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Time Zone
GMT - 5.
Currency
Bahamian Dollar (B$) = 100 cents.
Language
English.Sightseeing
Sunbathing, diving, fishing and boating are the main daytime amusements in the Bahamas, whose capital, Nassau, stands on New Providence Island. Tourists can shop in the bustling 'straw market', where local vendors create unique straw goods on the spot – alternatively, they can visit the more sophisticated shops in Bay Street. The 18th-century Fort Charlotte, on West Bay Street has a moat, open battlements, dungeons and a magnificent view of the harbour. The nearby Ardastra Gardens have tropical flowers and pink flamingoes. The Queen's Staircase, at the top of Elizabeth Avenue, is a 40m (102ft) climb up steps carved into the limestone leading to Fort Fincastle (built in 1793 in the shape of a ship's bow). The steps also lead to the Water Tower, the highest point in the island, 85m (216ft) above sea level. Here, an elevator takes visitors to an observation deck which offers fantastic panoramic views. There is an underwater observatory and marine park just a few minutes' away from downtown Nassau. Visitors descend below the water surface to view the feeding of sharks (every day at 1430) and a multitude of exotic marine life.
Shopping
Special purchases include china, cutlery, leather, fabrics, spirits from Britain, Scandinavian glass and silver, Swiss watches, German and Japanese cameras and French perfume. Local products include all types of straw artefacts, seashell jewellery and woodcarvings.
Eating Out
There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars. Specialities include conch, grouper cutlets, baked crab and red snapper fillets in anchovy sauce. Fresh fruit is available from the Out Islands, including sweet pineapple, mango, breadfruit and papaya. Local drinks are based on rum. The local liqueur is Nassau Royal, served alone or in coffee.
Location
The CaribbeanBahamas
Region
Bahamas
