Queen's Staircase
Queen's Staircase
4
About
The Queen's Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and it is said that it provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901.
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- EdEdmonton, Canada210 contributionsWorth A VisitI wasn't sure if this would be worth visiting, given it's proximity to the Over The Hill neighbourhood but it was fine. It's beside a major hospital and an easy 10min walk from Bay Street (the main drag). It's a popular attraction with people everywhere. It's a set of stairs leading to Fort Fincastle but the history is interesting - do what I did and just find a big tour group (easy when the cruise ships are docked - pretty well every day), blend in and listen to the narrative.Visited February 2023Written 9 February 2023
- LeeS4Virginia Beach, Virginia84 contributionsBeautiful, but watch your backWell worth the visit. There was a guy at the top that stopped my group of 11 people (including children). I was at the front and noticed the crowd below was thinning out by the time he let us go. (If traveling in a smaller group, you can walk past him for your safety to not get separated from a crowd.) He told us history of the stairs (nothing you can’t look up online) and said red flowers bloom during the spring. He talked about the waterfall, but there was no waterfall. I’m not sure if they can control it, but it was not active. He asked for a donation after his speech. The view was awesome and I enjoyed it. At the end of the tunnel-like structure (from the trees) there is a bathroom. The women attendants were very friendly and happy to recommend a local eatery. They helped me with directions as well, which was a straight shot out of the staircase to get back to the shops. The way back was less sketch than the way there! The water pressure in the bathroom is less than desirable, but they had soap. It doesn’t hurt to bring supplemental supplies to clean hands if needed when you visit. I think because our group was so large, we had no issues and got to take everything in on our own time. (I did notice the guy at the top of the stairs hold people back from going down the staircase once we were at the bottom.) I heard back on the cruise ship that some smaller groups were less fortunate getting out with all their belongings. Overall, I liked it and appreciated it, but would not go back.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 February 2023
- 3000caloriesBuffalo, New York824 contributionsA nice shady walkThis is only like a five minute thing, especially if you taxi to the top and walk down. Avoid the shops at the top. You get nice photos and the whole walk is in the shade. There are also public restrooms here.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 February 2023
- JohnChicago, Illinois8 contributionsNice history but underwhelmingFountain was under maintenance so not as neat to see as expected. Lots of trash laying around and a bit out of the way to get to. Nice to see from a historical perspective but wouldn't feel the need to see again in the future.Visited March 2023Written 6 March 2023
- HudsonmccrawVirginia Beach, Virginia2,673 contributionsAn iconic sight in NassauWe had several hours to check out Nassau, and among the tops on our list was Queen's Staircase. It was a beautiful place near downtown Nassau, and the temperatures are a bit cooler due to the trees, shrubbery, and the natural walls surrounding the steps to the bottom. It is quite beautiful, and we enjoyed stopping by and relaxing there for a while. Anyone stopping in the capital city of the Bahamas, owes it to themselves to stop by Queen's Staircase.Visited March 2023Written 19 March 2023
- jlantern3Columbia, South Carolina12,515 contributionsStill WonderfulBeen about 10 years since I last visited the staircase,,, still a wonderful site. still, the water falls, fountain not working... nice climb. A free must sight stop if walking around NassauVisited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
- HexyGloucester, Massachusetts1,109 contributionsBeautiful area of NassauI booked an excursion through my cruise company and got a great tour of Nassau. The Queen's Staircase was one of the stops. We left the bus at the top near the military fort, which was also interesting to see. There were vendors selling souvenirs. The staircase itself is really tropical and beautiful with waterfalls and jungle-like vegetation all alongside the steps. At the bottom there were street musicians, which I always enjoy. Wonderful area for photos.Visited January 2023Written 17 April 2023
- Michele SHolden, Maine7 contributionsQueens Staircase is shady, cool, and historicLots of limestone everywhere. Enjoyed hearing the history of the staircase and climbing the stairs up. Walked around the market area and went inside Fincastle Fort to check it out. Lots of views from the top of the Queens staircase at Fincastle. Walked back down the stairs and did see a rat or two hanging out then.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2023
