Straw Market Tours and Activities

Straw Market showing shopping
Straw Market featuring shopping
Straw Market
Straw Market showing shopping
Straw Market


Chat with local vendors and shop for handicrafts and Bahamian souvenirs at this bustling market.

Nassau’s Straw Market is one of the largest of its kind in the world and a long-time favorite of cruise ship passengers. Up to 500 vendors sell a diverse selection of items, ranging from handmade crafts to souvenir T-shirts. Negotiate for bargains as you browse the straw items and soak up the busy atmosphere.

The original market was severely damaged during a fire in 2001, leaving the vendors to begin operating out of a tarp-covered structure. The market continued to take place in this temporary structure until 2011, when it was flooded by Hurricane Irene. In late 2011, the market moved to a new two-story building, designed to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour). Visit today’s vendors selling their wares in a 37,000-square-foot (3,400-square-meter) modern air-conditioned building.

Straw weaving is a long-standing Bahamian tradition, a meticulous and intricate process, originally used to craft baskets for carrying fruit and fish. Various islands throughout the region developed distinct styles of plaiting over the years. North Americans began visiting the Bahamas after the end of World War II and brought with them a demand for straw craft souvenirs. Almost anything can be woven into straw by a skilled weaver. Look around the stalls to see a variety of items including bags, hats, mats and dolls.

In addition to straw items, you’ll find other unique island souvenirs, such as carvings and jewelry made from conch shells and coconuts. The market also sells a variety of souvenir beachwear and other knick-knacks. Prices on all items are negotiable and vendors will often start by offering a high price. Don’t be afraid to haggle if you see something you like. Like the rest of Nassau, the Straw Market offers duty-free shopping.

The Straw Market is located on Bay Street in downtown Nassau. Bring some cash, either U.S. dollars or Bahamian dollars, because few vendors will accept anything else. The market is open daily and the hours vary by stall. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid large midday crowds.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Straw Market

The Straw Market in Nassau offers an authentic shopping experience with its vibrant boutique shops and craft market stalls. Visitors can explore a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a special day trip, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Bahamian culture and find unique treasures to take home.

Shopping

The Straw Market in Nassau offers a vibrant shopping experience with local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods. Don't miss Marina Village at Atlantis, a shopping centre just 3.2km away, featuring a lively atmosphere perfect for families and tourists alike.

Recreation

The Ocean Club Golf Course offers stunning outdoor vibes with its beautifully manicured greens, perfect for a relaxing day of golf. The nearby Queen Elizabeth Sports Center provides a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the Royal Blue Golf Club combines scenic views with an exhilarating golfing experience.

Adventure

At Aquaventure, located 1.6km from Straw Market, enjoy thrilling water slides and lazy rivers perfect for family fun. Experience the excitement at Stingray City, 8.0km away, where you can swim with stingrays. Don't miss Baha Bay Water Park, 6.4km away, offering adventure-filled water activities for all ages.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Straw Market is vibrant and exciting. Just 1.6km away, the Atlantis Casino offers romance and thrilling city vibes, while the Dundas Theatre of the Performing Arts, located two miles away, showcases a rich cultural experience perfect for families and entertainment lovers alike.

Find the best attractions near Straw Market

During your visit to Straw Market in Nassau, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby historic houses, museums, and civic government buildings. This bustling market, also known as Pompey Market, offers a vibrant family experience, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking both shopping and local culture. Don't miss the famous Straw Market, where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs that reflect the Bahamian spirit.

  • Pirates of Nassau Museum: Dive into the thrilling world of piracy at this engaging museum, located a mere 161m from Straw Market. Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the notorious pirates who once roamed these waters, offering a unique glimpse into Bahamian history and culture.
  • Heritage Museum of the Bahamas: Situated 322m from Straw Market, this museum showcases the rich cultural tapestry and history of the Bahamas. Through fascinating displays, visitors can discover the islands' heritage, from indigenous peoples to colonial influences.
  • Parliament House: A historic civic building located 322m away, Parliament House offers an insight into Bahamian governance. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the country's political history, making it a noteworthy stop on your exploration.

Best time to go to Straw Market

Visitor numbers around Straw Market is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Straw Market is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January73.0°F (22.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February73.2°F (22.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March73.4°F (23.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
September83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Straw Market

To save money on your visit to Straw Market, consider travelling between August and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Utilize public transport or walk to nearby free attractions like Junkanoo Beach and Cabbage Beach. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, but check last-minute deals on Expedia for possible discounts. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for extra savings, and refine your search on Expedia to find eco-friendly options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Straw Market are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Straw Market is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Straw Market is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Straw Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can easily organize your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at the Straw Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.