The Top 10 Cultural Landmarks of the Bahamas

The islands of The Bahamas are famed for their beauty and tranquility, but there’s far more to The Bahamas than might first meet the eye. In fact, this collection of exotic islands is home to a whole host of interesting cultural landmarks, just waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re making your way to Nassau, Freeport or Grand Exuma, you’ll be able to find plenty of things to see and do. Just follow along this list for a little inspiration.

These are the top cultural landmarks in The Bahamas

1. The Cloisters, Nassau

Dating back to the 14th Century, this is one of the most intriguing Bahamas landmarks you'll find. Originally created in France, the buildings of the Cloisters were imported to the Bahamas, brick by brick, in the 1960s, by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. The Cloisters then found their new home on high ground in the heart of Paradise Island, and they remain there to this day.

2. Pig Beach, Great Exuma

You may well have heard of this one, as it’s arguably one of the most famous tourist attractions in The Bahamas. And that’s because of the famous residents you’ll find here. Pig Beach is home to a family of swimming pigs, who have risen in popularity over recent years, so much so that tourists now regularly visit this uninhabited island off the coast of Great Exuma, just to meet the porcine celebrities in the flesh. Tourists are welcome to swim with the pigs, and there are plenty of guided tours stopping off here. Just remember to respect the animals and look after them while you’re there. Find out more about how you can visit the swimming pigs of Pig Beach here.

3. Dunmore Town, Harbour Island

If you’re headed to Harbour Island, make time to stop at this pretty town. Dunmore Town is Harbour Island’s only town, and you’ll find it just east from North Eleuthera. Tourists can take day trips to this small settlement, which is one of the most scenic and impressive Bahamas attractions. Visit the Princess Street Gallery, enjoy an afternoon shopping at the charming boutiques or just wander the streets of this lovely, authentic Bahamian town.

4. Fort Montagu, New Providence Island

If military history is your thing, you can’t miss a trip to one of our favorite Bahamas tourist attractions: Fort Montagu. This fort consists of four cannons, and it was originally built as a defensive hold by the British, who wanted to see of Spanish invaders in the 18th Century. Its construction was overseen by Peter Henry Bruce, a famous military adventurer of the era.

5. Blackbeard’s Tower, Nassau

The Bahamian island of Nassau has a rich and varied history that never fails to enthuse its visitors. And if there’s one part of Bahamian history that piques everyone’s interest, it’s pirates. Blackbeard’s Tower harkens back to the island’s past. If you’re wondering about the best places to visit in The Bahamas, you can’t go wrong with this historic tower.

6. Sapona, Bimini

Scuba diving enthusiasts flock to the Bahamas to explore its many underwater shipwrecks, but did you know there’s one you can see without getting into the water, too? SS Sapona was once a vast cargo steamer, initially used as a floating casino. A storm in 1926 saw the ship run aground, and it has remained in place to this day. The ship is easily visible above the water, and divers can choose to explore what lurks beneath the waves, too. It’s a spooky sight, and definitely one of the creepiest of these Bahamas landmarks.

7. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport

If any shopaholics are wondering where to go in the Bahamas, we’ve got three words for you: Port Lucaya Marketplace. Located in Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama, this beautiful shopping village is home to some of the world’s most luxurious brands, alongside smaller local boutiques and a fabulous market where you can buy souvenirs to take home with you. It’s a pastel-colored paradise where you’ll happily while away an afternoon, browsing authentic local crafts and handmade clothing.

8. Paradise Island Lighthouse, New Providence Island

Did you know that the Bahamas is home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in all of the West Indies? You’ll find it at New Providence Island, standing proud at the northwestern entrance to the Port of Nassau. The lighthouse was built in 1817, when it would have been an integral part of the port’s infrastructure. It’s still a spectacular sight to see, and one any keen history buff will love.

9. Parliament Street, Nassau

One of Nassau’s oldest streets remains a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors choosing to explore the area on foot. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride of Parliament Street, enabling you to chat to a friendly local driver who really knows about the history of the area. Feast your eyes on Parliament Street’s fabulous old buildings and enjoy an interesting day out exploring one of the lesser-known areas of the Bahamas.

10. Columbus Point, Long Island

The Bahamas is known for its fabulous views, but if you want to really experience the best the islands have to offer you’ve got to get yourself down to Columbus Point. This monument stands tall on the coast of Long Island, offering tourists a spectacular vantage point from which they can enjoy expansive views of the island’s crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but once you arrive we guarantee you’ll agree that it was well worth the journey.

Don't Miss These Landmarks of the Bahamas

If you’re off to last-minute vacation to Bahamas, make sure you check out some of our top cultural landmarks. Whether you’re interested in military history, you’re a keen animal lover or you’re on the hunt for undiscovered shipwrecks, you’ll be able to find so much to see and do. The only difficult part is deciding what to do first.