Port Lucaya Marketplace
Port Lucaya Marketplace is a popular tourist destination located on the island of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas. The marketplace offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The market is located in the heart of Freeport, the second largest city in the Bahamas. It covers an area of approximately 9 acres and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
History and Development
Port Lucaya Marketplace was developed in the 1960s by the Grand Bahama Port Authority as a way to attract tourists to the island. The marketplace was designed to be a hub of commercial activity, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for visitors.
Over the years, the marketplace has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the changing needs and preferences of tourists. Today, it is a modern, bustling commercial center that offers a unique blend of traditional Bahamian culture and modern amenities.
Shopping
One of the main attractions of Port Lucaya Marketplace is the shopping experience it offers. The marketplace is home to a wide range of shops and boutiques, selling everything from designer clothing and accessories to traditional Bahamian crafts and souvenirs.
Visitors can browse through the numerous stores and pick up a variety of items, including beachwear, jewelry, handcrafted items, and much more. Some of the popular stores at the marketplace include the Island Straw Market, where visitors can purchase a variety of straw hats, bags, and other items, and the Perfume Factory, which offers a range of fragrances and cosmetics.
Dining
Port Lucaya Marketplace is also home to a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to fine dining. Visitors can choose from a wide range of cuisines, including Bahamian, Italian, Chinese, and American.
Some of the popular restaurants at the marketplace include the Count Basie Square Bar and Grill, which offers a selection of classic American dishes, and the Zorba’s Greek Restaurant, which serves authentic Greek cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of drinks and cocktails at the marketplace’s many bars and lounges.
Entertainment
In addition to shopping and dining, Port Lucaya Marketplace also offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors. The marketplace is home to a large amphitheater, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, cultural shows, and other performances.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the marketplace, such as beach volleyball and water sports. The marketplace is located near some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, including Lucayan Beach and Taino Beach, where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
Accommodation
Port Lucaya Marketplace is located near some of the best hotels and resorts on the island. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular hotels and resorts near the marketplace include the Grand Lucayan Resort, the Pelican Bay Resort, and the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort.
Visitors can also choose to stay at one of the many vacation rentals located near the marketplace. Vacation rentals offer visitors the opportunity to stay in a private home or apartment, with all the amenities of a hotel.
Getting There
Port Lucaya Marketplace is located in Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama. Visitors can reach the island by air or sea. The island has an international airport, the Grand Bahama International Airport, which is serviced by several major airlines.
Visitors can also reach the island by cruise ship. The island has a large cruise ship terminal, which is serviced by several major cruise lines. Once on the island, visitors can reach the marketplace by taxi or rental car.
Conclusion
Port Lucaya Marketplace is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Bahamas. It offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it the perfect place for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The marketplace is located in the heart of Freeport, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by air or sea.
Visitors to Port Lucaya Marketplace can enjoy a range of activities, from shopping for traditional Bahamian crafts and souvenirs to dining at a variety of restaurants serving a range of cuisines. The marketplace also offers a variety of entertainment options, including concerts and cultural shows, making it the perfect place to spend an evening.
In addition to the many attractions at the marketplace, visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including water sports and swimming at some of the nearby beaches. The marketplace is located near some of the best hotels and resorts on the island, making it a convenient place to stay for visitors looking to explore the island.
Overall, Port Lucaya Marketplace is a vibrant and exciting destination that should not be missed by anyone traveling to the Bahamas. Its unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options make it the perfect place to spend a day or evening, and its convenient location near some of the best hotels and resorts on the island makes it the perfect base for exploring all that the island has to offer.
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FAQ's
Duty Free Shopping
The following duty-free items range between 15%-30% below U.S. and European prices. These items include fine jewelry, watches, leather products, china, crystal, crocheted linens and tablecloths, liquor, perfume and cologne, photographic equipment and accessories, sweaters.
US Residents
Returning US residents (each family member including infants) who were out the US for 48 hours may claim duty free retail merchandise valued up to $800.00 each without paying duty and may only be claimed every 30 days. Purchases up to $1,000.00 retail in excess of $800.00 exemption is assessed at a flat rate of 3%. One person, on one day, may receive a shipment of goods purchased in the Bahamas to their US address duty free, providing the value does not exceed $200.00.
Liquor And Tobacco Products
US exemption may include up to 2 liters (67.6 oz.) of liquor per person 21 or older, provided one liter is manufactured in the Bahamas or Caribbean Basin. Tobacco products have limited entry, with 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (Cuban cigars are not allowed) allowed per person 18 or older.
Canandian Residents
Canadian residents may take advantage of one of three options if they are out of the country 24 hours, they may claim CDN$50.00 duty free allowance any number of times throughout the year excluding tobacco and alcohol products. Residents out of the country for 48 hours may claim CDN$400.00 this may include 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and up to 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor or 1.5 litres of wine or 24 twelve oz. containers of beer. Canadian residents who were outside of the country for 7days or more may claim a CDN$750.00 exemption including the alcohol and tobacco amounts indicated above.
United Kingdom Residents
Residents are entitled to a £390 duty exemption for gifts and souvenirs plus an allowance for other items including perfume (60 ml) and toilet water (250 ml). The exemption also extends to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, two liters of wine, one liter of liquor (over 22% alcohol), or two liters sparkling wine or other liqueurs. Tobacco and alcohol products are for persons over 17. Residents must have visited for at least 24 hours; should the value exceed the £390 exemption level; duty is assessed on the full value inclusive of the 390 pounds.
Bahamas Customs
Visitors may bring in certain items free of customs and stamp tax duty. These items include apparel, toiletries and similar personal effects; one qt. of alcohol beverage; one qt. of wine; one lb. in weight of tobacco of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (adults only); and any other articles up to a value of $100.00.
