The Bahamas are a constellation of 700 islands and over 2,000 cays, once navigated by the Lucayans, coveted by pirates, and courted by traders. Today, the archipelago is a byword for crystalline water, powdery beaches, and easy-going island culture—where steel drums and sea breeze set the tempo.

From Nassau’s pastel Georgian buildings and storied forts to Freeport’s sweeping national parks and laid-back fish shacks, this itinerary weaves culture, cuisine, and ocean adventure. Expect world-class snorkeling, a day trip to the Exuma Cays, and the quintessential Bahamian experience: swimming with pigs.

Practical notes: The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar (both are widely accepted). Best weather runs December–April; hurricane season is June–November. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; tipping is customary (10–15%, though some restaurants add a service charge). Drivers keep left.

Nassau

Nassau, on New Providence Island, pairs history with hedonism: climb the 66-step Queen’s Staircase, peek into Fort Fincastle, then drift to Cable Beach or Cabbage Beach. Paradise Island across the harbor tempts with aquariums, a casino, and celebrity-chef dining, while downtown’s Straw Market and Bay Street offer a colorful browse.

Food is a highlight: try conch salad (zesty with lime and pepper), cracked conch, and sky juice (gin, coconut water, sweet milk). For a refined evening, Graycliff’s historic mansion sets an elegant tone; for casual, Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry delivers fried snapper and Bahamian mac ‘n’ cheese.

• Where to stay: Search beachfront resorts and vacation homes via Hotels.com Nassau or villas and condos on VRBO Nassau. Popular picks include Cable Beach (near Baha Mar), Paradise Island (near Atlantis), and downtown for walkability.
• Getting there: Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com (nonstop flights from Miami ~50 minutes; NYC ~3 hours).
• Coffee & bites: Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse (cold brew and beignets), Bon Vivants (all-day café and stellar cocktails), Bakehouse Nassau (artisan pastries), and The New Duff (warm guava duff by the slice).
• Dinner ideas: Dune by Jean-Georges (oceanfront elegance), Fish by José Andrés (sustainably sourced seafood), Nobu at Atlantis (celebration sushi), Arawak Cay’s Twin Brothers or Goldie’s (classic Fish Fry).
• Local gems: John Watling’s Distillery (rum tasting), Graycliff Chocolatier (hands-on chocolate), Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle (19th-century defenses), Cable Beach for sunset.

Day 1: Arrival in Nassau, Downtown Stroll & Fish Fry

Morning: Travel day. If you haven’t booked, check fares and times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for an early afternoon arrival.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs on a short walking loop: Parliament Square’s pink colonial buildings, the Queen’s Staircase carved by enslaved people in the 1790s, and Fort Fincastle’s hilltop views. Pop into the Straw Market for handwoven straw bags and woodcarvings, then cool off with a sky juice.

Evening: Head to Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry for a casual feast—try conch fritters, grilled snapper, and peas ‘n’ rice at Twin Brothers or Goldie’s. For a nightcap, sip inventive cocktails at Bon Vivants or watch the waves at Tiki Bikini Hut on Junkanoo Beach.

Day 2: Food, History Tour & Atlantis Nightlights

Morning: Coffee and a coconut tart at Bakehouse, then join the Nassau Food and History Bus Tour (about 3.5 hours; typically from ~$85). You’ll sample island staples—think conch salad and rum cake—while guides weave in stories of pirates, Loyalists, and Bahamian independence.

Afternoon: Beach time. Choose Cable Beach for gentle waves and easy amenities, or Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island for a wilder shoreline. Snack ideas: Athena Cafe (Greek salads and grilled shrimp) or The New Duff for dessert-to-go.

Evening: Explore Atlantis Marina Village’s boutiques, then book dinner at Fish by José Andrés (crudo and whole grilled fish) or Nobu (yellowtail jalapeño is a classic). Try your luck at the casino or linger over gelato before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Exuma Cays Day Trip — Pigs, Reefs, and Sandbars

Set out early for a bucket-list adventure: the Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau (full day; typically ~$350–450). Expect high-speed runs over electric-blue shallows, snorkel stops over coral reefs, swimming with the famed pigs, and lunch on a dreamy cay.

Back in Nassau by late afternoon, keep dinner easy: Graycliff Restaurant for a refined, old-world Bahamian meal—or toes-in-sand bites at a beach bar near Cable Beach. Sleep well; tomorrow brings a new island.

