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Hamilton travel guide

What to see, where to stay and the best time to visit Hamilton, Bermuda.

Best: Apr, Jun, Jul, Oct

Photo: Seán Pòl Ó Creachmhaoil / Wikimedia Commons

Country
Bermuda
Currency
BMD

About Hamilton

Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda. It is a small coastal city of about 3686 people, so most sights are a short walk apart. You can stroll Front Street along the Hamilton Harbour waterfront, then visit the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity and Sessions House in the centre. Queen Elizabeth Park and Victoria Park are good for short breaks. For boat trips, the Hamilton Ferry Terminal is on Front Street. The best months to visit are April, June, July and October.

How many days do you need in Hamilton?

Plan about 2 days. Most sights take 30 minutes to 3 hours, so the centre fits into 1 day. Use the second day for a half-day ferry trip and time at the beaches in Paget or Spanish Point.

Top attractions in Hamilton

  1. 1Front Street

    1–2 hours

    Hamilton Harbour waterfront

    Hamilton's main street runs along the harbour, lined with pastel-painted shops, cafés and old merchant buildings. It is the easiest place to start a walk, and you can watch ferries and boats come and go across the water.

  2. 2Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

    30–60 minutes

    Church Street, city centre

    Bermuda's Anglican cathedral is a large Gothic Revival church built partly from local limestone. Its tower rises above the city skyline, and the interior has fine stained glass and stonework.

  3. 3Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI)

    2–3 hours

    East Broadway, Pembroke

    This harbourside museum covers the ocean around Bermuda. It includes shipwreck treasure, a large shell collection and exhibits on deep-sea exploration, so it works well for families.

  4. 4Sessions House

    30 minutes

    Parliament Street, city centre

    This Italianate building with a clock tower is home to Bermuda's House of Assembly and the Supreme Court. It is worth a look from outside as you walk around the centre, and visitors can sometimes watch parliament in session.

  5. 5Queen Elizabeth Park

    30 minutes

    Queen Street, city centre

    Formerly Par-la-Ville Park, this is a small walled garden just off Front Street. It has shady paths, benches and flowering plants, and it is a quiet place to take a break from shopping.

  6. 6Victoria Park

    30 minutes

    Cedar Avenue, north of the centre

    This Victorian park has lawns, a bandstand and plenty of shade, a few minutes' walk from the main streets. Local people use it for lunch breaks and events, so it gives a feel for everyday city life.

  7. 7Hamilton Ferry Terminal

    half a day

    Front Street waterfront

    Public ferries leave from here across the Great Sound and to other parts of the island, including the Royal Naval Dockyard. The ride is a simple way to see the islands and coves of Bermuda from the water.

Hamilton by month

Average weather and our month score, from 10 years of climate data.

Weather by month and month scores for Hamilton
Month High / low Rain days Sunshine Sea temp Score
January 20°C / 18°C 14 days (133 mm) 7.0 h/day 20°C 6.9/10
February 20°C / 18°C 11 days (116 mm) 8.1 h/day 20°C 7.8/10
March 20°C / 17°C 13 days (120 mm) 9.2 h/day 20°C 7.5/10
Best month: April 20°C / 19°C 10 days (72 mm) 10.8 h/day 21°C 8.0/10
May 22°C / 21°C 11 days (96 mm) 11.5 h/day 22°C 7.9/10
Best month: June 25°C / 24°C 15 days (123 mm) 11.6 h/day 25°C 8.0/10
Best month: July 27°C / 26°C 15 days (95 mm) 12.1 h/day 28°C 8.0/10
August 28°C / 26°C 16 days (117 mm) 12.0 h/day 29°C 8.0/10
September 27°C / 26°C 16 days (148 mm) 10.5 h/day 28°C 8.0/10
Best month: October 25°C / 24°C 14 days (169 mm) 8.8 h/day 26°C 8.2/10
November 23°C / 21°C 15 days (147 mm) 7.9 h/day 24°C 7.1/10
December 21°C / 19°C 12 days (106 mm) 7.5 h/day 22°C 7.5/10
  1. Jan

    Mild at 20.2°C highs, but 14.2 rain days and only 7 sun hours give the lowest score, 6.9. Rated good.

  2. Feb

    Highs near 19.8°C with 11.1 rain days and 8.1 sun hours. Sea around 19.7°C. Scores 7.8, rated best.

  3. Mar

    The coolest highs of the year at 19.5°C, with 12.5 rain days and a 19.6°C sea. Still scores 7.5, rated best.

  4. Apr

    Highs of 20.3°C, the fewest rain days at 10.2 and the least rain at 72 mm. Scores 8, rated best.

  5. May

    Warming up to 22.3°C highs with 10.7 rain days and 11.5 sun hours. Sea reaches 22.2°C. Scores 7.9, rated best.

  6. Jun

    Highs of 24.8°C and a 24.9°C sea, though rain days rise to 14.8. Scores 8, rated best.

  7. Jul

    Hot and sunny, with 27°C highs, 12.1 sun hours, a 27.9°C sea and 14.8 rain days. Scores 8, rated best.

  8. Aug

    The warmest month, with 27.9°C highs and lows near 26.3°C. Sea hits 28.5°C, with 15.5 rain days. Scores 8, rated best.

  9. Sep

    Still hot at 27.2°C, but it has the most rain days at 15.9 and 148 mm of rain. Scores 8, rated best.

