As the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Thanks to an international airport, along with one of the most visited ports in the world by cruise ships, it’s transformed over the years into an island paradise for all types of travelers.
Since the Bahamas is famous for its beaches, you will find some jaw-dropping beaches in Nassau. There is so much more to Nassau than just the beaches though. It boasts multiple water parks, national parks, immaculate professional golf courses, casinos, and more!
Regardless of your vacation style, Nassau is certain to have something to tickle your fancy!
But because there are countless options when deciding where to stay in Nassau and I know it can be overwhelming and confusing at times, so I prepared this ultimate Nassau area guide.
Now you can find the best place to stay in Nassau no matter who you are and what type of accommodation you are looking for.
Where to Stay in Nassau – Our Top Picks
Looking for a place to stay in Nassau but don’t have much time? Here are my top overall recommendations of the coolest places.
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The Reef at Atlantis | Best Hotel in Nassau
The Atlantis Resort has an incredible reputation and in many ways is more well known than Nassau itself. Thousands of people each year visit this out-of-this-world resort without knowing anything else about Nassau. That’s because it has it all! With a waterpark, a casino, swimming pools galore, and more, this is without a doubt where to stay in Nassau if you are traveling with the family.
The Oasis Retreat | Best Budget Hotel in Nassau
This iconic and affordable Nassau budget hotel is just about the cheapest spot in town – but it’s also a great value for money. I mean – you’re only 1400 ft from the beach! The private outdoor pool and lounge area feels more like a tropical home than a stuffy hotel. Each unit comes with a flat screen TV, free wifi, and a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to do some cooking!
Serene Downtown Artist Loft | Best Apartment in Nassau
This loft in Downtown Nassau is a rare find and one of the most creative spaces to stay in the Bahamas. The original building is over 200 years old, but it was transformed into an amazing studio apartment with a crazy cool loft. It’s connected to an art studio that houses local artists’ work and there is a bar right outside perfect for mingling with hip young people. This is the ultimate Airbnb in the Bahamas for a unique stay.
Nassau Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Nassau
Before you can start booking a place to stay, it is a good idea to consider the neighborhood you want to stay in first. Each area offers something unique and charismatic, plus you want to make sure you are near to all the things you want to do.
Cable Beach is home to the best beaches in Nassau and is where you will find some of the most popular resorts on the island. If it’s your first time here, this area would be my top recommendation for where to stay in Nassau.
If you are looking for an area that has lots of history as well as great prices, Downtown Nassau is where to stay in Nassau. The cherry on top is that it’s packed with restaurants and cafes, and everything is within walking distance.
Paradise Island is one of the most popular places to stay in Nassau since it’s home to the Atlantis Resort. This small island has it all and is a tremendous and safe place to stay in the Bahamas if you are traveling with kids.
On the opposite side of the island, you will find Love Beach. It’s much quieter, is home to phenomenal beaches, and is where to stay for people who want a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.
Cable Beach
If it’s your first time in Nassau, far and away the best place to stay is Cable Beach. It’s home to never-ending white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water.
Downtown Nassau
Downtown Nassau is a lively area full of culture and history. It’s home to beautiful colonial buildings that are hundreds of years old, many of which have since been converted into stunning apartments and hotels where you can stay.
Paradise Island
If you are traveling as a family, Paradise Island is undoubtedly where to stay in Nassau. It’s basically a giant amusement park! The world-renowned Atlantis Resort is on Paradise Island and is the beating heart that makes everything go.
Love Beach
About 25 minutes from Downtown Nassau you will find the calm and peaceful Love Beach. It’s a part of the island many travelers never even visit, but their loss is your gain!
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The 4 Best Areas to Stay inNassau
Now you know briefly which area might be more suitable for you, it’s time to take a look at each area in more detail. If you’re looking for an apartment, condo, hostel, or hotel inNassau, these are the best ones.
1. Cable Beach – Where to Stay in Nassau for your First Visit
If it’s your first time in Nassau, far and away the best place to stay in the Bahamas is Cable Beach. It’s home to never-ending white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. If you like snorkeling, some of the best spots in Nassau are right here! The waters are absolutely overflowing with colorful and exotic fish just waiting to be discovered.
Furthermore, it’s home to some of the most highly regarded resorts in Nassau. Whether you are staying in the resorts are not, you can buy day passes and visit their extraordinary swimming pools and waterparks. If you are up for a short boat ride, taking a day trip to Balmoral Island is one of the top things to do in this area.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar | Best Hotel in Cable Beach
This larger-than-life hotel is far and away the most popular place to stay in Cable Beach. In fact, it’s one of the most booked hotels in all of the Bahamas! It features a huge selection of rooms, from romantic two-person suites to family rooms that sleep six. Moreover, the giant property is absolutely packed with things to do. Six swimming pools, multiple restaurants, tennis courts, a bar, a casino, and a waterpark are only the tip of the iceberg at this incredible hotel.
