Straw Market
Straw Market
3
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
At this market you will find people weaving straw into anything and everything.
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- BKC86 contributionsDisapointed ShopperWe were to the straw market 30 years ago and it had an island flea market feel, then. It has been totally redone and now it feels like you are at a small scale outlet mall. It was a cloudy weekday with a few showers and only a few of the vendors were open. There were no real 'bargains'. I had hoped to find a woodcarver and buy some locally made items, but none were open. Lots of stuff from China!!! A thin tank top was $35 in one shop and $15 next door. We had some gelato and left.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- Expedition2558814 contributionsNeither pleasant nor relaxing.I'll never go back to Nassau again. as soon as we got off the cruise ship there was a crush of vendors hawking rides, tours, hair braiding, directing you to a trinket vendor. then we went to the straw market, touted by many tourist websites. the straw market was many stalls containing the same cheap trinkets. and for those trinkets the initial quoted price was entirely outrageous, I guess expecting one to negotiate down. The positive part of the time in Nassau was when we found a taxi driver to drive us around to the historical sites at a reasonable price. I'm sure the fenced off all inclusive resorts are nice. there are many places I can have that experience.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 November 2023
- bailey d5 contributionsDifficult to shop at.This market was difficult to shop at. The vendors are constantly trying to get you to look at their stands and demanding that you buy from their stand. There is a lot of heckling going on. Although it is a great place go buy souvenirs, be prepared to have vendors coming at you left and right. If you do not like getting hassled, consider a different place to shop.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2024
- carolynl654100 contributionsThe time has past, not worth seeingWe were not impressed with the straw market. There are rows of stalls but they all have the same things for sale and none really look handmade. There are some stands in the alley outside that look like they maybe carve their own products but no one was doing anything while we were there. We did not buy anything and next time we will skip going there or anywhere in Nassau. We saw it and can check the block.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 January 2024
- smvNYCNew York City, New York363 contributionsNothing specialUnfortunately the market has pretty much the same things at every stall. And in the unlikely event you cannot find what you want at one stall the vendor will walk you to another that has it. Convenient, but the lack of variety means that once you see one stall you saw the entire market! Most products seem to be the usual imported stuff and the prices were not necessarily lower than the other stores in the area (even after bargaining).Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- Linda R3 contributionsCool itemsA lot of the same things in each booth. They encourage and welcome haggling to negotiate prices. Some are aggressive, but will walk away when you say no thank you. It is very hot inside, but there are a lot of unique items. I would suggest stopping by and looking around.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 January 2024
- Robin B19 contributionsOk if you need some souvenirsIt is a lot of the same stuff, most of it looks like it is purchased from China. A bit pricey. Forgot my flip flops on the ship and ended up paying $10 for some dollar tree shoes. Oh, and I did deal. The stuff that they say is hand crafted is not. I did not see any. Now, with that said, they do have some very nice shells in here and I got mine for $7 each. They wanted $25. It is very overcrowded and as for the air conditioning. I did not feel any. lol Easily walkable from the ships so if you need a few junk/souvenir gifts, this could work.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 January 2024
- ginacee1Dequincy, Louisiana183 contributionsToo crowded for meWasn't a fan of this place. Way too closed in and crowded together. It was hard to distinguish the items bc they were all crammed in and I felt claustrophobic. We did purchase a hoodie that I haggled down the price on but we made a quick exitVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 May 2024
- Ilene A25 contributionsStay on the ship or spend the money to do better things while there.We left our cruise ship to see the straw market. The vendors are too aggressive. I understand that’s how they earn money, but not a good experience and almost nothing straw that is nice. There are souvenir stores on the street. Nothing great. We didn’t do much else. I realize there were excursions we might have enjoyed but all very expensive,Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 June 2024
- Eddy D13 contributionsGood shopping, but tight spacesThere were a lot of vendors here. It's sort of an indoor flea market. The isles are really tight so if you have claustrophobia it might not be the place for you. If you're in Nassau and like to shop, it's worth a visitVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.0
2,268 reviews
Excellent
297
Very good
483
Average
757
Poor
457
Terrible
