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Things to Do in St. George's, Bermuda: The Complete Attraction Guide
Updated: August 2026
St. George's is the historical anchor of Bermuda. Walking through this 400-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site feels like stepping into a living museum. The streets are incredibly narrow, the architecture is preserved, and the military history is visible on almost every coastline.
I have spent years exploring every corner of the East End. Many visitors only see the main square and one beach before leaving. However, the parish is packed with dozens of historic forts, hidden coves, and cultural sites that deserve your time.
I have cataloged every single attraction in St. George's and the surrounding St. David's Island to help you plan. Whether you want to explore 17th-century architecture or charter a deep-sea fishing boat, here is exactly what you can do.
At a Glance
| Data Point |
Details |
| Best Time to Go |
Wednesday through Saturday. Most historical sites are closed on Sundays. |
| Ideal Duration |
1 to 2 full days to see the town, forts, and St. David's Island. |
| Primary Transport |
Walking for the town center; Twizy rental, bus, or taxi for outer areas. |
| Attraction Costs |
Most museums charge $5 to $10; beaches and public parks are free. |
| Top Vibe |
Quiet, historical, highly walkable, and culturally rich. |
Getting Oriented in St. George's
Below is a map highlighting the major tier-1 landmarks, transport hubs, and the historic core to help you get your bearings. Because the town is so densely packed with historic sites, plotting every single fort and beach makes the map difficult to read on mobile.
St. George's Landmarks (Road Map)
Looking for public facilities, bus stops or detailed routes? View our dedicated, interactive St. George's Map for complete navigational details.
➤ Explore This Guide
Is St. George's Right for You?
If you are a history enthusiast, an architecture photographer, or a cruise visitor looking for walkable sightseeing, St. George's is your ideal destination. The town is highly concentrated, making it easy to see multiple major landmarks in just a few hours.
You should skip St. George's if you are looking for massive resort amenities, high-end luxury shopping, or uninterrupted miles of beach. For those experiences, you are better off heading to the capital
city of Hamilton or the
South Shore.
Historic Squares and Parks
This is the cultural center of the town and the best place to start your sightseeing. You will find the historic
Town Hall here, as well as the famous replica stocks and pillory.
During the summer months, local actors perform historical reenactments, including the Ducking Stool trial by the water. (Note: If you need physical maps or tour tickets, the Visitors Service Center is located just a short walk away at 25 York Street).
Somers Garden and Peaceful Retreats
Just steps from King's Square sits
Somers Garden, a lush, tropical park famous for being the burial site of Bermuda's founder Sir George Somers' heart. It is the perfect, shaded spot to sit down with a coffee.
If you are renting a Twizy or scooter, venture just outside the town center to
Ferry Reach Park. As Bermuda's second-largest parkland, it offers quiet walking trails, hidden coastal forts, and the beautiful, shallow waters of Whalebone Bay.
As you walk the town, keep an eye out for smaller historical markers like
Pilot Darrell's Square, honoring the first documented Black Bermudian freed from slavery.
St. Peter's Church on York Street is the oldest continually used Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere. The interior features exposed Bermuda cedar beams that still carry a distinct, rich scent. The grounds include two historic graveyards that offer a stark look at the island's segregated colonial past.
Photo: JoeyBagODonuts, cc by sa 3.0
Located on Government Hill Road, this is one of the most photographed spots in Bermuda. Construction began in the 1870s but was abandoned to fund repairs for St. Peter's Church instead. Today, it stands as a stunning, roofless Gothic ruin with a grass floor.
Museums and Historic Architecture
Located right on King's Square in the historic Globe Hotel building. This museum highlights Bermuda's role in the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the island's involvement in Confederate blockade running.
Tucker House Museum and Bermudian Heritage Museum
These two museums offer a profound look into the island's social history. The
Tucker House showcases the 18th-century life of a prominent local family.
Just down the street, the
Bermudian Heritage Museum, Bermuda's only Black history museum, captures the vital history of slavery, emancipation, and the professional accomplishments of Black Bermudians.
Walking the Historic Residential Lanes
Beyond the formal museums, the streets of St. George's act as an open-air architectural exhibit. As you wander just a few streets back from the water, you will pass
The Old State House (one of Bermuda's oldest stone buildings), the beautiful 17th-century
Old Rectory, and the St. George's
Historical Society Museum (Mitchell House).
You will even see the original St. George's Post Office, which actually served as the town's very first jail in 1622.
Are you looking to explore more of the island's curated history, art, and maritime exhibits? Read our complete guide to the best Museums and Historical Buildings in Bermuda for opening hours and exhibit details across all parishes.
Historic Forts of the East End
Located at the northeastern tip of the island, this is the premier military site in St. George's. The historic exhibits, massive ramparts, and well-preserved interior tunnels make it a mandatory stop for history buffs.
