Nassau is known for its beaches and resorts and offers a strong retail scene. The city blends local markets, upscale boutiques, and well-established shopping centers, giving visitors and residents a broad mix of retail experiences. Each shopping destination has its purpose, layout, and selection, making it easy to find what you need or browse at a relaxed pace.
This guide explores the most distinct and well-regarded places to shop across Nassau. These spots are organized by type and location, making it easy to match your shopping goals with the right destination. Whether you're looking for handmade crafts, name-brand fashion, or locally sourced food items, shopping in Nassau, Bahamas, offers unique access to Caribbean commerce.
Straw Market
The Straw Market on Bay Street is one of Nassau's most recognized shopping spots. It features dozens of vendors selling handmade straw goods, wood carvings, jewelry, and souvenirs. The setup is indoor but open-air, with rows of stalls arranged close together under one large roof. It’s centrally located and accessible if you’re staying downtown or visiting by cruise.
Many of the products sold here are made locally or customized on-site. You can find bags, hats, baskets, and trinkets made of palm or sisal. Carvers also sell wooden sculptures and decorative pieces. Most prices are negotiable, and the vendors are open to discussing their work and materials. The Straw Market is best for those looking for something personal or handmade. The market is also a strong spot for small gifts, especially items that reflect the materials and traditions of the Bahamas.
Marina Village at Atlantis
Marina Village is located at Atlantis on Paradise Island and features an open-air shopping area designed for both visitors and resort guests. The village includes both global brands and local shops, arranged along walkways that surround the marina. It’s a structured environment with a resort feel. The layout is easy to navigate, with clear signage and spacing between storefronts.
The area stays active into the evening, and many people combine a shopping visit with dinner or drinks nearby. Stores at Marina Village include luxury jewelry retailers, designer clothing brands, and Bahamian art shops. You’ll find boutiques selling resort wear, accessories, swim gear, and stores focused on gifts and decor. There are also places to buy cigars, spirits, and regional food items.
Graycliff Heritage Village
Graycliff Heritage Village is part of the historic Graycliff Hotel and includes a collection of artisan shops and galleries. The village is centered around a few restored colonial buildings, creating a quiet and scenic setting for shopping. The shops here specialize in small-batch and handcrafted goods. The setting allows for a slower experience than other retail zones.
Shoppers can visit the Graycliff Cigar Company for hand-rolled cigars, the chocolate factory for gourmet sweets, or the heritage museum for curated artwork and books. There’s also a wine cellar and several boutiques focused on fine gifts, leather goods, and limited-edition items. Visitors often combine shopping here with a cigar-rolling demonstration, chocolate tasting, or lunch at the nearby restaurant.
Bay Street Shopping District
Bay Street runs through the heart of downtown Nassau and is one of the most active commercial areas on the island. The street includes both international stores and locally owned businesses. You’ll find everything from high-end watches and perfumes to shirts and handmade goods. The shops here are arranged in storefront rows, often housed in pastel buildings with colonial architecture.
Larger retailers offer luxury goods, duty-free shopping, and designer fashion. Smaller shops sell souvenirs, island-themed clothing, and handcrafted jewelry. Bay Street is a walkable area with a high level of foot traffic most days. It's a good starting point for general shopping or casual browsing. Its central location also makes it easy to access restaurants and historical landmarks in the same area.
Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
Doongalik Studios is located on Village Road and is a working art studio and gallery retail space. The venue promotes Bahamian visual art across media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles. Artists represented here often rotate throughout the year. The space allows for quiet exploration, and the staff often provides context about the pieces and the artists behind them. It’s one of the most distinct shopping experiences in Nassau for those looking for fine art rooted in local culture.
In addition to finished artwork, the gallery features smaller items such as prints, postcards, and books by local authors. The grounds also host occasional pop-up markets and open studios. The gallery space is part of a house surrounded by gardens, which adds to its informal and personal feel. Doongalik Studios is best for shoppers interested in original art who want to support working creatives.
Bahamas Rum Cake Factory
The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory is a dedicated space for one product: handmade rum cakes infused with Bahamian flavors. Located near the downtown cruise port, this compact store includes production areas, a tasting station, and packaged goods ready for purchase. This shop is ideal for food-focused shoppers who want to return a consumable product that reflects local ingredients and baking techniques.
The cakes are available in several flavors: traditional, coconut, pineapple, and banana. Each one is baked on-site and sealed for travel. Visitors can watch the baking and glazing process before selecting their favorite variety. The product is consistent and travel-friendly, making it a reliable purchase for visitors.
Craft Cottage Bahamas
Craft Cottage is located on the grounds of Doongalik Studios and offers a collective retail space for Bahamian artisans. The products sold here include ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paper goods, and home accessories. Each item is tagged with the artist's name, giving shoppers a clear connection to the maker. Shoppers looking for gifts or home décor made in Nassau will find this store rewarding.
The interior is compact but well-organized, with product groups arranged by medium. Items range from small, affordable gifts to large handcrafted pieces. Craft Cottage provides a direct way to support local creativity. It complements the gallery next door and allows visitors to explore fine art and functional crafts in one stop.
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