If you’re looking for a low-key day in Nassau without spending money on shore excursions, you just might want to make it a day of exploring Bahamas history with a visit to the Queen’s Staircase.
It’s possible to walk here from the cruise port, and there is no admissions fee. This makes the heritage site a free activity when you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Nassau!
What makes these stairs an important part of the history of the Bahamas?
According to the Bahamas tourism department, “It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794, and it is said that it provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City.”
So, how to get to Queen’s Staircase from Nassau cruise port?
Here’s what’s on this page for planning your trip to Queen’s Staircase during your Bahamas cruise:
- How far is the Queen’s Staircase from the cruise port?
- Map of Nassau cruise port to Queen’s Staircase
- There are 2 sides to enter the heritage site
- Are the directions easy to get to the Queen’s Staircase from the cruise port?
- Is it safe to walk around Nassau?
- Is it safe to walk to the Queen’s Staircase?
And so…
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How far is it from the Nassau cruise port to the Queen’s Staircase?
A straight walk there is a little under a mile and will likely take around 15 minutes.
Map of Nassau cruise port to Queen’s Staircase
Explore the interactive map of Nassau cruise port to Queen’s Staircase below for directions.
If you’re coming to this page from Pinterest mobile, first open up this page in your web browser, then click on the map!
There are 2 sides that you can enter the Queen’s Staircase heritage site
So in looking at the map above, you’ll see the brown staircase icon, and then a couple of star icons right next to it. There are 2 ways that you can get to the staircase.
- You can arrive at the bottom side of the stairs
- You can arrive from the top of the stairs on the other side
Arrive at the bottom of the stairs with the staircase off in the distance…
Arrive at the top of the stairs…
Does it make a difference which side you arrive to the heritage site?
The difference is that you can choose to walk up the stairs by arriving at the bottom, which is the shorter and slightly easier walk.
Or you can choose to walk down the stairs by arriving at the top, which is a slightly longer walk to get to. This route will also come with a bit more hills.
Or… you can choose to walk no stairs at all by arriving at the bottom of the stairs and admiring them without climbing them. 😉
Are the directions easy to get to the Queen’s Staircase from the cruise port?
It’s not too difficult, since it doesn’t require turning onto too many different streets to get there.
As you’ll see from looking at the map, there are a number of different streets that you can take to get to the Queen’s Staircase from the cruise port.
It won’t make too much of a difference if you choose to take one street over the other.
But you may consider zooming into the map just so that you can walk by a few places of interest to see what the buildings look like. This can include:
- Parliament Square
- Supreme Court of the Bahamas
- Nassau Public Library
You may also consider getting this laminated map of Nassau.
Is it safe to walk around Nassau?
It’s important to mind your surroundings and bearings no matter where in the world you go.
It’s also important to note that the U.S. State Department has issued safety warnings for New Providence Island and Paradise Island in the Bahamas. These islands include the locations of Nassau and Atlantis. These safety and security warnings are due to an increase in violent crimes and robberies against tourists.
This isn’t meant to scare you, but just make you aware! Don’t completely let your guard down just because you’re on vacation.
Is it safe to walk to the Queen’s Staircase?
Unlike getting to Junkanoo Beach near Nassau cruise port, once you get outside of the downtown area, it’s likely that you won’t encounter too many people. The streets you’ll be walking will probably be mostly empty.
If you take comfort in having people all around you in an unknown area, this may not be the most ideal situation for you.
But there’s a good chance it will end up being a peaceful walk in which you’ll get to see another side of the Bahamas. You just might feel the island vibe as you walk the streets of Nassau!
Things you may want to pack for beach days during your Bahamas cruise!
Now, here are some things that you just may want to add to your cruise packing list for the rest of your cruise!
- This case so you can take pristine underwater pictures or pool pictures! (It’s cheap!)
- This pouch so you don’t have to worry about leaving valuables on the beach
- These tag holders so you don’t end up with lost luggage on the cruise ship!
- These cubes so you can find your stuff once on the cruise
- These types of beach shoes so you don’t have to worry about hidden rocks under the sand at any of the cruise ports
- This type of beach bag that’ll help you dry things out so you can be ready for the next beach day!
- For your beach outfits, take a look at…
- These swimsuits and cover-ups for women
- This swimwear for plus-size women
- These swimsuits for men
- Cruise formal: And here are ideas for your cruise outfits for formal night!
- Seasickness: And here are ideas for snacks and wearables to prevent seasickness
- Snorkeling: What to wear snorkeling
HAPPY QUEEN’S STAIRCASE PLANNING!
More cheap things to do in Nassau near cruise port
More cruise ports:
aruba | curacao | turks and caicos | cozumel | san juan | grand cayman | st maarten
More cruise tips:
– Do you need cruise travel insurance?
– Cruises with kids: Things to do on embarkation day
– How to prevent cruise luggage from getting lost on the cruise ship
– What NOT to bring on a cruise
– CRUISE PACKING LIST!
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling