Nassau Straw Market — Attraction in New Providence

Mostly Non-Local Items sold by Locals. Very little crafted by local Bahamians. Most everything is ordered and imported from places like China, Indonesia, etc. The items themselves do satisfy your desire for souvinirs from the Bahamas because many of the items are ordered with "Bahamas" written on them and most everything fits an "island" or "sea" theme.

The entire Straw Market is mostly the same inventory and obviously run as one business whereby locals may rent some territory (their booth) and split all the sales with the Straw Market. You're doing a great thing by buying here because you are supporting the local Bahamian salespersons of their booths directly. But, who knows really where the other portion of the profits goes, maybe to a non-local wealthy business person(s) who has markets like this all around the world, or, perhaps it's a government agency that may be corrupt and not re-distributing proceeds back to the local municipalities to benefit the people. Who knows? 🤷‍♂️ It's not transparent so therefore it's very likely corrupt since it can be. Anyway, not to be negative. The positive is the local salesperson is earning your money. And that is good.

Most anything you see in one booth is found in other booths in different colors and styles. So don't get stuck chatting with one local if you'd like to look around more. Just say "I'm going to keep looking but thank you." If you'd like to keep walking when a salesperson greets you just say "I'm just looking thanks" or "just browsing" or "thank you" and keep moving.

If you are really experienced with these kinds of tourist markets you may be able to find some items actually hand-made by local craftsmen. Carvings and such. Also some of the ladies can do custom stitching upon request, to put, for example, your name on a clothing item.

Be forewarned you will have a mixed experience with different vendors. Some have a polite passive sales style. Most are easy and fun. But a few can be aggressive in their approach. I had one lady stuff the item we were haggling about INTO my bag and then tell me to give her the money. That is pretty forward and aggressive. Some of them will have less patience or good natured attitude. My recommendation: do not stay with a particular vendor for very long at all. Because once their "cheery" facade wears off, if it does, they can adopt an angrier or more emotional tone. You can avoid that by moving and keeping walking away before you are too "time invested" into any one vendor. Again, it's ALL THE SAME inventory the entire Straw Market wide.

Some vendors can take credit cards but must charge an extra $5 fee for processing. So save such a transaction for a larger purchase to get your best deal out of it.

This is a positive review. The tone of my review is positive. Perhaps it doesn't sound like that, but it actually is. The Straw Market is fun and you should buy what you want. I just feel it's helpful to know more about what it is and how it works and where your money is going. Safe...

EDIT: AFTER READING REVIEWS I BELIEVE THEY ARE ALL IN ON IT. MY EXPERIENCE WAS FAR FROM UNIQUE. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!! WHAT A SHAME! If it wasn't for the VERY kind older local woman working in the front I would have given this place 0 stars. That experience was downright scary. Be extremely cautious & I recommend ignoring anyone that approaches you entirely like youre deaf. My wife & I went to go into the straw market and right outside there were 2 local women that stopped us to give us free (YES, USED THE WORD FREE MULTIPLE TIMES) bracelets that say "Bahamas" on them. Immediately after putting them on our wrists she started asking for donations for "school children". No pamphlet in sight nothing that leads me believe that's true. Immediately I regretted letting her put that bracelet on us. My wife felt pressured & said do you have venmo? The woman said no, there's an atm right here let me show you and grabs my wife's arm to lead her to the atm. When she started to use the atm the woman started clicking buttons on the machine and standing closer to my wife than I even was. I said nope I'm uncomfortable no thank you, took my wife and her card and started to walk away into the store hoping to get away from her. She followed us in harassing us threateningly saying give me my bracelet back, you didnt pay for it, etc. I told her you said it was free then I tried to ignore her and keep going until she physically assaulted my wife grabbing her and not letting go even when my wife screamed not to touch her. I took the bracelet off as fast as I could (it was tied) and tossed it at her and ran to find staff as she continued following us in the market. As soon as we did she ran out. The older staff member was very nice and didn't appreciate us being treated like that. She mentioned how she has children/grandchildren and would never want them to experience that and how no one should act like they have any right to touch us, on vacation no less. She personally walked us over to security. However, the security was useless. We stood back & watched "security" laugh & joke with the CRIMINAL. Brought tears to my eyes. We were so shooken up we just wanted to get back on our ship and now we regret not telling law enforcement because who knows how many more people she's going to harass today alone. I feel incredibly bad for the older woman running the shop. That can't be good for her business. Thank you for your kind words and doing your best in the moment to make us feel safe but I will leave you with this. Whatever you need to spend on better security, that money will come back to you tenfold if you make that place safer. I had every intention on buying some souveniers to take back home, but did not feel safe enough after watching security laugh & joke with the criminal. You would be wise to better protect your business and its patrons before someone gets...

The World Famous Bahamas Straw Market in Nassau is a vibrant and iconic destination that captures the heart of Bahamian culture. Located near the cruise ship dock, it’s a popular spot for tourists seeking unique souvenirs, handcrafted items, and a taste of the local way of life.

The market is a lively hub filled with colorful stalls offering a wide variety of goods. From intricately woven straw hats, bags, and mats to hand-carved wooden figurines and jewelry made from local materials, the craftsmanship on display is impressive. Many items are made by local artisans, making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. Visitors can also find T-shirts, postcards, and other tourist-friendly keepsakes.

One of the highlights of the Straw Market is the opportunity to interact with the vendors. They are often friendly, engaging, and willing to share stories about their crafts. Bargaining is an expected part of the shopping experience here, adding an element of fun for those who enjoy haggling for the best price.

However, the market can be quite crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port. The bustling atmosphere, while exciting, may feel overwhelming to some visitors. The aisles are narrow, and navigating through them can be a bit challenging during peak times. Additionally, some vendors can be persistent in their sales pitches, which may feel pushy to those who prefer a more relaxed shopping experience.

The Straw Market is an open-air facility, so it’s best to visit in comfortable clothing and prepare for warm temperatures. While there are fans and some shaded areas, it can still get quite hot. Hydration and sunscreen are essential.

Overall, the Bahamas Straw Market offers a unique and authentic shopping experience that reflects the island's rich culture and traditions. While its lively and sometimes chaotic vibe may not suit everyone, it’s a must-visit for those looking to take home a piece of the Bahamas.

Pro Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds, and don’t hesitate to negotiate prices for a better deal. Make sure to support local artisans by purchasing their...