BermudaTravel Guide
Welcome to our Bermuda Travel Guide
Beautiful Bermuda! While often referred to as an island, it’s really an archipelago of islands and islets off the east coast of North America. Bridges link the main islands together, creating an area of just 54km² floating in the sea.
Bermuda may be tiny, but it’s hugely enchanting, with cobblestone lanes and candyfloss colours everywhere, from the pink-sand beaches (true!) to pastel-coloured houses. It’s also a destination for all kinds of travellers. Snorkellers and divers will be in their element exploring coral reefs and shipwrecks; for water sports enthusiasts there’s kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and kiteboarding. Bermuda also boasts world-class golf courses with sea views!
Foodies are also in for a treat. The archipelago is famed for delicious fusion cuisine influenced by its British, West African, and Caribbean heritage.
Add to this mix the luxury spa resorts, fascinating history, rich culture, and friendly locals, and you've crafted the perfect holiday "cocktail".
For the low down on how to do Bermuda right, read our Bermuda Travel Guide!
Bermuda quick facts
Language
National language
English
Beverages
Bottle of Coke/Pepsi (330ml)
GBP £2.37
Local time
Saturday
6:05pm
Currency
Bermudian dollar
GBP £1.00 = BMD $1.26
Eating out
Restaurant meal (casual dining)
GBP £28.91
Electricity
Plug type: A
2 or 3 pins • 120V
Explore Bermuda
Where to stay in Bermuda?
Bermuda is split into three main regions, each with its own unique appeal. History buffs will enjoy St George’s town and the East End region with its quaint, historic village atmosphere. The capital Hamilton and Central Bermuda is where all the action is and where trendy travellers will feel at home. Finally, there’s the Royal Naval Dockyard and the West End, steeped in maritime history and bordered by stunning beaches.
The capital city of Hamilton is an obvious choice if you’re a first-time visitor as it boasts some of Bermuda's top attractions. Consider the The Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club for a luxury stay. It offers a variety of rooms and suites and a fabulous spa. You can also lounge around the swimming pool or hit the tennis courts. Another great option is the Royal Palms Hotel, a family-owned boutique hotel. This converted 19th century manor house is set in tropical gardens and offers complimentary access to e-bikes for exploring the city at your leisure. It also hosts a fabulous Wine Hour every evening. There’s also the lovely Edgehill Manor Guest House, offering sea views and a continental breakfast. Alternatively, you can opt for a suite with a kitchenette.
Hog Bay, a gem in the West End, is known for Hog Bay Beach and Hog Bay Park, a family favourite for picnics, hiking, and bike rides. The upscale Pompano Beach Club is a standout choice in the area, featuring a private beach, three restaurants, three bars, a heated outdoor pool, a gym and a spa where you get pampered with a sea view! The Reefs Resort & Club is another winner, offering daily afternoon tea, a spa and a choice of rooms, suites and cottages with incredible ocean views. Prefer self-catering accommodation? The wonderfully named Pauls Oceanview with Amazing Sunsets is ideal with its one-bedroom apartments, each with a patio, hot tub and free Wi-Fi.
St George’s in the East End is Bermuda’s former capital, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s packed with historic landmarks. Here you’ll find accommodation options to suit every budget, but let’s start at the top. The St. Regis Bermuda Resort overlooks St Catherine’s Beach and offers luxury private cabanas and a top-notch golf course. A little easier on the pocket is The St George’s Club Bermuda on Rose Hill with views of the harbour. It features cosy apartments and cottages and three swimming pools!
Believe us when we say, this is just the start. Book your accommodation today!
Things to do in Bermuda
Bermuda has a fascinating history dating back to 1609 when British citizens were shipwrecked on the archipelago and established a settlement. Wherever you go, you’ll see the influence of the British, from the architecture and the names of places to Bermuda’s tea culture! And when it comes to things to do on your holiday, there’s something for everyone.
A popular tourist attraction and museum, the Unfinished Church may not sound impressive, but it’s actually a beautiful Gothic building with stone arches and columns dating back to 1869. It’s become a popular wedding venue and offers gorgeous views of St. George’s town below. Read about its historical significance on the official plaque.
One of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world is stationed at Cross Bay. You’ll have to take 185 stairs to get to the top of the 35-metre-high Gibbs Hill Lighthouse but you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views over Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Blue Hole Park, part of the Walsingham Nature Reserve, is renowned for its stunning Blue Hole lagoon. It's a popular swimming and cliff-jumping spot, framed by mangroves and with inviting blue-green water. Discover the network of meandering trails that takes you on a fascinating journey through the forest and the reserve.
