Elements of Urbanism: Nassau, Bahamas

A Photo Tour of Downtown Nassau




Prince George Wharf



Nassau is the largest cruise port terminal in the Bahamas. Almost three million cruise passengers visit Downtown Nassau annually, docking at the Prince George Wharf. Accommodating as much as seven ships at the same time, it's not uncommon to have 15,000 to 20,000 cruise passengers roaming the streets of Downtown Nassau at the same time.




Festival Place welcomes cruise ship guests to Downtown Nassau.

Festival Place is vibrant and colorful. Its design reflects the architectural style of a Bahamian village and evokes a time when Bahamian artisans and crafts persons practiced their art and trade in small island communities. The Welcome Center provides a truly Bahamian experience and the opportunity for visitors to purchase quality, authentic Bahamian-made souvenirs and craft items. With over 45 artisans and trade persons, visitors and patrons can sip a cup of Bahamian-blended tea while they wait for the finishing touches to be placed on a special straw bag, a quilt, or a painting by a Bahamian artist. They can munch on Bahamian sweets and treats, like coconut and pineapple tarts, as they stroll through walkways and lanes named after magical and inviting towns in the islands: Settlers Way, Andros Avenue, Queens Highway and Barratarre Way. Services available at Festival Place include: a tour desk providing general information on The Islands of The Bahamas and information on attractions, land and water-based tours; a full-service Post Office for regular and registered mail, high speed delivery and the sale of Bahamian stamps; a communications center, offering pay phones, phone cards, Internet kiosks/WiFi , operator service, fax service and telegrams; transportation information for scooter rental, taxi and ferry boat operations; and hair braiding. Visitors can join in and dance to the live Bahamian music in the indoor square on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

http://www.bahamas.com/node/50661



Woodes Rogers Walk



Woodes Rogers Walk parallels Nassau Harbour, forming the border between Downtown Nassau, Festival Place and Prince George Wharf. The street is named after Woodes Rogers, the Royal Governor of the Bahama Islands from 1718 to 1721.














Bay Street



Considered the heart of the city, Bay Street is Downtown Nassau’s main thoroughfare.