City of Hamilton

Introducing City of Hamilton

Virtually everything in Bermuda revolves around the City of Hamilton. Whether you're talking politics, commerce or geography, Hamilton is the hub of it all. This is where people head to attend to business, do some serious shopping or spend a night on the town.

Hamilton manages to look quaint and traditional on the one hand and bustling and cosmopolitan on the other. You can casually linger over a rum swizzle at a century-old waterfront restaurant while international business executives power lunch at the next table; order yourself local rockfish with peas or opt for the sushi; take a horse-and-carriage ride along the mansion-lined waterfront; or hop on a scooter and get tied up in rush-hour traffic.

Hamilton's pulse is Front St, a harborfront road lined with pastel-colored Victorian buildings in bright lemon, lime, apricot and sky blue. Many of them have overhanging verandas, where you can wine and dine as you watch the boats ferry across the harbor.

In addition to laying claim to the main government offices, and the handsome buildings that house them, Hamilton has a handful of other interesting sightseeing spots. But perhaps more than anything, it's the plethora of restaurants that attracts visitors to the city. Fully half of all of Bermuda's eateries are in the City of Hamilton and the choices run the gamut from delightful little cafés to impeccable fine-dining restaurants.

Because Hamilton serves as a central terminus and transfer point for island buses, you will visit it frequently if you use the public bus system. Note that Hamilton is commonly called 'town' by Bermudians, so 'going to town' means, without a doubt, going to Hamilton.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009