Information
Landmark: Nassau Straw MarketCity: Nassau
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Nassau Straw Market, Nassau, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Right in the heart of Nassau, the Bahamas’ bustling capital, the Straw Market buzzes with color and chatter.Locals and visitors alike flock to this iconic spot, lured by its rare mix of culture, skilled craftsmanship, and centuries-old history that lingers in the air.You’ll find the Nassau Straw Market on Bay Street in the heart of Nassau, Bahamas, usually open every day from morning until late afternoon or early evening, though the hours shift with the seasons.It’s a lively, colorful place where the scent of sun-warmed straw mixes with the buzz of bargaining, blending traditional Bahamian culture with the thrill of the deal.The market’s roots stretch back to the 1940s, when local women began weaving hats, baskets, and bags to earn a living after sponge fishing fell into decline.Straw weaving soon became a proud symbol of Bahamian culture, and the market bustled with the scent of fresh palm fronds, serving as a lively hub where artisans sold their handmade goods and celebrated the island’s heritage.At Nassau’s Straw Market, you’ll find handwoven straw baskets, hats, bags, and mats made from dried palm fronds and sisal, each showing off time-honored Bahamian weaving skills; stalls overflow with wooden carvings, conch shell and sea glass jewelry, bright T-shirts, and colorful trinkets, while local paintings and sculptures capture island life in bold strokes, and many vendors will even stitch your name into a straw hat; the open-air market hums with chatter, sea breeze drifting through as friendly sellers call out their wares, bargaining is part of the fun, so bring cash, shop early for the best finds, and remember that every handmade piece helps keep Bahamian traditions alive.It’s a place where artisans can show their work-woven baskets, hand-carved shells-and visitors leave with a richer taste of Bahamian culture.Right in the heart of Nassau, the Straw Market puts you within a short stroll of the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Government House, Junkanoo Beach, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.Whether you’re bargaining for a handwoven basket, admiring the bright patterns of Bahamian crafts, or just soaking up the chatter and sea breeze, it’s a spot that captures the island’s true spirit.It’s a great chance to meet the locals, swap stories, and leave with a small seashell or two from the Bahamas.
