THE BAHAMAS IS HOME TO ABOUT 700 islands ringed by shimmering shores where fantasy blue and green waters lap powdery white and pink sands, but its 6.6 million annual visitors spend most of their time on just a handful of islands, and almost all visit the capital city of Nassau. On New Providence Island, where 70 percent of the nation lives, Nassau proves one of the most popular ports on Caribbean cruises. Day- trippers hunt for bargains at the famed Straw Market or swim with sharks and rays in the idyllic waters before reboarding their behemoth ships and sailing off. Those remaining on the island, though, still find plenty to see after dark.

The towering resorts of Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island present a trove of dining and nightlife venues, but don’t overlook their record-breaking, trend-shattering casinos either. Aside from bucking the tradition of having no windows (who could block out Bahamian views?), the sheer volume of these gaming venues impresses. Baha Mar’s central casino — the largest in the entire Caribbean — features more than 1,000 slot machines and scores of gaming tables, setting a vibrant scene of evening adrenaline.

For a swankier night of international intrigue, leave the casino behind and saunter in to Martini Bar and Lounge at The Ocean Club. This Four Seasons venue offers a more exclusive atmosphere for sipping classic cocktails in style, and fans of 007 will recognize it from Casino Royale. Sample your own shaken-not-stirred here by trying the signature Vesper Martini (three parts gin, one part vodka, half part Kina Lillet).

Like much of the region, the level of LGBTQ+ acceptance is low here, so you won’t find venues geared toward the community.

If business or romance is on the agenda, impress your partner with a refined dinner at Graycliff Restaurant in the former colonial mansion of Princess Lee Radziwill, younger sister of Jackie Onassis. Graycliff’s intimate dining rooms are ideally suited for quiet conversation amid the ambience of a bygone era of sophistication and easy elegance highlighted by impeccable, discreet service. While the Graycliff empire also includes a cigar factory, chocolate factory, gelateria and winery located in what was once the oldest church in the Bahamas, the restaurant’s wine cellar shines as the jewel in its crown. Housing more than a quarter million bottles (including the world’s oldest known potable bottle, a 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein), it boasts the world’s third-largest collection. Be sure to order from it.