  10. Oct

    The wettest month, with 169 mm over 13.6 rain days, yet 25.3°C highs and a 25.9°C sea earn the top score, 8.2.

  11. Nov

    Highs drop to 23°C, with 14.6 rain days, 147 mm of rain and 7.9 sun hours. Scores 7.1, rated good.

  12. Dec

    Mild at 21.3°C highs with 11.7 rain days, but only 7.5 sun hours. Sea around 21.5°C. Scores 7.5, rated best.

Climate averages 2015–2024 · Best time to visit Bermuda →

Where to stay in Hamilton

The best areas to base yourself and who each one suits.

Downtown Hamilton

Good for first-timers, nightlife, car-free travellers

The compact grid around Front Street and Reid Street holds most of the city's restaurants, bars and shops, and the ferry and bus terminals sit here too. You can walk everywhere and reach the rest of the island by public transport. Front Street can get loud on weekend nights, and there is no beach in town.

Pitts Bay Road

Good for couples, walkers, quieter stays

This harbourside road runs west from the edge of downtown, lined with old houses, gardens and water views. It is calmer than the centre but still a walk from Front Street. The road is narrow and busy, with little room for pedestrians in places.

Paget

Good for beach lovers, families

Paget sits across Hamilton Harbour and is a short ferry ride from the city. It is closer to the south shore beaches, with a leafy, residential feel. You depend on ferry times, buses or taxis to get into town, and the roads are hilly.

Fairylands

Good for quiet, longer stays

This residential pocket in Pembroke, just west of the city, has winding lanes, gardens and small coves on the water. It feels peaceful and very local. There are few shops or restaurants nearby, so you will often need a taxi or bus.

North Hamilton

Good for budget-minded, local culture

The streets north of downtown, often called Back of Town, have local cafés, takeaways and everyday Bermudian life within walking distance of the centre. It gives a less touristy view of the city. There are fewer guest rooms here, and the area is steep in parts.

Spanish Point

Good for nature, swimmers, quiet

At the western tip of Pembroke, this area has a waterfront park, calm swimming spots and views across the Great Sound. It is a relaxed base away from traffic. It is the farthest from downtown on this list, so you rely on buses or taxis.

Getting to and around Hamilton

From the airport
There is no route data for the airport trip. The usual options are a taxi or a public bus into Hamilton. Many hotels also arrange transfers, so ask yours before you arrive.
Public transport
Public transport in Bermuda means buses and ferries. There is no metro or tram. Ferries leave from Hamilton Ferry Terminal on the Front Street waterfront. Tip: check bus and ferry timetables before you set out.
On foot
Downtown Hamilton is small and easy on foot. Front Street, the Cathedral, Sessions House and Queen Elizabeth Park sit close together. Victoria Park is a short walk north on Cedar Avenue.

Food to try in Hamilton

Bermuda fish chowder

A dark, rich soup made with local fish, tomatoes and spices. Locals add a dash of black rum and sherry pepper sauce at the table. Many restaurants in Hamilton serve it as a starter.

Fish sandwich

Fried fish, often wahoo or snapper, served on toasted raisin bread with coleslaw, tartar sauce and hot sauce. It is a popular, filling lunch from casual takeaway spots around the island.

Codfish and potatoes

Salted cod boiled with potatoes and topped with a tomato and onion sauce. Sliced banana and avocado often come on the side. Bermudians traditionally eat it as a Sunday breakfast.

Fish cakes on hot cross buns

Codfish and potato cakes served inside sweet, spiced hot cross buns. This is the classic Bermudian meal for Good Friday, eaten at home and at family gatherings.

Cassava pie

A dense, slightly sweet pie made from grated cassava, eggs and sugar, often baked around a chicken or pork filling. Families traditionally serve it at Christmas.

Dark 'n' Stormy and rum swizzle

Two drinks closely linked to Bermuda. The Dark 'n' Stormy mixes black rum with ginger beer. The rum swizzle blends rum with fruit juices. Both are served in bars across Hamilton.

More of Bermuda

Bermuda travel guide →

Hamilton: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Hamilton, Bermuda?

October, April, June and July are the top months in our data. October scores highest at 8.2, with highs of 25.3°C and a sea temperature of 25.9°C. It is also the wettest month, with 169 mm of rain. April is drier, with 72 mm, and milder, with highs of 20.3°C. June and July bring warmer water, at 24.9°C and 27.9°C.

Is Hamilton good in August?

Yes, August scores 8 and rates as one of the best months. It is the warmest month, with highs of 27.9°C and lows of 26.3°C. The sea reaches 28.5°C, and there are about 12 hours of sun a day. Rain falls on about 15.5 days, so expect some showers.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in Hamilton in winter?

The water is cool but swimmable for many people. The sea is 20.4°C in January, 19.7°C in February and 19.6°C in March, which is the coolest month. Air highs stay near 20°C. By July, the water warms to 27.9°C.

What is the rainiest month in Hamilton?

October has the most rain, with 169 mm. September follows with 148 mm, and November has 147 mm. September has the most rain days, at 15.9. April is the driest month, with 72 mm on 10.2 days. Even in wet months, highs stay above 23°C, so showers are usually warm.

How many days do I need in Hamilton?

A full day covers the main sights in the city centre. Plan 2–3 hours for the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and 1–2 hours for Front Street. Allow 30–60 minutes for the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. Sessions House, Queen Elizabeth Park and Victoria Park take about 30 minutes each. Add half a day for the Hamilton Ferry Terminal.