- UncleDawg01Mount Juliet, Tennessee159 contributionsWhat a cool little jewel amongst the chaos of Nassau.We have been to Nassau a couple of times and done the shopping and excursion stuff but never walked to the Queen's Staircase. It was worth the walk, just get directions before leaving the port and don't walk to Queen's Ave like we did. It's a short walk from Bay St and a really great photo opp. Listen to the guide explain the history, it's worth a tip. Then check out the Fort while you're up there.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 June 2023
- mikeyboy_esqTexas167 contributionsInteresting photo op during our recent Nassau vacayThis was an interesting spot to visit during our recent Bahamas vacation. We stopped here as part of a bus tour. Local tour guides standing at the top and bottom of the stairs give a brief history and kindly ask for tips. There's not much to do other than walk the stairs and take a few pics, so you only need about 15 minutes to enjoy this place.Visited June 2023Written 28 June 2023
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26
Daydream31039952415
Georgetown, KY9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place for some photos but that's about it. It is cooler than the surrounding areas because of the rock and shadow. Somehow the picturesque was more a testimony to the memory of the slaves that carved it.
There was trash and some rats. And we were bombarded by a few people wanting to sell us stuff. We said no and they backed off.
If you're going there, be sure to travel a little further up to Fort Fincastle and walk around.
There was trash and some rats. And we were bombarded by a few people wanting to sell us stuff. We said no and they backed off.
If you're going there, be sure to travel a little further up to Fort Fincastle and walk around.
Written 12 November 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.
Stacy C
Wilmington, DE11 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
While there is not much there, the environment is crazy. It is tropical and the stairs are impressive. When you see how steep and carved right into the limestone wall they are! There are people who will want to take you on a tour but we walked past them, said hello and no thank you and kept on our way. Glad we went.
Written 12 November 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.
Abel R
Miami, FL151 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
My friends and I decided to walk to the Queen’s Staircase from the port. We googled the directions and it took us 15 minutes to get there. Many of the streets don’t have sidewalks so that was a little scary as you don’t want to get run over by the passing cars. We got there very early in the morning and had the staircase to ourselves. We took pictures and appreciated the scenery. Also, it was very humid. It felt like standing inside an Amazon forest.
Written 6 October 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.
Breanna C
Ogden, UT15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It’s ok. There’s not much to do here but it’s a great photo opportunity and that’s about it.there are guys that are telling you about their history and expect tips so we just walked passed them and said we’ve already heard the history.
Written 5 October 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.
Tammy N
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
66 Stairs no sweat the history how the tunnel was dug very educational
It took 2000 Housman days slaves to dig this tunnel.
It took 2000 Housman days slaves to dig this tunnel.
Written 1 September 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.
crsswift
Mobile33 contributions
Aug 2023
Beautiful in a way. Long alley with an overhead canopy and filtered light. Somewhat trashy, as in literal trash. The history of the place is very confused. No one seems to be sure exactly when/why it was created or how many slaves worked and died creating it. It was a 20-30 minute hike up from the cruise terminal, you're gonna sweat. Be mindful of traffic and stay to the main roads and you'll be fine. If you visit on your own, you can expect a local to hit you up for a history lesson. If you choose to pass on that, you'll really only need to be there for about 5 minutes for a few pics.
Written 11 August 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.
female_abroad
Vancouver, Canada164 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
It's a staircase, not really much to say about it... Above it is a fort with a few souvenir spots and below is a parking lot. Is it worth going out of your way for? No. Is it worth exploring while in the area? Sure, why not. The history behind it is interesting but it is not worth going out of your way for.
Written 7 August 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.
lilwendigirl
Downingtown, PA51 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Interesting historical place we walked to on a self guided tour. A few locals are there explaining the history ( and they expect a tip) . It’s a quick stop and worth it if you are visiting fort fincastle.
