Nassau Straw MarketNassau Straw Market at a Glance
About Nassau Straw Market
The Nassau Straw Market is an open-air craft market in downtown Nassau, New Providence, known for locally made straw products and tourist souvenirs.
Stalls line the market area offering woven hats, baskets, bags and other handicrafts made from palmetto and straw. Shoppers can find a wide variety of Bahamian handmade items within a compact area adjacent to Bay Street and the waterfront.
The market grew around Nassau’s waterfront trade in local crafts and palm products and has long served visitors arriving by sea and staying in the city. It developed into a concentrated craft market catering to tourists over the 20th century.
The market sits on Bay Street in central Nassau, a short walk from the cruise-ship terminals and downtown hotels, with the harbor and waterfront immediately to the north.
- Location and peak times: Located in downtown Nassau on Bay Street, close to the cruise-ship docks and the city market area so it is busiest when ships are in port.
- What to expect: Stallholders specialise in woven straw goods, handicrafts and souvenirs; bargaining is common and many vendors accept cash only.
Nearby Attractions to Nassau Straw Market
Best Time to Visit Nassau Straw Market
Visit during the dry season (November-April) for the most comfortable market conditions; mornings avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Weather & Climate near Nassau Straw Market
Nassau Straw Market's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1279 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.6h |
| February | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 51 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 27° | 23° | 51 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 20° - 28° | 24° | 56 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 120 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.3h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 193 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.6h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Good | 24° - 32° | 33° | 178 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 170 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 166 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 25° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.8h |
| December | Excellent | 19° - 26° | 23° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
How to Get to Nassau Straw Market
The Nassau Straw Market sits near Bay Street in downtown Nassau, New Providence. From the Nassau cruise terminal it’s an easy walk along Bay Street toward the city center; taxis are plentiful for those arriving at other island points.
The area is pedestrian-friendly but keep an eye on traffic and pickpockets in crowded sections.
Tips for Visiting Nassau Straw Market
- Haggle respectfully and expect fixed-price souvenirs in many stalls; local straw-weavers may have set prices.
- Bring cash in small denominations; many vendors do not accept cards.
- Try locally made straw crafts rather than mass-produced items-a better value and a direct link to traditional techniques.