Shopping in Nassau
Shopping is one of the easiest things to do in Nassau. The main draw is the World Famous Straw Market, where handcrafted straw goods, conch shell jewelry and rum cakes are sold. Bay Street runs alongside the shore with duty-free jewelry and liquor shops and artisan stalls, so a shopper can cover both without a taxi.
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.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
It is an open-air market of stalls selling souvenirs, including handcrafted straw items, conch shell jewelry and rum cakes. Prices are often set high at first, and haggling is the usual way to reach a fair figure. US dollars are widely accepted, so you do not need to change money.
Bay Street runs parallel to the shore in downtown Nassau. Its duty-free jewelry and liquor shops sit beside artisan markets and souvenir stalls. Expect a mix of upscale boutiques and small souvenir shops. The area is compact enough that you can browse it in an afternoon, then stop for lunch between stores.
Where to go
- Cable Beach straw market. A smaller straw market with less variety than the downtown market.
Getting there
The Straw Market and Bay Street are in downtown Nassau, close to each other and easy to reach on foot. Use only licensed yellow-plated taxis.
When to go
The shops are open year-round. December to April is the drier season, which makes walking between stalls and along Bay Street more comfortable.
Good to know
- Haggle at the Straw Market, since prices are quoted high to begin with.
- US dollars are accepted widely, and the Bahamian dollar is at 1:1 parity with the US dollar.
- Stick to licensed yellow-plated taxis if you travel beyond downtown.
Questions
Where is the Straw Market in Nassau?
The World Famous Straw Market is in downtown Nassau, near Bay Street. It is the main place for handcrafted straw items, conch shell jewelry and rum cakes.
Can you haggle at the Nassau Straw Market?
Yes. Prices at the Straw Market often start high, and haggling is expected. It is one of the few places in town where you can bargain for a better price on souvenirs.
What can you buy on Bay Street in Nassau?
Bay Street has duty-free jewelry and liquor shops, along with artisan markets and souvenir stalls. It is compact and easy to browse on foot.
