What To Do in Nassau

Navigation:

• Tour the Rose Island
• Climb the Queen's Staircase
• Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum
• Dive at Stuart's Cove
• Go to Graycliff to taste their famous chocolate, Cigars, and a lot more
• Buy the perfect souvenir at Straw Market 

Nassau is the commercial epicenter of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas with an estimated population of 274,400 as of 2016. It houses almost 70% of the whole Bahamas population. Located on the New Providence island, it stands as the main business district of the country. It as the main stronghold of the fiercest pirates in the world, so the Pirates of the Caribbean aren’t that farfetched after all. The city got its name after the city of Germany, Nassau and in honor of William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau. 

During the late 18th century, Nassau population grew when the American Loyalists and their slaves came to the island after the American War of Independence. The influxes of people were so high that it immediately outnumbered its original inhabitants. Today, the city is known to attract millions of tourist worldwide.

With so many things to do and family activities to choose from, it’s really unlikely that the city will bore you. There are several different ways to explore the place, one leading to another great adventure. Here are some of the best fun-filled family activities:

Tour the Rose Island

Many referred the Bahamas Out Islands as Family islands because of the variety of family activities it offered. The laid-back community is a gateway to more exciting destinations. Rose Island is one quick ride onboard a speedboat. It makes for a perfect day trip on the island with pristine white sand, secluded beach area, and great snorkeling spots. 

Climb the Queen's Staircase

Climbing the Queen’s Staircase is, in fact, a must do when in Nassau. Built between 1793 and 1794, it was a grim reminder of slave’s hard labor as they carved the 600-foot-tall Queen's Staircase out of solid limestone. The stairs also provide an entryway to Fort Fincastle, standing on the highest point of New Providence Island in Bennett’s Hill. It was later named to honor Queen Victoria.

Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum

Nassau has a long and grim history worthy of learning. During the early 18th century, it was once a notorious pirate haven known as the “Republic of Pirate” with hundreds of stories to tell. The museum tells , narrative of the various different pirate history of the entire Caribbean. There are interactive exhibits, dioramas, and good old pirate battles. It’s a good way to spend some time to get to know more of the island’s history.

Dive at Stuart's Cove

Stuart's Cove is a perfect spot to go diving whether you are a beginner or a veteran diver. The place is not too crowded which makes it a perfect place to really enjoy the underwater marvels of Nassau. Veteran divers get a chance to dive with wild sharks while the fewer experienced ones, can still marvel at a safer distance. If you don’t want to have your feet wet, there’s a mini-sub to still see the other side of the world. 

Go to Graycliff to taste their famous chocolate, Cigars, and a lot more

The Garzaroli family developed this hillside place into an amazing tourists spot. The Graycliff Hotel and restaurants cater to almost everyone in the family, from entertainment to rum tastings. It’s a virtual entertainment complex with a very fine chocolatier to make little kids happy and a cigar company for the adults to enjoy. Cigars are specially made on site and rolled by hand which can be paired with rum tastings. There’s a pizzeria that offers great snacks and a Bahamian heritage museum for added information about the place. Before you leave, check out their amazing wide selections of 200,000 bottles of wines. 

Buy the perfect souvenir at Straw Market 

The name “Straw Market” came from slaves who sold local handicrafts to Nassau visitors for hundreds of years, the name however, never left the island. These folks used to peddle weaved bowls using skills they learned from their native land. Since the fire broke down several years ago, the market still continued today at the Nassau Straw Market. But today, they sell more than straw baskets, you can find great wood art carvings, t-shirts, and beaded necklaces, and almost every typical island-themed souvenir there is.

Off the Beaten Path destination in London

Navigation:

• Take a tour guided by the Homeless and explore the other side of London
• Marvel at the Biggest Hindu Temple – out of India that is
• Calling out all Harry Potter heads and visit Davenports Magic 
• Little Venice
• The Thames Path
• Dennis Severs' House
• A trip inside London’s Container City and Smallest Museum 
• See the amazing view of the London City – for free
• When in London – sip a cup of Tea

There is a lot to see and things to do in London, but if you are a traveller looking for a different way to see things around, here are some of the unique tours around the city. 

