Bay Street
Bay Street
3.5
About
This commercial district is Nassau's busiest street and is full of interesting shops and restaurants.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Bay Street and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
259 within 3 miles
Attractions
104 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
629 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
204
Average
203
Poor
59
Terrible
31
UncleDawg01
Mount Juliet, TN168 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Bay St is tiring. No, I don't want a Cuban cigar. No, I don't want to get into your beat up van for a tour. No, I don't want a sample. If all of your employees have to stand on the sidewalk, blocking pedestrian traffic to funnel people into your store, there probably isn't anything in there worth buying. They grab women and teen girls by the arm and try to "guide" them into their stores and as much as I enjoy a good confrontation, it was tiring having to shoo them all away. If you've seen Nassau once, find something else to do next time.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK2,111 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
All the shops you would expect in a tourist area. Much better to leave Bay Street and walk a few blocks to see the Parliament Building and Old library. Even better, go to the Queen’s Staircase.
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piranha44
Holt, MI883 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Street is lined with your standard tourist shops. Most places sell the same mask produced trinkets. Bay street is nothing more than an average cruise port tourist plaza. I found nothing that makes it stand out.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,566 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Bay St is the first thing you will see when you get out of the port from your cruise ship. It’s lively and full of tourist traps - I mean shops. Having heard a need for caution here I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed I felt as I walked thru the streets and shops. Sure there are locals trying to offer you everything from tours to cigars and jewellery but a polite response and walking on is all that’s required.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Briana81
Alexandria, VA55 contributions
I went to Bay Street everyday when i was in the Bahamas. The liquor stores are cheap and the perfume stores are great! I stocked up on everything plus got all my souvenirs. There are many high end stores on bay street as well... Fendi, Gucci etc. The jewelry at Discount Warehouse is fantastic and priced well. I love the bahamas!!!!
Written August 31, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiouMiou
West Long Branch, NJ1,073 contributions
We stopped in Nassau for a day on our recent cruise, and I must say we had mixed feelings about our stop.
We started our day by walking up and down Bay Street and found the shops there to be a little overpriced, with nothing that you could not buy at home. Of course there were the usual touristy souvenirs, ash trays, glasses, t-shirts, towels, sun-wear, etc. The shops near the straw market had some lovely items, cruise wear really, but higher than what you would pay back home since everything has to be imported into the Island.
We spent a bit of time at The Straw Market. The straw market sells lots of t-shirts, knock-off purses, kitschy touristy items and other things you buy in the heat of the moment. What we mostly saw were purses, lots of purses, and copy cat straw items that did not appear to be locally made, although some of the women in the straw market were adding little cut out decorations to the fronts of some of the items.
Since the vendors there are trying to make a living off of the cruise ships, they are very, very pushy. You will either love it or hate it. If you are not used to aggressively bargaining or dealing with outdoor type vendors, the atmosphere of the straw market, where the vendors are extremely aggressive, will make you feel very uncomfortable. You are expected to bargain, and if you don't like doing that, you won't enjoy the experience.
We wanted to have an easy day, did not want to snorkel, or visit the beach, or casino, so we ended up hiring a cabbie outside the port terminal to give us a private tour of Nassau. Something to keep in mind if you are coming in on a cruise ship. You can get the exact same excursions the cruise ship offers by simply walking outside to the port terminal. There will be at least 50 people standing around trying to sell you excursions. Most of them appeared to be licensed and will offer the same things the ship is offering for 1/4 of the price. We negotiated with one of the drivers outside of the terminal, and got a great price with him of $15 per person. He was a wonderful tour guide, we got to ride in a (somewhat) air-conditioned van, we got to see the best and worst of Nassau. He took us to the Queen's Staircase (not to be missed), the Straw Market (be prepared for some very aggressive vendors and be prepared to bargain), and he also took us to Atlantis, where we got to walk all around and see the great aquarium. Our driver also told us something you should keep in mind if you just want to go to the beach. Your ship will probably tell you that all of the beaches in Nassau are private and you must pay for one of their excursions to use the beach. Not true. You can hire a cab to take you to the Atlantis. The beach right next to Atlantis is free.
