Where to Stay in Nassau – 5 Best Areas w/Hotels (2024 Update)

Howdy reader! In this guide, I will be helping you decide where to stay in Nassau by walking you through the top 5 Bahamian neighborhoods! 

I’ve compared ALL the best accommodations and areas and have grouped them nicely according to interest and budget, so you can just grab’n’go. 

The best place to stay for first-time visitors is Paradise Island. It’s where all the fun and attractions are and where the most fantastic resorts are situated!

But other areas are pretty nice, too, so make sure you read till the end before you make your decision! Just sit back and grab your favorite drink as we embark on the hunt for the best place to stay in Nassau according to your travel interests!

Oh, and once you find the perfect hotel, make sure to book it quickly so you secure the best deals – good hotels sell out fast!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are the best of the best accommodation options for each price range if you need to book something right now: 

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here is a map of Nassau, Bahamas to help you plan your future stay in the Bahamas:

1. Paradise Island – where to stay in Nassau for first-timers

Paradise Island, Bahamas, looks exactly how it sounds – it is paradise on Earth. The Island is often regarded as the gateway to the Bahamas because of its out-of-this-world architecture, luxury hotel resorts, and white sandy beaches. 

With skyscrapers towering over the turquoise sea waters and pearly beaches, it’s hard not to fall in love with Paradise Island, especially if you are a first-timer. It’s not all about the facade, though. 

There are a lot of things to do and fun activities to partake in here, especially when visiting with a family. 

Bored chilling at the beach? Adults can visit a variety of high-end Nassau resorts and try their luck at a casino. 

Gambling ain’t your shtick? Then check out themed water parks on Paradise Island (there are so many, I recommend the Aquaventure at Atlantis for the whole family!) or go swimming with Dolphins. 

You can also walk by the Nassau Harbor Lighthouse, passing Paradise Beach and Colonial Beach.

As the lights go down, it’s time to turn up the romantic atmosphere at one of the countless classy restaurants and cocktail bars of Nassau. 

Paradise Island was built with tourists in mind, so you will have everything you could possibly want at your fingertips. 

If it’s your first time in Nassau, Bahamas, I highly recommend checking out Paradise Island first. It’s luxurious, tropical, jaw-dropping, and just plain amazing!

Other accommodation options on Paradise Island

Things to do in Paradise Island 

• Get a day pass to experience the attractions at Atlantis Paradise Island 
• See the beauty from above with a parasail over Cabbage Beach
• Take a catamaran sail and snorkel tour
• Have a blast with the island’s swimming pigs
• Check out the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister
• Get a taste of Bahamian food and culture on a bites and sites tour

2. Downtown Nassau – best place for a local experience

If you’re someone who prefers a more local vibe and less flashy resort hotels, Downtown Nassau may be a better choice for you. 

Downtown Nassau, Bahamas, is the best place to be if you’re looking for a colorful neighborhood with warm locals as well as rows of restaurants and bars, shops, and historical landmarks. 

In terms of attractions, you have the Pirates of Nassau (a cool museum about pirates!) National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and the iconic Queen’s Staircase (map), a 65-step staircase made by 18th-century slaves for easier entrance to Fort Fincastle nearby.

Nassau was at the center of the Golden Age of Piracy in the Bahamas, which lasted from 1690 to 1720! Visit the local pirate museum to see what it was like to be a pirate at the time!

Finally, if you love rum, don’t miss out on John Watling’s Distillery! You can buy their delicious rum and take a tour of the historic property!

Whilst the rich local culture of the Caribbean shines through in Downtown Nassau, if you want to experience Paradise Island’s busy, tourist-focused vibe as well, it’s just a 5-minute drive away. The island can also be seen from many of Downtown’s bay streets. 

The best hotels in Downtown Nassau are also fairly cheap compared to Paradise Island. It’s no secret that Paradise caters to luxury, so this area will be a relief to the wallets of those who have a smaller budget in mind.

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Things to do in Downtown Nassau 

• Check out Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu, and Fort Charlotte
• Take a cultural walk and tour around the colorful town of Downtown Nassau, Bahamas
• Pick up some souvenirs at the Straw Market
• Visit the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation
• Appreciate culture at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

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3. Cable Beach – where to stay in Nassau for beautiful beaches

We can’t talk about the Bahamas, Nassau, without talking about their distinct white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s true that you can find pristine beaches nearly anywhere you stay in the Caribbean, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s just a 15-minute drive from central Nassau at Cable Beach.

Cable Beach is the perfect escape where you can really enjoy a peaceful, relaxing beach retreat. 

You will still find some of Nassau’s most high-end resorts here, but what makes Cable Beach unique from the other neighborhoods is that a stay here is really focused on slowing down and unwinding on the beach. The turquoise waters of Cable Beach will be just steps away from the hotels, but don’t worry about fighting for space since it’s one of the longest stretches of coast in the Bahamas. 

Even though this place is all about relaxing, you will still find plenty of bars and restaurants dotted along the shore, and the sunset here is something not to be missed!

Other accommodation options in Cable Beach

Things to do in Cable Beach 

• Be mesmerized by the beach’s sea view, bustling cruise ship port, and sunset
• Take a day trip to Balmoral Island and swim with dolphins in the reef
• Explore the row of restaurants, bars, and clubs around Cable Beach
• Try out some new watersports on the beach 
• Head to the Big Picture Paint and Sip Studio for a night of art and wine

4. West Bay Street – where to stay for budget travelers

A lot of the areas I have mentioned so far can be quite expensive since the island caters to a lot of luxury holidays, but that is not to say that Nassau, New Providence, can’t be a destination for budget travelers, too! 