Take a tour guided by the Homeless and explore the other side of London

Even if guided tours don’t stoke your fire, then make an exception for this one. This is the most off the beaten path when it comes to touring London. The Londonian charity put up the ‘Unseen Tours’ to help homeless people, and it’s just pure genius. These folks know the unexplored hidden alleyways in London, and you cannot be closer in the usual Londoners life than this. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone; you are learning more of London while helping change the life of your tour guides. There is a different stretch of these tours, one unique than the other. 

Marvel at the Biggest Hindu Temple – out of India that is

This may come to a surprise for some, as London houses the Biggest Hindu Temple located outside of India. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was built using traditional materials and method. Also the first traditional stone temple in Europe, the sight was spectacular indeed. Marvel at its very finely carved Italian marbles and Bulgarian limestone. The best time to tour the temple’s ground is during a religious rite and you’ll be surprised how the colors brightly contrast the white temple. The easiest route going to the temple is through the underground Jubilee line for Neasden near Wembley Stadium. Then walk about half an hour from central London and you’ll be there. 

Calling out all Harry Potter heads and visit Davenports Magic 

London is known worldwide because of the Harry Potter films and what would be nicer than to visit a magic school to start your tour in the city. Founded in 1898, its right under the Charing Cross station and well hidden along the busy streets of the city, which adds mystery of the place. They also offer magic workshops and learning a magic trick or two would be really nice to show your friends back home. It’s even hailed as ‘The Real Hogwarts and Home to London Wizards’.

Little Venice

Yup, read that right, London has its very own Little Venice, a salute to the famous Italian city. Enjoy a leisure walk in the morning or late afternoon as the place is quite enjoyable. Home to many pubs, restaurants, and waterside cafes, it does come alive during the hot summer days. Watch Londoners as they board their canal boats and jog along its shores. Top it off with a bit of sightseeing in Regent’s Park or Camden.

The Thames Path

Not really an off the beaten path, Thames Path is home to many hidden gems inside the city of London. The 40-mile long trail comprises of many serene spots waiting to be discovered. Many tourists opt to hire a bike, which for them serves the purpose really well, as they can stop and enjoy a fresh air any moment they like. The path serves as home several public beaches, the village of Rotherhithe and The Prospect of Whitby, one of Charles Dickens’ favorite pubs. 

Dennis Severs' House

Dennis Severs' House is one of the city’s peculiar tourist attractions. Tourists can step inside the artist’s former home that seems to be left untouched since the 18th century. Known as the most original immersive experiences, the house still has an unkempt bed, untouched food, and house left to dust. A trip to this house is not an ordinary walk inside a museum.

A trip inside London’s Container City and Smallest Museum 

Here is a certified not touristy spot and considered a best-kept secret in London, the Docklands area. Over the past few years, it’s becoming a hip and trendy spot for millennials and a must see in London. The Trinity Buoy Wharf is a hidden gem for the artistic and creative minds. It’s also home to the real container city, the smallest museum and the only lighthouse in London. The place is far from the usual glitz and glamour of London’s busy street lights, which makes it a great spot for anyone who really wants to get in touch with their inner creative self.

See the amazing view of the London City – for free

Anything that free is really worth a try, especially in a place like London. You don’t need to get in line and buy yourself that expensive London Eye ticket to get a view of the city. There’s a hidden alternative that offers the same great view and its free! One of the few hidden places to see the entire London city is up to the One New Change shopping mall terrace. The view is so amazing it's even worthy of those postcard-perfect photos. 

