Having lived in Bermuda for quite some time, we feel very qualified to talk about What to See in Bermuda!!
What to See in Our Bermuda
We consider Bermuda our second home, having lived and worked there for nearly 19 years!! It was in 1998 that we finally left Bermuda to return to our native Sri Lanka. Leaving Bermuda has been one of the most difficult decisions we have ever made, given how much we loved living there!!
We have been back to Bermuda on short stints on a few occasions since 1998. Let us tell you about our latest trip, and, in the process, pass on some valuable Travel Tips for Bermuda and tell you all about What to See in Bermuda.
For starters, Bermuda is “crazy expensive”! Hotels as well as eating out can be very pricey. We stayed with close friends on our most recent visit.
If you are making arrangements for going there, my advice is to patiently look for deals on sites such as Expedia, TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
Another popular way of spending a holiday there is to take a cruise, usually out of the eastern seaboard of the USA. These cruises usually spend about 3 nights in Bermuda.
Please do Contact Us if you need any further information on What to See in Bermuda.
About Bermuda
Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Caribbean, off the coast of North America east of South Carolina. It is one of the last remains of the once vast British colonial empire in North America. Often, it is mistakenly thought that Bermuda is part of the Caribbean!! The island nation is situated much further north of the Caribbean and has a much cooler climate. Although it is quite hot and humid during the summer months, the temperatures go quite low from around November to March.
Juan de Bermudez, a Captain of a Spanish vessel that was sailing from Cadiz to Mexico, discovered Bermuda by accident. But because it was so small, the island group remained uninhabited and unsettled, except for the occasional shipwrecked mariner.
English colonists headed for the infant English colony of Virginia in the USA, first settled in Bermuda in 1609, after having been shipwrecked in the island. The first industry on the islands was fruit and vegetable cultivation to supply the early American colonies.
The population of Bermuda is about 65,000. Blacks have been in the majority since some point in the late eighteenth century, and now comprise about 65 percent of Bermudians. The majority of the remaining ethnic components are northern European, mainly British; they are followed by Portuguese, who are mainly of Azorean origin, and the descendants of a number of Native American tribes.
Interesting Facts About Bermuda
- It has one of the world’s highest GDP per capita.
- Rainwater captured from roofs of its buildings are the only source of fresh water. Hence the white roofs in all Bermuda buildings.
- Its economy is mainly based on offshore insurance and tourism.
- The country is very conservative when it comes to attire – bikinis are banned more than 25 feet from the water!!
- Bermuda does not levy corporate or income tax.
- You are only ever a mile away from the ocean.
- This country has a robust history of pirating.
- Bermuda is the shipwreck capital of the world mainly caused by the many reefs around it, storms and pirating
- Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean. It is located located 1,030 kilometers out at sea in line with North Carolina.
- Bermuda’s sand is pink in color due to crushed fragments of shells and invertebrates.
- The colonial town of St. George is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited town in the Americas.
- It is 53 square kilometers in area, and is the 3rd most densely populated place in the world.
- Bermuda has more golf courses per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world.
- It is well known for Bermuda shorts worn by gentlemen mainly during the summer months.
- It is famous for its “Dark and Stormy” and “Rum Swizzle”, drinks both made out of “Gosling’s Black Rum”.
Best Time to Visit Bermuda
May to October is the summer season in Bermuda. This is the time when the weather is at its best. The day temperature averages to high 80s (°F) and at night it comes down to high 60s. The mornings are great and warm, evenings are romantic and the nights are cool.
During summer all the beaches in Bermuda get alive with a lot of beach activities. Numerous operators swing into play offering island and boating tours, water sport activities etc. And many festivals and night time entertainment take place in the island during this time. But remember that this tiny island gets flooded with visitors around this time. So most of the public places including the beaches will be quite crowded.
The low or off season in Bermuda is the winter time between November to March. The temperature varies between high 60s to low 60s. The day time is pleasantly cool although you will need jackets in early mornings and late evenings.
This time in Bermuda has its own advantages. The first is that there are hardly any tourists, so there is so much space for you and whole Bermuda looks so much more attractive & serene. One thing though, many of the popular tourist attractions and water activities remain closed or operate in reduced hours during winter time.
Must See in Bermuda
I would urge everyone to seriously consider visiting Bermuda – in spite of the expense it is well worth it!! If you are looking for a huge amount of action and lively nightlife, Bermuda is most probably not the place for you although there is some action and nightlife!! On the other hand, if you are looking for peace and quiet, beautiful beaches, being able to breathe the cleanest of air, play golf and tennis, be in/on the water whether it be swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing or motor boating, dining in the best restaurants found anywhere, then, Bermuda is the place for you!!! For divers and snorkelers, Bermuda is indeed paradise – given the many shipwrecks and the beautiful reefs around the island. A number of the shipwrecks are in shallow waters, so, you don’t necessarily know to dive to enjoy it.
