Photo Credit: Faungg

You won’t find much in the way of world-class fashion in the Bahamas and people don’t come here specifically to shop. Nassau is fun for browsing, however, and all resorts have luxury labels and gift stores. Most islands have markets in their towns, where local straw products and drums can be picked up as gifts.

Nassau, New Providence, and Freeport, Grand Bahama, have the best shopping. Bay Street in Nassau has the best street setting for shoppers, with many stores at which to pick up local souvenirs. Think woven hats, steel instruments, cheap rum, and cigars, along with many places to eat.

Paradise Island has good shopping in the Bahamas within the Port Lucaya Marketplace, in the middle of Freeport. It is especially good for local knick-knacks and batik, and there are also standalone shops amid the stalls. You can find items from India, Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The local eating in this area is good and cheap, and there is no end of ice cream parlors.

Be sure to haggle in any market set-up. This is standard as prices are marked up to allow for negotiations and the vendors expect you to bargain. Note: if you are looking to buy genuine cigars, be aware that most Cuban cigars are counterfeit. The real thing is available from licensed tobacconists, but cigars sold at market stalls are fake despite how sincere the vendor may appear.

Spas

People come to the Bahamas for R&R and every island has a hotel spa. In Nassau, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama, spas are especially common. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort at Cable Beach (West Bay St., Nassau) is highly rated and the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Ocean Club (Paradise Island) have top dollar facilities.

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