Parliament Square
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
20-30 minutes
About
Parliament Square sits at the heart of Nassau's government district, flanked by the pink neoclassical House of Assembly, the Senate Building, and the Supreme Court. Built in the early 19th century, the square centers on a statue of a young Queen Victoria and is surrounded by manicured gardens.
For families, the appeal is atmospheric rather than activity-driven. This is a walkthrough, not a destination — but the bright coral-pink facades and tropical setting make it genuinely photogenic, and the open square gives kids space to run after a morning of sightseeing. The history is accessible too: the buildings are still in active use, and the Bahamas has one of the oldest parliamentary systems in the Western Hemisphere outside the UK.
Parliament Square is a five-minute walk from Bay Street and fits naturally into a broader downtown Nassau walking tour that includes the Straw Market, Christ Church Cathedral, and the waterfront. The whole circuit can be done in a morning and is entirely free.
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning — softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds before the cruise ships dock.
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Several small cafes and juice bars are on Bay Street within a block. The British Colonial Hilton hotel lobby bar offers cold drinks in an air-conditioned setting a short walk away.
Why Kids Love It
The bright pink buildings with white trim look like something out of a fairy tale — kids who have been to Washington DC or European capitals are fascinated by how different this colonial capital looks. The open square is also a great place to run around between other activities.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Parliament is in session periodically — ask at the visitor center if you can observe from the public gallery, which is a surprisingly interesting experience for older kids.
- The best photos are taken from across the square looking toward the Senate building in the morning light.
- Combine with a walk up to Fort Fincastle for a more complete Nassau history experience — it is about a 15-minute walk uphill.
What to Bring
- Camera for the pink buildings — they are more photogenic in person than in guidebook photos
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water — the walk along Bay Street can be hot midday
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Completely free.
Bring money for a cold drink from the nearby vendors on Bay Street.
Tips to Save
- This is one of Nassau's best free stops.
- Combine it with a short walk to the Nassau Supreme Court building and the Churchill Building to see the full cluster of pink colonial architecture without adding any extra cost.
