The Islands of the Bahamas are an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, retaining many of the traditions brought over by the British. Although one of the smallest islands New Providence is home to the historic city of Nassau, and is home to about 2/3 of the roughly 302,000 inhabitants of the Bahamas.
Nassau named in honor of King William III, formerly Prince of Orange-Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas, which has always been the hub of Bahamian life, from the days of pirates and privateers to its present-day role as a center of tourism and finance.
Throughout the city there are reminders of country's British Heritage, whether it is the colonial style buildings, the pomp and pageantry of the official ceremonies, or the unchanged tradition of driving on the left. Nassau blends our colonial heritage with modern conveniences to make it a multi-dimensional tourist destination.

CABLE BEACH

Located approximately 10 minutes driving distance from Nassau's International Airport, Cable Beach is so called because The Bahamas' first submarine cable link to Florida was made from here, along its magnificent stretch of sand. Today Cable Beach has become the heart of tourist life on New Providence, boasting a superb choice of beachfront accommodations, as well as a casino, a good choice of shops, restaurants, bars and banks, as well as an 18-hole golf course.
Dowtown Nassau and all its attractions are a short bus or taxi ride away.

Nightlife in Nassau happens mostly on Cable Beach, although there are a number of night clubs spread over the island.
If you are adventurous and would like to rent a car for the day, there are many secluded beaches, a few villages such as Adelaide and Fox Hill, beautiful residences along the coast line and exclusive enclaves to see. The second 18-hole golf course is at the southern end of the island, called the South Ocean Golf course. On the route around the island, one will be able to stop at the Bacardi factory.
There are a number of churches of all denominations open for Sunday worship and visitors are welcome.
A variety of excursions will make your vacation the most memorable one. Two bridges over the Harbour from Nassau lead to Paradise Island home to the Mega Resort Atlantis and other world class resorts, which are well worth visiting.

SHOPPING:

Take a break from the sun and take advantage of the great selection of duty-free goods and don't pay any sales tax. Bay Street is home to the most elegant boutiques, offering such famous names as Rolex, Gucci, Cartier, Fendi, Waterford and more. At the local straw market you can barter with the vendors. Most shops in Nassau are normally open from 9.00a.m. - 5/6 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Sunday shopping is still relatively new to the Bahamas and so you will find that some shops will open while others choose not to open. Nearby are the cruise ship docks, presenting the grand and majestic ships.

Here are a few examples of products made in the Bahamas, which may make interesting gift items:

• Bacardi and Bacardi related products. For a refreshing change try a "Bacardi Breezer"
• Kalik Beer: Brewed right here in Nassau at Commonwealth Brewery
• Sawyer's Food Products: Including conch chowder and guava jams and jellies.
• You can visit the Rum Cake Factory across the road from Club 601 on East Bay Street.
• Of course don't forget a hat or straw bag from the Straw Market
• There is also a variety of locally made jewelry
• You can also visit some of the art galleries here to admire & buy some of the local paintings or woodcarvings.

Just outside the city center, on West Bay Street, you will find Arawak Cay, a small village of colourful stalls. This is the "Fish Fry" or conch vendors' village. Local specialties such as fresh conch salad, fried snapper and a "sky juice" to top your meal off can be enjoyed there.