A guide to Bermuda

Usually lumped with the Caribbean islands to the south, Bermuda is in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North Carolina. Despite its proximity to the United States, Bermuda is actually a British Overseas Territory, and it's filled with enough culture, charm and pink-sand beaches to keep visitors entertained for a weekend or more.

A Bermuda vacation can be almost whatever you want it to be. History buff? Don't miss the forts and defenses dotted around the island. Love spending time by the sea? Relax on some of the best beaches in the world. Foodie? There's plenty to keep your tastebuds happy here.

There’s more to Bermuda than that triangle some people are obsessed with. Plan your time, budget and activities with this visitor's guide.

When should I go to Bermuda?

Because of Bermuda’s location, it’s not the year-round warm destination many people think it is. Yes, it can be super hot and humid, but only for half the year.

If you are coming to Bermuda specifically for our gorgeous beaches, May to October is the best time to visit. The busiest time on the island is from June to September – which also happens to be in the middle of hurricane season. Note: hotels and flights will be the most costly during this time period.

If lazing on the beach in the heat isn’t appealing, consider visiting between November and April. The weather will be cooler (15–24°C/60–75°F), but there are many things to do aside from enjoying the beach including Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Christmas festivities, Restaurant Weeks, and whale watching.

I think the summer months are the best time to visit, especially if you enjoy lots of activities. Bermuda Day is the last Friday in May. Carnival in Bermuda is held over Father’s Day Weekend (in June). The absolute best event of all is Cup Match, the celebration of emancipation, either the last Thursday and Friday in July or the first Thursday and Friday in August. The island shuts from Wednesday to Sunday and celebrates with a 2-day cricket match. Cup Match truly is Bermuda at its best.

How much time should I spend in Bermuda?

The island’s proximity to the US makes for short flights if you live on the East Coast, so you can easily visit for a long weekend. With three days, you've got time to lounge on South Shore, tour the historic town of St George's, and visit the Royal Naval Dockyard. However, I highly recommend at least 5 days (ideally a week) to immerse yourself into all that Bermuda has to offer.

Is it easy to get in and around Bermuda?

Getting to Bermuda from the US, UK and Canada is easy as there are many direct flights. The closest major city is New York, with a 90-minute flight from JFK offered daily on multiple airlines. Other direct flights include Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, Orlando, Halifax and London.

Once you get into Bermuda, it’s easy to grab a taxi at the LF Wade International Airport. However, if you prefer to book transfers in advance, check out CEO Transport for great rates and service.

Public transportation is relatively inexpensive and reliable. The bus system runs all over the island from 6am to midnight and there is an efficient ferry service as well. The bus and ferry tickets are interchangeable ($5 each) so you won’t need to decide in advance which service to use.

Once you are outside the main city of Hamilton or the town of St George’s, Bermuda is not walkable. The roads are very narrow and winding, and walking is not recommended.

Top things to do in Bermuda

Visit St George’s

I’m from St George’s so I’m very biased. Every single person who comes to Bermuda should visit the former capital and oldest part of the island.

St George’s has narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful old buildings and the oldest church in the western hemisphere (St Peter’s, built in 1612). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you prefer beaches, head over to Tobacco Bay and Fort St Catherine.

For eats, check out Temptations or Wahoo’s Bistro for excellent seafood. To immerse yourself in a cultural experience, book a tour with award-winning company Long Story Short.

Laze on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Bermuda may be small but visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to gorgeous beaches. The South Shore has some of the best, with the most popular being Horseshoe Bay. It tends to be overrun with tourists, so I can’t recommend it. A great alternative less than 10 minutes' away is Elbow Beach, or for excellent snorkeling, check out Church Bay 5 minutes' west.

If you want true relaxation on a beach with hardly anyone else, go to Cooper’s Island in St David’s. It’s in a nature reserve with few amenities, so bring food and drinks with you.

Enjoy a fish sandwich

Bermuda has an abundance of fresh fish and one of our favorite ways to enjoy it is deep fried and loaded high on a sandwich. A typical Bermuda fish sandwich is served on toasted raisin bread with fried fish (typically wahoo or snapper), coleslaw and tartar sauce. The best version is debatable, but trust me here – you want to try the fish sandwich at Mamma Mia or, if you’re in the west, Woodys.

Drink a rum swizzle

Bermuda is known for its rum swizzle and various restaurants and bars across the island have their own version. Rum swizzle is what we call rum punch, and it’s typically made from dark rum, light rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, bitters and a splash of grenadine. For an old-school version, visit Swizzle Inn. For my favorite, head to Wahoo’s Bistro in St George’s.

My favorite thing to do in Bermuda

There’s nothing more magical than seeing the beauty of Bermuda by boat, whether it's during the day for swimming, or in the evening for a sunset cruise. One of the more popular swimming areas is Paradise Lakes where the water is calm and you’re surrounded by private islands. Restless Native and ÜberVida both offer private and group charters.

How much money do I need for Bermuda?

The Bermuda dollar is one to one with the US dollar, and Bermuda is more expensive than other island destinations. During the summer months, more luxurious resorts can charge over $1000 per night for a room.

• Hotel rooms: $500 a night (high season), $300 (low season)

• Mid-range meal for two: $150 per person

• Public transport ticket: $5 (one-way)

• Cocktails: $11–25

• Beer at the bar: from $8

• Cup of coffee: $4.50–8

• Fish sandwich: from $18