When in London – sip a cup of Tea

What a better way to cap your trip in London City than to sip an afternoon tea on top of a classic double-decker bus. Londoners do love their tea, they're famous for it. Although it’s very common to sip tea anywhere in the city, drinking a cuppa on top of a Londonian double-decker bus isn’t. Sip a very relaxing drink while the bus drives around Buckingham Palace and other famous tourist spots in London. It’s something very unusual even for locals’ standards. The tour includes selections of cupcakes, sandwiches, and more sweet pastry to pair with your tea. What a lovely trip it would be.

Best Family Activities in Edinburg

Navigation:

• The Museum Of Childhood
• National Museum Of Scotland
• East Links Family Park
• Dynamic Earth
• Scottish Storytelling Centre
• Deep Sea World
• Jenner’s Toy Department

Travel to the country of what Scotland consider as the adventure playground in the west – Edinburg. The city is fast becoming a popular destination for families. Kids would really love to explore its city, wherein the modern world paved the way for nature to seep through in some of the best learning activities in the city. Awaken your inner child and let your kid’s imagination run free in some of the best family attractions in Edinburg.

The Museum Of Childhood

What would be a perfect start for your family vacation other than The Museum of Childhood? It’s the very first of its kind in the world dedicated to the history of children. Located on Royal Mile, the museum houses the best collections of children’s toys throughout the history of mankind. Reminisce your own childhood days viewing some of the most familiar and unique toys from around the world. Let the children learn how ‘the good old days’ keep the children busy even without gadgets. The puppet theater and the dress up area are two of the main highlights in the museum. 

National Museum Of Scotland

Continue to feed your children’s mind with treasures of the past at the National Museum of Scotland. They have wide ranges of collections and fascinating finds that will keep your little ones busy for hours. Expect to know gargantuan facts and figures throughout the history of the earth. With impressive collections and rare artifacts, it’s a great place to learn some of the best cultural heritage of Scotland. They also have Earth in Space Gallery and extensive mammal collections in the world, spending some time here will all be worth it – something that the whole family can cherish. 

East Links Family Park

After a tiring day of knowing almost all important facts on earth, it’s time to freshen up and spend another day of fun and play. Take your kids away from the comfort of the modern day world and let them spend some time under the sun and where animals roam free. Let them enjoy a full day onboard train rides or go-karts. Situated just a few miles of Dunbar, let your little ones choose their activities from the indoor animal barn, crazy golf, trampolines, hay barns to ball blast arena. Tucked away those gadgets and let them loose while climbing walls, giant fortress, and educational barn. Kids will never run out of ideas in this structured educational place that’s really wildly fun for them. 

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth offers great kid-friendly features like their interactive exhibits, impressive technology, and a 4D experience for everyone. Housed in a mysterious spaceship-esque building, it’s the only place in Scotland that has a full 360-degree film theatre. It offers the amazing tale of planet earth as well as many fascinating facts about Mother Nature. Kids and kids at heart will surely be blown away by its beauty and different exhibits.

Scottish Storytelling Centre

Enjoy one of the oldest art forms in human history – storytelling. There are a number of oral narratives as told by different cultures around the world. The Scottish Storytelling Centre has performed many ‘living art’ throughout the years, so they are the expert of storytelling which everyone in the family loves to see. It's home to Scottish International Storytelling Festival and hosts many cultural programs every year. Visiting Edinburg within the festival will delight anyone who wishes to hear all of the Scottish legendary tales. Some of the most loved stories include Greyfriars Bobby and meet Nessie, the Gruffalo, and Wee Willie Winkie. So expect to pull up a chair and make lots of rooms for cookies and other goodie delights while watching the show. 

Deep Sea World

As your kids filled their imagination with different stories, treat their eyes with the largest underwater tunnel in all of UK at Deep Sea World. Every kid loved to see the real Nemo and Dory at their natural habitat. See the little ones have fun looking at different fish species like angelfish, sharks, piranhas, starfish, and seals. This amazing underwater attraction is located in North Queensferry in Fife. 

Their giant underwater aquarium is filled with multiple themed areas using Scottish seawater from the Firth of Forth providing sea animals with fresh sea water supply. Enjoy this unique aquatic experience which everyone would surely love.

