The colonial capital and Paradise Island
Nassau is the Bahamas' capital and main port, its colonial centre full of pink and pastel buildings, forts and the Queen's Staircase, carved from limestone rock. Cruise ships dock beside Bay Street's shops, and the Straw Market sells local crafts. Across the bridge, Paradise Island is home to the huge Atlantis resort, while Cable Beach has a long stretch of sand and hotels. Arawak Cay's fish fry is the place for conch salad and fried fish, and the Junkanoo parades on Boxing Day and New Year's Day are spectacular.