Nassau, Bahamas, isn’t complete without a shopping trip. The city has shopping options for families and groups that mix culture, craftsmanship, and upscale style. Nassau meets the needs of all shoppers, from busy local markets to fancy boutiques in high-end resorts.
This guide shows you the best places to shop in Nassau. You’ll learn where to buy real souvenirs, island clothes, fancy jewelry, and more. It also gives you useful tips and simple ways to get around the city.
1. Downtown Nassau: A Shopper’s Paradise
Start your trip in Downtown Nassau, the city’s center and its busiest shopping area. You’ll see old colonial buildings and bright storefronts. This place has both big brands and local Bahamian goods.
From the cruise port, you can walk to find expensive items, duty-free stuff, and cute local shops. This area draws families and first-timers who want to know where to shop in Nassau, Bahamas. You can reach and explore it without much trouble.
2. The Straw Market: Nassau’s Cultural Shopping Icon
If you want to buy handmade souvenirs and see real Bahamian art, head to the Straw Market. You’ll find it on Bay Street in Downtown Nassau. It’s a bustling place where local sellers offer:
- Hand-woven straw bags and hats
- Wooden sculptures
- Seashell jewelry
- Bahamian dolls and crafts
The Straw Market gives you more than a chance to shop—it allows you to immerse yourself in the culture. The vendors are friendly, and bargaining is part of the fun. For groups on incentive trips, it’s a great way to introduce them to local customs through shopping.
3. Marina Village at Atlantis: Fancy Island Atmosphere
Marina Village at Atlantis aims to improve your shopping trip by offering high-end retail in a relaxed, vacation-like setting. You can walk a short distance from the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island to reach this shopping area, which features:
- Fashion boutiques
- Jewelry stores
- Expensive souvenirs
- Bahamian art and cigars
Shops sit among colorful Bahamian buildings, palm trees, and scenic marina views. This spot works well for a relaxed evening stroll or to buy gifts at the last minute before you go out to eat.
You’ll find popular designer stores like:
- Colombian Emeralds International
- John Bull
- Bahama Republic
Atlantis Bahamas provides a full list of stores within the resort to keep luxury close to your room.
4. The Bahamas Craft Centre: Made in the Bahamas
You’ll spot The Bahamas Craft Centre just beyond the Paradise Island Bridge. It offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling Straw Market. This open-air plaza houses around 100 vendors who sell handcrafted items made in the Bahamas.
It ranks as one of the best places to support local artists if you want authentic straw work, paintings, soaps, and spices. Plus, it’s less crowded, which suits families with children or people seeking a more relaxed environment.
5. The Mall at Marathon: Nassau’s Indoor Shopping Center
Looking for a chilly spot to shop? Head to The Mall at Marathon on Marathon Road. It’s Nassau’s largest indoor shopping center and offers:
- Clothes stores
- Footwear outlets
- Electronics and gadget shops
- Fast food joints and sit-down eateries
This mall comes in handy when it rains or when you need to get out of the sun. If you’re shopping with others, you can split up and browse, then regroup at a restaurant or café later.
6. Local Pop-Up Markets and Art Galleries
Pop-up markets appear in Nassau especially during weekends and various local events. Fresh seasonal crafts, produce and handmade art are available in these markets. Even though they’re not well-known, they let you meet local people and get small-scale items, things travelers love.
Consider attending small exhibitions that present paintings, sculptures and photos by Bahamian creators. They’re good options if you want souvenirs or gifts that really show the local culture.
7. Tips to Improve Your Shopping Experience in Nassau
Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your shopping time in Nassau:
- Bring cash when you buy from smaller sellers in local markets.
- Haggle at open-air stalls; people expect you to bargain, but stay polite.
- Have small bills to buy things more easily.
- Check duty-free limits if you want to buy alcohol, cigars, or pricey items.
- Save your receipts for electronics or high-end goods.
If you’re at a resort or hotel near Nassau, Bahamas airport, ask the front desk about the best times to visit each place, or think about joining a local tour that stops at shops.
8. Getting Around Nassau for Shopping
Buses, taxis, and hotel shuttles can get you to most shopping spots, but a private ride works better if you’re alone, with family, or friends.
When you book your ride with Simon’s Transports Bahamas, you can rely on on-time pickups and comfy, cool rides, just what you need after a day of grabbing bags and keepsakes. They take you straight to all the hot spots, including:
- Downtown Nassau
- Marina Village
- The Mall at Marathon
- Atlantis Paradise Island
You won’t have to work out bus routes or stand around for a cab while holding all your stuff.
9. What to Buy in Nassau: Top Souvenirs & Gifts
Hunting for gift ideas? Here’s what visitors often buy in Nassau:
- Straw hats and bags: Handmade and Bahamian
- Conch shell jewelry: A tribute to the island’s favorite food
- Local rum and spices: Great to give as gifts
- Bahamian art prints: Bound to start conversations
- Organic skincare products: made by hand with local ingredients
Conclusion
Shopping in Nassau brings excitement to your island trip, whether you seek authentic Bahamian crafts, luxury brands, or cultural keepsakes. This experience goes beyond browsing items in stores; it allows you to engage with the heart of the Bahamas.
From the lively Straw Market to the upscale Marina Village and modern Nassau shopping centers, buyers with different preferences and price ranges can discover what they seek.
Need reliable transport between markets and malls? Book your airport or shopping trip with Simon’s Transports. Their skilled team ensures your shopping day stays on schedule, without any hassle, no matter how much you buy.
FAQs
What should you buy in the Bahamas?
You can buy handmade straw items as well as wooden jewelry, artwork, rum and spices in the Bahamas. Buying these products helps you experience the island’s unique traditions and makes them interesting gifts or reminders of your trip.
Can you shop tax-free in Nassau?
Shopping at duty-free stores in Nassau is possible for jewelry, perfumes and electronics. Shopping at duty-free stores in Nassau and on Paradise Island lets tourists spend less on taxes.
What can you buy at the straw market in Nassau?
Handmade straw hats, bags, wooden sculptures, dolls from the area and seashell jewelry are available at the Straw Market. This spot is a top place to buy real Bahamian handicrafts. People who visit can talk to and interact with the local artists and craftspeople at this place.