Travel Destinations A-Z How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Bermuda Your all-access guide to Bermuda. By Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a freelance travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 30, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Best Hotels and Resorts Best Things to Do Best Shopping Best Restaurants Best Time to Visit How to Get There Neighborhoods to Know How to Get Around Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: shunyufan/Getty Images Bermuda is a true island paradise. This British territory is famous for its pink-sand beaches and laid-back island vibe. A popular spot for tourists but fiercely protective of its strong sense of identity, Bermuda's atmosphere is upscale, artsy, and naturally wild. T+L editors named the island as one of the best places to visit in 2023 due to its new $400-million airport terminal, hotel openings and renovations (see The St. Regis Bermuda Resort and Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa), and new airline routes to the island, including a direct flight from LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Make plans to come at the beginning of the year, when the island's film festival and restaurant weeks take place. Or, visit during the summer to enjoy the dancing and music of Bermuda's Carnival. Despite its popularity with visitors, Bermuda is hardly touristy: tacky souvenir shops are few, and commercialized clutter like fast-food chains are banned (save for one pre-existing KFC that was grandfathered in). This North Atlantic island is about 900 miles north of the Caribbean islands and boasts glorious weather all year long. Best Hotels and Resorts Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa Opened in 1923, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa reopened in 2022 after a major renovation — and was voted as one of the best new hotels of 2023 by T+L editors. Much of its original architecture remains, including 100-year-old coral stone walls. The 86-room resort features four private beaches, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple sports courts, and a full-service spa. Sip classic island cocktails surrounded by sunken treasure (recovered by Bermudian diver Teddy Tucker) at The Sunken Harbor Club, an outpost of the nautical-themed bar in Brooklyn, New York. The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Courtesy of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort The Marriott brand returned to the island of Bermuda, where it has not had a presence since 1999, with the opening of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort in May 2021. Its "bespoke service, exquisite design, outstanding culinary venues, and historic Five Forts Golf Course" — as Jan Vanhaelewyn, the resort's general manager, previously told T+L — makes for a relaxing and luxurious retreat in a picturesque setting. The Loren at Pink Beach Courtesy of The Loren at Pink Beach The Loren is located in Bermuda's East End. The hotel is right on the beach and is known for thoughtful amenities, including a custom soundtrack that plays throughout the day. "The Loren," Stephen King, the hotel's developer, said previously to T+L, "shows what Bermuda can be." Hamilton Princess & Beach Club Courtesy of Hamilton Princess The five-star Hamilton Princess is a hotel, beach club, and marina all in one. Its pink exterior has been an iconic sight on the island for over a century. Plus, it's just a five-minute walk from downtown Hamilton. Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority Grotto Bay Beach Resort is the only hotel in Bermuda that offers an all-inclusive option. Jay Correia, the president of Swizzle Ltd, said the resort has a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere and offers "a great beach and [options for] water sports." Stretching over 21 acres along beautiful Bailey's Bay, the real draw of Grotto Bay Beach Resort is its spa: the hotel is home to crystal caves coated in 500,000-year-old stalactites and stalagmites with crystal-clear water beneath, one of the most awe-inspiring settings in the world for a massage. Best Things to Do Crystal and Fantasy Caves One of the most awe-inspiring views in Bermuda, the Crystal Caves, are a must on any Bermuda vacation. Visitors descend underground to deep, super-clear pools surrounded on all sides by stalagmites and stalactites, an experience to be explored via floating bridges. Tours are given daily; reservations not required. Gibb's Hill Lighthouse After a string of shipwrecks on Bermuda's West End, where coral reefs extend 16 miles from shore, construction began on Gibb's Hill Lighthouse in 1844. Because steel was not a viable building material at the time, it was one of the few lighthouses in the world made of cast iron. Today, visitors can climb its 185 steps for unbeatable views of Bermuda's mind-blowing greens and blues. Horseshoe Bay Beach Bermuda's beaches are among the main reasons to visit. There are many gorgeous beaches around the island, but the curved Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most popular in