Things to Do at Queen's Staircase

The Queen's Staircase, also known as the 66 Steps, is one of Nassau's most iconic historical landmarks and a testament to the island's colonial past. Carved entirely out of solid limestone by slaves between 1793 and 1794, this remarkable staircase was originally built to provide a direct route from Fort Fincastle down to Nassau's town center. The 102-foot-long staircase was later named in honor of Queen Victoria's 65-year reign, though it actually contains 66 steps. Today, the Queen's Staircase stands as both a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of Bahamian heritage. The narrow limestone walls that flank the steps create a dramatic canyon-like atmosphere, with tropical vegetation cascading down the sides. Visitors can still see the tool marks left by the enslaved workers who painstakingly carved each step by hand, making it a powerful reminder of the human cost of colonial construction projects.

The Queen's Staircase is located on Elizabeth Avenue in downtown Nassau, easily accessible by foot, taxi, or rental car. From downtown Nassau or the cruise port, it's about a 10-15 minute walk south toward Fort Fincastle. Many visitors combine their trip with a visit to Fort Fincastle at the top of the stairs. Taxis are readily available from hotels and the cruise port, with most drivers familiar with the location. If walking from Bay Street, head south on Elizabeth Avenue and follow the signs - the entrance is clearly marked and hard to miss.