Nassau
Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major airport for The Bahamas, is located about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) west of Nassau city centre, and has daily flights to major cities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The city is located on the island of New Providence, which functions much like a federal district. There is no local government as Nassau is governed directly as an administrative division of the national government.
Since its founding in 1656, and through the ages of colonialism, piracy, rum-smuggling, and now tourism, it has always been the center of color and culture in the islands. The stories that lurk in its narrow, flowery streets and within the walls of its old forts are among the most legendary and region-defining tales in the Caribbean.
Queens Staircase Nassau's most visited attraction.
Climb the 65 (some say 66) steps of this new renovated historical attraction. The staircase was not built; it was carved out of calcareos (coral-based) sandstone by slaves at the end of the 18th century. between 1793 and 1794. It is reported that slaves were forced to cut through rocks with axes and other sharp hand tools.
This 102 foot staircase was named in honour of the 65 years of Queen's Victoria's reign. Construction of this monument is still regarded as remarkable. For practical purposes, the staircase provides a shorter route to and from Bennet's Hill.
The Straw Market is a huge open air marketplace located in the center of Nassau. Bahamian women started selling local crafts here when the native sponge business slumped.
It's packed to the brim with tiny stalls selling all manner of souvenirs and crafts, including the famous straw-woven items that the Bahamas are known for. In addition to items made from straw, you'll find all manner of crafted items including woodcarvings, masks, statues, jewelry and sea shells.
This is street theatre at its best. Come ready to bargain and don't be surprised if another competing vendor interupts during your negotiations to offer you a similar item at a lower price.
The Versailles Gardens are located on the grounds of the Ocean Club Hotel and are also accessible to non-guests. The 12th Century statues originated in France and were installed at a California mansion until they were brought to the Bahamas. Final installation began in 1961 and the Gardens have been a popular attraction ever since.
The Cloisters are the remains of a 14th century French Monastery that was imported, stone by stone, to the United States by the newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s; 40 years later the Cloisters were bought by Huntington Hartford and installed at the top of a hill on Paradise Island overlooking Nassau Harbour. The site has become a populare venue for weddings
Government House is a beautiful old mansion where the British governors lived. Its size and detail bespeaks the power the top official in the Bahamas once wielded. 
Every other Saturday, you can come to the building and still see a bit of the old pomp, when The Changing of the Guards takes place.
Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 under the direction of Governor Lord Dunmore. Lord Dunmore's other title was Viscount Fincastle (hence the name). The fort has a distinctive ship like shape.
Next to the Fort is a 1928 Water Tower 126 ft / 38.4m high which offers good panoramas of Nassau. There is an elevator to the top of the tower.
Fort Mantague is the oldest of Nassau's remaining forts. Constructed in 1741 to protect the eastern approaches to the Harbor it never came under attack nor fired its guns in anger. The fort is closed to the public but the small stronghold can be photographed from the outside.
Fort Charlotteis the largest of all the forts in the Bahamas. It was built in 1788 under the governorship of Lord Dunmore, and it is picture perfect with a moat and dungeons. Its ramparts offer one the best views of Nassau.
Royal Victoria Gardens
The Royal Victoria Hotel was once the grand damme of the Bahamas. It was built during the American Civil War, then finally closed in 1971. Shortly after, the proud old hulk of the building was consumed by a fire. All that was left behind were its gardens and a sprawling, empty shell of pillars and stone. The resulting landscape is a stunning cross between a botanical garden and something like a Roman ruin.
