Nassau Bahamas Shopping

Like the rest of the Bahamas, Nassau is a duty-free zone. Among the 11 categories of goods exempt from taxes are jewelry, photo equipment, watches, perfumes, china, crystal, and antiques. The main shopping drag, Bay Street, is a lively melange of craft stalls and luxury boutiques, where you can snap up anything from a designer handbag to a necklace hand-crafted from shells. Many shoppers report finding name-brand products selling for up to 50 percent less than they would cost back at home.

The Straw Market, where craftspeople sell traditional wares made primarily of natural materials, can also be found on Bay Street. Many of these items are quite inexpensive despite their solid craftsmanship. Spices, ceramics, artwork, and handmade drums are also available, as are any number of unique souvenirs and trinkets.

Nassau's central market, Festival Place, is another great spot to pick up locally-made crafts for yourself or your friends back home. Designed to look like a traditional Bahamanian village, it's a pleasant atmosphere in which to stroll around and browse the merchandise. Food vendors are plentiful here as well, offering a variety of snack options to hungry shoppers. Festival Place also houses a tourist center that provides helpful information on island lodging, dining, and activities.

The shopping in Nassau is so popular that cruise ships often dock during the day to allow passengers a few hours to hunt for souvenirs. Especially if you'll be in Nassau during peak season (mid-December through May), it might be a good idea to get to the markets early, before the crowds arrive. Most shops open their doors around 9 AM.