There is so much to See and Do in Bermuda!!!
Bermuda Beaches
Horseshoe Bay Beach - the Best of the Bermuda Beaches
Set foot on Southampton’s Horseshoe Bay Beach and you’ll realize why it’s Bermuda’s most celebrated stretch of shoreline. USA Today named Horseshoe Bay one of the Caribbean’s top 10 beaches (even though Bermuda isn’t technically in the Caribbean). The pink beaches and the clear water is just what the doctor ordered for you. The nearby Beach House offers snacks, rentals and changing facilities. We spent a whole morning in the world famous Horseshoe Bay. Even though it was crowded, there are plenty of spots for everyone. There is even a very shallow cove for children.
The Other Famous Bermuda Beaches
Warwick Long Bay
Astwood Cove
Church Bay
Shelly Bay
More of
Must See in Bermuda
Walking around the small towns of Bermuda is especially nice. For the two of us it was great, seeing and going to some of our old haunts and occasionally bumping into known faces!!! We spent a great deal of time meeting up with old friends and going out with them. It is always great to unwind and catch up with old friends over a good drink and a sumptuous meal!!
See Hamilton Bermuda
The City of Hamilton is not only the capital of Bermuda – it’s where most of the action can be found! It is such a quiet place dotted with many shops, pubs and eating houses. A picturesque harbor city graced with shops, museums, galleries and gardens, the city is also a hub for local and international businesses.
On any given morning in downtown Hamilton, you might see commuters in Bermuda shorts travelling to work on scooters, passing each other with a warm “good morning.” It’s the blend of global sophistication and local flavor and that makes the city so intriguing and inviting.
See Dockyard Bermuda
One of Bermuda’s most popular destinations, the historic Royal Naval Dockyard anchors the West End. The Dockyard is home to a major cruise ship port and serves as a hub for sightseeing, shopping, dining, entertainment and an array of island experiences. Nearby, you’ll find many of the renowned South Shore beaches, including Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Climb up Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views of the South Shore, and explore the village of Somerset, home to calm bays, candy-colored churches and the most photogenic little drawbridge you’ll ever see.
See St. George's Bermuda
The colonial town of St. George’s situated in the east end of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back in time as you stroll the centuries-old brick streets of this town, Bermuda’s former capital. The well-preserved historic town and nearby fortress make St. George’s and the East End a haven for British colonial architecture, history and culture. Nearby, discover many unique natural attractions, including the limestone formations of Tobacco Bay Beach, Tom Moore’s Jungle and the Crystal Caves of Bermuda. Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and Ferry Reach National Park are both flush with flora and birdlife, including several rare species. St. George’s is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited English town of the Americas.
Eating Out in Bermuda
Dining out is something we always look forward to. The food and drinks are awesome, and so are the people serving you. Also, the various beautiful settings such as by the sea, overlooking the harbor, setting by a quiet street, etc., makes the dining experience extra special. Here are three of the restaurants we visited this time around:
Flanagan’s Pub, a favorite watering hole of both locals and tourists. We met up with some close friends over a sumptuous lunch, and of course downed a pint or two over the course of the afternoon.
Marcus’s, an award winning restaurant at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, another famous hotel in Hamilton. This time we went out with yet another set of friends and enjoyed a really classy dinner. Looking out at the Hamilton Harbor and the sailboats in a nearby marina added to our enjoyment of the evening!!
Portofino, an Italian Restaurant which happens to be one of my all-time favorites. We have been there over 200 times when we lived in Bermuda!!! The food is divine. We were even recognized from 20 years ago by some of the old hands still working there!
The cuisine of Bermuda reflects a rich and diverse history and heritage blending English, Portuguese and Caribbean cuisines. There are many preparations using local seafood species, particularly wahoo and rockfish. Traditional dishes include codfish and potatoes, pawpaw casserole, peas and rice and fish chowder. As most ingredients used in Bermuda’s cuisine are imported, local dishes are offered with a global blend, with fish as the major ingredient, in any food eaten at any time.
I lived in Bermuda 1961-1965. I haven’t been back since then. It’s on me bucket list to return some day.
We have lived in Bermuda too! We have also visited there several times since we left! Hope you visit soon!
St. Georges is in the East end of the island, not the West.
Thanks very much!! Will be corrected today!!!