Home to Bermuda's most iconic beach, this southwestern parish is anchored by the blush-pink sands of Horseshoe Bay — one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Calm, clear waters and dramatic limestone formations make it a must-visit. The area also features the Fairmont Southampton resort and several of Bermuda's best golf courses.

Best for: First-time visitors, beach lovers, golfers, and couples seeking a classic Bermuda experience.

Bermuda's compact and walkable capital is the cultural and commercial hub of the island, with boutique shops along Front Street, excellent restaurants, historic landmarks, and ferry connections to the rest of the island. Hamilton combines the energy of a proper city with a distinctly island pace that keeps things relaxed.

Best for: Shoppers, foodies, culture seekers, and travelers who want easy access to ferries and buses.

The oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World, St. George's is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial history, colorful buildings, and winding lanes that feel unchanged by time. The East End also offers excellent diving and snorkeling access to some of Bermuda's most famous wrecks.

Best for: History buffs, culture seekers, divers, and repeat visitors who want to go deeper.

The quiet western tip of the island is home to the Royal Naval Dockyard — a beautifully restored 19th-century fortress now housing shops, galleries, restaurants, and the National Museum of Bermuda. The West End offers a more laid-back, local feel and is a regular stop for cruise ships.

Best for: History enthusiasts, cruise visitors, families, and travelers seeking a quieter pace.

Tucker's Town, on the island's east side, is Bermuda's most exclusive enclave — home to private estates, the Mid Ocean Club golf course, and some of the most beautiful small beaches on the island, including Pink Beach and Elbow Beach (in Paget). Paget itself is a charming residential parish with a lovely botanical garden and easy ferry access to Hamilton.

Best for: Luxury travelers, golfers, honeymooners, and those seeking seclusion and natural beauty.

Bermuda is served by L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), located in St. George's Parish at the eastern end of the island. It's approximately 30-40 minutes from Hamilton and most resort areas. JetBlue offers direct flights from New York (JFK) and Boston, with convenient connections from other major U.S. cities.

• Taxis are available at the arrivals area with regulated fares. Expect to pay approximately $30-50 USD to Hamilton or South Shore hotels, depending on exact location. Confirm the fare before departure.
• Pre-booked private transfers offer convenient door-to-door service and are popular with families and groups.
• Public buses (Route 10 and others) connect the airport to Hamilton and other areas for a flat fare of $3.50 per ride or with a transit pass. A practical option for independent travelers without heavy luggage.
• Visitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda.

• Ferry: The island's public ferry network is one of the most scenic and practical ways to get around, connecting Hamilton to Sandys (Royal Dockyard), Paget, Warwick, and other areas. A great alternative to land travel and genuinely beautiful.
• Public bus: Public buses cover the full length of the island, running from the Royal Dockyard in the west to St. George's in the east. Flat fare of $3.50 per ride; transit passes available for multiple days.
• Scooter and electric bike rentals: The most popular way for visitors to explore independently. 50cc scooters are easy to ride and widely available from rental shops near most resort areas. Helmets are mandatory. Bermuda drives on the left.
• Taxis: Readily available at hotels and major tourist areas. Fares are regulated but not metered, so confirm prices upfront. A reliable option for single trips, especially at night.
• Railway Trail: The old Bermuda Railway corridor has been converted into a walking and cycling trail that runs much of the island's length. A beautiful way to explore at a leisurely pace.

Tip for transportation: Bermuda drives on the left. Scooters are the classic Bermuda experience, but the ferry system is genuinely excellent and free of traffic. If you're based in Hamilton or a South Shore hotel, you can get almost anywhere you need by combining the ferry and bus without a scooter at all.

Bermuda's most iconic beach, with blush-pink sand, crystal-clear water, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Get there early in summer — it earns its fame.

Descend into a pristine underground cave system featuring a crystal-clear lake and extraordinary stalactite formations, explored via a floating pontoon bridge.

Glide across the calm North Sound to a shallow sandbar where friendly southern stingrays gather. One of the Atlantic's most unforgettable wildlife encounters.