The Oasis Retreat | Best Budget Hotel in Cable Beach
This iconic and affordable Nassau budget hotel is just about the cheapest spot in town – but it’s also a great value for money. I mean – you’re only 1400 ft from the beach! The private outdoor pool and lounge area feels more like a tropical home than a stuffy hotel. Each unit comes with a flat screen TV, free wifi, and a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to do some cooking!
Cosy Island Style Boho-Chic Studio | Best Guesthouse in Cable Beach
This charming studio apartment is wonderfully located only steps from Cable Beach. It has a cozy, island-style design that fits in great with its surroundings and creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Furthermore, it features all top-of-the-range appliances. Outside there is a spacious private backyard that’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon beer.
Things to See and Do in Cable Beach:
- Surf on a simulated wave at Baha Bay.
- Visit the Baha Bay Waterpark, home to over 30 rides and attractions.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at The Poop Deck at Sandyport.
- Have a beach day and soak up some sun at Cable Beach.
- Take a boat tour to Pig Beach.
- Take a day trip to the beautiful Balmoral Island.
- Go on a seahorse snorkeling and sailing tour.
- Play cards, roulette, or other games at the Baha Mar Casino.
- Feed your adventurous side by parasailing at Cable Beach.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown Nassau – Where to Stay in Nassau on a Budget
Downtown Nassau is a lively area full of culture and history. It’s home to beautiful colonial buildings that are hundreds of years old, many of which have since been converted into stunning apartments and hotels where you can stay. A fantastic way to see the city is by renting a bike and pedaling around. However, if you also want to learn about the local history, I recommend joining one of the free walking tours that run in the downtown area.
One of the best parts of this area is the fact that it is overflowing with delicious restaurants and aromatic coffee shops. If you want to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible, this is where to stay in Nassau. On top of that, it’s also home to the best nightlife in the city. There are bars and clubs sprinkled all throughout downtown, many of which will let you drink and dance until the early hours of the morning.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau | Best Hotel in Downtown Nassau
Margaritaville Beach Resort is a spectacular five-star hotel just outside of downtown Nassau. There are a handful of different-sized rooms to choose from, ranging from standard hotel rooms to enormous two-bedroom apartment-style suites. Furthermore, every room comes equipped with a private balcony. On the hotel grounds, there is a private beach, a beautiful swimming pool, a hot tub, and more!
Humeshouse @ Hillcrest | Best Hostel in Downtown Nassau
Humehouse is a small family-run hostel in downtown Nassau. The staff is super knowledgeable and their number one goal is to provide every guest with an authentic Bahamian experience. There are three room options to choose from, a mixed dorm, a female dorm, and a private room. In addition, there is a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and a large common room for making new friends.
Serene Downtown Artist Loft | Best Apartment in Downtown Nassau
This awesome artist loft is without a doubt one of the coolest and most unique vacation rentals in the Bahamas. It’s located in a 19th-century colonial building in the heart of downtown, surrounded by history and culture. Inside the apartment, there is the main living space downstairs, and a lofted bedroom upstairs with two double beds. If you are an artist, you will love the local Bahamian artwork that decorates the walls.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Nassau:
- Go on a tour of the Luna Rum Distillery.
- Take a cultural walking tour of Downtown.
- Wander around the Nassau Botanical Garden and discover a variety of local plants.
- Sign up for a cooking class at the Graycliff Culinary Academy.
- Help raise awareness for endangered species at the Wildlife Conservation Center.
- Head aboard a real life pirate ship at the Pirates of Nassau for an educational adventure.
- Take a stroll around the historic Parliament Square.
- Charter a boat and spend a day fishing with First Strike Charters.
3. Paradise Island – Where to Stay in Nassau for Families
If you are traveling as a family, Paradise Island is undoubtedly where to stay in Nassau. It’s basically a giant amusement park! The world-renowned Atlantis Resort is on Paradise Island and is the beating heart that makes everything go. On its premises, there is a waterpark, a marine wildlife center where you and your children can take educational classes, an aquarium, and more!
One important thing to note is that you don’t need to actually stay in the Atlantis Resort in order to visit all of its attractions. Anyone can buy tickets to visit them, and on top of that, you can buy a day pass to the resort if you want to take advantage of amenities like the pool and the restaurants. Outside of Atlantis, there is one of the top golf courses in the world, multiple terrific spas, and some delicious eateries.
