Bennet's Hill

It is easiest to start at the top of Bennet's Hill--at the fort--and then walk one block downhill to the staircase.

●Fort Fincastle

At top of the hill. Daily 8am-4pm. $3, $2 kids (don’t need to tip guide if payment is taken, otherwise $1 tip).

Shaped like a paddle-steamer, Fort Fincastle was built circa 1793. It overlooks Nassau and Paradise Island and the eastern approach to New Providence. Cannons here include two 24 pounders, two 32 pounders, two 12 pounders, and one howitzer. The fort served as a lighthouse until 1817, when it was replaced by the lighthouse on Hog Island (now Paradise Island). It then became a signal station.

Fort Fincastle in Nassau, Bahamas

entrance to Fort Fincastle in Nassau, Bahamas

●The Water Tower

Behind Fort Fincastle.

The Water Tower was erected in 1928 to maintain water pressure on the island. At 126 feet, it is the tallest structure on the island and provides a marvelous panoramic view of town. It has a narrow, winding staircase with 216 steps, however currently the tower is closed and there is no public access. Eventually it will reopen as part of the fort.

The Water Tower, behind Fort Fincastle in Nassau, Bahamas

●Souvenir vendors

line the street leading down from the fort to the Queen’s Staircase.

souvenir stands by Fort Fincastle in Nassau, Bahamas

●Queen's Staircase

Elizabeth Ave. South. Free.

Commonly referred to as “the 66 steps,” this major landmark was carved out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794. It provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to downtown. The steps were later named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. Because the pathway that leads to the steps was paved and the bottom step is buried under the asphalt, only 65 steps are visible. Today, its cool limestone walls, waterfall, and foliage make it feel like an oasis.