Hamilton (The City of), Bermuda

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The city of Hamilton does their thing in entertaining the cruise visitors on Wednesday night DURING THE SUMMER, via a party called "Harbour Nights". Basically, Front Street is closed throughout the harborfront area. Flea market vendors, selling artwork, island music, food and all sorts of other goodies, take over the downtown area. Later, there will be a visit from the local Gombay Dancers, who are doing a frenzied style of dancing unique to Bermuda. (See my separate Gombay Dancers tip). And, there's often an appearance by the Bermuda Regiment Band, resplendant in their bright red jacket and white pith helmets.

Hamilton's "Harbour Nights" celebration runs from 730 pm until 11 pm. And although Harbour Nights is cleared geared to welcome (and profit from) cruise ship passengers, the Hamilton celebration seems to get its share of locals who visit the markets...somewhat different, I'm told, than is the case out on the Dockyard Destination celebration on Tuesdays.

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There are several nice little parks and greenspaces in downtown Hamilton. Some of them are actually private property, owned by the various insurance companies and banks populating the larger buildings in the city. (FWIW, you're generally welcome to walk through on the paths, and can also enjoy a few moments peace and quiet on a bench.)

Barrs Park is another peaceful spot to spend a few moments in Hamilton. A tidy little public park, Barrs is located right on the harbor, just west of the Royal Yacht Club. And, it's a great place for relaxing a bit ahead of evening drinks and dinner. My wife, daughter and I spent about 45 minutes relaxing on a bench beneath blessed (it was still sunny and hot) foliage in Barrs Park.

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If you love fine art and also could use a respite from Hamilton's heat and humidity, you might want to duck into the Bermuda National Gallery. It's on the second floor of City Hall, which is located on Church Street.

It's not a huge collection, but you'll find paintings by Rembrandt, sculpture by Rodin and several other 15th-16th century European masterpieces in the opening room, "The Hereward T. Watlington Room". There is a great painting of the American patriot Thomas Paine by George Romney (isn't one of his kin running for president these days?) on display as well.

In the Ondaatje Wing, there are paintings OF Bermuda done by artists from the time of settlement up through the modern era.

There is a separate "Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery" that is also worth a look-see. It's on the 2nd floor of the City Hall as well. They display and sell works by island artists. If you'd like to take home a nice painting of Bermuda, this is a good place to get something of good quality.

ADMISSION IS FREE on Sunday, and is $3 (I think) for adults on other days.

Hours are 10 am- 4 pm.

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Hamilton is pretty much the center of life for Bermuda. It's the seat of government, the nerve center for transportation, and the epicenter of the island's huge international business ventures. There are shops, a top-notch harbor, restaurants and just about anything else that a tourist visitor would enjoy... EXCEPT hotels. That's right, there are no hotels or b&bs within the limits of Hamilton. However, there are plenty within the surrounding Pembroke Parish areas, especially out Pitts Bay Road.

There are certainly other areas of Bermuda that you'll want to visit. But, unless you've holed up at a resort hotel, or are hanging close to your cruise ship, you'll spend plenty of time in Hamilton.

One other little note that you might find a little confusing. Bermuda has a Hamilton PARISH, but the CITY of Hamilton is not IN Hamilton PARISH. The city of Hamilton is in Pembroke Parish.

You can actually experience what it feels like to submerge without leaving land in a simulated dive that feels like and sounds like you are really underwater. See exhibits on shipwrecks and what life is like beneath the ocean. There are also some great videos and collections worth viewing such as SHELLS.

This facility is open year round with the exception of Christmas day. There is a restaurant (La Coquille)and gift shops. A great place for kids!! Prices were $9.75 for adults and $5.00 for children 7-16.

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Hamilton is such a beautiful city . All pink and white and waterfront blue .One of our greatist pleasures was just to sit on a balcony on Front St and enjoy the sites below.

There are often cruise ships in harbour so there can be quite a bit of bustle at times , but it only adds to the cities festive spirit.

There are lots of old type Pubs to visit like The Hog Penny ,a wide range of restaurants and some nice shopping .

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Victoria is a public park that is opened daily to the public during day light hours. It is widely used as an entertainment venue for free concerts and the like. It features a sunken garden, ornamental shrubbery, and a Victorian bandstand. The 4 acre park was laid out in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. Outdoor concerts are held here in summer. It has several species of endemic plants and another great place to people watch used by the folks working nearby to escape to.

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If you want to just watch the Bermudian people the faces, smiles and wonderful range of colors. Hamilton is a good spot to see people. Although it only has a permanent population of approximately 1,000 Hamilton is the only incorporated city in Bermuda. Hamilton is the center for many government functions banking and reinsurance so lots of folks pass thought Hamilton City and give you a great chance to be an observer.

Hamilton history began in 1790 when the Bermuda Government set aside 145 acres the seat of Bermuda government and incorporated in 1793 by an Act of Parliament.