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Queen's Staircase
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Landmark
The Queen's Staircase, frequently referred to as the "66 Steps," is a major historical landmark located in the heart of Nassau on New Providence Island. This impressive structure was hand-carved out of solid limestone by enslaved people between 1793 and 1794, providing a strategic escape route from Fort Fincastle to the harbor below. The staircase was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and signed the declaration to abolish slavery in the Bahamas. The steps are tucked away within a lush, shaded canyon featuring high rock walls and tropical foliage, creating a naturally cool microclimate. Today, 65 steps remain visible, as the bottom step was covered by asphalt during subsequent road construction. It stands as a profound monument to the labor and resilience of the enslaved workers during the British colonial era.
- Location: Bahamas
- Top sights: Fort Fincastle (The Bahamas) · Nassau Public Library · Bahamian Parliament Building
- 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
The Queen's Staircase in Nassau is a freely accessible outdoor attraction. The 66 steps carved into the limestone can be climbed at any time.
Typical hours
As it is a public staircase, there are no opening hours. Best visited in the morning when the sun beautifully illuminates the limestone walls.
Photography
Photography is naturally allowed and very popular. The view from the top down onto the street and trees makes for great shots.
Time needed
The climb takes just a few minutes, but allow 15-20 minutes for the full visit. Enjoy the view from the top and take a break.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Fort Fincastle, just a short walk away. Parliament Square and Nassau Harbour are also easily reached.
Getting there
The Queen's Staircase is located in central Nassau, near the Government House. It is easily reachable on foot from downtown or by taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the staircase early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds. Bring a water bottle as it can get very hot in Nassau.
Geography
Facts
- The staircase was hand-carved from solid limestone between 1793 and 1794.
- There are 65 steps visible today, though there were originally 66.
- It provided a shortcut for soldiers to reach Fort Fincastle on Bennet's Hill.
- The structure stands approximately 102 feet high within the carved canyon.
- It was renamed in the 19th century to honor Queen Victoria's 65-year reign.
- The surrounding rock walls provide a natural cooling effect in the tropical heat.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Queen's Staircase (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does the Queen's Staircase have?
It consists of 66 hand-carved limestone steps.
Does it cost anything to access the staircase?
No, visiting the Queen's Staircase is free.
Why is it called the Queen's Staircase?
It was named in honor of Queen Victoria.
Is it very hot there in summer?
The high walls often provide pleasant shade and coolness.
Where exactly is it located?
Right next to Fort Fincastle in downtown Nassau.
Queen's Staircase: where is it located?
Queen's Staircase is located in Bahamas.
Queen's Staircase: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Fincastle (The Bahamas), Nassau Public Library, Bahamian Parliament Building.
Queen's Staircase: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Queen's Staircase: why is it worth visiting?
The Queen's Staircase, frequently referred to as the "66 Steps," is a major historical landmark located in the heart of Nassau on New Providence Island.
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History & landmarks
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.
Fort Fincastle
A historic fort on Bennet's Hill, shaped like a paddle-wheel steamer.
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.
Rawson Square
The center of downtown Nassau, often the gateway for cruise ship passengers.
Nassau Cenotaph
A war memorial in Nassau dedicated to Bahamians who fell in both World Wars.
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.
Straw Market Nassau
A famous open-air market in Nassau for handmade straw goods.
More places
Chancery Lane Ruins
The remains of old colonial buildings along a narrow lane in the heart of Nassau.
Parliament Square
The center of Bahamian government, featuring pink-hued colonial buildings.
Balcony House Museum
The oldest surviving wooden residential structure in Nassau.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
An interactive museum for kids and adults that recreates the golden age of piracy in The Bahamas.
Graycliff Chocolatier
A chocolate factory in Nassau where kids and adults can take tours and learn to make their own chocolate creations.
Nassau Water Tower
A historic water tower adjacent to Fort Fincastle that once supplied water to the city.
Three Queens Statue
A statue in Nassau honoring three important queens in British and Bahamian history.
Prince George Wharf
The main cruise pier in Nassau Harbour.