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The islands are thought to be where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in 1492, and they became a thriving British settlement colony about 300 years later. Independence from Britain came in 1973, after which the Bahamas rapidly became a highly desirable tourist destination as well as a centre of investment management and international banking. There are vibrant and thriving cities to explore as well as isolated and pristine beaches, which is one reason why so many different types of holiday travellers find it so lovely.
Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and is generally the primary access point for most international travellers coming to the island chain. It is a city filled with history, so take a walk around Old Town to get a flavour of the past and then go up the hill to the Parliament Building. You can't miss it because it is bright pink, and there is a large statue of Queen Victoria near the entrance. There is also the wonderful Pirate Museum, a re-creation of what a typical pirate town might have looked like in the past. Some of it is only semi-serious, but there is some real history to take in as well.
Shopping is another big thing in Nassau as well as in other cities and towns all across the Bahamas. It is a great chance to meet local residents and experience the famous Bahamian hospitality. Another great way to get to know the locals is to eat in a local restaurant or spend an evening dancing in a local club or pub. You will find it enjoyable and interesting as you see something other than the "tourist" aspect of the area.
One thing to remember is that hotel accommodations in the Bahamas tend to be quite expensive, and unfortunately there are few if any hostels, bed & breakfasts, or similar types of places. By far the most expensive places are the expansive and opulent resort properties that can be found on most islands in the chain. Some islands are actually owned by a resort property and are open only to guests of that resort. While this is a very expensive way to stay in the Bahamas, think about splurging a bit and spending a couple of days in one of these resorts. It is sure to be a memorable part of your holiday travels.
There are a number of ways to get to the Bahamas, depending on which cities and islands you plan to visit. Most visitors arrive via Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau or one of the smaller airports in Freeport or New Providence. There are plenty of flights from the U.S. and other nearby countries, as well as a few flights available from London or Toronto. The most reasonably priced option is sometimes to take a direct flight into the U.S. and then take a connecting flight to the Bahamas.
Another terrific way to get to the Bahamas is via cruise ship. Nassau is one of the busiest ports in the world for cruise lines, and most ships make additional stops at other ports of call across the islands. Some cruise lines even own their own private island (Disney's Castaway Cay, for example) and make it one of their stops along the way. Many holiday travellers will tell you a cruise is a wonderful way to experience a number of different parts of the Bahamas, allowing them to "sample" destinations prior to planning a return visit.
Wiki:- Bahamas
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