Written 6 August 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.
CreativeGreenAdventures
8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a great, free thing to do in Nassau. The deep gully was built as part of a fortress by slaves but after being emancipated, the slaves as a gift to queen Victoria who outlawed slavery carved the Queen’s staircase. The gully is a nice respite from the heat, the plant life is impressive and there are only 66 stairs so not too many for people in only moderate shape to climb.
Written 3 August 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.
William S
Sealy, United States15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This is a beautiful place with lots of history! I love exploring historical sites at the places I visit.
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.
03Teresa
Hampton, IA12 contributions
How hard is it to get a taxi from a cruise ship? I’d like to see this but might not want to sign up for a cruise excursion just to see it.
Hudsonmccraw
Virginia Beach, VA2,673 contributions
It's a short walk from port. But plenty of taxis that are easy to find that will take you there.
Carol D
Yuma, AZ1 contribution
How much is a taxi from the cruise ship to the queens staircase
DJtrinivibes
Bronx, NY1,437 contributions
For that distance it shouldn't be more than $50
GoldHenry
Athens, TN1 contribution
Is there a handicap entrance or not?
Amanda M
State Line, PA87 contributions
There is a road and walk way that leads to the foliage and water area. You could drive up or use wheel chair to see foliage.There is no way up the stairs unless you find the road to drive in a car up behind it.
luckymin123
Ruthven, Canada6 contributions
How far is it from queens staircase to Junkanoo beach?
morganLynn41
Dallas, TX27 contributions
I would agree with the previous answers. We walked it, probably about a mile. If you can walk the mile then I'd say its worth it because you get to see some of Nassau along the way!
Cornealia P
Huntington, WV63 contributions
How far of a walk is this from the port? Or, is a taxi recommended?
2010fordflex
Trussville, AL106 contributions
It is not far at all, it definitely walkable
atruetexan
Conroe, TX57 contributions
Is there a way to get to the top without walking the staircase? Hubby cant do stairs. Thanks
Brenda G
Alberta, Canada94 contributions
We came at it from the fort and started at the top. Honestly tho, can't remember is we needed to go up steps to get to the fort or not. Might be able to google earth and find out.
Aubrey
Post Falls, ID11 contributions
Is it free to visit the Queens staircase?
notperfectalas2
california374 contributions
Yes, but it may not be pain-free to walk UP the stairs if you have bad knees or hips or a bad back.
tillyanne4
King of Prussia, PA1 contribution
How far is this from atlantis
Funnant
Summerville, SC13 contributions
It is slightly less than 2 miles(1.98) and about a 10 minute car ride(depending on traffic of course). If you have a map you "could" walk it in probably 20 or 30 minutes.
Erin S
Hobe Sound, FL24 contributions
Where should we park for Queens staircase!?
Guide782107
9 contributions
There is parking at the top of the stairs. However, our guide gave us a tour of at the bottom and then left us to walk up on our own and picked us up at the top near the fort.
How far is this from the cruise ship port, we will be coming on the allure of the seas and is there an enterence fee
weasiew
Monroe, NC19 contributions
There’s no fee. We went on a tour with a tour. Devine Servants. Perry McPhee gave us a great tour. A friend had used his service on an earlier trip. It was 25 dollars and we went to the conch shell restaurant, tasted conch fritters, rum cake factory, t-shirt store (not like the tourist shops), tea factory, and he stopped and let a friend purchase those huge conch shells 4 each.
It’s not a walking place but Mr. McPhee let us walk down the staircase and then he picked us at the bottom! Thank goodness we didn’t have to walk back up! Try to get him to give you the tour. My friend emailed him and set up a time to meet at the dock.
He is on Facebook. Cell number is 2425355286. This is not allowing me to post an email address.
Look on Facebook for Perry McPhee.
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Claim your listingQUEEN'S STAIRCASE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Queen's Staircase
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