We started our day by walking up and down Bay Street and found the shops there to be a little overpriced, with nothing that you could not buy at home. Of course there were the usual touristy souvenirs, ash trays, glasses, t-shirts, towels, sun-wear, etc. The shops near the straw market had some lovely items, cruise wear really, but higher than what you would pay back home since everything has to be imported into the Island.
We spent a bit of time at The Straw Market. The straw market sells lots of t-shirts, knock-off purses, kitschy touristy items and other things you buy in the heat of the moment. What we mostly saw were purses, lots of purses, and copy cat straw items that did not appear to be locally made, although some of the women in the straw market were adding little cut out decorations to the fronts of some of the items.
Since the vendors there are trying to make a living off of the cruise ships, they are very, very pushy. You will either love it or hate it. If you are not used to aggressively bargaining or dealing with outdoor type vendors, the atmosphere of the straw market, where the vendors are extremely aggressive, will make you feel very uncomfortable. You are expected to bargain, and if you don't like doing that, you won't enjoy the experience.
We wanted to have an easy day, did not want to snorkel, or visit the beach, or casino, so we ended up hiring a cabbie outside the port terminal to give us a private tour of Nassau. Something to keep in mind if you are coming in on a cruise ship. You can get the exact same excursions the cruise ship offers by simply walking outside to the port terminal. There will be at least 50 people standing around trying to sell you excursions. Most of them appeared to be licensed and will offer the same things the ship is offering for 1/4 of the price. We negotiated with one of the drivers outside of the terminal, and got a great price with him of $15 per person. He was a wonderful tour guide, we got to ride in a (somewhat) air-conditioned van, we got to see the best and worst of Nassau. He took us to the Queen's Staircase (not to be missed), the Straw Market (be prepared for some very aggressive vendors and be prepared to bargain), and he also took us to Atlantis, where we got to walk all around and see the great aquarium. Our driver also told us something you should keep in mind if you just want to go to the beach. Your ship will probably tell you that all of the beaches in Nassau are private and you must pay for one of their excursions to use the beach. Not true. You can hire a cab to take you to the Atlantis. The beach right next to Atlantis is free.
Written July 17, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John F
Vallejo, CA1,368 contributions
Sep 2019
Our final port of call, and turned out to be my favorite. Bay street was a lot of fun, with many shops to choose from. People were friendly and not to pushy, like at other ports. Enjoy this place, and have a cold one.
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
indica007
richmond hill,on17 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
This was our fourth cruise,second time in Nassau.We always enjoyed all of the ports, always felt welcomed everywhere and never had even a single bad experience.This time,however,I had an incident that I'd like to share:I can't remember the store name,only the location.We went in and while my husband was looking at suitcases,I was trying on flipflops .The store wasn't busy at all. I found a pair I liked,with rows of flowers on each side($9)and the owner(I asume)took them and placed them in a plastic bag.We ended up buying a suitcase($110)as well and exited.Back in the cabin I opened the bag and found out that the flipflops I chose were switched for a dammaged pair.I know it was't an honest mistake because a WHOLE ROW OF FLOWERS was missing.I went back ,showed her the pair and she had the nerve to ask me if I don't like them!!!I made her give me another pair,which she immediately did.
The store is located on Bay St. right across from the pink BACARDI building.It's the second storefrom the corner,the owners are oriental and next to it ,(on the corner) there is a store with white arches.Do not to give your business to scammers,there's a lot of honest retailers!Anyway, it's a good idea to check your merchandise before you leave a store!
The store is located on Bay St. right across from the pink BACARDI building.It's the second storefrom the corner,the owners are oriental and next to it ,(on the corner) there is a store with white arches.Do not to give your business to scammers,there's a lot of honest retailers!Anyway, it's a good idea to check your merchandise before you leave a store!
Written February 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James D
Johnston, RI7 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
It is not a fun time the locals are all over you trying to see their junk.We took a cab from Paradise Island downtown after and hour we returned to the Riu Hotel and never left the hotel again.
