The essential guide to visiting Bermuda

National Geographic

2 days ago

Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches have drawn travelers to its shores for decades. Still, travelers shouldn't miss the rich cultural traditions, historical landmarks, and annual events that are just as alluring. The 21-square-mile island encompasses neighborhoods and natural wonders that provide enough options to inspire any trip. Best time to visit Bermuda Horseshoe Bay Beach is touted as one of the prettiest pink sand beaches in the world. Photograph by Don Mennig, Alamy Stock Photo
Summer: Join the bacchanalia of Bermuda's annual Carnival celebration in June. Parties commence on boats and in the streets with soca music and reggae as the soundtrack to the lively events. Head to the famous pink sand beaches of Horseshoe Bay, or experience an exhilarating water sport like freediving through the island's reefs, deep-sea fishing, or a cruise under the Somerset Bridge. In August, the island's largest event, the Cup Match Cricket Classic is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to truly feel the spirit of Bermuda's excitement for the sport.
Spring: Revelers take over the streets in May for Bermuda Day, which commemorates the island's rich heritage through a variety of events, including parades and local art showcases. As temperatures become warmer, enjoy a round of golf with ocean views at one of the island's world-class PGA championship golf courses, Port Royal. Spring is also an ideal time to embrace outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Water activities to consider include whale watching, paddleboarding, parasailing, and exploring Bermuda's Crystal Caves.
Fall: In October, Taste of Bermuda and Art Month offer culinary and cultural experiences around the island. Indulge in a month-long festival featuring wine tastings, walking tours, a three-day chef competition, and an all-day food fest showcasing the best of the City of Hamilton's restaurants. Art enthusiasts can explore Bermuda's rich artistic heritage with events that include a Sip n Paint in an underground crystal cave and intimate conversations with local artists.
Winter: Though temperatures get cooler in winter, there are still plenty of ways to explore the island of Bermuda. Save your appetite for restaurant week, a month-long event in January that includes discounted menus at restaurants and exclusive tasting menus with celebrated chefs from around the world. The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda is home to a weekly race evening throughout January and February, and golf lovers can try their hand at the sport at night at Turtle Hill Golf Club, where glow-in-the-dark balls are provided and light-up sticks mark the courses. Key Areas to Explore in Bermuda The Clocktower Mall, located in the heart of Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard, was once a naval warehouse but now functions as a shopping center in Sandy's Parish and features restaurants, local shops, and art galleries. Photograph by Greg Balfour Evans, Alamy Stock Photo A photo captures a modern scene in Bermuda's Hamilton Business District. Photograph by George Oze, Alamy Stock Photo
For a truly immersive way to visit Bermuda, there are three distinct parts of the island to discover.
Royal Naval Dockyard & The West End: As the island's maritime hub, West End features the historic Royal Naval Dockyard—now the main cruise ship port and destination for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. It's also home to the National Museum of Bermuda, which features over 500 years of the country's history via exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs.
Hamilton & Central Bermuda: Every trip to Bermuda should include a trip 'to town,' better known as the City of Hamilton. Front Street glows with pastel-colored buildings that house great restaurants, shopping, and art museums. On the Hamilton waterfront, a sculpture entitled 'We Arrive,' honors 72 slaves who were eventually freed after their American ship sailed off-course and landed in Bermuda in 1835. The sculpture is one of 13 sites across the island that encompass the African Diaspora Heritage Trail.
St. George's & The East End: Located on the northeast end of the island, St. George's Parish is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World and holds the distinction of being a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winsome 18th-century cottages, cobblestone lanes, and preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into the island's rich past. Here, you can visit St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside of the United Kingdom. Where to stay in Bermuda
One of the island's newest hotels, The Loren at Pink Beach offers 45 suite-and villa-style resort rooms with ocean views on a blush-colored beach. Large groups will find ultimate relaxation in their private Residence, a six-bedroom retreat that includes a private beach. The property is also very close to two of the island's best golf courses, Tucker's Point Golf Course and the Mid Ocean Club.
For five-star service perched on a prized hilltop, check into Rosewood Bermuda. After a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 92-room property received upgrades that include a lobby gin bar with a retractable roof and a trendy open-air beach club. With 250 acres for guests to explore, it may be hard to leave. Taste of Bermuda
Make a reservation at the island's latest upscale dining experience, Intrepid, located inside Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. Prime-aged steaks and a raw seafood bar are just a few of the highlights on the menu. Enjoy a rum swizzle—the country's national drink–at the oldest and most famous pub in Bermuda, The Swizzle Inn. No trip is complete without a visit to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy for a generously sized sandwich that consists of a lightly fried filet of wahoo or snapper cushioned between house-made raisin bread. Fish chowder is another popular dish with a distinctive flavor imparted by the island's own Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers and black seal rum. Head to The Lobster Pot or Wahoo's Bistro and Patio to try a steaming bowl. Getting around Bermuda
By bus: Bermuda's public buses are safe and operate year-round. 11 bus routes cover 14 zones that reach most major attractions. Travelers can purchase a Transportation Pass, offering unlimited rides for periods ranging from one to seven days. View the bus schedule here.
By taxi: One of the most common ways to get around Bermuda is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the island's larger hotels, at the airport, and throughout the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard.
By electric microcar rental: Tap into one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore Bermuda by renting an electric car. Available to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver's license, electric cars provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the island at your own pace.
By ferry: Explore Bermuda by sea on the ferry, accessible from a terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Travelers can purchase a transportation pass that offers unlimited ferry rides for one to seven days — making it a convenient way to hop between key points across the island. View Ferries's schedule and routes here.
Ride-share app: For a ride-sharing service option, download the Hitch app. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Hitch lets you enter your destination, uses GPS to determine your location, and provides fare estimates. Here's what you should know
Hours: On Sundays, many shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed or operate at reduced hours. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, also runs on limited schedules. Check local listings for up-to-date hours and availability.
Driving: Driving on the island is on the left, British-style, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island. How to sustainably visit Bermuda
Support reef conservation by adopting a coral garden or baby corals with the Living Reefs Foundation, the first organization dedicated to preserving the island's coral reefs. On the southeast end of the island, take an eco-tour of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, which features 12 acres of untouched wilderness. Keep your eye open for the seabirds and giant land crabs that live in Bermuda's diverse ecosystem. To get around the island, there are several low-emission transportation options, including electric buses, e-bike rentals, electric mopeds, scooters, and Microcars.
Transportation: Visitors can explore the island via electric cars, which help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Hotels: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club's sustainability efforts include the installation of refillable water stations across the property, customized PATH aluminum water bottles in each guestroom, and a new solar panel system as part of its recent renovations.
Rosewood Bermuda is the island's only hotel to receive Green Globe Certification, recognizing its excellence in sustainable management. In partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation, Rosewood Bermuda offers guests the chance to support coral reef restoration through guided snorkeling or kayaking tours of the Coral Gardens. Guests can also adopt and plant coral, directly contributing to restoration efforts and research. Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Travel. She has penned pieces for Vogue, Bon Appetit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.