274
Nicole Boarman
Grandview, IN105 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited the straw market when we ported at Nassau during our Carnival cruise. The straw market is the best place to shop and buy souvenirs. Yes, the merchants are pushy, but they are just trying to make a living. Just keep walking and say, "no thank you" if you aren't interested. Always bargain with them on price, they will usually come down some. Especially on larger priced items. They have the usual t-shirts, hats, magnets, beach bags, etc. They also have beautiful hand made wood carvings, jewelry, toys, etc. It's worth it to experience even if you don't buy anything. However, prices are generally always reasonable.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VacationAmy
Burlington, IA198 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We love buying local authentic souvenirs when traveling so we were very excited to shop the straw market. Please do yourself a favor and skip this. Many of the items were marked “Made in China”. Hardly the authentic experience we were looking for. And the experience is miserable. Everyone grabbing you by the arm and leading you to their booth. Creepy small alleyways of tarps separating the booths. People telling you their sob stories over and over trying to get you to buy. Very unpleasant experience.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BD73Toronto
Toronto, Canada373 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
You hear so much about the straw market you can’t help but check it out. Don’t bother!! It’s full of “made in China” junk and the vendors are sooo aggressive! One lady even chased me wanting me to buy her bracelets. I had to turn around and be really firm with her to make her stop. I made it maybe 5 stalls in and that was enough for me. I’ll never go again!
If you are on Paradise Island, try the Bahama Craft Center instead. Not as many vendors and way quieter. Yes there’s china junk there too but also hand made goods. Be sure to visit Dorothea Rolle’s booth #52. She is kind and not pushy at all. Nice hand made bags.
If you are on Paradise Island, try the Bahama Craft Center instead. Not as many vendors and way quieter. Yes there’s china junk there too but also hand made goods. Be sure to visit Dorothea Rolle’s booth #52. She is kind and not pushy at all. Nice hand made bags.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vhash77
North Wilkesboro, NC1,091 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
As this was our 6th visit to Nassau we are very familiar with the market
I will say if you are a first time visitor pay close attention and don’t get caught up with those who try to tell you their bracelets are free for visiting the island then ask you for $ for the kids at school. Also always be willing to say no or barter. Almost every booth has similar items.
The reason I marked it very good because it is a cultural experience and sometimes there will be those who are very helpful.
I will say if you are a first time visitor pay close attention and don’t get caught up with those who try to tell you their bracelets are free for visiting the island then ask you for $ for the kids at school. Also always be willing to say no or barter. Almost every booth has similar items.
The reason I marked it very good because it is a cultural experience and sometimes there will be those who are very helpful.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blaine2012
Fayetteville, AR126 contributions
Feb 2020
I would only go back here if I was looking for souvenirs to take back home. This place is decently big but around every corner is another lady wanting to sell her stuff because it is better and cheaper. In all reality it is all the same crap. We did buy 2 marble turles from here that look nice but paid way too much for them. People was follow you until you buy something
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashloveshercat
Pittsburgh, PA3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
You have to understand and have an appreciation for what this type of place is. You haggle. The shop keepers will pressure you. Not everything is hand made here. Most people don't want you to pay with a credit card because fees are expensive and eat into profits.
As long as you know what you're getting into, this place is actually pretty cool. For the most part, the shop keepers will entice you to come see their items and if you say no thank you, they will very kindly wish you a good day.
I'm very interested in the business aspect of how things work so I struck up conversation with a lot of the shop keepers and could very quickly tell who was genuine and who was not.
The lady putting bracelets on your arm saying the school kids made them and that "donations" would go right to them? Don't fall for that one.
The shop keep who has very obviously hand painted shot glasses and wood carvings, straw items, etc.? Check out what she has and be fair to her.
Enjoy walking through, be firm but fair, and you will have a lovely time here and come away with some unique items as long as you know what you're looking for. If you are a timid person, I would stay away this place will eat you whole.
As long as you know what you're getting into, this place is actually pretty cool. For the most part, the shop keepers will entice you to come see their items and if you say no thank you, they will very kindly wish you a good day.
