Culture Trip's Guide to the Bahamas
A ready collection of bookable travel ideas inspired by what you love. Discover things to do, where to stay, and the best spots to eat and drink.
Any time spent in the Bahamas is time spent in a tropical paradise. The Caribbean islands that make up this country offer amazing tourist attractions, luxurious places to stay and delicious cuisine. To make the most of your visit, follow our guide to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do – from a boutique resort on Eleuthera to must-try seafood in Dunmore Town to a culinary tour in Nassau.
Where to stay
1. Compass Point Beach Resort
Budget Hotel
2. SLS at Baha Mar
Resort
A sprawling resort, SLS at Baha Mar lends a glamorous edge to laid-back island living. Monochrome murals and Bahamian-designed furniture combine with luxuries like walk-in rainfall showers in the rooms, while the resort’s 11 bars and restaurants cover everything from steak to sushi. Indulge yourself at the ESPA Spa, unwind by the adults-only pool and party into the small hours at Bond nightclub.
3. The Cove, Eleuthera
Hotel, Luxury
For a more secluded island escape away from the Bahamas’ busy capital, head to the Cove, a boutique resort on the quiet island of Eleuthera. The rooms and villas are simple, with white wooden walls, warm wood furniture and white linens. The pared-back decor allows the beauty of this unspoiled Caribbean island to shine, though 50in (127cm) flatscreen TVs, Nespresso machines and 500-thread count linens mean the amenities are far from basic. The menus at the on-site restaurants are all about sustainable, local produce – much of which is grown in the hotel’s garden – and the Point Bar is a romantic spot for a cocktail, set on a bluff between two of the island’s beaches.
What to do
4. Nassau Sail and Snorkel Tour
Activities
Snorkel tours are a dime a dozen in the Bahamas, so if you’ve got the budget, it’s worth spending a little extra for a private charter that gives you more control over the itinerary. Take your pick from the best snorkel spots around the islands and avoid the crowds with this three-hour cruise, which includes the options to stop at sites like Athol Island and Spruce Cay, where you can swim with tropical fish and even a turtle or two if you’re lucky. Back on board your luxury catamaran, refreshments including rum punch will be served as the sun dries you off during the sail back to shore.
5. Cultural tour of downtown Nassau by bike
Tours
Explore historic downtown Nassau by bike on this relaxed, guided cultural tour. Pedal past vibrant murals and colonial architecture as you visit everything from the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to a distillery and a chocolatier. There’s also time to stop at the largest open-air market in the Bahamas, Nassau Straw Market, where you can pick up Bahamian souvenirs like hand-made straw hats, jewelry and bags.
6. Old Nassau culinary tour
Tours
This weekend-only tour allows you to experience a traditional Bahamian Sunday lunch and learn about the history of rum on the island while sipping refreshing cocktails. After a leisurely one-hour stroll through the colourful streets of Nassau’s old town – with three food and drink stops along the way – you’ll round off the afternoon at the island’s only winery for an artisan chocolate-and-wine pairing.
Where to eat
7. Sip Sip
Bar, Caribbean
8. Arawak Cay
Natural Feature
Known locally as “the Fish Fry”, Arawak Cay may be the best place in the Bahamas to try authentic island fare. This small area of Nassau is full of no-frills vendors and restaurants pedalling fresh seafood like fried snapper or grilled lobster alongside traditional sides like mac and cheese (the Bahamian version has a bit of a kick) or cornbread. For an unusual and memorable meal, try conch; the mollusks that live in the shells are prepared cracked (battered and fried) or scorched (with spices and lime), and it’s one of the most popular meals in the Bahamas.
9. The Landing
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Seafood, Caribbean
With an emphasis on seafood and local cuisine, the Landing Restaurant consistently remains one of the best restaurants in the Bahamas thanks to chef Madelene Pedican’s impeccable contemporary food. The Stone Crab Stack appetizer is a must-try, as are some of the breakfast dishes, such as the toasted coconut bread with lime curd.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.