The Best Things to Do in Bermuda

Whether your ideal island getaway includes lounging on breathtaking beaches, snorkeling among vibrant reefs rich with marine life, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, or feasting on world-class cuisine (or maybe a bit of everything), Bermuda has it all.

And thanks to its sub-tropical climate, Bermuda weather is generally mild year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit. An abundance of blue skies and bright sunshine is typical, while gentle trade winds temper the summer heat and create some of the world’s best sailing conditions.

If you’re traveling with your family, your friends, or your special someone, a Bermuda vacation offers no shortage of unforgettable things to see and do. Here are some of our favorites.

Grab a Twizy and Hit the South Shore

Bermuda is well known for its moped culture, but there’s one other fun new way for visitors to explore the island: By renting a Twizy. Standing for “twin” and “easy,” the two-seater electric Twizy is designed by Renault’s Formula One racing team and can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. But don’t worry if you plan to cruise all day — you can power up at your hotel or various “Oasis Points” around the island.

Take an Underground Cave Excursion

Bermuda’s spectacular scenery doesn’t stop at the beaches. Go on an underground guided tour to discover the otherworldly beauty of Crystal Caves, located in Hamilton Parish. Formed during the Ice Age and discovered in the early 1900s, this fascinating subterranean world features dramatic limestone formations (hanging stalactites and protruding stalagmites) surrounding a deep, crystal-clear lake. Fun fact: According to the Bermuda Tourism Authority, celebrated author Mark Twain was the first tourist to descend into the Crystal Caves in 1908. The caves also inspired Jim Henson’s beloved 1980s series, Fraggle Rock.

Reel in a Fish Sandwich from Art Mel’s

From local dives to fine dining restaurants, the fish sandwich is a menu staple at Bermuda’s eateries, but none has a cult following quite like the legendary fish sandwich from Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy in Hamilton. Stop by this tiny takeaway joint for an exceptionally tasty — and oversized — version of the local favorite: Well-seasoned, delicately fried fish piled high with tangy coleslaw on fluffy raisin bread. Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has raved that it’s “the biggest and best-fried fish sandwich I have ever had.” (Insider tip: Drizzle on the local hot sauce and wash it down with a ginger beer.)

Trek Along the Bermuda Railway Trail

Spanning from one end of the island to the other, the Railway Trail follows eighteen miles of abandoned railbed that winds through picturesque landscapes and along rocky coastlines. Explore the trail by foot or rent bikes at the Royal Naval Dockyard and head south on a leisurely ride full of breathtaking views and natural wonders. As you make your way through the South Shore, stop to discover the postcard-worthy beaches, secluded coves, and lush nature reserves along the way.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Lili Bermuda

This famed perfumery offers intoxicating fragrances evoking the island's natural beauty — all handcrafted on-site. At the historic St. George’s location, guests can experience Bermuda’s British heritage with a traditional afternoon tea service, offered every Wednesday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Relax in a flower-filled garden as you indulge in a selection of fine teas served with finger sandwiches, fresh pastries, and petit fours made by the local bakery, Sweet P.

Shop Along Hamilton’s Front Street

Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs, local art, home décor, or stylish fashions, you’re bound to find fantastic shopping in Hamilton. Bermuda’s capital city is the main hub for charming boutiques and studios from the island’s creative artisans. Wander down Front Street, Hamilton’s bustling waterfront promenade, to find something for every type of shopper. Two of the most popular picks include pink sand necklaces from Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery and colorful TABS (The Authentic Bermuda Shorts) from A.S. Cooper & Sons: Man on Front Street. Added bonus: There’s no sales tax when you shop in Bermuda.

Zip Around the Island on a Jet Ski

Jet skiing is one of the greatest ways to experience high-speed thrills on the water and see remote parts of a destination, but it’s especially exhilarating in Bermuda because visitors can explore the Great Sound — a serene body of water bordered by land on three sides and open to the Atlantic Ocean. Guests glide through Hamilton Harbour and past impressive yachts and sailboats on the Straits of Paradise. As you zoom over the crystal clear waters, you’ll get a glimpse of the extravagant homes dotting the shores on Millionaires Row and can travel along the America’s Cup racecourse route.

Go Wild at Awesome Animal Attractions

One of the island’s top family-friendly attractions is the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ). Located in Flatts Village, it's a place where you can get up close and personal with playful seals, fascinating sharks, and many other creatures housed in naturalistic habitats. 

