The Queen’s Staircase is Nassau’s most moving historic sight, and one of its most photogenic. Between 1793 and 1794, enslaved people hewed these steps out of solid limestone rock, cutting a deep, narrow gorge up the ridge behind the town to give a direct route from Fort Fincastle down to the city. Decades later the steps were named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned over Britain for 64 years, from 1837 to 1901. Today the staircase is a cool, green ravine, with ferns and tropical trees overhanging the sheer rock walls, a striking contrast with the bright, busy streets below. There are 66 steps in all, though only 65 can be seen, because the bottom one lies buried beneath the paved path. At the top stand Fort Fincastle, a small stone fort of the same era, and the tall Water Tower, which has recently been restored.
How it works: the staircase sits at the top of Elizabeth Avenue, a few minutes’ walk uphill from Bay Street and the cruise port. It is a public site with no ticket needed for the steps themselves. Local guides often wait at the bottom and may offer a story for a tip; agree a price first if you accept. Straw-market style vendors traditionally set up near the fort, and they were moved during the recent works.
What to expect: the climb is short but steep, and the steps can be slippery after rain. At the top, Fort Fincastle looks over the harbour, and the Water Tower beside it, nearly a century old, has been through a restoration that included concrete repairs, new signage on the history of the fort, tower and staircase, and plans for a lift. Contractors aimed to finish in early 2026, with inspections to follow, so check locally whether the tower and its viewing level are open before you rely on them for the view.
Making the most of it: come early in the morning, before cruise groups arrive, for soft light and quiet steps. Wear grippy shoes, bring water, and take a moment to read the history: these steps were cut by hand by people who were not free.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided climb up a shaded limestone gorge of 66 steps to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower on Bennet’s Hill.
Best time
Early morning, before the cruise crowds arrive and while the gorge is cool and quiet for photos.
How long
Thirty minutes to an hour, including the fort and the view at the top.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, agree a price before accepting a guide’s story, and check locally whether the Water Tower is open.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who wants a free, meaningful sight within walking distance of the cruise port.
- Families
- Easy for most children, though the steep, sometimes slippery steps need care with toddlers.
- Couples
- A cool, green and atmospheric spot for photos before a long lunch downtown.
- Pair with
- The Bites of Nassau food tour, which covers the downtown streets just below.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
How many steps are there?+
There are 66 steps, but only 65 are visible because the bottom step is buried under the paved path. The climb is short but steep.
Who built the Queen’s Staircase?+
Enslaved people carved it out of solid limestone between 1793 and 1794. It was later named in honour of Queen Victoria.
Does it cost anything to visit?+
No, the staircase is a free public site. Local guides may offer stories for a tip, so agree a price first.
Is the Water Tower open?+
The Water Tower and fort grounds went through a restoration due to finish in early 2026, followed by official inspections. Check locally before you go if the tower view matters to you.
How do I get there from the cruise port?+
Walk east along Bay Street and up Elizabeth Avenue, which takes about ten to fifteen minutes. The road is uphill, so go early while it is cool.