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Things to do in New Providence Island

Things to do in  New Providence Island

Welcome to New Providence Island

The Bahamas' most populous island and home to the capital Nassau, New Providence Island pairs cosmopolitan flair with the soft beaches and laid-back vibes associated with the Bahamian lifestyle. Travelers can soak up Caribbean culture at downtown art galleries and museums, then lounge by the pool at an all-inclusive resort or boutique beach cottage. Just across a bridge is Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis resort and Aquaventure water park—one of the top things to do for both kids and the young at heart.

Top 15 attractions in New Providence Island

Rose Island

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Rose Island is an idyllic private getaway off the coast of Nassau. Home to a coral reef and a lone beach bar, this tiny, tropical islet offers an exclusive setting for snorkeling and sunbathing on an 11-mile (18-kilometer) stretch of uninhabited, privately owned Bahamian beach.More

Government House

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Built in 1801 on an estate on top of Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House is often considered the best example of Georgian Colonial architecture in all of the West Indies. The mansion is painted a vibrant pink with a bright white trim (a nod to Nassau’s famous conch shells) and is the residence of the Governor-General of the Bahamas.More

Fort Charlotte

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High atop a hillside overlooking the harbor of Nassau is British-colonial era Fort Charlotte—the largest fort in Nassau. Built in the late 18th century for a battle that never took place, this historic site offers picturesque views of Paradise Island, Nassau, and the harbor. You can also see hidden underground passages, a dry moat, remote dungeons; and even canons, which have never been fired in battle.More

Queen's Staircase

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The Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most visited attractions, holds an important place in Bahamian cultural history. Around 1793, slaves carved this 102-foot (31-meter) staircase, comprised of 65 steps, out of solid limestone. Later it was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s 65-year reign and her role in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas.More

Paradise Island

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Just across the water from the Bahamas’ main island of New Providence, Paradise Island is a fun-filled destination with stylish resort hotels, beautiful beaches, restaurants, casinos, and more. Visitors come to take in a show, try their hand at the blackjack tables, or enjoy some wet-and-wild exhilaration at the world-famous water park.More

Fort Fincastle

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Overlooking the city of Nassau from its vantage point atop Bennett’s Hill, Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 to protect the island of New Providence from outside invaders. Much of the imposing building remains intact today. Visitors come to explore the fortifications and enjoy the view from the highest point in Nassau.More

Arawak Cay

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The evening fish fry is a much-loved tradition across many Caribbean islands, and Arawak Cay in Nassau, Bahamas, brings the custom to life. Find colorful huts selling fresh fish dishes, such as conch salad and lobster, along with vendors making tropical cocktails, and there’s often live music, too.More

Cable Beach

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Famous for its golden sands, the Bahamas' Cable Beach is a popular water sports and lolling destination for visitors to New Providence Island. This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of idyllic beach is home to several massive resorts—including the Atlantis on nearby Paradise Island—each with their own claim staked in the sand.More

Parliament Square

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The island of Nassau is the seat of the Bahamian government and the four bubblegum pink buildings that house its key branches lend a distinct island vibe to what’s known as Parliament Square. The pastel Georgian-style buildings of the Supreme Court, the Public Library and Museum, and the Houses of Parliament surround the square—where a statue honoring Queen Victoria stands.More

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB)

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For a real taste of Bahamian culture, head to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) in Nassau. Housed in a classic 19th-century colonial-style building known as Villa Doyle in the center of town, the gallery displays paintings, sculptures, and other pieces by local artists from the 1850s to the present day.More

Straw Market

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The traditional craft of straw working is an integral part of Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has its own distinctive braiding style that locals use to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, and other goods. The Straw Market on Nassau is the ultimate place to pick up these traditional Bahamian souvenirs.More

Atlantis, Paradise Island

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The Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas is the ultimate resort and water park. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms to villas and condos to the Bridge Suite (once ranked the world’s most expensive hotel suite). And even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can still enjoy some of the resort’s amenities, such as Dolphin Cay.More

Pirates of Nassau

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At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you can discover Nassau’s history as an 18th-century pirate base through replica ships and exhibits. The city was once considered home to the world's largest concentration of swashbuckling seafarers, who continue to capture the imaginations of visitors.More

Blue Lagoon Island

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With its stretch of white sands fringed by coconut palm trees and a lush rain forest, Blue Lagoon Island—or Salt Cay—offers an idyllic escape from the crowds of Nassau and has everything you'd expect from a tropical island. Bring the whole family along for some fun in the sun, or take it easy for a day of pure beachy bliss on Blue Lagoon Island Beach.More

Nassau Public Library & Museum

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With its pink exterior and unusual octagonal shape, the Nassau Public Library is a well-loved local landmark. Although you might not think to visit a public library while on vacation, a detour to see this building is well worth the effort. The library once served as the town’s jail, and the books are housed inside the former jail cells.More
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Top activities in New Providence Island

Rose Island Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Sea Turtles, Lunch at Beach Bar and Grill
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Jet Ski Adventure in Cabbage Beach

Jet Ski Adventure in Cabbage Beach

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From
USD120.00
per group
Small Group/ Family Private Roundtrip Airport Shuttle
Special Offer

Small Group/ Family Private Roundtrip Airport Shuttle

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USD174.96
per group
USD194.40  USD19.44 savings
Pearl Island Beach Adventure with the Pigs
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Full-Day Small-Group Tour to Pig Beach in the Bahamas by Powerboat
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Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau
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Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau

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USD435.00
Rose Island Snorkel Tour! Four Hour Motorboat Tour to Rose Island Beach
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Half-Day Private City Tour in Nassau

Half-Day Private City Tour in Nassau

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USD250.00
per group
Half-Day Cruise of Rose Island with Snorkeling
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Half-Day Cruise of Rose Island with Snorkeling

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USD670.00
per group
Bluefinn Charters Swimming with the turtles
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Nassau Sail and Snorkel Tour
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Nassau Sail and Snorkel Tour

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USD108.90
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People Also Ask

What is New Providence Island known for?

New Providence Island is the biggest and most populated island in the Bahamas and home to the capital city of Nassau. It boasts Cable Beach, one of the best beaches in the Bahamas, as well as some of the country’s biggest and glitziest resorts.

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How many days do you need on New Providence Island?

It depends on how many activities you want to squeeze in, but four or five days on the island of New Providence is a good length of time to see the main attractions and spend some quality time by the beach. If you have a few extra days to spare, add on a visit to another island.

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Is New Providence the same as Nassau?

No, New Providence is not the same as Nassau. New Providence is the name of an island, while Nassau is the name of a city located on that island. Nassau is the capital of and biggest city in the Bahamas.

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How do I get to New Providence Island?

Most travelers fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport, the Bahamas’ main airport, which is located eight miles (13 kilometers) from downtown Nassau on the island of New Providence. Other travelers arrive on cruise ships or tour boats.

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What activities are popular on New Providence Island?

Visitors to New Providence like to soak up the sun on Cable Beach, climb the Queen’s Staircase, explore Clifton Heritage National Park, and hit the Nassau bars and nightclubs after dark. Nassau is also a great jumping-off point for boat trips around the other islands.

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Is New Providence Island expensive?

No, New Providence Island is not particularly expensive, although costs can skyrocket if you choose to stay in high-end resorts and eat only in tourist areas. Tours are generally cheap, there are plenty of outdoor activities that cost nothing, and you can save money by eating in more local restaurants.

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New Providence Island information

Number of Attractions

22

Number of Tours

394

Number of Reviews

17,456
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the top things to do in New Providence Island?
A:
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What are the top activities in New Providence Island?
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