So you're planning a Bermuda trip? Good choice. I remember my first time stepping off the plane at L.F. Wade International Airport – that blast of salt air and the shockingly blue water right beside the runway. It hits you immediately: this isn't your typical Caribbean island. But figuring out what is there to see in Bermuda can feel overwhelming with so many options. That's where this guide comes in. I'll walk you through everything worth your time, based on multiple trips and some mistakes I made along the way (like trying to see everything in two days – don't do that!).

Must-See Bermuda Attractions

Honestly? You could spend weeks here and still find new corners. But most visitors have limited time. Based on crowds, uniqueness, and pure wow factor, here's what rises to the top.

Stunning Beaches You Can't Miss

Bermuda's pink sand beaches are legendary, but not all are created equal. Warwick Long Bay stole my heart – that half-mile stretch of pink sand and those dramatic rock formations? Unreal. But Horseshoe Bay gets crowded. Go early (like 8 AM early) or wander left to quieter coves like Chaplin Bay.

Elbow Beach in Paget is another winner – calmer waters, luxurious backdrop. Last visit, I splurged on a beach cabana at the Elbow Beach Resort ($150 for the day, includes towels/lunch credit). Worth it for a treat-yourself day.

Deep Dives into History & Culture

Bermuda feels like a living museum. The history here – pirates, shipwrecks, colonialism – is wild. If you're wondering what is there to see in Bermuda beyond beaches, start here.

• The Royal Naval Dockyard: This massive fort complex is now a cultural hub. Don't miss the Commissioner's House museum (adults $15, kids $5). The views from the ramparts... wow. Grab a Dark 'n Stormy at the Frog & Onion Pub afterward ($12).
• St. Peter's Church (St. George's): Oldest Anglican church outside Britain. Free entry (donations welcome). The cedar woodwork inside smells incredible. Got locked in their tiny cemetery once by accident – that's another story.
• Gibbs Hill Lighthouse: Climb 185 steps ($2.50 admission) for panoramic views. Bring water – it's a workout! Sunset here is magic, though the stairs get slippery when wet (learned that the hard way).

Natural Wonders Above & Below Ground

Bermuda's geology is fascinating. Crystal caves stole my breath – literally. The humidity hits you at the entrance.

The Cathedral Rocks trail near Spittal Pond? Spectacular coastal views. But wear proper shoes – I ruined a pair of sneakers on those sharp rocks.

Hidden Gems Most Tourists Overlook

Want spots where you won't fight crowds? These local favorites deliver.

Offbeat Historical Spots

You know Fort St. Catherine draws crowds? Head to Fort Scaur instead. Free admission, sweeping views of Ely's Harbour, and maybe five people there max when I went. Bring a picnic.

The Bermuda Railway Trail is another winner. Carved from an abandoned rail line, it stretches 18 miles. Rent an e-bike ($45/day) and tackle the Somerset to Dockyard section – shady, coastal, pure bliss. Just watch for tree roots!

Secret Beaches & Coves

John Smith's Bay in Smith's Parish. Locals' favorite. Pink sand, turquoise water, zero crowds. Only restroom is a porta-potty, so plan accordingly. Found this spot chatting with a fisherman in St. George's – best travel tip ever.

Church Bay is your snorkeling sanctuary. Reef comes right up to shore. Rent gear from Robinson's Marina nearby ($15 for mask/fins). Go at high tide for best access. Saw parrotfish and angelfish three feet from shore last April.

Quirky Local Experiences

Bermuda Perfumery in St. George's? Makes signature scents from local flowers. Free tour (call ahead), and the South Water scent ($65) smells like the island bottled. Bought some for my mom – she still raves about it.

Friday night Fish Fry at Gombey's in St. George's? Pure vibes. Fried wahoo ($22), rum swizzles ($9), and live Gombeys dancing. Starts around 6 PM. Get there early – seats fill fast. Cash preferred.

Practical Bermuda Info You Actually Need

Let's cut through the fluff. Here's what impacts your trip daily.

