Hamilton, Bermuda cruises
Hamilton port guide
A picturesque port tucked at the bottom of the Main Island peninsula, Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic made up of a group of small islands. First discovered in 1505 by Spanish sailor Juan de Bermúdez, Bermuda’s eponym, the islands were claimed in England’s name in 1609.
Bermuda is a wonderfully eclectic mix of crystal-clear waters, relaxing beaches, thrilling cuisine, dramatic scenery, and bustling hubs of business and commerce.
Bathed in warm sunlight, sprinkled with lush tropical flora and bays of pale pink sand, Hamilton is the perfect gateway to an unforgettable visit to Bermuda.
Top Landmarks and Sights in Hamilton
Hamilton is a paradise for lovers of history, nature, and culture.
Fort Hamilton
You could stroll to the outskirts of Hamilton and visit the hilltop fort. Built in the 1870s, the fort was erected to protect Hamilton Harbour and defend the Western Royal Navy Dockyard. With a distinctly Victorian feel, Fort Hamilton stands guard over the harbor, with ramparts and cannons juxtaposing the spectacular backdrop of the azure waters beyond. In the place of what was once a moat, find a lush tropical garden, home to a variety of thriving flora and fauna.
Historical Architecture in Hamilton
Perhaps meander through the streets of Hamilton, lined with pastel facades and historical architecture destined to fill your camera roll. While here, you could explore some of the 17th-century churches and government buildings that are dotted around Hamilton. These include the Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Church, and the Bermuda Capitol Building, to name a few. Another impressive building is the Bermuda House of Assembly. [HW3] This is the oldest parliament in the Western Hemisphere, as the first session was held here in 1620.
Bermuda City Hall and Arts Center and Bermuda National Gallery
For a closer look at some of Bermuda’s intriguing culture, head to the Bermuda City Hall and Arts Center or the Bermuda National Gallery. Here, you’ll find beautiful works of art and fascinating artifacts from Bermuda, Africa, and Europe on display.
Things to do in Hamilton
Front Street
A hotspot for visitors to Bermuda, Front Street on the Hamilton waterfront is an energetic and vibrant place to spend an afternoon. Maybe you’ll find yourself enjoying an unplanned stroll along the promenade, watching the boats gently bobbing in the harbor. Trying some delicious street food. Watching some local artists hard at work. During the summer, if you happen to be here on a Wednesday, you’ll find the weekly Harbour Nights Festival. This evening of wonder brings all kinds of colors, lights, and music, as well as entertainment including traditional Gombey dancers.
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo
Come face-to-face with animals and marine life of all shapes and sizes at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo. A sprawling waterside facility in Flatts Village, here you’ll see vast tanks of tropical fish and coral reefs teeming with sharks, tuna, and barracuda. Lemurs, curious seals, alligators, and vibrant pink flamingos are just some of the creatures to see at the zoo.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
For something a little different, you could head underground to the magical Crystal and Fantasy Caves, a series of dazzling natural rock formations. Stalagmites rise from deep within the crystal-clear azure pools as limestone stalactites drip from the ceiling like a waterfall frozen in time. Explore the caves from floating pontoons, in a world thought to be formed over 1.6 million years ago during the Pleistocene Age.
Horseshoe Bay
Should you be looking for a more leisurely afternoon, make a beeline for what is often considered one of the best beaches in the world – Horseshoe Bay. A crescent-shaped beach that boasts photogenic, soft, pale pink sands set against dramatic rock formations and the blue waters of the Atlantic, the beach is popular with locals and visitors alike. Here, feel free to simply relax on the warm sands. Get lost in a book with a cold drink in hand. Or maybe you’d like to spot the diverse marine life as you snorkel under the shallow, calm waves.
Eating and drinking near Hamilton
Bermudian cuisine is rich, flavorful, and varied, with plenty to satiate every palate.
The Royal Navy Dockyard is home to the Bermuda Rum Cake Company, which produces a variety of fruit-studded rum cakes, made with local Goslings rum. If you have a sweet tooth, these delicious cakes are well worth a try.
Fresh fish chowder is the national dish of Bermuda – a rich and light broth made with fish fillets, a tangy tomato sauce, and a blend of other vegetables and spices. Unlike other chowders that are made with milk or cream, this dish is less thick and is traditionally seasoned with black rum and local Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers hot sauce.
It may come as no surprise to learn that rum-based cocktails are in no short supply across the island. Choose a Dark ‘n’ Stormy for a beverage with a spicy punch, or a Rum Swizzle for a refreshing kick.
Shopping in Hamilton
Front Street in Hamilton is the place to visit for a waterfront shopping experience. Stroll along the main street for high-end boutiques, or perhaps slip into a side alley and browse some of the smaller, more niche offerings. Here, choose anything from clothes, jewelry, and perfume to artwork, local jams, and other delicacies.
Getting around, Hamilton transport
The island benefits from an excellent and frequent bus service, connecting Hamilton to all parts of the island. Pink and blue painted poles denote bus stops, with pink poles indicating buses to Hamilton and blue indicating buses from Hamilton.
You’ll find passenger ferries around the harbor that can transport you around the islands that surround Bermuda’s Main Island if you’d like to explore elsewhere.
Taxis are plentiful and available from Front Street and at major hotels, or bookable via telephone.
Hamilton port facilities
There are several cruise ports in Bermuda, but the Cunard Queens will generally dock at King’s Wharf. This is located next to the historic Royal Navy Dockyard, which makes for an interesting first glimpse into the country. A neighboring second berth, Heritage Wharf, was built in 2009 to accommodate cruise ships as well, so there may be occasions when we dock here too.
The terminal offers basic amenities, including toilets and a visitor information center, and transport such as taxis, buses, and ferries operate all day. Hamilton is roughly a 20-minute taxi or ferry ride away.
Hamilton Quick Tips
Currency
The Bermudian dollar is the official currency of Bermuda, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most businesses on the island will try to provide change in U.S. dollars to visitors. If you’d like local currency, you can exchange money at local banks or on board your ship.
While many large retailers will accept credit card payments, it can be useful to carry cash for purchases at small shops and restaurants.
Tipping
The majority of restaurants in Bermuda automatically add a tip, typically between 15 and 17% of the total cost of your bill.
Weather
Bermuda enjoys a subtropical climate. The weather is mild in the winter, spring, and fall months.
Late April to mid-October is the most popular time to visit Bermuda, with warm, comfortable temperatures. Summer in Bermuda can be very warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures between 73°F and 84°F.