West Bay is for those who want to visit Nassau without breaking the bank or those looking for a more secluded villa.

West Bay Street runs all the way from Downtown Nassau to Old Fort Bay, following the coastline. Although it isn’t one compact town, there are a lot of accommodation options scattered along the waterfront, with the most budget-friendly options located closer to the airport. 

There are not only hotels but restaurants, bars, shops, and beaches strategically located along this 25km stretch, so it’s really not a problem that you won’t be staying in the center of town. 

Sandyport Beach along West Bay Street is a popular public beach that is far less crowded than Cable Beach, so be sure to check it out for your secluded place in the sun! Bring your own chairs, or just lay on the sand and enjoy!

Even if you aren’t on a particularly strict budget, West Bay is a great place to stay if you are looking for amazing value for money. Here, you can rent large villas for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room on Paradise Island. 

Other accommodation options in West Bay Street

Things to do along West Bay Street

• Spend a day at the Sandyport Beach
• Go Canoeing on Lake Cunningham and see the Mangroves at Lake Killarney
• Embrace the warm white sand beaches of Goodman’s Bay Park
• See the wildlife of Nassau up close at Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
• Go scuba diving at Islas Out Coral reef

5. Love Beach – where to stay in Nassau for seclusion

Love Beach is situated on the other end of the island from Downtown Nassau, some 20-30 minutes away by car. It’s under the radar for many tourists, so I can safely say that it’s a hidden gem!

Because who doesn’t appreciate stunning beaches all for themselves? Whether you’re coming with a date or spouse, there’s nothing more romantic than having your own place under the sun without the crowds everywhere around you.

You’ll find plenty of intimate apartments and small hotels here, and the airport is pretty close, too! It’s definitely a place I recommend to stay if you’re coming on a layover or have an early or late flight!

If you have a car, go on a day trip to the Clifton Heritage National Park, Jaw’s Beach (where the iconic Jaws movies were filmed!), or the Primeval Forest National Park!

Of course, you can always enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters, go dining in the nearby Aquafire Restaurant, or just chill at any of the places below:

Other accommodation options in Love Beach

Things to do in Love Beach

• Spend a day swimming in the turquoise waters of Love Beach
• Go souvenir shopping in local beach stalls
• Drive to the nearby Clifton Heritage National Park

👑 Luxury price:	$400
💵 Mid-range hotel:	$250
🛏️ Budget:	$150
📍 Best Area:	Paradise Island
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Ocean Club
🧳 Best Mid-range hotel:	Bay View Suites
👛 Best budget hotel:	Beachfront Resort Condo

BONUS: What to do in Atlantis, Bahamas 

Whether you’re staying at the Atlantis Bahamas or not, there are so many incredible things to do at the resort. As a guest, the price of your stay is inclusive of many attractions, but if you only want to visit, don’t worry – day passes are available for all these attractions!

Now, here’s how you can spend your day in Atlantis:

1. Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay
Dolphin Cay is home to a number of rescued dolphins and sea lions, and you have the chance to swim with them! Experience every child’s dream come true as you splash around the lagoon with friendly dolphins jumping above. 

2. Have the thrill of a lifetime at Aquaventure Water Park
This incredible water park is over 140 acres of pure fun. With 20 different swimming areas, countless waterslides, a rapid river, and more, you could easily spend your entire vacation at Aquaventure Water Park. So much fun for all ages!

3. Learn something about marine biology at the marine exhibits
Boasting the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, including several themed lagoons, real ocean water, coral gardens and more than 50,000 animals. At Atlantis, you have the chance to walk through aquariums full of interesting creatures or even get in the tanks to experience life as a seakeeper for the day

4. Try your hand at a round of golf
Possibly one of the most scenic golf courses in the world, it might be hard to keep your eye on the ball at the Ocean Club Golf Course. If you’re not a pro, don’t worry; Ocean Club offers lessons and courses. 

5. Enjoy a spa day
With a never-ending list of spa treatments on offer, grab your friends and have yourself the ultimate spa day! Mandara Spa offers the best treatments from all around the world, plus cold plug pools, a hot tub, a sauna, and even a special couples suite spa.

6. Join one of the many water adventure tours 
Join a real marine biologist on an underwater adventure of your choice. With options from snorkeling through ruins, swimming with stingrays, shark experiences, and scuba diving, there is bound to be one of your wildest dreams come true in the list of water tours offered at Atlantis Paradise Island.

FAQs about lodging in Nassau, Bahamas 

Conclusion

Yay! You’ve come to the end of my guide on where to stay in Nassau, Bahamas. I hope that I have helped you pick which Bahamian neighborhood is best for you and that you’ve found the perfect hotel or resort to stay in Nassau.

I’ve given you a lot of options to check out in Nassau, but here are the best two you should book ASAP:

• The Ocean Club – 5-star resort hotel with luxury facilities and lavish rooms
• Bay View Suites – Suites with relaxing decor and a soothing garden

Remember to book accommodations ahead of time since the Bahamas and Nassau/Paradise Island are some of the most popular tourist hotspots in the Atlantic. 

If you have any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, or experiences you would like to share with me, please do so, and I’ll happily respond!

Have fun and happy travels,

Kate

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