Friendly People, Great Weather
Written: Jan 17 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Straw Market, some of the small side shops.
Cons: Can get crowded during rush hour.
The Bottom Line: Nice place to visit - may check out other Carribean destinations rather than return here.
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| drew2too's Full Review: Nassau |
Date of visit: Jan 2005
During our stay in the Bahamas, we found ourselves in downtown Nassau on many occasion, although our hotel was on Paradise Island (see: http://www.epinions.com/content_169548549764 )
We have only been to the Caribbean twice, and there were 20 years between visits! We stayed on Paradise Island both times, so I cannot compare it to any other islands. I will tell you that you should be able to find affordable airfares and hotels, and if you want to relax and see one of our local neighbors, go for it.
It was pointed on more than one occasion, that the Bahamas has a population of about 300,000, of which 200,000 reside in Nassau. Add the thousands of people getting off the cruise ships (sometimes as many as 5 in port at once) and you have quite a number of people. But only rarely did it seem overly crowded to me. The only times that it did was when we were in a bus or cab during rush hour.
A taxi from paradise island to downtown Nassau should cost about $8-$10 for 2 people. If you ask to get dropped off at the Straw Market, you're more likely to get dropped off "nearby" in downtown Nassau. Only a few blocks away, at the most. Once you get into Nassau, there are buses that cost $1/one-way. Beware if you take the "Water Taxi" from/to Paradise Island and Nassau. There are many signs that state that it leaves every half an hour. The signs should read "Leaves as soon as we have a full boat" - which was typically longer that 1/2 hour for us. It does cost less ($6 round-trip) and drops you off right near the Straw Market, but you'll have a 5-15 minute walk from/to your hotel on Paradise Island, depending upon where you're staying. .
There are MANY stores in Nassau, and some are VERY upscale/pricey. Jewelry, perfume, etc. Then there are the smaller 'souvenir' type shops. And finally the Straw Market. A lot of the items in the 'souvenir' shops can be found in the Straw Market for a much better price. Just be sure to check for any defects - many of the items seemed to be 'factory seconds' or had some flaws. We took advantage of a surrey ride while we were in town, and also ate at the Poop Deck restaurant near the bridge going over to Paradise Island. The Poop Deck restaurant was recommended by one of our cabbies, but not by us. So-so food that was a little overpriced. Our only regret is not checking out the "Fish Fry" area of restaurants - about 5 minutes outside of downtown Nassau towards the airport. This is where more of the natives eat, and I'm sure the prices are much more reasonable.
Some things have been written about the lack of cleanliness in Nassau and/or the crime. We never felt in danger while there, but we only visited during the day. We did notice that some places could've used some cleaning up. But then again, we've visited New York city and wonder what tourists from other countries think about our cleanliness.
Can't say much about the nightlife, since we were back at our hotel or at Atlantis (see: http://www.epinions.com/content_170030239364 )each night. Some locals recommended Waterloo nightclub.
You can see most, if not all of the sights of Nassau in a day, and should expect a "touristy feel" with a Caribbean touch.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
drew2too
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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