Downtown Nassau’s Top Free WiFi Hotspots
Let’s face it, as much as some of us love the idea of hopping off the grid entirely while vacationing, the reality is that staying connected to home is important and, in many cases, even necessary. Despite the excitement of exploring a new city, we want to be able to continue checking emails, texts, WhatsApp messages, Snapchat photos and, of course, have immediate access to our social media accounts so we can show off our amazing pics of the places we’re spending time in. That being said, both cruise and longer-term Nassau visitors alike will know that staying connected can be difficult in The Bahamas since International roaming plans or purchasing a local phone number and/or data can be expensive and onerous to set up. What’s more, there aren’t a ton of places you’ll find offering free wifi in Nassau- even within many hotels.
So how does a traveller stay connected while in Nassau for free? We think your best (and most satisfying) option is stop into one of the several island cafes, bars or restaurants providing open wifi for their customers. Of course, you’ll likely come across the usual city haunts recognizable everywhere re: Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, both of whom offer internet access. But if you’re interested in a more local, varied experience and maybe even something authentically Bahamian to nibble/sip on in the process, take a look at our list of the tastiest free wifi hotspots in Downtown Nassau.
Restaurants & Bistros:
BAHAMIAN COOKIN’ RESTAURANT & BAR
Credit: Eat The Caribbean
Established in 1986, Bahamian Cookin’ is known for dishing up some of the best Bahamian plates you can find on the island (like the unbelievably delicious baked macaroni and cheese that we feature on our Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour). The ambiance is classic down-home and the menu is comprehensive and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner (Thurs-Sat only) specials such as chicken souse and Johnny cake, traditional steamed mutton, or a Bahama Mama cocktail at any time of day. The wifi is reliable and you’ll be able to post your foodie shots of your meal online immediately!
Google Map: Trinity Place, opposite the Central Bank of The Bahamas
Hours: Breakfast: 7:30am-10:30am (Mon-Fri)
Lunch: 11:30am-4:00pm (Mon-Sat)
Dinner: 5:30pm-10:30pm (Thurs -Sat)
WiFi Info: Free for all seated and take-out restaurant and bar customers. Ask staff for password. Strong wifi service.
CAFE SANDS
Credit: Tru Bahamian Food Tours
Cafe Sands designs a delectable medley of Thai, Euro, and Bahamian flavors and offers free public wifi access to guests at the bar or dining in. Nestle into a corner with grilled bratwurst and fries or that world famous coconut curry conch chowder and text, email, or browse the web at your leisure! If you prefer, you can take that smart device to the bar and enjoy Bahamian Sands Beer on tap, or a local mixed drink – we recommend the Yellow Bird, it’ll have you chirping in no time!
Google Map: Charlotte Street, next to The Bahamas Financial Centre
Hours: Lunch: 10:00am-3:00pm (Mon-Sat) / Dinner: 6:00pm-10:00pm (Wed-Sat)
WiFi Info: Free for all restaurant and bar patrons- ask server for password. No time limit. Excellent quality.
Cafés & Coffee Shops:
GREGORY’S MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS
Credit: Kaboom
If you’ve joined us on our Bites of Nassau Food Tour, you’ll know that The Bahamas is a great mixing pot of cultures, and Mediterranean influences account for a huge portion of the crock. This delightful little deli serves up fresh salads, sandwiches, pastries, conch gyros (yes and they’re delicious) in addition to a healthy serving of wifi! Gregory’s is cozy and the signal is strong, so your lunch may turn into an afternoon coffee sooner than you think.
Google Map: George Street, turn left off of Bay Street at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlour sign
Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm (Mon-Fri) / 9:00am-5:00pm (Sat) / 9:00am-4:00pm (Sun)
Wifi Info: Free for all cafe customers while there- ask barista for login. No time limit. Excellent signal.
AVISTA COFFEE SHOP & LOUNGE
Credit: Avista Coffee Shop & Lounge
A fairly new arrival to the downtown neighborhood, during the day, this chic and cozy little coffee shop offers free wifi, comfy chairs and quiet ambiance and, our favourite), a nice selection of tasty pastries to complement the latte menu. From universal traditional treats such as red velvet cupcakes to Bahamian delicacies like flaky guava tarts, Avista serves up sophisticated refreshments with its uninterrupted wifi. What’s more- Avista becomes a wine lounge after 6PM! So once you’re done with your coffee, we recommend sticking around for happy hour, some sultry jazz and, of course, even more wifi!
Google Map: Elizabeth on Bay Plaza, find it at the Eastern end of Bay Street
Hours: 7:00am–5:00pm (Mon-Thurs) / 7:00am–2:00am (Fri-Sat)
WiFi Info: Open to cafe and bar customers and persons in the area. No time limit. Very good connection.
Bars & Pubs:
BACARDI LOUNGE
Credit: Bacardi Store
No list in Nassau would be complete without a watering hole or two! This particular bar (which reopened in 2014 following a bad fire) is located just across from Rawson’s Square and is well equipped with one of the strongest wifi signals in all of downtown. While surfing the web, we suggest treating yourself to one of many tasty Bacardi signature rum cocktails or a delicious frozen drink such as their Mango Passion Fruit Daiquiri!
Google Map: At the corner of East Street and Bay Streets, near Rawson Square
Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm (Mon-Thurs) / 10:00am-2:00am (Fri-Sat) / 10:00am-3:00pm (Sun)
WiFi Info: Free for all customers while shopping and sipping- ask bartender for code. No time limit. Best signal we’ve found downtown!
PIRATES PUB & GRILL
Credit: Black Hill Slab
An appropriate addition to the Pirates of Nassau Museum is their Pirates Pub & Grill. This themed bar is the perfect place to relax with free wifi, alongside a round of cool Bahamian beers and menu specials like their Sweet Rhum Wings. Perhaps you’ll even deepen your knowledge of our islands’ piratical past and impress the Captain on duty!
Google Map: George and King Streets, across from Christ Church Cathedral
Hours: 10:00am-2:00am (Mon-Sun)
WiFi Info: Free for all bar and grill customers while dining and drinking- ask staff member for password. No time limit. Very good quality.
Special Note For Cruise Ship Passengers:
For checking in on-the-go, we also recommend the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Festival Place Welcome Center for complementary WiFi when you first arrive in port or anytime you’re exploring downtown. Located along the wharf opposite Parliament Street (you can’t miss it since you’ll have to walk through on your way to and from your ship), the area doesn’t have many areas for seating or lounging with online and you’ll likely have to fight for a spot of strong connectivity but it is fairly reliable and, importantly, completely free once you’ve managed to get on!