Bermuda, thanks to its iconic pink sands and azure water. Looking to dive in the magnificent water? Reach out to the folks at Dive Bermuda to schedule a tour. African Diaspora Heritage Trail Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority The majority of Bermudians have African ancestry, with many descended from people captured and sold into slavery during the 1700s. Explore the African Diaspora Heritage Trail to learn their history and the legacies they forged in spite of intense persecution. Featured sites include the National Museum of Bermuda, the Bermuda Heritage Museum, Cobbs Hill Methodist Church, and various statues, sculptures, and historic homes. Lili Bermuda Perfumery The historic Lili Bermuda Perfumery was established in 1928 and has been sharing Bermuda's story through scent ever since. Complimentary tours of the perfumery, which cover techniques of perfume-making and reveal where and how they age their perfumes, are held daily (except Sundays and public holidays) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. No reservation is required. Another fun activity at the perfumery, which provides a taste of the island's British roots, is traditional afternoon tea, held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons (reservation required). Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bermuda Best Shopping Urban Cottage Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority Blending both classic and modern, new and vintage, this two-story boutique is one of the most beloved shops in Bermuda: you can find everything from locally made jewelry to items salvaged from shipwrecks to home goods, apparel, and accessories. Long Story Short Owned by Bermudian blogger and entrepreneur Kristin White, the gift shop and tour center — which she describes as "my dope emporium of wonderment" — is curated with a focus on social progress, the African Diaspora, women, and environmental sustainability. You'll find everything from books by women of color to planet-friendly home goods here. The store is also home to Salt Spray Soap Co., a local artisan skincare line, which has an in-house workshop. Bermuda Craft Market Even locals can't resist the charm of the Royal Naval Dockyard Craft Market, where you can find local artisan crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs like cigars, rum cake, prints and paintings, and even rum swizzle mix. Situated on Bermuda's West End, the market is located inside a former warehouse and barrel workshop originally constructed in 1831. Best Restaurants Bolero Brasserie Helmed by chef/owner Jonny Roberts, Bolero's dishes are deceptively simple and surprisingly delicious. The bistro's unassuming entrance down a narrow alley proves looks can be deceiving: it's extremely popular among tourists and locals. Treat yourself to more traditional or vegan tapas, specialty dishes, entrees, and of course, dessert. Outdoor dining is available. Devil's Isle Cafe Mingle with locals at Devil's Isle, both a specialty coffee shop with take-out options and a dine-in restaurant serving healthy, nutrition-conscious food. Try a slice of their house-made sourdough for breakfast or their house-made pasta for dinner. Outdoor terrace available; reservations welcome. Flanagan's Irish Pub The only traditional Irish pub in Bermuda, Flanagan's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a variety of beers from around the world. Located near the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, it's a popular spot to kick back on the outdoor second-story patio and enjoy the view. Reservations accepted. The Swizzle Inn Pub and Restaurant Home of Bermuda's national cocktail, the rum swizzle, created here in the early 20th century, The Swizzle Inn is Bermuda's oldest pub. (Of course, you can try Bermuda's unofficial national drink, the dark 'n' stormy, here too.) Laid-back, casual, and rustic, it's a must-stop on any visit to Bermuda. Outdoor seating is available; no reservations required. Art Mel's Spicy Dicy Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority Located off the beaten path near Hamilton, Art Mel's Spicy Dicy is worth the cab ride if you're seeking a Bermudian meal. It's also (arguably) the best place on the island to try Bermuda's famously unique take on the fish sandwich, which consists of a deep-fried fish filet with tartar sauce on raisin toast. Don't knock it till you've tried it. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Bermuda is in March and April when the weather is temperate and the crowds are less intense. Springtime in Bermuda brings one of the world's most beautiful Good Friday traditions, the Bermuda Kite Festival, which fills the skies over Horseshoe Bay Beach with kites in various colors and styles. Tourist season stretches from May to October when the weather is most balmy and is perfect for those who are looking to hang out on the beach or try some water activities. "There are amazing sites to free dive or snorkel right from the shore," Rachel Sawden, a Bermuda native, free diver, and real estate agent, told T+L. "Elbow Beach has an amazing shipwreck on its eastern side and a stunning reef and cavern network to the west. On the northeastern side of the island, the rocky coastline of Baileys Bay has lots of nooks and crannies that hold an abundance of life, [including] octopi, squid, and some of the largest parrotfish you’ll ever see." If you're planning on visiting from November to February, don't forget to pack a light sweater — the island can get surprisingly chilly in the fall and winter months. January sees Bermuda Restaurant Weeks and the annual Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend, where adventurous travelers can participate in events ranging from a mile run to a full marathon. Harbour Nights is another popular island tradition that begins in April and lasts through early September: on Wednesday nights, the city of Hamilton hosts a pedestrian-only block party with local vendors, artists, activities, and traditional Gombey dancers. Bermuda Carnival takes place each June. Read More: The Best Times to Visit Bermuda How to Get There You can get to Bermuda by air or by sea. The L.F. Wade International Airport is located on the island's East End and services many major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways. This is the fastest and most direct way to reach the island. Bermuda is an excellent cruise destination and has three ports of call you can roll into, including one in the island's capital, the city of Hamilton. Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises all have itineraries that stop in Bermuda. Neighborhoods to Know Three main regions comprise Bermuda's 21 square miles. East End: Home to the historic town of St. George's, Bermuda's former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the East End is beloved for its history, culture, photo-worthy brick streets, and British colonial architecture. "You can spend hours wandering through the historic alleys, along the winding coast, and walking the same cobble-stoned streets as iconic figures like pilot Jemmy Darrell, one of Bermuda's first King's pilots and one of the first Black property-owners on the island," White told T+L. There are also plenty of natural attractions in addition to the human-made treasures: be sure to check out the limestone formations of Tobacco Bay Beach, Tom Moore's Jungle, the Crystal Caves, Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, and Ferry Reach National Park, home to lush flora and rare birds. Central Bermuda: Hamilton, the island's capital, lies in Central Bermuda and lends the area its more developed, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated global feel. If you're looking for dining, shopping, and nightlife in Bermuda, the island's more commercialized central section is where you'll find it, especially along Front Street downtown. “Visitors can't get enough of the walking tour of Hamilton that allows them to experience Bermuda beyond the beaches, including the marvelous shopping," Ed Christopher, Bermuda's town crier, told T+L. "They are able to walk through the vibrant and colorful streets of North Hamilton, embracing Bermuda’s history and changes through the years." There are also beaches, botanical gardens, parks, and oceanfront golf. West End: Here, you'll find the Royal Naval Dockyard (home to a major cruise ship port and a craft market, museum, and restaurants) and attractions like the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the village of Somerset, and famous South Shore beaches. It's a hub for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. How to Get Around Buses: Pink-and-blue striped buses connect most areas of interest across the island. Bermuda has 11 bus routes and 14 bus zones. A day pass to visit all bus zones costs $19. You can book transportation passes for one to seven consecutive days as well as a month or a three-month pass. You can also pay per ride in cash, tokens, or with tickets. Ferries: Public ferry routes aboard the SeaExpress Ferry Service are a popular (and scenic) way to get around the island. All ferries depart from the Ferry Terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Transportation passes, tickets, and tokens can all be used to pay for the ferry, with prices varying by route. Taxis: Taxis in Bermuda can provide transportation directly from point A to point B, but some drivers also offer hourly sightseeing tours. All taxis are metered at set rates established by the government. Download Hitch to book a taxi anywhere on the island at any time of day, right from your smartphone. Car rentals: Car rentals are not available in Bermuda in an effort to curb air pollution, overcrowding, and car accidents. However, you can rent an electric two-seater. Just remember that in Bermuda, motorists drive on the left, and the maximum speed is 21 miles per hour.Scooters and Bicycles: Both scooters and bicycles can be rented from various outfitters around the island. Helmets are required for all riders, and motorized vehicles are only available to those age 18 or older. Rental costs start at around $30 per day. Check out Pedego Electric Bikes, Elbow Beach Cycles, and Oleander Cycles for bike and scooter rentals.