Freeport (Grand Bahama)

Freeport trades buzz for breathing room: long, uncrowded strands, a national park that slips from pine forest to underwater caves, and breezy beach bars serving conch from the shell. Port Lucaya’s waterfront adds live music and colorful shops, while nearby coves beckon snorkelers with shallow reefs.

Make time for Lucayan National Park (Gold Rock Beach is a stunner at low tide) and Taino Beach for mellow swims. If your timing hits Wednesday, Smith’s Point Fish Fry is a beloved night of grilled seafood, music, and dancing under the stars.

• Where to stay: Search resorts like Pelican Bay, Lighthouse Pointe (Grand Lucayan), and all-inclusives like Viva Wyndham—plus condos with kitchens—via Hotels.com Freeport or VRBO Freeport.
• Getting there from Nassau: Morning flights (Bahamasair or Western Air) take ~40 minutes and often run ~$100–180 one-way. Compare and book on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis meet arrivals; rental cars are an option (remember left-side driving).
• Eats & sips: Breakfast at Zorba’s (Greek diner classics), lunch at Banana Bay on Fortune Beach (conch burgers, sea views), Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience on Taino Beach (famous scorched conch), dinner at Pier One (watch sharks gather below at night) or Flying Fish GastroBar (contemporary Bahamian—check hours). Sweet stop: Bootleg Chocolates espresso bar.
• Top activities: Lucayan National Park (Ben’s Cave and Gold Rock Beach), Garden of the Groves (birdsong and waterfalls), Paradise Cove/Deadman’s Reef (DIY snorkeling), Port Lucaya Marketplace (souvenirs and live music).

Day 4: Fly to Freeport, Gold Rock Beach & Garden Stroll

Morning: Depart Nassau on an early flight to Freeport (~40 minutes; plan 1.5 hours for airport formalities). Book tickets via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check into your hotel near Port Lucaya or on Fortune Bay.

Afternoon: Head to Lucayan National Park (entry ~US$12). Walk the boardwalk through native coppice to Gold Rock Beach; at low tide, a vast, rippled sandbar appears—bring a camera. On the return, stop at Banana Bay for grilled mahi sandwiches and a cold Sands beer.

Evening: Reserve a waterfront table at Pier One to watch dusk fall and sharks glide beneath the deck as fishermen clean the day’s catch. Alternatively, dine at Flying Fish GastroBar for seasonal Bahamian plates, then enjoy a rum cocktail at Rum Runners in Port Lucaya.

Day 5: Swim with Pigs, Taino Beach & Departure

Morning: Join the Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island tour (about 4 hours; typically ~$100–130). Cruise to a sandy islet, snap your photos, and paddle in shallow turquoise water—equal parts whimsical and wonderful.

Afternoon: Lunch at Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience (watch your conch salad chopped to order), then a last dip at Taino Beach. Pick up artisan chocolates at Bootleg for the flight. Depart from Freeport (FPO) in the afternoon; check open-jaw flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a later departure, linger for golden hour at Taino Beach or browse Port Lucaya’s craft stalls for last-minute souvenirs.

Optional Add-On in Nassau (fits Day 2 or a spare morning): Rose Island Private Beach & Turtles

If you prefer a closer-to-Nassau excursion, consider the Rose Island Adventure: Snorkel, Sea Turtles, and Private Beach (half-day; includes a private beach club stop).

Logistics & Tips

• Local transport: Taxis are plentiful; agree on fares before riding. Jitney buses run limited hours and routes (cash only). Water taxis connect downtown Nassau and Paradise Island (usually ~$5–7 per person each way).
• Beach etiquette: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral or turtles, and avoid feeding wildlife. Many hotels provide snorkel gear; otherwise, rent from reputable vendors.
• Dining notes: Some restaurants add a 15% service charge. Dress is resort casual; bring a light layer for breezy evenings.

Where to book stays, flights, and tours at a glance:

• Stays: Hotels.com Nassau, VRBO Nassau, Hotels.com Freeport, VRBO Freeport
• Flights: Trip.com, Kiwi.com
• Tours featured: Exuma Island Hopping, Nassau Food & History Bus Tour, Swim with Pigs (Freeport), and a Rose Island option—all linked above.

In five days you’ll taste Nassau’s history, indulge in its beaches and dining, then shift gears to Freeport’s wide-open sands and national park beauty. From vibrant markets to glass-clear shallows and those photogenic pigs, this Bahamas itinerary balances relaxation and adventure—leaving just enough wonder to bring you back.