I'm very interested in the business aspect of how things work so I struck up conversation with a lot of the shop keepers and could very quickly tell who was genuine and who was not.
The lady putting bracelets on your arm saying the school kids made them and that "donations" would go right to them? Don't fall for that one.
The shop keep who has very obviously hand painted shot glasses and wood carvings, straw items, etc.? Check out what she has and be fair to her.
Enjoy walking through, be firm but fair, and you will have a lovely time here and come away with some unique items as long as you know what you're looking for. If you are a timid person, I would stay away this place will eat you whole.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAW3030
California, MD43 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The stalls are cramped and all seemed to sell the same items. We walked along the outer edges and the vendors were right there pushing their wares. We looked down the interior aisles and didn’t even bother as they were narrow and filled with more vendors.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred Z
Vermillion, SD5 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a very large multi bay - Multi Vendor - gotcha shop. Truck loads of imported souvenir items that have something of a local feel.... One exception is the Wood Working section. There actually are a few locals carving items as you watch... Local woods and local flavor.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slaterinde
Annapolis, MD323 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you have ever visited the Bahamas (or any other island) on a cruise ship, you have undoubtedly been exposed to the Straw Market. It consists of a large building with many booths all selling the same stuff. Not my cup of tea.
I would pass on this experience and take a history tour instead.
I would pass on this experience and take a history tour instead.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcoach52
Racine, WI88 contributions
Mar 2020
Typical tourist flea market. Everything is overpriced and you have to haggle the price down to regular price. Souvenirs are mostly cheaper in the stores across the street. There are some unique wares, although it feels like the same 100 items repeated 50 times. I have been to bazars in different countries, but this one the vendors seemed more aggressive. Not physically or dangerously, but they can be intimidating if you are not accustomed to this type of flea market. As long as you are fine with this style, they do have some stuff worth shopping through.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anyone have contact info for the store “Souvenir bags” off the alley in front of the straw market? I bought a purse there and the strap wasn’t included in the inside!
Written 22 February 2023
Anyone have contact info for the store “Souvenir bags” off the alley in front of the straw market? I bought a purse there and the strap wasn’t included in the inside!
Written 22 February 2023
There is a lady who has a essential oil store that is just steps off when you get off the cruise ship does anyone know the name of her store
Written 4 October 2018
I am coming in on Royal Caribbean Cruise and wanted to know how to get from the Port to the Straw market? If anyone can help
Written 19 April 2017
I agree with the previous answer... the cruise will deposit you in an area with small huts trying to sell you souvenirs and locally made goods. Leave this area, turn right, and walk down the street. It's about 6 blocks to the Straw Market, a large, two-story building with tons of vendors, where you will have a great selection and much better prices. Have fun! And remember to bring lots of small bills ($1s and $5s) so you aren't forced to overpay for an item (if the vendor can't make change).
Written 20 April 2017
Where in Nassau can I get the collectors bottle of Bahama Sand. The ones with sayings on them like... "Thank You Lord For Letting Me Visit The Bahamas". & How far is it from the Cruise Ship Port
Written 6 March 2017
As soon as you port there is a market. And you can walk off/on board all day if you like. Or grab a cab to the beach for $2 a person Atlantis is also $2-3 cab per person.
Written 6 April 2017
Would I be able to go to the straw market with a mobility scooter? I know technically I can, but...would it be worth the effort and frustration? Or is it fairly open?
Thank you -
Written 18 February 2017
There are some stalls in an open areas across from Senor Frogs where you could view easily. (as mrcree mentioned) I preferred this area, the woman are busy weaving the straw right in front of you. In the closed area its all just imports.
Written 23 February 2017
Does anyone know if the straw market is open at night? We visited many times years ago in the old location with no electricity..but now they are in a new building/shed. Our cruise ship docks at noon, and we were hoping to do an excursion then shop later since the ship doesn't leave until midnight. Thanks in advance.
Written 5 February 2017
It has weak lighting and you should have time to shop after your excursion.
Written 9 February 2017
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