The Best Sight in New Providence and Paradise Islands, Bahamas

Background Illustration for Sights

New Providence is the Bahamas' most urban island, but that doesn't mean you won't find beautiful beaches. Powdery white sand, aquamarine waves, and shade-bearing palm trees are easy to come by, regardless how populated you like your beach to be. Whether you crave solitude or want to be in the middle of the action, there's a sand spot that's just right for you.

Cable Beach and the beaches near Atlantis are where you'll typically find loud music, bars serving tropical drinks, and vendors peddling everything from parasailing and Jet Ski rides to T-shirts and hair braiding. Downtown Nassau only has man-made beaches, the best being Junkanoo Beach just west of the British Colonial Hilton. But the capital city's beaches can't compare to the real thing. For a more relaxed environment, drive out of the main tourist areas. You'll likely find stretches of sand populated by locals only, or, chances are, no one at all.

Christ Church Cathedral

It's worth the short walk off the main thoroughfare to see the stained-glass windows of this cathedral. It was built in 1841 but only became a cathedral in 1861, when it was a key element in Nassau being designated a city. The white pillars of the church's spacious, airy interior support ceilings beamed with dark wood handcrafted by ship builders. The Crucifixion depicted in the east window's center panel is flanked by depictions of the Empty Tomb and the Ascension. Be sure to spend a few minutes in the small, flower-filled Garden of Remembrance, where stone plaques adorn the walls. Sunday Mass is held at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 6 pm. Drop by the cathedral on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve to see the glorious church at night and hear the music and choir. Call ahead to find out the time of the service.