Straw Market Tours
72 Reviews
The traditional craft of straw working is an integral part of Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has its own distinctive braiding style that locals use to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, and other goods. The Straw Market on Nassau is the ultimate place to pick up these traditional Bahamian souvenirs.
The Basics
At the Straw Market, you can grab a hat to protect yourself from the sun or pick up souvenirs. In addition to hand-crafted merchandise, the Straw Market also offers other items like jewelry and toys. Shopping at the Straw Market also offers a chance to bargain; never accept the first offer, and have fun seeing how low you can go. Guided island tours typically include a stop at the market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted by most vendors. US currency is accepted in Nassau.
- The market can be crowded and cramped, and you’ll be on your feet while you explore, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- To successfully bargain with vendors, don’t start with a too-low offer; instead try taking 30–50 percent off of the vendor’s initial price.
- The market is difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
How to Get There
The Straw Market is located downtown, on Bay Street, which runs along the northern coast of Nassau. It’s a short walk from the cruise terminal and about a 15-minute drive from the Atlantis resort. The market is close to popular attractions like Señor Frog's, Fort Charlotte, and the botanical gardens.
When to Get There
The market is open every day from morning through late evening. For the fewest crowds, try to visit the when there are no (or very few) cruise ships docked at the island. Mondays and Thursdays tend to be less crowded than other days. The Bahamas’ high season, which runs from November to mid-April, also brings crowds. You’re likely to score the best deals off-season, from spring through early fall.
The Queen's Staircase
Before (or after) visiting the Straw Market, head to the nearby Queen’s Staircase, 65 steps carved from solid limestone. The attraction—which was named in honor of Queen Victoria—is one of the island’s most popular spots and is featured on most guided tours of Nassau. Keep in mind that the climb is steep, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to visit.
Address: Nassau, Bahamas
Admission: Free
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Straw Market
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Discover Nassau Land and Sea Sightseeing Tour
Explore Nassau by land and sea during this 3-hour sightseeing tour. Board a catamaran and sail the Bahamian waters for 1.5 hours with a friendly captain. Relax and enjoy scenic views of the harbor and the coast. Then go ashore to explore the historical attractions downtown, such as the Governor's Mansion and the Straw Market, with commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Visit the legendary Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island for photo ops before your return to Prince George Wharf.
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From
$74.88
From
$74.88
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Nassau Native Quest and Beach
This tour provides round-trip transportation from downtown Nassau and combines a sightseeing tour. Play games based on island culture and taste conch fritters, local treats, and rum cocktails. Plus, choose from two departure times to easily fit this tour into your schedule.
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From
$66.67
From
$66.67
City Tour
This sightseeing tour with a local guide packs an impressive amount of history and cultural insight into one tour. Visit landmarks such as the Queen's Staircase, Rawson Square, Parliament Square, Forts Fincastle and Montagu, and Straw Market, where you can purchase Bahamian souvenirs. You’ll also sample local foods such as chocolate, rum cake, and piña coladas.
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From
$110.00
From
$110.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Half-Day Cultural Bike Tour of Downtown Nassau with a Guide
Take a guided tour of historic Bahamian architecture in Downtown Nassau. Points of interest include the Water Tower, Fort Fincastle, The Queen's Staircase, The Nassau Public Library/ Former Prison, Rawson's Square, the Governor General's House and much more. Discover beautiful murals and photo opportunities as you cruise along colorful buildings of Bay Street. We will take a lunch break at the vibrant and energetic food spot called Arawak Cay where, at a nominal fee, you may sample food and beverages unique to the islands of the Bahamas. Then, a stop at the Straw Market to admire the handiwork of local vendors. Our tours are safely led by friendly, experienced and knowledgeable local guides. Comfortable, clean and well-maintained beach cruisers.
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From
$75.00
From
$75.00
Dilly Dally Walking Tour of Nassau
Take a guided tour of historic Bahamian architecture in Downtown Nassau. Points of interest include the Water Tower, Fort Fincastle, The Queen's Staircase, The Nassau Public Library/ Former Prison, Rawson's Square, the Governor General's House and much more. Discover beautiful murals and photo opportunities as you cruise along colorful buildings of Bay Street. Then, a stop at the Straw Market to admire the handiwork of local vendors. Our tours are safely led by friendly, experienced and knowledgeable local guides.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Island City Tour
For the Bahamas, tourism is big business. The facts are simple: tourists visit the island and every dollar spent helps to boost our local economy. As a small tourism operator, Island Girls know the value of offering great customer satisfaction. At Island Girls Taxi and Tours, with our combined hospitality and transportation experience we've listened and taken the time to develop a tour that caters to you...via sight sound smell and taste. Why chance it to anyone else other than us. We love to show you our island, one unique tour at a time.
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From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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