Queen's Staircase

Historical landmark · Nassau

Queen's Staircase

Historical landmark · Nassau

Greenwich St, Nassau, Bahamas

Highlights

Carved by enslaved hands in 1793, Queen's Staircase is a lush, limestone stairway leading to historic Fort Fincastle in Nassau.

Greenwich St, Nassau, Bahamas Get directions

queensstaircase.com

@cntraveler

These Caribbean Islands Are Getting a Wave of New Hotels, Cruise Itineraries, and Flight Routes

"The Queen's Staircase, an 18th-century passageway in Nassau's historic district, has been restored."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/caribbean-gets-a-wave-of-new-hotels-cruise-itineraries-flight-routes

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@travelleisure

10 Cheap Solo Vacations Around the World

"A historic staircase within the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, dating back to the late 18th century." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cheap-solo-vacations-8658909

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@travelleisure

21 Best Things to Do in The Bahamas

"This landmark was hand-carved from solid limestone rock by enslaved people between 1793 and 1794 to provide a direct route between Nassau and the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex. The Queen’s Staircase, eventually named for Queen Victoria, has 66 steep steps visitors can climb while surrounded by the lush foliage of the islands." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-things-to-do-in-the-bahamas-7501485

View Postcard for Queen's Staircase - Nassau Shore Excursions

@afar

"One of the smaller forts in the Bahamas sits right at the heart of downtown Nassau. Fort Fincastlewas built from cut limestone atop Bennett’s Hill to defend Nassau from pirates. One of the most notable features near the fort andhistoric complexis the Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step stairway hewn from solid rock by slaves to connect the fort to the city. You can walk the stairs as you make your way to the fort, then enjoy a great view of the city and the coastline. If you’re counting steps, you’ll notice that thereareonly 65;that’s because the final step is buried under the modern asphalt paving at the bottom."

The Best Things to Do in the Bahamas

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Alexis Gutierrez

Google

Sweet little historical spot that has so much beauty to it. If you are coming from the cruise terminal, following your walking google map, it’s about a 12-15 min walk that does not need a taxi or tour guide if you don’t want it. It’s not the best walk as there are some steep places, but if you are ready to walk and want to explore the Bahamas, this is perfect. Once you get to the staircase, there are a few little shops where you can buy drinks and snacks if needed. Once you get out, it’s about another 12-15 min walk back to the cruise terminal. Would recommend!

nishant narula

Google

We went to Nassau for a day on a Royal Caribbean Cruise and booked a walking tour of the city. Our tour guide took us to Queens Staircase. Our tour guide told us about the history of the staircase and also informed us that Queen Victoria climbed these steps when she visited the Bahamas. It is a great tourist spot for taking family pictures below the stairs, and it is also a historic spot to visit in Nassau. The area features tropical vegetation around the area and a waterfall, which keeps the atmosphere calm and beautiful to visit.

Mae Mae

Google

We visited the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau during our cruise stop, and it was absolutely worth it! You don’t need to book an excursion, this landmark is completely free, with no entrance fee, and open to everyone. It’s a very historical and beautiful spot, tucked away about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. We walked there with our toddler in the heat (around 80–90°F), so if she could manage it, you probably can too. 😊 Some tips: wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Be mindful that sidewalks are limited and the roads can be narrow, so when walking on the street, stay on the right edge and face traffic so drivers can see you. Remember, in the Bahamas, people drive on the left side of the road, don’t assume you have the right-of-way, and always make eye contact with drivers before crossing. All in all, a quick, enriching experience that gives you a glimpse of Nassau’s history without spending a dime. Highly recommend!

Emptynesters Travels

Google

About 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port. The area features lush tropical vegetation and a cascading waterfall. The staircase leads to Fort Fincastle. It is carved from solid limestone between 1793 and 1794 and is 66 steps in height. It was intended as a secure passage to the Fort. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria.

The Maldonado’s

Google

The Queen's Staircase is a significant historic site located in downtown Nassau. It was built between 1793 and 1794 out of solid limestone by around 600 enslaved Africans. This staircase, which consists of a total of 66 steps, formed a key route between Fort Fincastle and downtown Nassau. Originally, the staircase measured 102 feet (31 meters), but only 65 steps are now visible due to paving. The staircase is named in honor of Queen Victoria, recognizing her role in the 19th century in the movement to abolish slavery. A man-made waterfall cascades alongside the steps into a pool below adds to the area's ambiance. Recent restoration efforts, which took place between February and April 2024, cost about $200,000 dollars. The site is free to enter and open 24/7, but the best times to visit are during the early morning hours or after 5 PM, as this is when most crowds and tours are less prevalent. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be cautious of slippery areas, as some parts may be wet from the flowing water. The climate in this area can be quite warm, bring potable water. Consider combining your visit with a trip to Fort Fincastle and the restored water tower nearby. Informal guide$ are often available to enhance your experience.

Paul Eddy

Google

Magical Staircase. Cut from the island limestone and dotted with vegetation, a calm oasis in the middle of the city. Unfortunately Fort Fincastle is closed for renovations. Still very worthy of a visit.

David Pruit (DavPru)

Google

All the cruise boat tours and city culture tours go to the queen’s staircase . It is a sad story of slave exploitation yet the area is quite well kept and beautiful . You are enclosed by trees and hand chiseled rocks after you pass the Princess Margaret hospital and labor & delivery. A great place to go see while you are in Nassau before you go get lunch at a restaurant down the hill in tourist town.

Dan H

Google

An impressive rock cut and worth reading a bit about the history to make your visit more interesting. There was a guy at the top of the stairs providing an overview for tips. I really liked the tree roots along the walls. Not worth an out of the way trip to see this but we had time and glad we checked it out, and the fort at the top of the hill.