Weekend in Bermuda: The Ultimate 48 Hour Guide
Looking for a tropical getaway? Why not a weekend in Bermuda!
I know, it sounds unrealistic. But hear me out. 48 hours is the perfect amount of time to spend on this North Atlantic island. You can reach Bermuda on a 2-hour flight from NYC. Once here, spend your weekend relaxing on the pink sandy beaches or sipping Rum Swizzles.
I spent a weekend in Bermuda and loved every second of my trip. This island is welcoming, charming, and easy to fall in love with. One weekend in Bermuda is a great place to start. But soon, you might find yourself planning your next weekend (or week-long) getaway to the colorful island.
Ready to plan your getaway? Here we go!
Weekend in Bermuda Guide
Where to Stay
Let’s go ahead and address this, Bermuda is expensive. A lot of islands are. So just be prepared for that.
Before planning your trip, you need to think about what you want out of your experience. Do you want to spend all of your time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches? Or do you want to explore all of the island. Maybe a little of both?
If you are going to Bermuda for a honeymoon or another romantic getaway, you might want to consider one of the island’s resorts. The Hamilton Princess and Elbow Beach are two great options.
Budget travelers, you are probably going to want to look at Airbnbs on the island. My husband and I chose a guest house-style Airbnb in Paget Parish. This was perfect for us. I loved staying at this Airbnb because it offered a different feel than the rest of the island. It was in a residential area so we were mostly around locals, who were all incredibly welcoming and helpful.
As you decide where to stay, there are a few things you should know. Tourists can’t rent cars in Bermuda. You can rent a motor scooter or a small Twizy vehicle. So, I mostly got around by bus, ferry, and walking. The three main areas in Bermuda are Hamilton, St. George, and the Royal Dockyards. These are spread out across the island. I suggest picking a hotel or Airbnb in the center of the island (near or in Hamilton if possible). Being centrally located will make it much easier to get to public transportation and help you make the most of your weekend.
How to Get Here
Since Bermuda is an island, you only have two options: flying or cruising. If you are on a cruise, you will likely dock in the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Bermuda has one airport, the L.F. Wade International Airport. This is located on the eastern side of the island, between St. George’s and Hamilton. Depending on when you arrive, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel/Airbnb. Be prepared, Uber and Lyft don’t operate on the island. You need cash to pay for a taxi.
Transportation in Bermuda
As I mentioned earlier, visitors can’t rent cars in Bermuda. If you want to rent a vehicle, you can rent a Twizy or a scooter.
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are not available in Bermuda. Taxis drive across the island and are fairly reliable. But this isn’t New York City. You will likely have to wait a while before an empty taxi comes by. Be prepared to pay in cash.
Walking is a common way to get around the island. But, sidewalks are scarce. You will often need to walk on the side of the road which can be a bit scary. (Also remember that the cars drive on the left side of the road). Most motorists seemed to be cautious and aware that pedestrians are around.
Public transportation is a great way to travel around Bermuda. Buses and ferries run frequently. Cash is not accepted, but you can pay for your rides with coins, tickets, tokens, or passes. Transportation tickets work for both the ferries and buses. You can purchase a packet of tickets at visitor centers, some post offices, and bus/ferry terminals.
The main ferry terminal is located in Hamilton. From here you can travel to the Royal Dockyard and then take a ferry from there to St. George’s. I really enjoyed taking the ferry. The ride from Hamilton to the Royal Dockyard was really scenic and less than 30 minutes. I would take the ferry as a cheap sightseeing boat trip!
When taking the bus, look for blue and pink posts that mark the stops. Many of these stops are just on the side of the road, but some are in small sheltered areas. Pink posts are for buses headed to Hamilton and blue posts are for buses headed away from Hamilton. Signal to the bus driver that you want to be picked up.
Quick Tip
English is the main language spoken in Bermuda. Bermuda has its own currency but also accepts US dollars. It is roughly a one-for-one conversion. Many places only accept cash, so many sure you bring some with you. If you pay in American dollars, you will likely get Bermudan currency as change.