A beautifully restored 19th-century British fortress housing the National Museum of Bermuda, craft galleries, restaurants, and ferry access to Hamilton.

• Tobacco Bay Beach: A scenic North Shore cove with shallow turquoise water, a casual beach bar, and excellent snorkeling among rock formations. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
• Wreck diving & snorkeling: Bermuda sits atop more than 300 shipwrecks in accessible waters, making it one of the world's top wreck-diving destinations. The SS Constellation, Mary Celestia, and Cristóbal Colón are legendary among divers. Visibility regularly exceeds 100 feet.
• World-class golf: Bermuda is home to some of the finest courses in the Atlantic world. The Mid Ocean Club in Tucker's Town and Port Royal Golf Course are two of the most celebrated — ocean views and impeccably maintained fairways define the experience.
• Railway Trail: The old Bermuda Railway corridor has been converted into a scenic walking and cycling trail running much of the island's length — a beautiful, traffic-free way to explore at your own pace.

• St. George's Historic Town: The oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander King's Square, St. Peter's Church (the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere), the State House, and the Unfinished Church — all within a compact, walkable area.
• Fort St. Catherine: A fully restored 19th-century fort at the island's northeastern tip with sweeping ocean views, period cannons, and an excellent museum covering Bermuda's military history from the earliest settlement to World War II.
• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ): A surprisingly excellent natural history institution in Flatts Village, featuring live coral reef exhibits, a North Rock tank replicating Bermuda's reef ecosystem, and conservation exhibits on the island's endemic species.

• Hamilton waterfront dining: Bermuda's dining hub — Front Street and the surrounding streets offer everything from casual fish sandwich spots to refined waterfront restaurants with harbor views. The Thursday evening "Harbour Nights" street festival (summer) is not to be missed.
• Rum swizzle tasting at the Swizzle Inn: Sample Bermuda's signature cocktail at its reputed birthplace in Bailey's Bay — a potent blend of Bermuda Black rum, citrus juice, and falernum, served in the island's most beloved roadside pub since 1932.
• Dockyard by ferry: Take the Great Sound ferry from Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard and spend an afternoon exploring the Bermuda Arts Centre, craft market, and waterfront restaurants. The ferry ride itself — across one of the most scenic harbours in the Atlantic — is an experience in its own right.

• Photography is generally permitted at Bermuda's historic sites and museums, including the Royal Naval Dockyard and Fort St. Catherine, but flash photography may be restricted inside museums and caves. Always check posted signage.
• At UNESCO-listed St. George's and other heritage sites, respect rope barriers, avoid touching historic structures and artifacts, and follow the guidance of local guides who know which areas are sensitive.
• Several of Bermuda's sites carry deep significance to the island's history — including its role in the transatlantic slave trade and World War II. Approach these locations with appropriate seriousness and quiet.
• Entry fees at cultural attractions, including the National Museum of Bermuda and Crystal Caves, directly support preservation efforts and local conservation programs.

• Casual, lightweight clothing is appropriate for most settings on the island.
• Beachwear should be limited to the beach and pool — cover up when entering restaurants or shops.
• Upscale restaurants may require smart-casual attire (collared shirts, no athletic wear or flip-flops for dinner).
• Churches and historic sites appreciate modest attire — covered shoulders and knees when visiting.

• Bermuda Day (May 24): Bermuda's national holiday, celebrated with a half-marathon along the South Shore, a parade through Hamilton, and island-wide celebrations. One of the best days to be on the island.
• Cup Match Cricket (Late July/Early August): The island's most beloved holiday — a two-day public holiday cricket match between the East and West ends of the island. It's as much a festival as a sporting event, with music, food, and a carnival atmosphere at the grounds.
• Bermuda Music Festival (September/October): A popular multi-day international music festival featuring a mix of jazz, R&B, and local artists. Held on the grounds of the Royal Naval Dockyard.
• Newport Bermuda Race (June, biennial): One of the most prestigious offshore yacht races in the world, held every two years (even years) from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda. The island welcomes the fleet with a week of celebrations.

