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3 Days in Bermuda: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Itinerary
I have spent years exploring this island to figure out exactly how to maximize a short trip. Three days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to see the historic East End, the famous South Shore beaches, and the bustling West End without feeling rushed.
Whether you are here for a long weekend or a standard cruise stop, this is your blueprint. I designed this route to minimize your transit time and keep you ahead of the heavy tourist crowds.
At a Glance
| Quick Facts |
Details |
| Best Time to Go |
May through October |
| Total Cost Estimate |
$150 - $250 per day (excluding hotel) |
| Ideal Duration |
3 Full Days |
| Primary Transport |
Public Bus, Ferry, or Twizy Rental |
Who This Itinerary Is For (And Who Should Skip It)
This itinerary moves at a steady pace and covers the entire island from tip to tip. It is built for active travelers who want to see a mix of culture, nature, and local city life.
Alternatives: If This Itinerary Isn't for You
If you have small kids with you, skip the Hamilton shopping on Day 2. Spend more time at
Snorkel Park Beach near the Dockyard instead, where the water is shallow and calm.
Practical Details for 3 Days in Bermuda
First things first, buy a 3-Day Transportation Pass immediately upon arrival. You can get this at the main ferry terminal or the central bus depot in Hamilton. You can also buy it in advance by downloading the Bermuda Government's Shorelink app. It covers unlimited rides on all public buses and ferries.
If you prefer to drive, you cannot rent a standard car here. You will need to
rent a two-seater electric mini car. Just remember that you need to drive on the left side of the road.
Pro-Tip: Make sure you carry small cash bills. While most restaurants take credit cards, you will need cash for small vendor purchases and tipping tour guides.
3-Day Route (Road Map)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not underestimate the 22-mile drive across the island. The roads are narrow, traffic can be surprisingly slow, and the speed limit is strictly 20 mph (35 kph). Always leave earlier than you think you need to.
Remember that Hamilton completely shuts down on Sundays. Plan your city shopping and cafe visits for a weekday.
Finally, do not miss the last ferry leaving St. George in the late afternoon. If you miss that boat, you will need to spend nearly an hour on a bus to Hamilton to catch the Blue Route ferry or pay a massive taxi fare to get all the way back to the Dockyard.
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What Surprised Me the Most
The local ferry system is actually a cheap scenic tour in disguise. Taking the Sea Express ferry across the Great Sound gives you incredible views of the pastel houses lining the cliffs. It is the best way to travel between the West End and Hamilton.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the courteous and helpful nature of Bermuda's bus drivers, often greeting passengers warmly and willingly assisting visitors with routes and stops.
Day 1: The East End - Caves, Culture, and St. George
Today is all about exploring Hamilton Parish and the historic town of St. George.
Morning: Local Coffee, Aquarium, and Caves
Start your day early in Hamilton City at
Rock Island Coffee for a locally roasted brew and a fresh baked scone. The Blue Route ferry takes about 20 minutes from dockyard to get to Hamilton.
Source: Rock Island Coffee
Take the Route 10 or 11 bus heading east to the
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Spend an hour exploring the Atlantic marinelife and walking through the open-air wildlife exhibits.
Next, jump back on the bus toward the
Crystal and Fantasy Caves. You will walk down 88 limestone steps to see incredible underground pools and stalactites. The steps get incredibly slippery from the moisture, so wear shoes with good grip.
Afternoon: The Original Swizzle and Historic St. George
Walk down the street to the
Swizzle Inn for lunch. This is a Bermuda institution. Order a pitcher of Rum Swizzle and the Bailey's Bay fish sandwich. Grab dessert at
Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour right next door.
Take the bus (#1, 3, 10 or 11) down into historic St. George. Walk through Kings Square and visit
St. Peter's Church, the oldest surviving Anglican church in continuous use outside the British Isles. End your afternoon swimming in the shallow, warm waters at
Tobacco Bay Beach.
Tobacco Bay Beach
Evening: Harbor Nights or Marina Nights
If it is a Wednesday during the summer, head back to Front Street in Hamilton for
Harbor Nights. They close the street to traffic. Expect local Gombey dancers, street food vendors, and local crafts.
