Local culture and markets in Nassau
Local culture in Nassau centers on food, music and the city's own festival. Potters' Cay, under the Paradise Island bridge, is the place to taste conch salad and conch fritters at a working fish market. Junkanoo, the national festival, is the big cultural event, though it is tied to the holidays.
Places to go
Downtown Nassau
Downtown Nassau is the historic core of the capital, a compact grid of colonial buildings, monuments, murals and museums. Most of it is best seen on foot, one street at a time.
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is the Nassau beach nearest the cruise port, with harbor views and often something going on. It is a beach stop in Nassau, not a day trip.
Potter's Cay
Potter's Cay is a fish market and row of stalls under the Paradise Island bridge, known for fresh conch salad, conch fritters and Bahamian seafood. It is a working market, not a set-piece tour stop.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Potters' Cay is the first stop for most visitors. The fish market sits under the Paradise Island bridge, and the stalls around it prepare conch salad and conch fritters to order. Plenty of other Bahamian seafood and tropical produce is sold here too. Allow an hour or two to wander and eat, and bring cash in small US dollar notes if you plan to buy.
Government House, the official residence of the Governor General, sits on the 10-acre Mount Fitzwilliam estate. The Changing of the Guard takes place twice a month or on the last Friday of each month. Afternoon tea with the Governor's wife is a traditional English-style offering here. Junkanoo is a separate event: a street parade that begins in the early hours and is tied to the holidays. Some local venues stage Junkanoo performances when the parade is not running.
Where to go
- Potters' Cay. Fish market under the Paradise Island bridge, known for conch salad, conch fritters and other Bahamian seafood. By walk or taxi from downtown.
- Junkanoo performances at local venues. Junkanoo music, costumes and dancing at local venues, when the full parade is not on.
Getting there
Potters' Cay is a walk or short taxi ride from downtown.
When to go
Junkanoo parades are tied to the holidays, so check the dates before planning around them. The Changing of the Guard at Government House happens twice a month or on the last Friday of the month.
Good to know
- Use only licensed taxis with yellow license plates, and agree on the fare before you ride.
- US dollars are widely accepted, and the Bahamian dollar is at 1:1 parity, so no exchange is needed.
- English is the official language and is spoken everywhere, with local Bahamian English in daily speech.
- Ask about the Changing of the Guard and afternoon tea dates before you go, since they follow a set schedule.
Questions
What is Junkanoo in Nassau?
Junkanoo is the national festival of The Bahamas, with a large street parade, African-rooted music, costumes and dancing. The parade begins in the early hours and is tied to the holidays. Some local venues stage Junkanoo performances at other times of year.
Is Potters' Cay worth visiting in Nassau?
Yes. It is a fish market under the Paradise Island bridge, with stalls preparing conch salad, conch fritters and other Bahamian seafood. It is a short walk or taxi ride from downtown.
How do I get to Government House in Nassau?
Government House is on the Mount Fitzwilliam estate in Nassau. Take a licensed yellow-plated taxi or walk. It is the Governor General's official residence.