The Reef at Atlantis | Best Hotel in Paradise Island
The Reef at Atlantis is the hands-down where to stay in Nassau if you are traveling with children. The Atlantis is like a small universe of its own, with so much to do that you never have to leave the resort. On their grounds, there’s a waterpark, an aquarium, a marine wildlife center, a dolphin park, and more! If you want to drop the kids off at the waterpark for a day, you can gamble in their casino or relax and get a massage at their in-house spa.
Modern condo | Near Atlantis, beach & restaurants | Best Condo in Paradise Island
This one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom condo is the perfect home away from home when in Nassau. It was completely renovated from head to toe and features an exquisite modern design. It can sleep four people thanks to the comfortable fold-out sofa bed in the living room. In addition, guests have access to a large communal pool where you can relax and take a dip.
Affordable Paradise Island Villa | Best Luxury Apartment in Paradise Island
This luxury villa is where to stay on Paradise island if you are traveling with kids, but want a little more privacy than a resort. It has two bedrooms and two baths and can sleep up to six people. Moreover, it is only a short walk to Atlantis, so you can still go and enjoy all their activities while escaping the chaos at night. It also comes with a large private terrace and access to a community swimming pool.
Things to See and Do in Paradise Island:
- Spend a fun filled family day zipping down water slides at the Aquaventure Waterpark.
- Relax and get a massage at the Mandara Spa.
- Have brunch at Dune, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Bahamas.
- Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay Atlantis.
- Play a round of 18 at the Paradise Island Golf Course.
- View exotic fish and other underwater animals at the Dig Atlantis.
- Test your luck and see if you can win big at the Atlantis Casino or Island Luck Casino.
- Explore the ocean with marine biologists with Atlantis Marine Adventures.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Love Beach – Where to Stay in Nassau for Couples
About 25 minutes from Downtown Nassau you will find the calm and peaceful Love Beach. It’s a part of the island many travelers never even visit, but their loss is your gain! You can have these stellar beaches all to yourself. If you have always wanted to visit the Bahamas, but want to stay clear of the crazy crowds, this is where to stay in Nassau.
Furthermore, at Love Beach, they trade in mammoth resorts for cozy condos and charming family-run hotels. They are much smaller, more intimate, and outstanding options for couples. Also, the airport is right next door, making this an ideal area to stay in if you are arriving late at night or if you have an early morning flight.
A Stone’s Throw Away | Best Hotel in Love Beach
A Stone’s Throw Away is a terrific bed and breakfast tucked away right next to Love Beach. It’s a marvelous place to stay if you like hotels, but don’t want to stay in one of the towering resorts. All rooms sleep up to two people and have private balconies, making it a great option for couples and solo travelers. On top of that, they have a stunning pool with a waterfall and an all-you-can-eat buffet-style breakfast.
Beach’nBarefoot Love Beach | Best Luxury Home Love Beach
This wonderful one-bedroom luxury cottage is quite literally on the beach – like we’re talking you walk down the stairs and the ocean is RIGHT there. It has an effortlessly cool design that manages to be both modern and give off an island vibe at the same time. One of my favorite features of this apartment is the hammock to laze the day away in, combined with its extreme quiet. Trust me that you won’t want to leave!
Sandbox Studio at Love Beach | Best Apartment in Love Beach
This lovely studio apartment is the ideal place to stay in Nassau for couples looking for a romantic getaway. It’s only steps from a quiet and pristine white sand beach, and if you wake up early you can go have a private morning swim. Additionally, it has an awesome screened-in porch, which is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal. Another perk of this apartment is the hosts provide snorkeling and paddleboarding gear to all guests for no additional fee.
Things to See and Do in Love Beach:
- Head under water with Stuart’s Cove’s Dive Bahamas for a once in a lifetime experience.
- Explore one of the National Parks on the west side of the island. Clifton Heritage National Park and Primeval Forest National Park are two of the most popular parks.
- Go on a romantic private catamaran tour that departs from the Lyford Cay Club Marina.
- Spend a quiet day relaxing and tanning at Love Beach.
- Shop for gifts to bring back home to your loved ones at the small local beach stalls.
- Snorkel at Love beach and try and spot exotic wildlife.
- Enjoy a tasty meal and grab a drink at the Nirvana Beach Bar.
- Spend a day in nature at Bonefish Pond National Park.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Nassau
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Nassau
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Nassau
Nassau is an up-and-coming travel destination that receives more and more visitors every calendar year. While the Atlantis resort is the most famous spot on the island, there is so much more to see and do on this spectacular island.
There will never be a better time to plan your next trip to Nassau than now, so what are you waiting for!
As you have seen,Nassau has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be. I hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Nassau.
Did you find what you were looking for? Let me know in the comments!
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Bahamas instead.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Central America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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