Nassau and Paradise Island: Shopping

Bahamas Rum Cake Factory This local treat comes in a variety of flavors, but the original Bahamian rum cake, with its surprisingly alcoholic bite, remains the best. Downtown Nassau; East Bay St.; 866-265-2253; www.bahamasgo.com/bahamasrumcake.htm
culinary

Crystal Court Shops at Atlantis The high-end shopper need not venture downtown, when all the big names – Versace, Ferragamo, Cartier – are lined up next to the casino at Atlantis. Paradise Island; Paradise Island; 242-363-3000; www.atlantis.com
expensive | designer | mall

Festival Place Amazingly, only authentic Bahamian food and crafts are sold in these cruise-ship terminal shops that opened in 2005. Head here for woodcarving, sponges and locally made jewelry, plus straw bags by sought-after local designer Harl Taylor. Prince George Wharf; 242-323-3182
family | souvenirs | mall

Marina Village Everybody says they want the most authentic travel experience, but when straw bags and conch stew get old, head over to this Americanized outdoor mall, engineered to look perfectly quaint. The art is a tad expensive, but you can be assured that it’s the real thing, and not a mass-produced knockoff. Paradise Island;
art | mall | eclectic

Straw Market It’s hot and crowded, and most of the goods are mass-produced, but the famous Straw Market should be seen – once! Aim to find vendors who make their own crafts, and haggle to get the best deal; 9am-5pm. Downtown Nassau;
souvenirs | handicrafts