What to do once you land inBermudaFind your bearings
Bermuda is tiny only 21 square miles but packs in pink sand beaches, pastel-colored cottages, and a sailing culture that runs deep. It's not in the Caribbean (it's actually off the coast of North Carolina), which means cooler winters but gorgeous spring-through-fall weather. The island is divided into nine parishes, each with its own character.
Neighborhoods
Hamilton (City) — The capital and commercial hub: waterfront restaurants, duty-free shopping on Front Street, and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
St. George's — UNESCO World Heritage town on the east end. Cobblestone streets, 400-year-old forts, and Tobacco Bay beach nearby
Somerset & Sandys Parish — The quiet west end: Royal Naval Dockyard, artisan shops, and calm beaches. Less touristy, more laid-back
South Shore — The famous pink sand stretch from Horseshoe Bay to Warwick Long Bay, connected by cliff trails and hidden coves
Flatts Village — Charming inlet village with the Bermuda Aquarium, pastel houses reflected in still water, and great local fish spots
Best time to visit
May through October for beach weather and warm ocean swimming. April and November are shoulder season with lower prices. Bermuda Day (late May) kicks off summer with a parade and harbour swim.
Getting around
No rental cars allowed for tourists. Use scooters, e-bikes, ferries, or the bus system
Pink and blue public buses cover the whole island for $5 per ride or get a transport pass
The ferry between Hamilton, Dockyard, and St. George's is scenic and fast use it as a sightseeing boat
Twizy electric cars (two-seaters) are available to rent and are the closest thing to a car you'll get
Key areas
HamiltonSt. George'sHorseshoe BayRoyal Naval DockyardFlatts Village
Zero-dollar wins
1
Horseshoe Bay BeachBermuda's most famous pink sand beach with dramatic limestone formations. Free to access, facilities available
2
South Shore trail walkHike the coastal trail connecting Horseshoe Bay to Warwick Long Bay, discovering hidden coves between cliffs
3
St. George's historic town walkWander the UNESCO streets past St. Peter's Church (1612), the Unfinished Church, and colonial architecture
4
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse viewsThe grounds are free to explore with panoramic ocean views. Climbing the lighthouse is only $2.50
5
Hamilton waterfront strollWalk along Front Street and the harbour, watch mega-yachts dock, browse shop windows, catch a sunset
6
Blue Hole ParkHidden mangrove nature reserve with crystal-clear swimming holes, caves, and rope swings. Totally free, rarely crowded
7
Cooper's Island Nature ReserveFormer NASA tracking station turned nature reserve with pristine beaches, nesting birds, and walking trails
Treat yourself
(we think it's worth it)
Marcus' at Hamilton Princess$80 to $140
Marcus Samuelsson's Bermudian outpost with harbour views, global flavors, and impeccable serviceLoren at Pink Beach$90 to $160
Cliffside fine dining at a boutique hotel overlooking a private pink sand beach. The sunset here is unrealCatamaran sunset sail$150 to $250
Private charter through the Great Sound with rum swizzles, snorkeling over shipwrecks, and a lobster dinner on deckRosewood Tucker's Point spa day$200 to $350
Full-day spa experience with ocean-view treatment rooms, infinity pool, and access to a private beachThe legendary bites
The dishes this city perfected
Art Mel's Spicy Dicy$12 to $18
Legendary hole-in-the-wall in Hamilton serving Bermuda's best fish sandwich since forever. Cash only, no frillsFried fish sandwich on raisin bread with coleslaw and hot sauceWahoo's Waterside$30 to $55
Harbour-front seafood with boats docking feet away. Fresh catch grilled simply and served with Bermuda viewsPan-seared wahoo with Bermuda onion chutneyThe Swizzle Inn$15 to $30
Home of the original rum swizzle since 1932. Nailed dollar bills on walls, pub grub, and the drink that defines the islandRum swizzle (Bermuda's national drink) with their bailey's bay fish chowderWoody's Drive-In$10 to $20
Roadside jerk pit in Somerset that locals swear by. Picnic tables, reggae, and smoke-kissed everythingJerk chicken with peas and rice and a ginger beerHarbourfront Restaurant$35 to $60
Upscale sushi and Asian-fusion overlooking Hamilton Harbour. The sashimi is flown in fresh dailyBermuda spiny lobster tempura rollWhere locals eat
Where residents actually go
Jamaican Grill$8 to $14
Counter-service Caribbean comfort food in Hamilton. Huge portions, real spice, fair pricesArt Mel's Spicy Dicy$12 to $16
The fish sandwich spot locals argue about. Raisin bread, fried snapper, tartar sauce. Order ahead or waitMama Angie's Coffee Shop$12 to $18
Homestyle Bermudian breakfast in St. George's. Codfish and potatoes on Sunday mornings is traditionSpecialty Inn$14 to $22
No-frills pizza and Bermudian plates in Smith's Parish. Locals fill this place at lunch for the fish platterBouche$18 to $30
French-trained chef doing creative Bermudian bistro food in Hamilton. Lunch is the value play hereGo off-script
1
Shipwreck snorkelingBermuda has 300+ shipwrecks in shallow, clear water. The Constellation and Montana are accessible right from shore at Snorkel Park
2
Crystal and Fantasy CavesUnderground caves with crystal-clear pools, stalactites, and floating walkways. Bermuda's geological wonder, 30 million years in the making
3
Railway Trail cyclingRide the former Bermuda Railway route along clifftops and through nature reserves. The island's best cycling with zero car traffic
4
Cliff jumping at Admiralty HouseLocals' secret swimming spot in Pembroke with cliff jumps of varying heights into deep turquoise water. Caves to explore too
Insider intel + tourist traps
Tips
- ✓The island is expensive. Budget $50 to $80 per day for food minimum. Grocery stores help if you have a kitchenette
- ✓Bermuda shorts with knee socks and a blazer are actual business attire here. Don't laugh it's distinguished
- ✓Water is collected from rooftops (white limestone roofs are designed for this). Tap water is safe but tastes different
- ✓Cup Match holiday (late July/early August) is the island's biggest event a two-day cricket match with food, music, and camping
“Rented a Twizy and drove the whole island in a day. Stopped at every pink beach, ate three fish sandwiches, and watched the sunset from Gibbs Hill. Pure magic.”
Skip
- ✗Cruise ship excursion packages: overpriced and rushed. The public bus gets you to Horseshoe Bay for $5
- ✗Front Street souvenir shops: $40 t-shirts and mass-produced trinkets. The Dockyard Craft Market has real local artisans
- ✗Resort restaurant lunch markups: you're paying $25 for a burger when Art Mel's fish sandwich is half that and twice as good