Alright, ready for the fun stuff? Let’s get the weekend in Bermuda started!
Weekend in Bermuda: Day 1
Breakfast at Devil’s Isle Coffee Co.
Let’s kick-off day one with breakfast at Devil’s Isle. You will need to be in Hamilton to catch a bus for our morning activity anyways, so why not enjoy breakfast while you are here. Devil’s Isle offers a relaxed sit down spot where you can treat yourself to savory or sweet breakfast dishes like Banana Bread French Toast and Chilaquiles. Or, get coffee and a pastry to go from the coffee bar.
My Pick: Iced Latte and Chilaquiles
After breakfast, we will head to the Crystal Caves. You can take a taxi or a #1 or #3 bus to the Crystal Caves stop. If you are unsure, tell the bus driver when you get on that you are headed to the caves.
Crystal & Fantasy Caves
The Crystal and Fantasy Caves are part of an underground cave system. These caves are filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. You can take a guided tour of the caves to take pictures and get a closer look at the unique geological features.
Combination tickets are available for the two caves, or you can choose to only visit one. Combination tickets cost $35 or one cave ticket costs $24. I decided to only visit the Crystal Cave and this was perfect for me. The tour lasted about 45 minutes, which gave me plenty of time in the cave.
Blue Hole Park
After the cave tour, take a short walk to Blue Hole Park. This gorgeous park is my favorite spot on the island. You can spend some time leisurely walking on the trails, swimming, snorkeling, or cliff jumping.
Bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen with you. If you have snorkel gear make sure you pack that too. For more, check out my How to Visit Blue Hole Park guide.
Lunch at Swizzle Inn
When you are ready for lunch, head to the iconic Swizzle Inn. This pub is located right across from the entrance to Blue Hole Park. This pub is the birthplace of one of Bermuda’s national drinks: the Rum Swizzle. This delicious drink is made with two types of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, Bermuda falernum, and Angostura Bitters. Orange slices and a cherry often garnish the drink. This is also a great spot to try some local seafood. Enjoy a cup of Bermudan fish chowder or a Bailey’s Bay fish sandwich.
My Pick: A Rum Swizzle and Bermudan Fish Chowder.
St. George’s
After lunch, head to St. George’s for the afternoon. St. George’s was the site of the first British colony on the island. Here you can see some historic architecture and beautiful coastal views. I spent a few hours in St. George’s following this self-guided walking tour.
If walking tours aren’t your thing, these are the highlights in St. George’s:
- The Unfinished Church– Construction on this church started in 1874. Between a lack of funds and disagreements between the local parishes, this church was never completed.
- Tobacco Bay– This beautiful cove is the perfect spot to snorkel or sunbathe.
- Fort St. Catherine– Built in 1614, this is Bermuda’s largest fort. You can admire the fort from the outside or pay a small fee to enter. Nearby you will find St. Catherine’s Beach. This is another beautiful spot with clear water and clean sand.
Drinks at The Birdcage
Head back to Hamilton for the evening. If you want a pre-dinner drink, visit The Birdcage on Front Street. This rooftop bar is situated on top of the Hamilton Visitors Center. This made-for-Instagram bar is trendy and will be filled with millennials. You can enjoy classic rum swizzles or other fruity mixed drinks while you take in the impressive views.
Dinner: Marcus’s
Let’s end the first night with a nice dinner. Marcus‘ at the Hamilton Princess is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the sunset. You can enjoy a meal in the relaxed dining room or on the waterfront patio.
Marcus Samuelsson is the James Beard Award-Winning Chef behind the Red Rooster in NYC. At his Bermudan restaurant, you can still enjoy his signature Fried Chicken and Waffles dish. The menu mostly highlights Bermudan cuisine, with dishes like the Bermudan Triangle and Fish Chowder Bites.
Make a reservation online in advance to make sure you get a spot.
My Pick: Off The Dock Sashimi and Steak Frite.