If it is Friday, go to the hotel Hamilton Princess and Beach Club for Marina Nights to enjoy cocktails right on the docks. Otherwise, grab a casual dinner at a pub in Hamilton before resting up for tomorrow.
Day 2: The South Shore - Pink Sands and Hamilton City
Today is the classic Bermuda beach day, followed by some afternoon city exploration.
Morning: Horseshoe Bay and the South Shore Trail
Get to
Horseshoe Bay Beach by 9:00 am. The famous pink sand gets crowded quickly when cruise ships are in port. Getting there early guarantees you a good spot and a rental chair.
Afternoon: Exploring Hamilton City
Take the Route 7 bus back into Hamilton. Stroll down
Front Street to browse the local boutiques and jewelry stores. Stop by
City Hall to see the local art exhibits.
Walk one block over to the
Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. You can pay a small fee to climb the cathedral tower. It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the entire city and the harbor.
Evening: Fine Dining and Nightlife
Treat yourself to fine dining tonight.
Port O Call and
Barracuda Grill are excellent choices for fresh local seafood. Order the rockfish or the wahoo if it is on the menu. Afterward, grab a pint at the
Hog Penny Pub.
Day 3: The West End - Water Adventures and the Dockyard
Wrap up your trip near the cruise port with water sports and maritime history.
Morning: A Traditional Bermudian Breakfast and Water Tours
Start your final day with a traditional Bermudian codfish breakfast. head to
The Paraquet in Paget for a classic diner experience.
Alternatively, since the famous Bouchee restaurant closed sometime back, you can still get the Bouchee-style breakfasts at the newly relaunched Bermudiana Bar and Lounge on Bermudiana Road in Hamilton.
Bermuda Codfish Breakfast
Next, book a morning water tour. The
Restless Native catamaran offers great half-day trips. They provide all the gear you need to explore the marine life and coral reefs. For all water tour options, see my guide on
Sightseeing Boat Tours.
Afternoon: Royal Naval Dockyard Attractions
You can also watch the dolphins at
Dolphin Quest, located right inside the museum grounds. Grab some local rum cake and souvenirs at the
Clocktower Mall before the shops close for the evening.
Evening: Sunset Drinks
End your trip with sunset drinks near the cruise port.
Bonefish Bar and Grill offers great views of the water and live music on the patio.
The
Frog and Onion Pub is another solid choice. It is housed inside an old cooperage. Order a pint of their locally brewed craft beer to toast your final night on the island.
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Questions and Answers
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We will be docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard from 8:00 am on 5/1 to 3:00 pm on 5/3. Here is a general idea of what we might like to do while there.
Day 1 visit St George by ferry and bus and taxi if needed
Day 2 visit Crystal Caves by public transportation
Day3 take a glass bottom boat and snorkeling cruise
We plan to get a two day transportation pass. My husband is not a big beach person, so that won't be our main focus but that being said I'd like to view some of the beautiful beaches of Bermuda. We were last there over 40 years ago. I'd appreciate suggestions and how to's for these three days. Thank you,
Eileen(March 2023)
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Hello, here are some thoughts on your itinerary...
On day-1, visit St. George in the morning by ferry. After lunch, take bus #1 or 3 to Crystal Caves. You can also take lunch at the cafe at Crystal Caves (arguably serves one of the best fish sandwiches on the island). You can then take a bus to Hamilton and get back to Dockyard by ferry.
On day-2, visit Hamilton by ferry. Walk around and visit some of the important landmarks such as the City Hall and Arts Center, National Library, Queen Elizabeth Park, etc. Do some shopping at Front Street.
After lunch, you can take bus #10 or 11 and visit Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Or alternatively, take bus #7 and visit some of the lovely south shore beaches like Warwick Long Bay, Jobson's Cove, Horseshoe Bay Beach, etc. You can also visit the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse near Horseshoe Bay, before returning to the dockyard.
On day-3... do a glass bottom boat tour combined with snorkeling in the morning. Get back and walk around the dockyard or take the free electric tram trolley to get around... visit the Clocktower Shopping Mall, Studio8, Bermuda Craft Market, etc before returning to your cruise ship.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) March 2023
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