Getting Around Without Stress

Rental cars? Not for tourists. Seriously. Mopeds are popular but sketchy on narrow roads – saw three accidents in a week last visit. Your best bets:

• Ferries: Fastest way between Dockyard ↔ Hamilton ↔ St. George's ($4.50 cash per ride or buy passes)
• Buses: Extensive network. Get a rechargeable TRANSPORT card ($15 for 15 rides). Routes #7 & #8 cover south shore beaches.
• Taxis: Expensive but reliable. Hamilton to Dockyard ≈ $55. Meters run on zones, not distance.

When to Go & Weather Reality

Peak season (April-Oct) means perfect weather but peak prices. My sweet spot? Late April – flowers bloom, humidity low, rooms 30% cheaper than June. Hurricane season (June-Nov) is a real gamble. Travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Water temps: May (72°F) → August (82°F) → November (74°F). December-March? Too chilly for my beach-loving self (water dips to 65°F).

Budgeting Without Shock

Bermuda is pricey. Like "pack snacks from home" pricey. Here's a realistic daily budget per person:

• Budget: $150-200 (hostel dorm, bus/ferry, supermarket meals, limited attractions)
• Mid-range: $250-350 (3* hotel, occasional taxi, mix of casual/eating out, key attractions)
• Luxury: $500+ (4*+ resort, taxis/boat charters, fine dining, all attractions)

That $16 hamburger at a beach shack? Yep. Save by grabbing breakfast pastries from The Sweet Saak Bakery in Hamilton ($4-6).

Bermuda Trip-Planning FAQs Solved

These questions pop up constantly in forums. Let's clear the air.

How many days do I need to see Bermuda properly?

Four full days minimum. Anything less and you'll rush. Ideal breakdown:

• Day 1: Dockyard & beaches
• Day 2: St. George's history
• Day 3: Hamilton culture + Crystal Caves
• Day 4: South shore beach hop or hidden gems

With 7 days? Add sailing, fishing charters, or just relaxing.

Can I use USD everywhere?

Yes, but Bermudian dollars (BMD) are 1:1 with USD. You'll get change in BMD. Credit cards widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard best). Small bills for buses/beach shacks essential.

Is Bermuda safe for solo travelers?

Very. Violent crime is rare. Normal precautions apply (don't flash jewelry, avoid dark alleys late). Petty theft happens occasionally on beaches – leave valuables at your hotel.

What clothing items are essential?

• Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen banned)
• Water shoes (rocky shorelines)
• Light rain jacket (sudden showers)
• Collared shirt for men (required in some restaurants/bars)

Forgot water shoes once. Regretted it trying to enter Tobacco Bay.

Can I really drink tap water?

Absolutely. Rainwater filtered through limestone makes it some of Earth's purest. Tastes fantastic. Bring a reusable bottle.

Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From Mine)

Wish someone had told me this stuff earlier.

• Underestimating sun intensity: UV index hits 11+ in summer. Burned my shoulders in 45 minutes. Reapply mineral sunscreen every 90 mins.
• Ignoring bus schedules: Buses stop running around midnight. Missed one leaving St. George's – $65 taxi back to Hamilton.
• Overpacking dressy clothes: Bermuda is casually elegant. Men need collared shirts for dinners, but jackets are rare. Pack light.
• Not booking ferries/restaurants: Popular spots like Devil's Isle Café book weeks ahead for dinner. Ferry tickets sell out on cruise ship days.

That time I wore shorts into a Hamilton pub... got politely turned away. Lesson learned.

Final Thoughts Beyond the Brochures

People obsess over what is there to see in Bermuda – the pink sand, the crystal caves, the forts. And those are spectacular. But Bermuda's soul lives in quieter moments: the scent of oleander drifting on a breeze, the sound of tree frogs at dusk, the way locals greet you with "good morning" even at 3 PM. It’s an island that gets under your skin.

Will you find things to see in Bermuda? Absolutely. But bring curiosity more than expectations. Let the island surprise you. That hidden cove you stumble upon might just outshine Horseshoe Bay. That conversation with a shopkeeper might lead to your best meal. That's the thing about Bermuda – its greatest sights aren't always on the map.