Queen's Staircase

This steep staircase was built to serve as a direct-access shortcut to Fort Fincastle (New Providence Island’s highest point, on Bennet’s Hill) in case of attacks by the Caribbean’s marauding pirates in the 1700s. When visiting the stone staircase, take in the remarkable construction done centuries ago—all by hand. To carve the steps, slaves had to cut through rocks with axes and other sharp hand tools.

The Queen’s Staircase is included on most Nassau highlights tours that visit the island’s most historic sights. With a tour guide, visit other Nassau attractions such as Fort Charlotte, Rawson Square, and Cable Beach via traditional ground transportation or an all-terrain vehicle. Tours and shore excursions leave regularly from Nassau city or the cruise ship terminal.

• The Queen’s Staircase is a must-see for all visitors to Nassau.

• The limestone steps of the Queen’s Staircase are steep and a tough climb, suitable only for those with full mobility and proper footwear.

• The staircase can be slick after a rain, so be careful. (The Bahamas’ rainy season is June through November.)

• If the 65-step climb sounds daunting, plan to visit Bennet’s Hill and Fort Fincastle first, then walk down the steps from there.

The Queen’s Staircase is located on the northern end of New Providence Island, on Elizabeth Avenue. Use the staircase as a shortcut to Bennet’s Hill and Fort Fincastle.

The staircase is open daily. If you want less populated photos, be sure to show up in the early morning or around sunset when crowds are scarce (they tend to arrive around midday).

Since Bennet’s Hill is the highest point on the island, it’s a favorite for photographers and those in search of whole island views. From Fort Fincastle’s perch, visitors can see Paradise Island and the mammoth Atlantis, Arawak Cay (home to the famous fish fry), and Ardastra Gardens, among other landmarks.

The Queen's Staircase is one of the best known and most significant historical landmarks in Nassau. Part of the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the 18th-century staircase, comprising 66 steps, was carved out of solid limestone, and dates to the late 18th century. The landmark was later named after Queen Victoria.

The Queen’s Staircase was created to link Fort Fincastle—an 18th-century fort constructed by the British to protect the city—with Nassau. It was constructed by enslaved people between 1793 and 1794, during the period when the Bahamas was a crown colony of the UK and represents its brutal legacy of slavery.

No, there’s no entrance fee for the Queen’s Staircase, and you don’t need to make a reservation to visit. Although the site is easy to explore independently, it’s worth visiting with a guide to learn more about its history. Note that Fort Fincastle is a ticketed attraction, however.

The closest attraction to the Queen’s Staircase is Fort Fincastle, the 18th-century fort which is a vestige of British colonialism. Other major historical monuments are located nearby, including the Government House (the official residence of the governor-general of the Bahamas), the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, and more.

Yes, there are numerous tours that visit the Queen’s Staircase (alongside Nassau’s other important historical monuments). Options range from ATV tours of the city to Jeep sightseeing adventures, cultural walking tours, bike tours, and pedicab itineraries. Whichever you pick, it’s worth exploring with a guide to learn more about the history.

The Queen’s Staircase is located on Greenwich Street, conveniently in the heart of Downtown Nassau. Taxis frequent Nassau, while guided tours take all the hassle out of getting there. It’s also worth exploring on foot—and challenging yourself to walk all the way up and down the stairs.