There’s something wildly satisfying about planning your own vacation. No cookie-cutter itineraries. No tour buses with strangers wearing matching lanyards. Just you, your flip-flops, and the occasional Google search panic like “Can you drink tap water in the Bahamas?” (Answer: you mostly can, but bottled is a safer bet for sensitive stomachs.)
So, let’s talk about Nassau — capital of the Bahamas and probably one of the only places where a stranger might casually hand you a coconut and then teach you how to open it with a machete. It’s warm, chaotic in the best way, full of color, and surprisingly affordable if you DIY it right.
Home Sweet Beachside Apartment
The base for this escape is a sweet apartment just a short, salty-breezed walk from Junkanoo Beach. Well-rated, clean, and just enough charm to feel local without sacrificing essentials like Wi-Fi and a working fridge for your cold Kaliks (that’s the national beer, by the way — tastes like sunshine in a bottle).
Having your own kitchen is a game-changer. You can hit up the local grocery stores (or the fruit stands run by friendly vendors who call you “sweetie” like they’ve known you for years) and whip up simple breakfasts — think fresh mango, eggs, toast, and coffee that doesn't taste like it was brewed in 1982.
Wanderer’s Paradise: Things to See (and Actually Enjoy)
Nassau isn’t huge, which makes it wonderfully wanderable. You’ll end up strolling past candy-colored buildings, kids playing soccer barefoot, and the occasional chicken crossing the road (still no one knows why).
Start with the Queen’s Staircase, carved out of limestone by slaves in the 1700s — it’s a beautiful and humbling place. At the top, you’ll find Fort Fincastle, which has cannons, great views, and a vibe that says “Instagram me now.”
From there, it’s an easy walk to Downtown Nassau, where you’ll find the Straw Market — a chaotic maze of handmade crafts, woven bags, and vendors yelling “I give you good price!” like a symphony. It’s a fun spot if you’re into souvenirs, but be ready to haggle (kindly).
One day should absolutely be spent on the water. You have to take a boat tour — not the fancy-pants ones, but the mid-range ones run by local guides who know the waters better than they know their own birthdays. You'll snorkel in clear turquoise patches, maybe see sea turtles, and if you're lucky, they'll take you to a sandbar that appears at low tide like a magic trick.
Also, Blue Lagoon Island. It’s a short ferry ride away and has beach hammocks, dolphins (you can choose to interact or just wave politely), and the softest sand your feet have ever met. Don’t rush it — this is where time melts.
Feeding the DIY Soul
You don’t need five-star dining to eat like royalty in Nassau. Actually, the best food is made in small shacks that look like they were built using driftwood and dreams.
Head to Arawak Cay, lovingly nicknamed “The Fish Fry,” where you’ll find a cluster of restaurants and stands serving up cracked conch, grilled snapper, conch salad, and other local legends. Ask for it “Bahamian style” if you want the real-deal spice treatment. One standout spot? Goldie’s Conch House — solid food, cold beer, and music that’ll get your shoulders shimmying before the food even arrives.
Also worth a try: Twin Brothers, a bit touristy, but the portions are massive and the daiquiris are borderline dangerous (in a good way).
Breakfasts are easy — grab some coconut bread or pastries from The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory (yes, cake for breakfast, we don’t judge) or go simple with fruit and strong coffee on your apartment balcony.
When the Sun Goes Down…
Nightlife in Nassau is mellow but not boring. There are beach bars with live music, where locals and tourists dance barefoot under string lights. Try Tiki Bikini Hut near Junkanoo — it’s laid-back, colorful, and if you dance long enough, the bartender might “accidentally” pour your drink a little stronger.
For something a little more refined, there’s Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, where you can tour a chocolate factory and sip rum like an aristocrat who also packs their own granola bars when traveling.
Want to go a bit wilder? The locals will tell you which clubs are hot that week — it shifts. But don’t expect Ibiza — it’s more “good DJ and coconut rum” than “glow sticks and foam cannons.”
Getting Around: To Rent or Not to Rent?
Here’s the honest truth: you don’t need a car if you’re sticking around Nassau. The public jitneys (minibuses) are chaotic but cheap and fun, taxis are everywhere (always agree on price before hopping in), and many of the cool spots are walkable.
BUT — if you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to explore further out, like Clifton Heritage Park or the less-touristy southern beaches, then yes, a rental for a day or two makes sense. Just remember: they drive on the left, and some of the roads are… let’s just say “inspirationally uneven.”
Rental car for a day: about CAD $85 including insurance. Worth it for a little extra freedom, but not essential.
Budget Breakdown: Daily Costs (Excl. Flight + Accommodation)
Here’s a rough but realistic idea of what a wanderer might spend per day in Nassau:
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Food & Drinks: CAD $45–$60 (eating out casually, local spots, some drinks)
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Activities & Attractions: CAD $20–$50 (depending on boat tours, museum visits, etc.)
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Transport (jitneys, occasional taxi): CAD $10–$15
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Extras/souvenirs/”I need that straw hat!”: CAD $10–$20
Total: CAD $85–$130/day, depending on how low or wild you go.
Add a rental car for one or two days? Factor in another CAD $85/day.
Final Thoughts: Nassau Your Way
A week in Nassau as a DIY wanderer feels like stepping into a watercolor painting, with a hint of reggae and the constant temptation to eat just one more piece of fried conch. It’s easy to fall into the rhythm of the island — sun, swim, eat, repeat — but the real joy is in the small moments: a stranger’s smile, the smell of grilled fish, the warmth of sand between your toes while sipping something way too sweet.
DIY doesn’t mean doing without — it means doing it your way, on your time, and saving enough to maybe even come back again.
Who needs a tour guide when you’ve got curiosity and Google Maps?