If you are done for the day, I don’t blame you. Head back to your hotel/Airbnb to get ready for Day 2. Or, grab another drink at the Crown and Anchor in the Hamilton Princess. You can sit at one of the tables in the courtyard to enjoy the last bit of daylight (it doesn’t get dark until a bit after 9 pm in the summer).
Weekend in Bermuda: Day 2
Ready for Day 2 of your weekend in Bermuda? Today we are starting in the Royal Dockyards. Take a ferry from Hamilton or a bus from a blue stop.
Breakfast: Dockyards Pastry
The Royal Dockyards feel a bit different than the rest of the island. This is where the cruise ships dock, so it is a very touristy area. But, it is also a fascinating area filled with history. This area served as an important naval base for the British army for more than 150 years.
Before diving too deep into the history, start with some breakfast at The Dockyard Pastry. Grab a table on the patio for full-service dining or just get a coffee and pastry to go.
My Pick: Chocolate Cappuccino Muffin and an Iced Latte.
National Museum of Bermuda
After breakfast, make your way to the nearby National Museum of Bermuda. This museum is located in a historic fort and offers a look at the unique history of the island. Here you can learn more about the shipwreck that led to the first settlement on Bermuda and the island’s role in the War of 1812. As you explore the museum, you will find multiple vantage points where you can take in the view of the surrounding turquoise water.
I found the museum fascinating. But, if you are looking for something different, Snorkel Park Beach and Fun Golf are two great alternative options.
Lunch: Frog & Onion
When you are ready for lunch, visit the Frog & Onion Pub. This is located right across from the entrance to the National Museum. This pub opened in 1992 and is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional British fare. Of course, the menu is also influenced by the island and you can enjoy local fish and Rum Swizzles.
Here you can also try beer from Bermuda’s only brewpub, the Dockyard Brewing Co.
My Pick: Frog Nachos and a Rum Swizzle
Ferry + Horseshoe Bay
After lunch, spend some time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches the island is known for. You can take a bus or taxi from the Royal Dockyard to Horseshoe Bay. Or, if you want, take a ferry to Hamilton. As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed the ferry ride. This scenic ride gives you a different perspective of the island and takes you past some beautiful pastel buildings. Once you reach Hamilton, you can take a bus or taxi to Horseshoe Bay.
Horseshoe Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The pink sand, crystal blue waters, and surrounding rocky cliffs are what draw so many visitors to Bermuda. I recommended going in the afternoon to help avoid some of the crowds. I arrived after 2, and most of the tourists from the cruise ships were leaving at that point. But, you can always do this first thing if it is your main priority.
When you get to Horseshoe Bay, you will see bathrooms where you can change. As you get to the beach, turn left and keep walking. You will pass a small beach bar setting drinks and renting chairs. Most people gather right at the entrance, but you will find plenty of space as you keep going to the left. If you keep going around the cliffs, you will find a secluded spot that many tourists miss.
Spend as much time as you want at this gorgeous beach. It is absolutely breathtaking. The water is crystal clear and the beach seems to sparkle. Just be aware that the current is strong and rip tides are common.
Drinks: The Terrace
After a relaxing afternoon, head back to Hamilton for the evening. There are plenty of restaurants along Front Street. Wander along the street until you find something you like. Or, go back to Birdcage. Another great option is The Terrace. This is one of many spots on Front Street where you can enjoy drinks on an outdoor terrace overlooking the street and harbor.
Dinner: The Pickled Onion
Again you have options. Stay at The Terrace or find another spot on Front Street. The Pickled Onion is a great dinner option. It is a sister restaurant of the Frog & Onion Pub, but the menu is a bit more elevated. You can enjoy some local seafood and drinks while sitting on their patio above the harbor.
My Picks: Rum Swizzle and Wahoo Sliders
I hope you enjoyed this Weekend in Bermuda guide. Have you been to the island? If not, is it on your list?
If you are looking for more, check out these Bermuda Guides:
Best of Bermuda: 18 Can’t Miss Experiences
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