9 Must-Visit Nassau Shopping Destinations for Cruise Travelers
So your cruise ship just pulled into Nassau—awesome! You’re literally steps away from some seriously cool shopping spots in the Caribbean. Sure, everyone heads to the famous Straw Market (and yeah, you should totally swing by there too), but trust me, the real shopping magic happens when you wander beyond that tourist hotspot.
Want to bring home something that’ll make your friends say “Wow, where’d you get that?” instead of “Oh, another magnet”? Let’s check out nine Nassau shopping spots that most cruisers completely miss—but really shouldn’t!
1. Bay Street: The Historic Shopping District
What You’ll Find: Bay Street runs right alongside the harbor and it’s basically Nassau’s shopping main street. This colorful stretch has everything—fancy jewelry stores with sweet discounts on Rolex and Cartier, perfume shops that’ll make you smell amazing, liquor stores with rum you can’t get back home, and cool boutiques with both designer stuff and local Bahamian fashion.
Why It’s Special: Just look up! The buildings are straight-up gorgeous—colorful colonial structures from way back in the 1700s and 1800s. Head east for the serious bling (we’re talking 30-40% cheaper than at home) or west for more local goodies.
Getting There: Super easy! Just a quick 5-minute walk from where your ship docks. Just follow all the other cruise folks heading up toward the waterfront.
Insider Tip: Want the best jewelry deals? Go on a weekday when it’s not crazy busy. The sales folks will have more time to chat—and negotiate. Don’t be shy about asking “Is this your best price?” Especially if there aren’t tons of ships in port that day, they’re way more likely to cut you a deal.
2. Nassau Boutiques: Small Shops with Big Character
What You’ll Find: Think cool indie shops with stuff you definitely won’t see everyone else carrying back onto the ship—awesome hand-printed fabrics, clothing by local designers who actually live here, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and home dĂ©cor that doesn’t scream “tourist.”
Why It’s Special: These little shops give you the personal touch—the owners actually talk to you! Many are run by Bahamians who are super excited to share their culture and stories with visitors who venture beyond the tourist traps.
Getting There: Most are a quick walk from Bay Street. Check out Bahama Hand Prints on Ernest Street (about 10 minutes on foot from the main drag) or Doongalik Studios on Village Road (grab a quick 10-minute taxi ride).
Insider Tip: Chat up the shopkeepers! Ask them “Who made this?” or “What’s the story behind this piece?” Many know the artists personally and have awesome stories that’ll make whatever you buy way more special than some random souvenir.
3. Festival Place: First Impressions and Local Finds
What You’ll Find: This welcome center right at Prince George Wharf (where your ship docks) houses carefully selected vendors selling authentic Bahamian products in an organized, air-conditioned environment.
Why It’s Special: Unlike the sometimes overwhelming Straw Market, Festival Place offers quality-controlled products including local food specialties (hot sauces, jams, teas), artisanal chocolates, and bath products made with indigenous ingredients like Bahamian sea salt.
Getting There: You can’t miss it! Festival Place is the building you’ll walk through when leaving the cruise terminal.
Insider Tip: This is the perfect spot for last-minute shopping before boarding. Many food products here are specially packaged to comply with cruise ship and airline regulations, solving potential customs headaches.
4. Nassau Straw Work: Beyond the Market
What You’ll Find: Traditional Bahamian crafts using dried palm and sisal fibers woven into everything from placemats to elaborate handbags—but at a quality level above what you’ll typically find at the main Straw Market.
Why It’s Special: These venues showcase the work of master craftswomen who have elevated straw weaving to an art form, providing a deeper appreciation for this authentic Bahamian tradition.
Getting There: Balcony House on Market Street is just a 7-minute walk from Bay Street. For more options, explore the small shops along Charlotte Street, just one block inland from Bay Street.
Insider Tip: Look for natural variations in color and texture—these indicate genuinely hand-woven products rather than mass-produced imports. True artisan pieces may cost more but will last for years.
5. Graycliff: Luxury with Local Character
What You’ll Find: This historic property houses several unique shopping experiences including the famous Graycliff Cigar Company, a chocolate factory, and shops selling premium goods reflecting Nassau’s heritage.
Why It’s Special: Watch master cigar rollers handcraft premium cigars using techniques brought from Cuba, then visit the adjacent chocolatier for handmade confections using tropical ingredients like coconut, guava, and Bahamian rum.
Getting There: It’s an uphill 10-minute walk from Bay Street. Look for West Hill Street, which branches off Bay Street near the British Colonial Hilton. Taxis are also readily available if you prefer not to walk uphill in the heat.