The Outer Forts and Batteries
Because St. George's was Bermuda's first settlement, the parish is ringed by dozens of smaller coastal defenses. Highlights include the 17th-century
Gates Fort, the expansive ruins at Ferry Reach Park (including the
Martello Tower), and the massive early-1900s guns at
St. David's Battery.
Are you a military history enthusiast? Read our complete guide to all of the Historic Forts in Bermuda for detailed histories of each fort, access maps, and tunnel exploration guides.
This is the most popular beach in St. George's. The shallow waters are protected by limestone rocks, making it excellent for snorkeling to see parrotfish and sea fans. It has a lively beach bar, water sports rentals, and full facilities.
St. Catherine Beach and Achilles Bay
St. Catherine Beach overlooks Gates Bay right next to the fort. It is quiet and great for swimming, though it lacks major facilities. On the other side of the fort is
Achilles Bay, a tiny spot that offers one of the best sunset views on the island.
Located in St. David's, these man-made beaches offer shallow, calm waters perfect for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, and the area features a playground, hiking trails, and a beach bar.
Drew's Bay and Building Bay
Drew's Bay is a small, beautiful beach below Barry Road, about a 25-minute walk from King's Square. Close to Alexandra Battery is Building Bay, which is famous for being a fantastic spot to collect colorful sea glass.
Water Sports and Deep Sea Fishing
Snorkeling Spots
You can rent snorkel gear directly at
Tobacco Bay. If you have your own gear, Drew's Bay, Gates Bay, and Clearwater Beach also offer excellent underwater visibility and marine life.
Blue Hole Watersports and KS Watersports
KS Watersports operates right out of King's Square, offering jet skis, parasailing, and motor boat tours. Blue Hole Watersports is located at the nearby Grotto Bay Beach Resort, offering kayaks, paddleboards, and Boston Whaler motor boats to explore Castle Harbor. See our
Watersports Guide for full details.
Deep Sea Fishing
St. George's is a premier location for deep-sea fishing beyond the famous North Rock reef. Top local charters operating out of the East End include Reel Hot and Messaround. See our
Deep Sea Fishing and Charter Guide.
Five Forts Golf Club
The old St. George's Golf Course has been closed for years due to hotel development. In its place now sits the spectacular Five Forts Golf Club, managed by the St. Regis Bermuda Resort. It is an 18-hole course that weaves around historical forts with incredible ocean views.
Just a short drive away are two world-class courses. Mid Ocean is an 18-hole course consistently ranked among the best in the world. Tucker's Point offers dramatic views, re-contoured fairways, and a top-tier practice facility.
Shopping and Local Markets
Somers Wharf and Water Street
Somers Wharf is a quaint waterside complex full of charming boutiques and restaurants. Water Street serves as the main commercial artery for local shopping in the old town.
Located on Queen Street in a 300-year-old building, this is an incredible sensory experience. You can take a free tour to see how island-inspired scents are made, or book a workshop to create your own custom perfume.
Robertson's Drug Store
Robertson's on York Street is a local institution, selling everything from pharma items to artwork and beach toys.
Note on the Olde Town Market: You may see older guides mention the European-style street market on Water Street. Please note this event has been discontinued.
What Surprised Me the Most
What always surprises me about St. George's is the sheer volume of military history hidden in plain sight. You can be walking down a quiet residential lane and suddenly find yourself standing next to a 19th-century artillery battery. The contrast between the peaceful, pastel-colored homes and the heavy stone fortifications is truly unique to the East End.
Essential Planning Tips
Getting to St. George's is easy. You can take the Orange Route ferry from the Royal Naval Dockyard, which drops you right in the center of town. Alternatively, bus routes 1, 3, 10, and 11 run regularly from Hamilton.
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Be aware of the Sunday rule. While Sundays are incredibly peaceful for walking and taking photos, almost all museums, historical attractions, and local shops are closed. Plan your visit between Wednesday and Saturday for full access.
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Most museums charge a small entry fee of $5 to $10. Keep some small cash on hand, as a few independent vendors near the beaches still do not accept cards.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake visitors make is trying to walk to every single fort in the middle of summer. The hills leading up to Fort St. Catherine and the outer batteries are steep. Rent a Twizy or take a local taxi if you want to see the perimeter of the parish without exhausting yourself.
Another common trap is arriving after 3:30 pm. Most historical sites and museums lock their doors firmly at 4:00 pm. Start your day early if you want to see the interiors.
Alternatives
If St. George's does not sound like your style, you have other great options. If you prefer modern art, expansive maritime history, and luxury shopping, visit the National Museum of Bermuda in the Royal Dockyard.
If your main goal is simply lounging on massive stretches of pink sand all day with full resort amenities, skip the East End entirely. Take the bus straight to Horseshoe Bay in Southampton Parish.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
Related Articles
1) Check out
St George's Town to know about the historical Town of St. George and how to take its tour.
2) Check out
St. George's Parish to know about the parish where the town of St. George is located.