While the Royal Naval Dockyard on the West End boasts impressive British maritime history and gorgeous historic buildings, it’s also a social, arts and entertainment hub. You can easily spend a day and night here with many shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. There’s also a cinema.
Looking for a magical family outing? We highly recommend a visit to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves in Hamilton. Daily tours take you into the belly of the earth to view caves formed millions of years ago, and underground pools so clear you can see right to the bottom. The site also has a lovely café and a gift shop. You'll find other attractions such as the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and the Walsingham Nature Reserve conveniently situated nearby.
Sunset cruises and boat tours are popular in Bermuda, and a great way to explore the coral reefs and get closer to marine life. You can also hire a boat or yacht by yourself. A cruise with a difference and a whole lot of fun involves sunset on the water and a rum tasting! Rum is a speciality in Bermuda, and on board you’ll find out about its oldest distillery, Gosling Rum, and get to sample the dark and sweet tipple, plus some others.
Looking for an immersive experience? Then a tour is the way to go.
Bermuda food and drink
Bermuda is a melting pot of Caribbean, British, West African, and Portuguese influences, which results in a unique culinary experience. Some local dishes to try are Bermuda onion pie, fish chowder, fish sandwiches, and the cod fish and potato breakfast, a traditional Sunday breakfast. But don’t worry, there’s more than just fishy meals on the menu! Read on!
The Village Pantry is an elegant but unpretentious restaurant in Flatt’s Village. Catering to all palates, including seafood lovers, carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans, it was voted Bermuda’s Best 2020 Spot for Veggie Lovers. Everything on your plate is locally sourced, and the eatery also has a variety of premium coffee blends to snap up, courtesy of Kike – a local legend and an expert coffee roaster from Guatemala.
Looking for an upmarket dining experience? The critically acclaimed Crown & Anchor at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club offers a lavish breakfast buffet, decadent afternoon tea and gourmet lunches and dinners.
Still in Hamilton but in the Walsingham Nature Reserve, Tom Moore’s Tavern was named after the Irish poet, who spent time in Bermuda in the early 1800s. But this is not a tavern, nor did Moore enjoy his favourite ale here! What it is, however, is a top-notch restaurant where King Charles himself has dined (when he was still a prince).
Heading over to charming St George’s now, the cosy Frequency Café & Hub dishes up great coffee and delicious paninis. The Wi-Fi is free, and there’s also a lovely outdoor area.
Bermuda’s only brew pub is a feature at the Royal Naval Dockyard and a hit with locals and tourists alike. The Frog & Onion Pub (after its French and local founders) is famed for craft beers, a vibey atmosphere and generous portions of delicious pub food.
Food trucks and street food stalls are plentiful in Bermuda, making it easy to sample local fare on the run. Look out for them at the markets, at the L.F. Wade International Airport and stationed along the beachfront. We highly recommend the famous fried fish sandwich at Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy on St Monica’s Road in North Shore Village. You also can’t go wrong with Steak-umms (beef or chicken sandwich steaks) or a hotdog with tomato sauce at the Cann-Da-Licious Food Truck & Hot Dog Cart, usually parked outside the arrivals terminal at the airport.
Get a real taste for the local cuisine by booking a tour.
Bermuda through your eyes
Where to shop in Bermuda?
From high-end boutiques and impressive malls to second-hand shops, farmer’s markets and flea markets, Bermuda's shopping scene caters for everyone.
The Clocktower Shopping Mall near the entrance to the Royal Naval Dockyard is the locals’ choice when it comes to boutique stores. Enjoy shopping for gifts and souvenirs, jewellery and fine linen, pop in at the gallery to appreciate local art, and then sit down for a meal with a sea view and a refreshing cocktail.
Washington Mall in Hamilton, some say, is the busiest mall in Bermuda. From bubble tea to beauty, apparel to accessories, leather goods to sports gear, you can find everything on your shopping list – plus a few extras!
While you’re in Hamiliton, don’t miss out on a shopping spree on Front Street, which runs along the harbour. Packed with boutiques, bars, restaurants and pretty pastel-coloured buildings, it’s also the home of the Gosling Brothers shop – the guys behind Bermuda’s famous rum. Insider tip: Pop into the alleys and backstreets and discover some amazing little shops and cafés!
There are many markets across the archipelago, but the vibey Bermuda Craft Market at the Royal Naval Dockyard is a must-visit! Housed inside an old barrel-making factory it features the work of local artists and artisans, including exquisite handmade souvenirs, fudge, candles, hand-rolled cigars and unique sea glass ornaments (man-made glass thrown into the ocean, weathered by the water and the beach).
