Fort Fincastle — Attraction in New Providence

Fort Fincastle is a beautiful, underrated historical landmark in Nassau. When visiting Nassau, so many people seem to forget and not think of the city’s history and colonialism. Fort Fincastle is really a beautiful relic of Nassau’s colonial past. The price to explore the fort is extremely reasonable ($3/person + VAT). There was a very kind person waiting inside the fort, prepared to tell us about the history of the fort, show us around, and explain the view to us. If you are happy with the information the person provided to you, you should probably consider tipping.

Fort Fincastle had many old cannons on display. Inside and nearby the fort were many information panels teaching you about the history of the fort and Nassau’s colonial past. From the top of the fort, you have a legendary, mind-blowing view of the city and ocean.

If you’re not taking a tour and are able to walk, the fort is absolutely within walking distance from the Prince George Wharf, where most cruise ships dock. It would be about a 20-25 minute walk from there. The walk may go through less-touristy and developed parts of Nassau, so you may be the only tourist in sight. The Queen’s Staircase that we took to access the fort was beautiful with foliage and an artificial waterfall.

If you are someone who doesn’t want the stereotypical shopping Nassau experience and would like to experience some colonial Bahamian history, visiting Fort Fincastle would be my...

While important to the history of the Bahamas, it is smaller than you would think a fort would be. That is the norm on the island because of the limited resources available without importing at the time. This is the highest point on the island, so the views are spectacular. Only the old water tower is higher, which is currently defunct and missing the storage tank (only the upright support remains). It would be nice if they converted that to a viewing platform. Back to the fort, there are 3 cannons on pivot rails and you can push these to see what it takes to aim one. The only 2 rooms inside are the powder room and the barracks. The latter dead ends into a looping film. There is a lookout platform up top that I would recommend making the trip up a narrow set of stairs to see. Guides are available and work for gratuities. You get more out of the guides than you do that film, so I would recommend using one. Also, there are many small open market shops here. While there is slight variation between them, they all sell the same souvenirs. Give one an inch and the adjacent ones come running. Also, the Queen's Staircase is very close by and worth checking out, even if you...

Oh I absolutely was thrilled to death to find this historic fort built in the 1700s. Four dollars to go into the fort. It’s pretty spectacular and gives you a panoramic view of Nassau. Absolutely worth every penny. There are two other forts on the island that unfortunately I did not have time to visit, but they are on my must visit for my next time I arrive in Nassau. Make sure you wear good fitting sneakers because there’s a lot of walking and the stairs are very old. Go see the queen Staircase right next to the fort. Incredible. Google your trip before you go and make a plan so you get more bang for your buck. Do not, and I repeat, do not take the bus tour. It takes you to Atlantis, stops at a crappy beach for a couple of photo shots, takes you to places that you would have absolutely no interest in like a rum cake where you go by crap. It did take us to a rum distillery, which was pretty cool. But if you really want to explore the island either, go by foot or rent a driver and do it on your own, you’re gonna get so much more accomplished, doing it on your own. All the stores that I’ve ever visited are...