For many, shopping is one of Nassau's greatest delights. Wandering around Nassau's Straw Market, between Bay Street and the waterfront, is an experience in itself. Don't forget to look in the hotel arcades, which have many elegant shops. You can return home with a variety of handmade Bahamian goods or splurge at duty-free shops. You'll find duty-free prices -- generally 25%-50% less than U.S. prices -- on imported items such as crystal, linens, watches, cameras, sweaters, leather goods, and perfumes. Prices here rival those in other duty-free destinations.

Most of Nassau's shops are on Bay Street between Rawson Square and the British Colonial Hotel, and on the side streets leading off Bay Street. Some stores, however, are beginning to pop up on the eastern end of the main shopping thoroughfare. You can bargain at the Straw Market, but prices in shops are fixed.

The impressive displays of Cuban cigars, imported by Bahamian merchants, lure aficionados to the Bahamas for cigar sprees. Be aware, however, that some merchants on Bay Street and elsewhere in the islands are selling counterfeits -- sometimes unwittingly. If the price seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Check the wrappers, feel to ensure that there is a consistent fill before you purchase, and chances are you won't get burned. A number of stores along the main shopping strip do stock only the best authentic Cuban stogies.

Clothing is no great bargain in Nassau, but many stores sell fine imports. Perhaps the best local buy is brightly batiked Androsia fabric -- available by the yard or sewn into sarongs, dresses, and blouses -- produced on the island of Andros.