Wadson’s Home Farm Market in Southampton has been a local treasure since the 1970s, and it's known for supplying many of Bermuda’s top restaurants with farm-fresh produce. Stop by to stock up on crumbly fresh bread, tasty fruit and crunchy veggies.
Looking for a safe and simple way to bring your money when you travel? Our Travel Money Card has you covered!
When is the best time to travel to Bermuda?
Are you dreaming of that perfect beach holiday with glorious weather, rum cocktails and hitting the action until late at the Royal Naval Dockyard? Then, your ideal time to visit Bermuda is from April to mid-October. The water temperatures are inviting, and there's perfect sunshiny beach weather.
There's no rainy season to worry about when travelling to Bermuda, but be mindful of hurricane season, when there's a chance of getting caught in tropical storms. This season extends from June to November, so pay attention to weather warnings during this time. High season is from summer into autumn, from May to October, when temperatures can soar and rarely dip below 27°C/80.6°F.
If you'd like to get festive with the locals, plan your travel around Bermuda Day on the last Friday of May. This is a special public holiday celebrating the island and its history. It also marks the first official day of summer, with most Bermudans taking their first dip in the ocean. Another exciting event to match your trip with is the Bermuda Carnival in June, featuring four days of parades, performances, DJs and parties.
If you’d like to save money on accommodation costs, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which starts in December and ends in March. Temperatures are still pleasant, usually averaging around 21°C/69.8°F.
Don't miss out. Book your flight today!
How to get around Bermuda
Getting around in an unfamiliar place can be daunting, but you won't need to worry about this when visiting Bermuda. Several transport options are available, but a heads up that renting a regular car isn't one of them! Read on to find out why:
For affordable, hassle-free public transport in Bermuda you can’t beat the bus! There are 11 bus routes and many bus stops across the archipelago. The vehicles are easy to recognise thanks to their pink paint work! Passes and tokens are not available onboard, but they’re sold at bus and ferry terminals and sub-post offices across the island, also at some hotels. You can pay by trip or by day, depending on your plans.
Four public ferry routes offer a scenic way to get around Bermuda. The ferries depart from the terminal at Front Street in Hamilton and can take you to the Royal Naval Dockyard, Paget, Warwick, and Southampton.
Prefer your own set of four wheels? Rent an electric car! You can’t rent a petrol-powered vehicle, however, and residents are only allowed one car per household. For this reason, traffic isn’t a problem, making it stress-free and enjoyable to zip through the streets in your little e-car (keeping to the speed limit, of course) and also on two wheels!
In Bermuda you can rent a scooter, a bicycle or an e-bike. The rates are affordable, and the scooters and bikes should be in great condition, as long as you rent from a reputable supplier. Note: helmets are essential!
If you prefer to be driven around, most taxis can be found at the bigger hotels and at the airport. Booking in advance by phoning or online is easy and you can even upscale to a limo! There’s no Uber in Bermuda, but there’s the local version called Hitch. Download the app and order your ride.
Let us help you organise your own wheels for exploring. Hire a car today.
What are the best beaches in Bermuda?
The beaches in Bermuda are among the most beautiful in the world. Can we just mention the pink sand and turquoise water again? Whether you enjoy sunbathing, snorkelling, or swimming, Bermuda is a beach lover's paradise. Here are some of the top beaches to visit during your trip.
Horseshoe Bay Beach is the perfect example of a gorgeous pink beach. Set in Horseshoe Bay (yes, it’s crescent-shaped), on the southern shore in the West End, the beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is a popular tourist attraction. Families are drawn to this beach because of the adjacent kiddie beach, and lifeguards are usually present during the high season to ensure the safety of swimmers. Snorkellers will enjoy exploring the large coral reefs in the area.
Straddling the East End and Central Bermuda, Shelly Bay Beach is another stunning beach just 15 minutes from Hamilton. This small, family-friendly beach is dotted with shady trees and features a protected cove with shallow water, ideal for kids to swim in. You can stroll along the boardwalk, explore the neighbouring nature reserve, or take the little ones to the nearby park to have fun at the playground, followed by a picnic.
Stretching along the southeastern coast in the East End, Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay are two secluded and “tourist-free” man-made beaches in the Cooper's Island Nature Reserve. If you’re in Bermuda for a romantic getaway, or just looking for a tranquil spot, this is for you! Inland from the beaches are walking trails and a decommissioned NASA radar tower, now used as a viewing deck.
The name gives it away! You can do whale-watching at this beach on the south-west coast if you visit from March to April. Magnificent humpback whales make a turn here before heading off to their feeding grounds for the summer. If you're not crazy about beach sand, you'll be delighted about the grass patch up from the beach dotted with picnic tables. You can also explore the nearby Whale Bay Fort, built in the 1700s.