Written March 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keilani L
Mendon, UT25 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We just got our hair braided in Nassau and boy was it a hit. I love the hair braiding. If I go anywhere involving heat and humidity and water excursions, I get my hair done right off because it's just so much more manageable. Each time before it's cost about $35-40 and I have a bob just past chin length.
This is the hair braiding station right off the pier in Nassau. Big covered area that has hair braiding written on it in large letters and lots of women work there.
This time the lady tells us it's $3 per braid. I'm thinking of my previous braids, how wide they are, front to back and think it will be around $50, less for the boys (their hair isn't long, but long enough to do a cornrow front to back). We're in seats and can't see each other or a mirror. After about a million of the tiniest little braids on the planet were put on our heads, in multiple spots you can see where they split one braid into two just to add to the bill, we were charged a total of $800.00. Yep, you read that right. We were stunned. Totally floored. Tiny little braids. They didn't cornrow front to back though we had said that more than once - there were individual little braids sticking up all over (which yes, was cute, but not economical by any means) and we lost all our trip fun money and more. To make it worse, the next day we went to cococay and the very most expensive braiding there would have totaled $300 for all three of us and we wouldn't have gotten the most expensive because none of us have long hair.
Final comment - ask for a total for the head before you start. Clarify the width of the braids and the style before starting. Don't get screwed.
This is the hair braiding station right off the pier in Nassau. Big covered area that has hair braiding written on it in large letters and lots of women work there.
This time the lady tells us it's $3 per braid. I'm thinking of my previous braids, how wide they are, front to back and think it will be around $50, less for the boys (their hair isn't long, but long enough to do a cornrow front to back). We're in seats and can't see each other or a mirror. After about a million of the tiniest little braids on the planet were put on our heads, in multiple spots you can see where they split one braid into two just to add to the bill, we were charged a total of $800.00. Yep, you read that right. We were stunned. Totally floored. Tiny little braids. They didn't cornrow front to back though we had said that more than once - there were individual little braids sticking up all over (which yes, was cute, but not economical by any means) and we lost all our trip fun money and more. To make it worse, the next day we went to cococay and the very most expensive braiding there would have totaled $300 for all three of us and we wouldn't have gotten the most expensive because none of us have long hair.
Final comment - ask for a total for the head before you start. Clarify the width of the braids and the style before starting. Don't get screwed.
Written June 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CPratt
Bluefield, West Virginia
Where is the best place to find a locally made blanket?
Written March 17, 2020
Sorry about the last answer. It was meant for a different area. I will say the only markets I saw were on bay st. I didn’t see markets other than that. But it’s your best bet. Close to the cruise port, you will see tons of markets and stores.
Written March 21, 2020
Dove posso comprare le sigarette e quando costano
Written October 1, 2018
nlmoorgan
Trinidad and Tobago
Is safe to move around during the day on West Bay Street.
How do I get a bus to move around from St Albans Drive, West Bay Street to other parts of the city
Written June 18, 2018
Sorry to take so longo to answer... I didn't see it before. It is safe during the day. I took taxi. It was cheaper because we were four people.
Written March 7, 2019
Not sure what the question really was. But Bay street is safe during the day but early evenings may not be to bad if you are use to city life (I'm originally from Philly & have been to Iraq) because it is a tourist area of sorts but the later it gets, I would not be down there. Not that it is high crime but tourist make good targets no matter where you go. But at night stay away from Reggie/Bay Beach which is about 20 minutes or less walking from Bay Street. Hope this helps.
Written July 18, 2017
there is any international brand clothes store?
Written April 8, 2017
Where can i find a directory of all the shops on Bay street
Written January 8, 2017
No there is not, or at least I did not see one. You can ask the hotel to see if they have information.
Written January 12, 2017
How did the free Effy necklace and free Diamonds International charm bracelet look?
Written October 16, 2016
small and cheap, great for grandkids gift. As I have always heard, you get what you pay for!!!!They use it for a gemic to get you in the store. OK for us, we get ALL the free we can and gift it out to the grandkids.
Written October 27, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 18
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingScroll back to Bay Street information