St George’s Town is the oldest inhabited English colonial settlement in the Americas and a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site. It also boasts a gorgeous Caribbean setting with a beautiful harbour and paradisical climate, making it an enjoyable city even for those who aren’t interested in history.
This is no sterile relic; many areas have an atmosphere of open air theatre, as the town crier still wanders the gentle, open streets and actors regularly re-enact scenes from times long past. Neither is it simply a museum; the numerous 17th and 18th century buildings are homes to a thriving, happy community and a number of pubs, restaurants and shops.
So while you can happily spend your time experiencing the early days of the British Empire, you can step out of the time warp at any time. Head to the beach, sit on the quayside with a glass of rum or take a dinghy out onto the calm waters beyond.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in the Hamilton, just a few kilometres away, and make day trips. If you have to stay in St George’s Town, then Aunt Nea’s Inn is most comfortable, but generally you’ll find better accommodation in the Bermudian capital.
Where to eat
Tom Moore’s Tavern is a fine dining experience straight out of Victorian England; Polaris can be difficult to find but serves more traditional Caribbean cuisine. The White Horse has a great outdoor seating area and is a fine place to relax and watch the world go by.
What to see
The Bermuda National Trust museum chronicles the civil war from a Bermudian perspective, while the dockyard and maritime museum are also well worth seeing. There are regular historical re-enactments in the town square; alternatively, just chill out on Tobacco Bay Beach, one of Bermuda’s most popular.
