Hamilton (Bermuda) / British Overseas Territory

In the western part of the island of Great Bermuda in the Bermuda Islands archipelago, a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic, lies Hamilton. The capital of Bermuda has about a thousand inhabitants, making it one of the smallest capitals in the world.

The history of Hamilton began in 1790, named after the then-governor Henry Hamilton. In 1815, Hamilton became the capital of the colony and the political and military center of all Bermuda. By the mid-19th century, the city began attracting tourists, and in 1854 the Hamilton Hotel was built, which, however, burned down a hundred years later. In 1897, Hamilton was officially declared a city, and today it is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of the islands and their most important port.

 The waterfront of Hamilton is lined with historic colonial buildings with pastel facades and luxury shops, but there are also quality restaurants, many with balconies from which diners can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor, which is beautifully lit at night. The waterfront also features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a replica of the London memorial, which commemorates the victims of the world wars.

The colonial era is also recalled by the parliamentary building, the governor's house, the royal navy headquarters, or the center of the British military garrison, and a walk through the city - either independently or with a guide, on foot, by special tram on wheels, or by horse-drawn carriage - is definitely worth it.

The stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, consecrated in 1911, boasts a tower over 40 meters high, but beautiful views also open from the Hamilton Fort from 1899.

Anyone who wants to look beneath the surface of the wonderfully clear sea while staying on land should not miss a tour of the fascinating exhibits of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute or the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, which is home to sharks and sea turtles.

The small town has a surprisingly large number of parks, the largest being Victoria, named after Queen Victoria and occupying an entire district. The coastline around Hamilton is occupied by fairy-tale beaches that attract water sports: popular are surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, yachting, or diving.

Hamilton is the gateway to the rest of the small but all the more beautiful island. A good way to see it is from the deck of a sightseeing boat, from which you can admire the beautiful coastline, breathtaking scenery, surrounding islets, and the colorful life of the coral reef below the surface. Anyone who finds themselves in Bermuda in March or April should go whale watching, as humpback whales migrate through here during this period.

Bermudian cuisine reflects a rich and diverse history and heritage and is a blend of British and Portuguese influences. Its base consists of fish and seafood, with cod with potatoes served with tomato sauce and olive oil being popular, but a thick fish soup is also considered a national dish.

Places worth seeing

Front Street - Experience the hustle and bustle of the waterfront promenade, lined with colorful colonial buildings, luxury boutiques, and quality restaurants.

City Hall and Arts Centre – Admire works by European painters of the 17th and 18th centuries in the gallery in the historic city hall.

Fort Hamilton - Enjoy beautiful views of the city and the most important port of all Bermuda from the late 19th-century fort.

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity - Peek into the beautiful cathedral with a 40-meter tower, built in 1911 on the site of an older church.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute - Through interesting scientific exhibits, gain fascinating insights into life beneath the sea surface.

Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum and Zoo – Get acquainted with the beautiful nature of the archipelago and see seals, sea turtles, fish, and other inhabitants of the coral reef.

Sea Glass Beach – Swim and relax on the fairy-tale beach on the shore of the North Atlantic, strewn with millions of pieces of sea glass.