Jenner’s Toy Department

Lastly, when the kids had their educational tour, it’s time to treat them a tour of Jenner’s Toy Department. It’s every kid's heaven filled with buckets of Lego, board games, talking toys, cuddly bears, and action figures. They have departments for toys of the great outdoors like bikes, mini scooter, and hoverboards. Giving them a treat or two would never hurt, but let them wander inside the toy department and see the sparks on their eyes light up.

11 Must Dos in Skye

Navigation:

• The Cuillins
• Rubha nam Brathairean
• Elgol
• Old Man of Storr
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• Neist Point
• Quiraing
• Dunvegan Castle
• Talisker Distillery
• Fairy Glen
• The Fairy Pools

Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, as well as medieval castles, the island of Skye is indeed a good place for visitors to start their journey in Scotland. Whether you only have a day or two to spare, here is a list of must-dos in Skye that will definitely complete and satisfy your holiday. 

The Cuillins 

With rugged mountains located on the southern portion of the Isle of Skye--that can be seen from the road as you drive through the island—the Cuillins offers the best and arduous hikes. If you hike up Bla Bheinn (Blaven) or Sgurr na Stri, you are guaranteed a stunning wide view of the Isle of Skye. On the other hand, you can also climb up Sgurr Alasdair for the highest peak on the Isle of Skye. 

Rubha nam Brathairean

Do you like to put in little effort for bigger outcomes? Brother’s Point is a short hike that leads to the most stunning and ethereal scenery on the Isle of Skye. This is a hidden treasure in which only a few people visit; this makes a better experience for those “in the know”.

Elgol

Elgol, place located on the southwestern coast of Isle of Skye where not many visitors seem to visit, has spectacular coastal views. You should totally make time to experience the enjoyable day trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk; you will be greeted with stunning scenery of nature and wildlife. 

Old Man of Storr

Not only does it have such a cool name, Old Man of Storr also has cool picturesque landscapes. In fact, Old Man of Storr is one of the most photograph landscapes on the Isle of Skye. Therefore, this is a place that you do not want to miss. Although it might take a bit of hiking when you reach the top of this hill, you will witness the best scenery—you will not regret it.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

Located just a few kilometers away from Brother’s Point, Kilt Rock offers epic views of the Isle of Skye—a quick stop and a little hike are worth it for the view that this offers. Want to see something cool? When you park on A855 and walk out to the viewpoint, you are able to see Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls as well as Brother’s Point! What about that for killing two birds with one stone? 

Neist Point

The Neist Point Lighthouse, designed by David Alan Stevenson, was first lit in 1909, has been on people’s must-go-to lists in Scotland. When coming to this place near Dunvegan, expect large crowds and an overflowing car park, usually during summer months. However, you can also expect an amazing view from Neist Point, especially at the end of the day during a sunset. 

Quiraing

For those who want to go a little farther on a terrific walk but still see amazing views, a hike on The Quiraing between Staffin and Uig is a must—photographers would enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Scotland as they pass through this hill. 

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle, located 1 mile to the north of Dunvegan, is the only existing castle on the Isle of Skye. According to the Dunvegan Castle’s official website, “Dunvegan Castle is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only one which has been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years.” If you are one of those people who are big fans of castles, this castle is a good place to tour!

Talisker Distillery

Talisker Distillery is the oldest and only working distillery on the Isle of Skye, founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill. A guided tour along with a taste of some award-winning premium whiskey as well as a souvenir sounds great, doesn’t it?

Fairy Glen

Fairy Glen, another spot that is commonly disregarded by visitors, is a miniature landslip that looks like it came straight out of a movie. Although small and an easy hike, it contains the most impressive scenery, and you might even spot a fairy. 

The Fairy Pools

Speaking of fairies, you can take another easy walk to the series of clear, seemingly vibrant blue and green, waters of Fairy Pools waterfalls. Since it only requires an easy stroll, going to the Fairy Pools is perfect for all ages and levels of fitness.