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Rawson Square
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Landmark
Rawson Square is the central plaza of Nassau, serving as the geographic and political heart of the city. Named after Sir Rawson W. Rawson, who was the Governor of the Bahamas in the 1860s, the square acts as a primary gateway for visitors arriving from the adjacent cruise ship terminal. At its center stands a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor-General following the nation's independence in 1973. To the south, the square transitions into Parliament Square, while to the north lies the Prince George Wharf. The square is a frequent venue for cultural exhibitions, political rallies, and national celebrations, particularly during the animated Junkanoo festivals. It remains a key symbol of the connection between the archipelago's colonial history and its contemporary identity as a sovereign state.
- Location: Bahamas
- Top sights: Bay Street (Nassau) · Bahamian Parliament Building · Nassau Public Library
- Nearby: Sandy Point (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 33 | 40 | 61 | 127 | 162 | 130 | 154 | 164 | 119 | 68 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Rawson Square is a public square in the heart of Nassau, freely accessible at all times. You can stroll, admire surrounding buildings, and watch the bustle.
Typical hours
As an open square, there are no opening hours. Busiest when cruise ships are in port, typically in the mornings.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere in the square. The pastel-colored colonial buildings and the Parliament building are popular subjects.
Time needed
A stay of 15 to 30 minutes is enough to enjoy the square and take photos. Those exploring the surrounding area can budget an hour.
Combine with
Combine the square with nearby Parliament Square and the government building. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is also just two minutes away.
Getting there
Rawson Square is right by Nassau Harbour, within walking distance of cruise terminals. Taxis and buses stop nearby, the city center is walkable.
Insider tip
Visit the square early morning before the cruise tourist rush. Then you have the best chance for undisturbed architecture photos.
Geography
Facts
- The square is named for Sir Rawson W. Rawson, Governor from 1864 to 1869.
- It features a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor-General.
- The square is located directly across from the Prince George Wharf cruise port.
- It serves as the northern entrance to the historic Parliament Square complex.
- Rawson Square is a major focal point for Junkanoo parades on Boxing Day.
- The site has been a center for public political discourse since the 19th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Rawson Square (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Rawson Square?
Government buildings, statues, and often local artisans.
Is the square far from the harbor?
No, it is located directly across from the cruise ship port.
To whom is the statue in the square dedicated?
It depicts Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor-General.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Sometimes there is public Wi-Fi, but it is not always stable.
Can you buy souvenirs there?
Yes, the famous Straw Market is just a few steps away.
Rawson Square: where is it located?
Rawson Square is located in Bahamas.
Rawson Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bay Street (Nassau), Bahamian Parliament Building, Nassau Public Library.
Rawson Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Rawson Square: why is it worth visiting?
Rawson Square is the central plaza of Nassau, serving as the geographic and political heart of the city.
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History & landmarks
Nassau Cenotaph
A war memorial in Nassau dedicated to Bahamians who fell in both World Wars.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.
Straw Market Nassau
A famous open-air market in Nassau for handmade straw goods.
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.
Queen's Staircase
A historic staircase in Nassau, carved out of solid limestone and featuring 66 steps.
Fort Fincastle
A historic fort on Bennet's Hill, shaped like a paddle-wheel steamer.
More places
Prince George Wharf
The main cruise pier in Nassau Harbour.
Three Queens Statue
A statue in Nassau honoring three important queens in British and Bahamian history.
Vendue House
Former marketplace, now the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.
Graycliff Chocolatier
A chocolate factory in Nassau where kids and adults can take tours and learn to make their own chocolate creations.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
An interactive museum for kids and adults that recreates the golden age of piracy in The Bahamas.
Parliament Square
The center of Bahamian government, featuring pink-hued colonial buildings.
Balcony House Museum
The oldest surviving wooden residential structure in Nassau.
Chancery Lane Ruins
The remains of old colonial buildings along a narrow lane in the heart of Nassau.