Insider Tip: Graycliff offers tours combining chocolate making, cigar rolling, and rum tasting—a great way to enhance your shopping experience. Book ahead through their website or when you arrive, as these experiences often sell out when multiple ships are in port.
6. Marina Village at Atlantis: Resort Shopping Excellence
What You’ll Find: This picturesque shopping district on Paradise Island features both luxury brands and local specialty shops in a scenic waterfront setting with colorful Bahamian-inspired architecture.
Why It’s Special: The open-air marketplace design creates a pleasant atmosphere where you can shop international luxury brands like Dooney & Bourke alongside carefully selected local enterprises, all while enjoying street performers and live music.
Getting There: Take a water taxi from the terminal ($8 round-trip, running every 30 minutes) or a regular taxi across the Paradise Island Bridge ($15-20 each way).
Insider Tip: Time your visit for early evening if possible. The marina comes alive around sunset with better lighting for photos, cooler temperatures, and sometimes special events or live entertainment.
7. The Shops at Baha Mar: Nassau’s Newest Luxury Retail Destination
What You’ll Find: This elegant, climate-controlled complex houses luxury boutiques like Tiffany & Co., Rolex, and Hublot alongside retailers offering resort wear, accessories, and home dĂ©cor—many with Bahamas-exclusive collections.
Why It’s Special: Beyond international brands, Baha Mar incorporates venues showcasing premium Bahamian crafts and contemporary artwork, creating a sophisticated blend of global luxury and local artistry.
Getting There: Located approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the cruise port on Cable Beach, expect to pay about $25-30 each way. Consider combining with a beach visit or lunch at one of Baha Mar’s restaurants to maximize your trip.
Insider Tip: The Current Gallery and Art Center within the complex regularly hosts Bahamian artists-in-residence. Check their schedule—you might be able to meet artists and watch them work during your visit.
8. The Authentically Bahamian Marketplace
What You’ll Find: Located in Pompey Square between Bay Street and the cruise port, this curated marketplace features verified local products from artisans and producers who have met specific criteria regarding local production and traditional techniques.
Why It’s Special: The stringent vendor selection process gives you confidence that you’re purchasing genuine Bahamian items, from handcrafted jewelry incorporating materials like conch shell to small-batch culinary products using indigenous ingredients.
Getting There: It’s just a 3-minute walk from the cruise terminal—look for the colorful square with the fountain just past Festival Place.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the day (before 11am) when many artisans are setting up and more willing to chat about their craft. Some vendors offer demonstrations of their techniques if you express genuine interest.
9. Balcony House Museum and Shop
What You’ll Find: This historic house-turned-museum on Market Street houses a small but superb collection of premium straw work in Nassau’s oldest standing residential building.
Why It’s Special: The carefully curated selection includes pieces made by master craftswomen who have elevated straw work to an art form, with each item undergoing strict quality assessment.
Getting There: It’s a short 7-minute walk from Bay Street. Head up Elizabeth Avenue near the Hilton, then left onto Market Street.
Insider Tip: The museum part gives you a cool peek into colonial life in Nassau, making this a perfect two-for-one stop. Take the quick guided tour (usually about 20 minutes) before browsing the shop—you’ll appreciate the crafts even more once you understand their background story.
Practical Shopping Tips for Cruise Visitors
Timing Matters: Most Nassau shops open around 9:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM, with some smaller spots closing for lunch or working shorter hours on weekends. Hit the shops in the morning when it’s cooler, less crowded, and shop owners have more time for you.
Payment Options: Pretty much all established shops take major credit cards, and US dollars work everywhere at a 1:1 exchange rate with Bahamian money. Smaller vendors might prefer cash though, so keep some bills in your pocket.
Transportation: Nassau is pretty compact, so you can walk to many shopping areas from the cruise port. For farther spots like Baha Mar, just grab a water taxi (to Paradise Island) or regular taxi. Just make sure to agree on the fare before hopping in.
Authenticity Check: Want to make sure you’re getting the real deal? Look for:
- Talking directly with the artists or craftspeople
- Places where you can actually see items being made
- Natural differences in each piece (that’s how you know it’s handmade)
- Proper paperwork for big-ticket purchases
Time Management: Since you’ve only got about 6-9 hours in port, try not to spend more than half that time shopping. A smart game plan: start at Festival Place right after you get off the ship, work your way through Bay Street and nearby areas, then head to either Paradise Island on a water taxi or take a regular taxi to shops further out.
Bottom line: Nassau’s shopping scene is WAY cooler than most cruisers ever realize. Skip spending your whole day at the Straw Market (though grab a quick souvenir there if you want), and hit up some of these spots instead. You’ll go home with stuff that actually means something and shopping stories that are just as fun as your beach day tales. Happy shopping, cruisers!