Belly Up to the Bar at Yours Truly

From the Rum Swizzle to the Dark and Stormy, cocktails are an essential part of the island’s rich culinary culture. When it’s time to unwind, venture to Yours Truly, a speakeasy hot spot in Hamilton that offers an experience unlike any other in Bermuda. Expect handcrafted libations using local ingredients and house-made syrups, bitters, and infused liquors. The dedicated mixologists concoct new cocktail recipes weekly and even hand-carve the ice. 

Check Out Art at the “Pink Palace”

Imagine an art museum inside a hotel. That’s what you’ll find at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Known as the “Pink Palace” because of its rosy facade, the iconic resort underwent extensive renovations and now has an impressive collection of Pop and Modern Art. Magnificent work from Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and other well-known names is displayed throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. through the hotel. 

Unwind at a Spa in a Cave

As previously noted, Bermuda is home to some magically beautiful caves. But did you know that you can get pampered in one? The rustic Natura Spa at Grotto Bay Beach Resort offers signature spa treatments inside the property’s natural Serenity Cave, which was discovered in 1609. Imagine getting a relaxing massage while gazing down into the cave’s mesmerizing sapphire mineral waters (ahhh…). This truly one-of-a-kind experience invites you to connect with nature while recharging your spirit.

Discover Hidden Gems on a Local Tour

Delve into Bermuda’s only jungle with an all-inclusive eco-tour from Hidden Gems. This sensational adventure includes a jungle hike, subterranean cave explorations, and cliff-jumping into sparkling turquoise waters. You’ll also be treated to sweeping views at St. David’s Battery, one of the island’s highest points, before snorkeling and unwinding on the pink sands of secluded Cooper’s Island beach. Even better, the tour includes all necessary gear, plus lunch, snacks, and bottled water — making this excursion a no-brainer.

Take a Dip in Blue Hole Park

Yes, Bermuda is beloved for its beaches, but don’t overlook its other swimmable options, including the absolutely stunning Blue Hole Park. The 12-acre park comes with plenty of lush vegetation, all leading to a network of underground tunnels and pools, including the Blue Hole, which you are free to swim in. There’s free parking here, as well as easy-to-follow trails that will lead you right to the destination. 

Bermuda Botanical Gardens

Take in the glorious sights and smells at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, a 36-acre park that’s home to Bermuda’s most beautiful endemic plant species as well as plants gathered from all over the globe. There’s also plenty for the little ones to enjoy too, including a hedge maze and butterfly gardens. 

Get a Scoop at Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour

Temperatures tend to hover on the warm side here, making a scoop or two of ice cream an absolute necessity. For the best of Bermuda, make your way to Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour, a pastel-hued establishment known for its spectacular array of flavors. Get a sherbert, sorbet, ice cream, or go all out with a sundae, because it’s vacation, why not? 

Fort St. Catherine

Get a better glimpse into Bermuda’s history with a visit to Fort St. Catherine. The fort, constructed in 1614, showcases an impressive collection of artifacts from the island’s unique history. Guests can peruse its galleries, take in the sweeping views of the pink-sand beaches below, or walk over its drawbridge to feel like they’ve walked right into a fairytale. 

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

For more aquatic action, pay a visit to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), a 40,000-square-foot science center. Here, guests can take part in a simulated dive experience that them 1,200 feet below the surface of the sea, where they’ll encounter whales, sharks, and more sea life to help them get to know the surrounding waters a bit better.

Hartley's Undersea Walk

Want the real thing instead of a simulation? Come try Hartley's Undersea Walk. Sort of a mix between diving and snorkeling, the walk involves wearing a bubble helmet, which allows participants to easily breathe and see the surrounding sea life all at once. Each walk is about 30 to 40 minutes, and the entire journey takes about three hours. 

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

For one of the best views in Bermuda, make your way to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, then all the way to the top of its 185 steps. Built in 1846, the lighthouse stands 117 feet tall and gives visitors a spectacular view of the verdant landscape below, disappearing into azure waters. The lighthouse is also one for the record books as it’s the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world. 

Lounge at Horseshoe Bay Beach

There’s a reason Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most photographed places in Bermuda — it’s downright stunning. The crescent-shaped beach comes with soft, baby-pink sand lapped by gin-clear waters beckoning visitors to take a dip. The beach is also a well-serviced one, with easy public transport, lifeguards, and beach loungers available for rent from end to end.