Shopping in Nassau, Bahamas is one of the more popular things to do for cruisers. Nassau is a popular cruise port to visit, so purchasing some of the best Bahamas souvenirs here is commonplace.
But you might not know that there's more to buy than duty-free diamonds and cheap T-shirts. Or that an array of shops and markets are located just steps from your cruise ship or, at most, a 15-minute walk away.
If you're after standard Nassau souvenirs or wares by retailers endorsed by your cruise ship's shopping consultant, you'll find a shopper's haven within a few blocks of your ship.
If you want to know what the best Bahamas souvenirs are to purchase specifically in Nassau and where to find more local products, we've got you covered. Here are the top seven things to buy in Nassau and where to find them.
Go to your cruise ship's shopping talk, and the rep will spend most of their time discussing jewelry shopping in Nassau. Whether you're looking for diamonds, fine watches or even designer handbags, you'll find duty-free offerings just steps from the cruise ship.
The best jewelry stores in Nassau (or, at least, all the expensive ones) are found on Bay Street, just a block from the cruise ship pier. It takes just a few minutes to walk from Nassau Cruise Port to the top jewelers in the city.
If you want that cruise ship guarantee, you'll find the omnipresent Diamonds International, Tanzanite International and Colombian Emeralds International, among other stores like Pandora, Tag Heuer and Cariloha.
If you'd like more of your purchases to benefit Bahamians, shop at locally owned high-end shops, such as John Bull and Coin of the Realm. All of the options for Nassau, Bahamas shopping means you’ll head back to the ship with a parcel in each hand.
If you're sailing to the Bahamas and looking for souvenirs, the islands are known for handicrafts made from straw, such as bags, fans and dolls. You can even get these items personalized with your name on them. Small straw items are a great option for those with very little luggage space.
Those who want to save money and don't necessarily care about authenticity -- or whether your straw bag was mass-produced -- hit up the Straw Market, which runs from Woodes Rodgers Walk (where the port is) to Bay Street. It's a warren of narrow pathways through stalls laden with products for sale, and you're welcome to bargain, price compare among multiple vendors and pay in dollars.
Straw souvenirs from the Bahamas are an excellent way to bring loved ones a little gift while saving money so you can spend the rest of your vacation funds on fun things like shore excursions.
You can buy diamonds anywhere, but there are some charms you can't buy outside of the Bahamas. Bahamian artists make more than just items from straw. Stop by local artisan shops to buy jewelry and ornaments made from local sand or pendants incorporating old Bahamian coins or beadwork and other crafts.
Another local handicraft is wood carving. The alleyway next to the Straw Market is the hangout for all the carvers. You can peruse wooden statues, boxes, fish, trains and more -- even see some of the craftspeople at work. You'll also find some woodwork inside the Straw Market.
Authentic craft items are also for sale in the artist's studios on West Hill Street (look for the swinging chairs outside), a 10-minute walk from the cruise pier. The gift shop at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, also on West Hill, is another great place to pick up interesting fine art gifts for your cultured friends back home.
Artisanal chocolate is available for purchase from the Graycliff Chocolatier on West Hill Street. The chocolates are locally made, while the cocoa is sourced from Costa Rica.
An array of items for sale range from chocolate bark to chocolate-flavored pasta and emoji-shaped chocolates. If you're serious about your chocolate, you can sign up for a factory tour with a chocolate-making class or a chocolate and spirits pairing.
While chocolate shopping in Nassau, just make sure to purchase your sweets last thing before heading back to the ship. You’ll likely want to avoid buying chocolate and then having it melt at the beach.
Cuba might be the island best known for cigars, but aficionados calling in Nassau will want to check out the Graycliff Cigar Company, which is also located on West Hill Street by the Graycliff Hotel. On your Bahamas shopping trip, we recommend stepping into this local business to get your cigar fix.
The tobacco is not local, but torcedores (master cigar rollers) work onsite to create five local cigar brands. Visitors can book a tour, a cigar-rolling lesson or a cigar-rolling demo with rum tasting -- or simply shop for souvenirs.
Want to go shopping in a scenic 18th-century estate? If you like local, small-batch rum, you're in luck. John Watling's Distillery -- named after a 17th-century pirate -- is on Delancey Street (around the corner from the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas) and produces four types of rum onsite, using Caribbean sugars.
Not only can you shop for a bottle to bring home as a Bahamas souvenir or gift, but you can take a free tour of the distillery or enjoy a delicious cocktail made with the local rum at the onsite Red Turtle Tavern.
If inexpensive souvenirs or T-shirts are on your shopping list, rest assured that Nassau has all the retail therapy you desire. Woodes Rodgers Walk and even high-end Bay Street offer multiple souvenir shops just steps from your cruise ship.
If you're a collector of bar/restaurant logo wear, you'll find a Senor Frog's on one corner of Pompey Square.
Cruisers on a budget should check out multiple shops before buying because some stores have discounts for purchasing multiple T-shirts. Shopping in Nassau, Bahamas doesn’t have to break the bank.