The Nassau Straw Market packs more than 400 vendors into a two-story concrete building on Bay Street, steps from the cruise port — and bargaining isn’t just accepted, it’s the expected way to shop.
Vendors often charge upwards of double the price you should pay — haggling is the only way to get a fair deal.
Bargaining at the Straw Market isn’t aggressive if you know the rhythm — start at half the quoted price, smile, and be ready to walk away. It works best if you bring cash in small U.S. bills and visit before the cruise crowds hit between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
| Key Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay Street, a 2–5 minute walk west from the cruise terminal |
| Hours | 7 days a week, roughly 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (some vendors stay until 8–9 p.m.) |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Payment | Cash preferred (U.S. dollars accepted at par); change may come in Bahamian dollars |
| Bargaining culture | Expected — start at half the first price and negotiate from there |
A Tradition Born From Necessity and Tourism
Straw weaving has been part of Bahamian life for centuries. Locals originally braided dried palm fronds into baskets for carrying fruit and crops and wove nets for fish traps. After World War II, American tourists began arriving, and by the 1940s Bahamian women had turned that traditional craft into a souvenir business, selling hats and mats to visitors. The market grew so quickly that by the 1960s it was already iconic.
The original open-air market stretched across an entire block of Bay Street until a devastating fire in 2001 razed it. A temporary structure went up after the fire, and Hurricane Irene in 2011 pushed officials to build a permanent home. Vendors moved into the current 37,000-square-foot, two-story concrete building with air-conditioning that same year.
Today the market holds more than 400 vendors and entertainers, with a live performance stage where local bands and solo artists play throughout the week. The downtown Nassau version on Bay Street is the original and most authentic — smaller outposts at resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar lack the same grit.
What You’ll Find Inside
The ground floor carries bigger items like furniture-scale baskets, while the upstairs is packed with jewelry and smaller doodads. Straw goods dominate: bags, hats, dolls, mats, and baskets. Wood carvings of fish, birds, and masks are common, alongside conch-shell jewelry, handmade Bahamian paintings, and the usual souvenir T-shirts, keychains, and magnets. Not everything is handmade — mass-produced items labeled “Made in China” sit alongside the crafts, so it pays to ask. A basic straw hat starts around $20 and can be negotiated down to $10. Straw bags range from $15 to $50, wood carvings from $20 to $100, and baskets or dolls from $10 to $40.
Ask “Handmade?” directly — vendors appreciate the interest and will often point you to the items they wove themselves, which have tighter, uneven weaves compared to machine-made goods.
Bargaining Etiquette: The Dance, Not a Fight
Haggling at the Straw Market is the expected way to buy. Vendors quote high knowing you’ll counter. The common strategy: start at half the first price. A $40 bag? Offer $20. Smile, make a joke — “That’s my whole vacation budget!” — and they might drop to $25. Walking away often brings a better offer.
Building rapport matters more than hard negotiation. Compliment the weave, ask about the materials, or chat about the vendor’s family. Groups can split up and compare prices. Cash rules — most stalls don’t take cards, and U.S. dollars work fine (change may come in Bahamian dollars, which are equal in value).
Some vendors are pushy. A polite “No, thank you” and walking away is the best response if someone gets into your personal space or puts items in your hand. Women vendors are generally described as more gracious and easier to bargain with.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Crowds peak midday on port days, so check ship schedules online and aim for a weekday morning if you can. The market is open seven days a week, roughly 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though some vendors stay later (sources list closing times from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. depending on the vendor). Sundays can be quieter — some stalls close early.
Bring small U.S. bills and a water bottle. Public restrooms are available inside the market and at the cruise terminal. After you’re done shopping, the surrounding area is walkable: Parliament Square, the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Pirates of Nassau Museum, and Junkanoo Beach are all within a short stroll. The Fish Fry for conch fritters is about a 10-minute walk away.
The official tourism site has more on the market’s history and offerings.
Before You Go — Nassau Straw Market
Do vendors accept credit cards?
Cash is strongly preferred, especially for small transactions. A few vendors may take cards, but don’t count on it — hit an ATM before you arrive (the ones nearby charge fees).
Is the market safe for solo travelers?
Daytime is fine — stick with the crowds and keep your bag closed. After dark, it’s wiser to explore in a group.
What’s the best souvenir to buy here?
Handwoven straw bags hold up well and make versatile evening pieces. Wood carvings from local mahogany with artisan marks are another solid pick — just check for tight, uneven weaves that signal handmade quality.
Can I ship items home?
Most vendors don’t offer shipping. Stick to packable souvenirs like hats or small carvings that fit in your luggage.
How to Spend Your Time at the Straw Market
Three quick ways to match the market to your trip style:
- Short on time (30 minutes): Hit the ground floor for a straw bag or hat, negotiate fast with a smile, and head out. Stick to early morning before the crowds.
- Looking for authentic crafts: Head upstairs to the weavers who demonstrate braiding live — chat with them, ask questions, and buy directly from the person who made it.
- On a tight budget: Skip the mass-produced T-shirts and focus on small carved items or a basic straw hat — both start negotiable around $10–15.
References
Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “Straw Market.” Nassau Paradise Island, n.d. ↗
5 Suitcases. “5 Things to Know About Nassau’s Straw Market.” 5suitcases.com, n.d. ↗
Nassau Bahamas Guide. “Straw Market Nassau Bahamas.” nassaubahamasguide.com, n.d. ↗
TravelBay. “Straw Market Nassau.” travelbay.org, n.d. ↗
She Is Wanderlust. “Nassau’s Straw Market.” sheiswanderlust.com, n.d. ↗
The Culture Trip. “The 10 Best Markets in Nassau.” theculturetrip.com, n.d. ↗
Also read about the enduring spirit of Bahamian resilience for more context on the community behind the market.
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