Prince George Wharf by Thomas Routzong
Nassau, Bahamas
Free things to see and do just a short walk from the cruise port
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Nassau, Bahamas is a routine stop on many Caribbean cruises. If you’re not in the mood for another visit to the Atlantis complex, here are a few sights that you can walk to within minutes from the cruise ship pier.
When you arrive at Prince George Wharf, go into the cruise terminal and grab one of the FREE tourist maps that are available to have a better idea of the local streets and any other sights you may want to add to your walk.
Sir Milo Butler statue photo by Steven Skelley
Sir Milo Butler Statue
Just minutes from the pier across Parliament Street, you will see Rawson Square with a statue of Sir Milo Butler, local hero who was the first Bahamian governor of the islands.
Queen Victoria Statue photo by Thomas Routzong
Queen Victoria Statue
After viewing the statue, turn around and at the rear of Rawson Square you will see West Bay Street and Parliament Square with the Queen Victoria Statue. The pink government buildings surrounding the white statue make a picture perfect setting. The buildings reportedly date back to the 1700’s.
Nassau policeman photo by Steven Skelley
Policeman In Box
At the Queen Victoria statue, look to your right to the intersection of Parliament Street and West Bay Street. You will find a policeman in British-styled uniform standing in the center of the intersection inside a wooden box on wheels.
Garden Of Remembrance photo by Thomas Routzong
Garden Of Remembrance
Follow Parliament away from the waterfront to find the Garden Of Remembrance behind Queen Victoria’s statue and the Parliament buildings. The Garden Of Remembrance contains a monument to Bahamians who have served in various wars.
Nassau Public Library and Museum
Just behind the Garden Of Remembrance is the Nassau Public Library and Museum. The Nassau Public Library and Museum was once a jail but the cells have been
Nassau Public Library and Museum photo by Steven Skelley
converted into bookshelves. The library / museum contains artifacts from the Arawak indigenous people as well and colonial documents. There is a viewing station upstairs where you can get a look at the city below.
Queen’s Staircase photo by Thomas Routzong
Queen’s Staircase
Take Elizabeth Avenue to the Queen’s Staircase. There are 65 steps to the top. It is 102 feet tall. The staircase was hand carved from the rock by slaves to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle. The staircase was later renamed in honor of Queen Victoria who abolished slavery.
Fort Fincastle
At the top of the Queen’s Staircase is Fort Fincastle. Fort Fincastle was built in the late 1700’s at the top of the hill overlooking the city and bay. There are several canons in place.
Fort Fincastle photo by Steven Skelley
Straw market
Head back to the waterfront along Woodes Rogers Walk past Prince George Wharf where you started and you will reach the Straw Market and the Vendue House / Pompey Museum.
The Vendue House / Pompey Museum is where slaves were bought and sold. You will find it just past the Straw Market.
The Straw Market is like a giant flea market. The aisles are small and crowded with vendors selling tourist souvenirs. The vendors call out as you pass by and make negative comments
Straw Market photo by Thomas Routzong
if you don’t purchase something from them.
As you head back down Woodes Rogers Walk towards the cruise ship terminal and Prince George Wharf, there are many shops, bars and restaurants along the waterfront. There are also several courtyards where art and wood carvings are sold.
Article and photos by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2016 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com
Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong are a happily married couple who love to travel. They write and photograph to help others see the world and see it in a new way. They have authored multiple travel and positive-themed books.
You can learn more about Thomas and Steven at www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org and www.GayTravelersMagazine.com
The post Nassau, Bahamas – Free things to see and do just a short walk from the cruise port appeared first on Purple Roofs Gay Travel Blog.