nassau to the Airport is about $27-$30.  Rates are based on 2 riders. If you have large pieces of luggage or more people, it may cost you a more.

Nassau to Paradise Island or Atlantis

The ferry is in downtown Nassau about 3 minute walk from the British Colonial Hotel.  It’s $8 each way and the last ferry coming back is $6. Taxis are about $11-14 each way.

Have you been to the Bahamas? Or, iss there a beach destination you’ve been wanting to visit?  I’d love to hear!

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Outfit: This bikini set is under $40.  Bikini top and bottom available here and here.

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