Offering one of the most unique contrasts in the world, the City of Hamilton blends small island waterfront charm with its position as a global business centre.
Behind the pastel-coloured buildings, businessmen in Bermuda shorts and breezy ocean winds, there are companies whose influence stretches across the world and who manage trillions of dollars.
Hamilton became Bermuda’s capital in 1815 — after relocating from St George’s — and has grown to become a vibrant city and one of the world’s leading re/insurance centres.
If you have had an insurance payout because you’ve been hit by a hurricane or storm, it’s probably been made possible by one of the companies based here.
Over the years Hamilton, which is actually governed by its own elected Corporation, has grown as multi-national companies move here, but it retains an enormous amount of charm and history.
Small alleyways hold shopping and eating surprises, Fort Hamilton gives you a glimpse of the times when the British had heavily armed fortifications guarding the harbour, and Front Street offers plenty of wining, dining and nightclubbing on a beautiful waterfront setting.
And don’t forget the shopping and all the designer labels that are on offer in the great shops, the cafes to relax in and watch the Bermuda world go by, or the parks and arts centres.
The City, like most things in Bermuda, is a smaller version than you may find elsewhere in the world, meaning you can comfortably explore the entire City during your visit here.
The City of Hamilton — not to be confused with Hamilton Parish — is within walking distance of hotels including the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Rosedon and Royal Palms. If you are staying anywhere else on the island it is easily accessible by bus, ferry or taxi, with terminals located right in the heart of the City.
If you are arriving in Bermuda via a cruise ship which is berthed at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you can make your way to the City via bus or ferry, with the ferry offering the added advantage of spectacular views of Bermuda’s shoreline. The “Blue” ferry route will take you directly from Dockyard to Hamilton, with ferries running from about 7am to 6pm.
Information on some of the various attractions in Hamilton is below; simply click an arrow to view more.
Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery
The Bermuda Society of Arts is the most expansive gallery on the island, featuring four full gallery spaces with exhibits that change every three weeks, ensuring that everything on display is fresh and new each and every time that you visit.
City of Hamilton, Pembroke Parish
Telephone: 441 292 3824
Email: bsoa@ibl.bm
Official Website
Bermuda Historical Society & Museum
An excellent starting point for your adventure into Bermuda’s history, the former home of the island’s first postmaster now plays host to Bermuda Historical Society and Museum and the Bermuda Public Library. This facility houses thousands of books written about the island, large collections of microfilm newspapers dating all the way back centuries, and a small museum that houses relics from the past, including coins, maps, trade goods, and more.
City of Hamilton
Tel: 441-295-2905
Tel 2: 441-295-2487
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Exciting, amazing and educational – that’s what the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] is all about. This centre of marine history and education helps to advance everyone’s understanding of Bermuda’s waters, with a focus on delivering information to people of all ages.
Despite our small size, Bermuda is a world class ocean exploration area, and BUEI serves to highlight some of the life and history found beneath the surfaces of our oceans.
As of 2014, the admission is $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors, $8.00 for children up to age 17, while children aged 6 and under are free.
BUEI is open from 10am – 5pm on both weekdays and weekends and the last admission is at 4pm daily. It is located within walking distance of the City of Hamilton, and on bus routes #1, #2, #7 and #8.
Parliament
Although not a visitor attraction in the typical sense, visitors are welcome to attend our Parliament in the City of Hamilton which is generally in session on Fridays and one of the oldest known Legislatures in the world, dating back to 1st August 1620.
We are a self-governing British Overseas Territory and elect our own Parliamentarians under the Westminster system. The elected leader of Bermuda is Premier the Honourable Michael Dunkley, while the Honourable Marc Bean serves as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.
In keeping with Bermuda’s style, you won’t find any heavy security in place at Parliament, and will be welcomed in to the public gallery after signing in. There is no photography allowed and also guests are asked to remain silent.
21 Parliament Street
Hamilton, HM12
Tel: 441-292-7408
Fort Hamilton
Perhaps the most famous military outpost on Bermuda, construction of Fort Hamilton began in 1868, taking several years to complete. Built by order of the Duke of Wellington, the fort’s main objective was to protect the valuable Hamilton Harbour from a potential American invasion, and it was outfitted accordingly, sporting a wide moat, extensive underground passageways, high walls, and a series of 18-ton guns that could sink approaching vessels if necessary.
Pembroke Parish
Within walking distance of the City of Hamilton
Open from sunup to sundown daily
No admission fee
Click here to check out a 360° photosphere taken from Fort Hamilton
Traveling From Hamilton to Dockyard
Bus
Hamilton is home to the central bus terminal, where you can catch a number of different buses to take you all over the island. Bus routes #7 and #8 travel between Dockyard and the City of Hamilton, and the average running time is around 62 minutes. Fares per ride range from $3.00 – $4.50 [the Bermuda dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar], while children under 5 ride free. Click here for more information on Bermuda’s bus system.
Ferry
You can also travel from Dockyard by ferry. The blue ferry route travels from Hamilton to Dockyard, and in the summer it operates from 7.10am until 9.20pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9.00am to 6.50pm on weekends. A ferry ride costs $4.50 for adults, and multi-day transportation passes are available. Click here for more information on Bermuda’s ferry system.
Taxi
You can also travel between Dockyard and Hamilton via taxi, which will cost approximately $45 – $50 and take around 30 minutes. Click here for more information on taxis in Bermuda.
Rental Scooter
Assuming you don’t get lost along the way, it’s about a 30 minute ride from Hamilton to Dockyard on a scooter. Rates for renting a motor scooter range from about $40 to $50 per day and about $200 to $280 per week. Click here for more information on renting a scooter in Bermuda.
Traveling From Hamilton To St George's
Bus
Hamilton is home to the central bus terminal, where you can catch a number of different buses to take you all over the island. A bus from Hamilton to St. George’s will take approximately 60 minutes, and fares per ride range from $3.00 – $4.50 [the Bermuda dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar], while children under 5 ride free. Click here for more information on Bermuda’s bus system.
Ferry
Traveling from Hamilton to St. George’s via ferry is not possible, with the only ferry going to St. George’s departing from the Royal Naval Dockyard in the west end of the island.
Taxi
It will be the most expensive option, but you can take a taxi from Hamilton to St. George’s. Taxis are generally readily available in Hamilton, and are often lined up on Front Street. Click here for more information on taxis in Bermuda.
Rental Scooter
Assuming you don’t get lost along the way, it’s about a 30 minute ride from Hamilton to St. George’s on a scooter. Rates for renting a motor scooter range from about $40 to $50 per day and about $200 to $280 per week. Click here for more information on renting a scooter in Bermuda.