• Budget ($15-25 per meal): Fish sandwiches, casual lunch spots, pub-style food at local bars and guesthouses.
• Mid-range ($30-65 per meal): Hamilton restaurants, waterfront dining, and hotel restaurants with full menus.
• Upscale ($75-175+ per meal): Fine dining at resort restaurants and Hamilton's top establishments, with tasting menus and curated wine lists.

• Hamilton: Bermuda's dining epicenter — concentrated along Front Street and the surrounding blocks, with cuisines ranging from Italian and Asian fusion to traditional Bermudian seafood.
• South Shore resort corridor: The Fairmont Southampton and Rosewood Bermuda anchor the South Shore dining scene, with excellent resort restaurants and beachside casual options.
• Royal Naval Dockyard: A growing collection of restaurants and bars in the restored Dockyard, with a waterfront setting and a more relaxed atmosphere than Hamilton.
• East End: A handful of beloved local institutions in Bailey's Bay and the East End, including the famous Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub.

Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available at resort restaurants and Hamilton's more progressive dining establishments. Bermuda's strong seafood tradition means pescatarians are exceptionally well served. Always inform your server of allergies — seafood cross-contamination is common in kitchens with a strong fish focus.

U.S. citizens traveling to Bermuda must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for tourist stays. All visitors must complete a Bermuda Travel Authorization (BTA) — an online form that must be submitted and approved before departure. The BTA costs $40 USD and covers the full travel party, including children. It's required to board your flight, so complete it well in advance of travel.

Non-U.S. citizens should confirm specific entry requirements based on their nationality and check the Bermuda government website for updated travel protocols.
There is a departure tax (included in the cost of your airline ticket) and a small tourism fee. Check your ticket confirmation for full details.

English is the official and primary language of Bermuda, making communication effortless for American travelers. You may encounter the distinctive Bermudian accent — a hybrid of British and Caribbean cadences that reflects the island's unique cultural history. Bermudians tend to be formal and courteous; matching that energy with polite greetings makes a real difference.

The official currency is the Bermuda Dollar (BMD), pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed 1:1 rate. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere on the island, and most visitors never need to exchange currency. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, and shops. American Express is accepted at most hotels and upscale establishments.
ATMs are available in Hamilton, at the airport, and in major tourist areas. They typically dispense both Bermuda and U.S. dollars. Note that Bermuda is expensive — budget generously for meals, activities, and transportation.

Tipping customs mirror U.S. norms:

• Restaurants: 15-18% of the bill; check if a service charge has already been added (common at many restaurants).
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink.
• Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per day.
• Tour guides: 15-20% for good service.
• Taxi drivers: 10-15% of the fare.

Power & electricity:

• Bermuda uses the same electrical standards as the U.S. (120V, 60Hz).
• Standard U.S. plugs (Types A and B) work without adapters.

Mobile service:

• Major U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) may charge international roaming fees in Bermuda — check your plan before traveling.
• Local SIM cards are available from Digicel and One Communications for extended stays or heavy data use.
• Coverage is strong across Hamilton, the South Shore, and major tourist areas but can weaken in more remote areas of the island.

Wi-Fi accessibility:

• Free Wi-Fi is standard at most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and many cafes.
• Download offline maps and key travel info before exploring remote areas.
• The ferry system does not have onboard Wi-Fi, so plan accordingly for longer crossings.

Useful apps:

• Got to Bermuda app: Bermuda's official government app for transport schedules, routes, and island information.
• Google Maps: Works well for navigation across the island, though some rural trails aren't fully mapped.
• Taxi: No Uber or Lyft in Bermuda. The local taxi dispatch is accessible by phone; your hotel can call one for you.
• Weather apps: Essential for tracking Atlantic weather systems, especially May-November.

Medical facilities are modern and well-equipped. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Hamilton handles emergencies. Dial 911 for emergencies. Travel insurance is strongly recommended given Bermuda's high cost of medical care and the island's distance from the U.S. mainland.