Nassau Straw Market

*16 November 2025* I loved souvenir shopping here! I found unique magnets for myself, as well as a magnet gift for someone else. I also bought some unique vanity plates -- one that I placed on the front of my Jeep. Next time I'm in Nassau, I'll be sure to return to see what new goodies they have in stock.

We cruise about twice each year. Arrived morning of 11-18-2025. Previously cruised Carnival to Nassau in 2017 - not much has changed. Nassau Straw Market is what you'd expect. Fun to shop, but deals are not going to be that great. I am into watches thus I can purchase most of these watches at the same or cheaper in the U.S. I dont know if it was the Rum or the sun, but I did something I never thought I'd do. I purchased a faux Rolex at a decent price point with friendly negotiations. At the straw market and jewelry stores they do accept credit cards; however, you can get a little better deal with cash and the wifi can be spotty and you may have purchasing issues. Expect mostly normal pricing above retail then negotiations down to about normal retail. A typical t-shirt will cost $15 to $20. The quality is a $5 shirt. Look around before you buy on jewelry many of the shops are owned by the same friends or family members. Ask for the lowest price and expect negotiations. Look out for knock-offs. If your paying $500 for a genuine knock-off of $35,000 Rolex or Tag then you know what it is. Have fun and be careful. Safety tip of the day. Watch your children close the street traffic is crazy, lots of sidewalk and street trip hazards. The grandpa's and grandma's will run your butt over with the hover-round. Set an alarm 30 minutes minimum before your ship boarding time begins.

Pretty cool spot for us tourists to come out of the cruise port area and visit some local shops. This place has much better deals than the stores at the cruise port. For instance, I bought 3 magnets from one vendor for $10 USD, meanwhile another shop at the cruise port is selling 1 magnet for $10. Great spot! All vendors were very friendly and welcoming.

The market is full of artisan items for sale in small stalls inside the straw market. I purchased a few survenier items to take home as gift for friends. Make sure to bargain for a good price!

Nassau Straw Market is one of the most iconic spots in Nassau to explore local crafts and souvenirs. The market is full of handmade items, from straw bags and hats to vibrant jewelry and decorative pieces. It’s a lively place, with vendors showcasing the essence of Bahamian culture through their work. Walking through the aisles, you really feel immersed in the local atmosphere, and it’s a great spot to pick up something authentic to remember your trip. Perfect for anyone who enjoys discovering traditional craftsmanship.

The Straw Market is a must-visit spot located right along Bay Street in downtown Nassau, just steps from the Cruise port. It is a vibrant, two-story market featuring up to 500 vendors selling straw and wooden-made goods, conch carvings, shell jewelry, local art, t-shirts, magnets, and more. Straw weaving is a long-standing Bohemian tradition that dates back to early subsistence lifestyles after World War II. Although the original open-air market was destroyed by a fire in 2001 and later impacted by Hurricane Irene, it was rebuilt in 2011 as a sturdy, air-conditioned building designed to withstand winds of up to 200 mph. Here, you'll find authentic crafts handmade by local artisans, including baskets, hats, bags, dolls, mats, wooden carvings, drums, and conch shell jewelry. Other and various souvenir items are also available for sale. Bargaining is always welcome!

Lacked the wow factor I read from other reviews. All the vendors are selling the same mass produced made in China with Bahamas stamp cheap tourist trap knickknacks. More than half of the booths were still covered with tarps.

We didn’t have a great experience here. Most vendors seemed unfriendly, and the overall atmosphere felt uncomfortable. Prices start very high, we were quoted $70 for an item, and as soon as we walked away it dropped to $20, which made the whole interaction feel dishonest. When we chose not to buy anything, the attitude quickly changed and some vendors even muttered comments as we left. Definitely not a place we enjoyed, and we wouldn’t return.