Comparison · Key West vs Nassau · United States / Bahamas
Key West vs Nassau
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Radomianin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Key West for Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway; choose Nassau for Atlantis Paradise Island and Junkanoo. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 450 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 450 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Key West
- December–May
- Best time for Nassau
- December–April
Side by side
| Key West | Nassau | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Bahamas |
| Known for | Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and Duval Street | Atlantis Paradise Island, Junkanoo and Conch |
| Best time to visit | December–May | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $320–$520 | $280–$500 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 25°C (77°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 4 |
| Beaches | Fort Zachary Taylor beach | Cabbage Beach |
| Airports | EYW | NAS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Key West for…
Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway. Key West is a small coral island at the end of the Overseas Highway, about 250 km from Miami and closer to Havana than to most of Florida. Old Town — Duval Street, Bahama Village and the harbour — is about 3 km across, so visitors get around by bike, on foot…
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Choose Nassau for…
Atlantis Paradise Island and Junkanoo. Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, sits on the north shore of New Providence island. Its compact downtown along Bay Street has pink colonial government buildings, the Straw Market and the cruise-ship piers at Prince George Wharf, with 18th-century forts on…
Top sights compared
| # | Key West | Nassau |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Atlantis Aquaventure |
| 2 | Mallory Square Sunset Celebration | Cabbage Beach |
| 3 | Duval Street | Junkanoo Beach |
| 4 | Southernmost Point buoy | Queen's Staircase |
| 5 | Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park | Fort Fincastle |
Food compared
| Key West | Nassau |
|---|---|
| Key lime pie | Conch salad |
| Conch fritters | Cracked conch |
| Key West pink shrimp | Conch fritters |
| Cuban sandwich | Peas 'n' rice |
Which is cheaper?
Key West and Nassau cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $320–$520 in Key West and $280–$500 in Nassau (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Nassau on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Key West and Nassau are about 450 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Key West and 5 in Nassau.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Key West or Nassau cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $320–$520 in Key West and $280–$500 in Nassau (estimates).
+Is Key West or Nassau better for a first trip?
Pick Key West for Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway, or Nassau for Atlantis Paradise Island and Junkanoo.
+How far is Key West from Nassau?
About 450 km in a straight line.