Getting There Nassau is connected with the rest of the world by fine airline links, but fundamentally from Miami. An average of a 100 planes flight to Nassau daily, especially charter flights. Bahamsair. Phone in Nassau: (242)377-5505; in Freeport (242) 352-8341. Abaco Air: Phones: 242-367-2266/2205.

REQUIREMENTS United States citizens do not need passports for a stay not longer than 8 months. British and Canadians do not require it either for a stay not exceeding three weeks, the rest of the nationalities should carry duly updated passport.

TRANSPORTATION Taxis: The transfer to the city can be made by taxi with rates that fluctuates between US$8, 16 and 23, with a charge of US$2 per person and US$0.50 every two suitcases. Buses: Simple tickets cost US$0.75 for adults and US$0.50 for kids. Car Rental: Avis,Nassau International Airport, Phone: 242 277 7172 and in Freeport, Phone 242 352 7666. Hertz in Nassau, phone: 242 377 6321. In Freeport, phone: 242 352 3297. For public transportation "Jitneys" are used, buses that operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at a price of US$0.75 cents.

WHERE TO SLEEP Breezes Bahamas Nassau. Phone: 242-327-6153. Nassau Beach Hotel Cable Beach. Nassau. Phone: 242-327-7711. Nassau Marriott Resort & Crystal Palace Casino Cable Beach. Nassau. Phone: 242-327-6200. Radisson Cable Beach & Golf Resort, Cable Beach, Nassau. Phone: 242-327-6000. Atlantis Hotel. Paradise Island. Phone: 242-363-2543.

WHERE TO EAT On this archipelago, everything you order can be eaten, but it is recommendable to taste the Bahamian food as seafood, fried fish or kaguama. Bahamian Kitchen. Plaza Trinidad in Bay Street. Phone: 325-0702. Flamingo Garden Cafe. 109 Collins Ave. Phone: 356-7904. Junkanoo Cafe. Bay Street and Plaza colonial. Phone: 328-7944. Silk Cotton Club. Market Street. Phone: 356-0955.

SHOPS The main shopping areas are found at Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and Freeport / Lucaya. The main street for shopping is that along the bay (Bay St.). Different kinds of products are sold. The secret to get the best bargain is to find shops with the image of a pink flamenco on the door. This means that their items and brands are genuine and of a good quality.

NOT-TO-BE MISSED It is recommended to visit the aquarium of Atlantis Hotel or to visit its casino regarded as the largest of the Caribbean. Other sites are Charlotte and Fincastle fortresses, the House of Government, to go up to the Torre del Agua (Water Tower), the Escaleras de la Reina (Queen Stairs) and take pictures at Balcony House, to eat at Arawak Cay, to go to Crystal Cay aquarium and to travel along the other islands. The change-of-guard ceremony takes place at 10:00 a.m. at the Government House Grounds, situated at Baillou Hill Road. Phone: 242 322 2020. Balcony House is a building whose architecture follows the design of the American southeast at the end of the 18th century. The entry is free, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Thursday that is close to the public. Phone: 242 322 2193. If you want to enjoy nature, you will find the perfect place at Bahamas. At Nassau's Botanical Garden over 600 species of flowers and plants can be found. It is located in Chippingham Road and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a price of US$1 for adults and US$0.50 for kids. Phone: 242 323 5875. In Paradise Island, a spectacular botanical garden and a zoo are found, the Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Centre where over 300 birds species, mammals and reptiles live. Show programs are 11:10 a.m., 2:10 p.m.,4:10 p.m. The entry is US$10 per adults and US$5 for kids. Phone: 242 323 5806. Get to know the story of piracy and Nassau at the beginning of the 18th century in an interactive museum at Marlborough & George Street and open from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry costs US$15 for adults and US$8 for adolescents until 13. Phone: 242 356 3759.

Night Places The visitor can enjoy the cabaret shows as the Caribe Show of Rain Forest Theatre in Nassau Marriot Resort & the Crystal Palace Casino (Phone: 242 327 6200) or the Nightlife on the Princess Casino in the Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino. Phone: 242 352 9661. To rest after an active night, a ride on a horse-driven coach can be enjoyed along the island. In Nassau, coaches are hired in Rawson Square. The rate of the ride is of US$5.00 per 30 minutes. Rates are negotiable.