St. George's, Bermuda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second oldest English settlement in the New World after Jamestown. Originally called New London when first settled in 1612, this storybook town was once Bermuda's capital and remains one of the most historically intact colonial towns in the Western Hemisphere.
Wander the colonial lanes and alleys with their wonderfully quirky names — Featherbed Lane, Old Maid's Lane, Printer's Alley, Shinbone Alley, and Silk Alley — and you'll find 400 years of history around every corner. St. George's played a remarkable role during the American Revolution: George Washington secretly requested Bermudians help steal gunpowder from a St. George's magazine to aid the American rebels. The powder was carried over a hill to Tobacco Bay and transported by boat to American ships offshore — all without the British governor's knowledge.
St. George's serves as a connection between Bermuda's other cruise ports of Hamilton and King's Wharf.
Know Before You Go
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St. George's, Bermuda – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in St. George's, Bermuda
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Ships dock at Ordnance Island, located within the limits of St. George's, directly opposite King's Square — the heart of the historic town. The docking area puts you steps from the Town Square, restaurants, shops, and the Visitor's Bureau.
Getting Around St. George's, Bermuda
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
St. George's Town is very walkable from the Ordnance Island dock. King's Square, St. Peter's Church, the Unfinished Church, Town Hall, and the historic lanes are all within easy walking distance. The town is compact but the roads can be steep in places.
🛵 Mopeds
No driver's license required, but you must be over 16, and a helmet and insurance are included in the rental fee. The roads in St. George's are narrow, winding, and steep in places — and Bermudians drive on the left. Take this into consideration. Oleander Cycles has information and pricing on moped rentals.
⚡ Electric Cars
Two-seater electric vehicles are permitted for visitors. Rugged Rentals currently has a location in St. George's offering Hummer HXT electric vehicles. Minimum age 25. Top speed 45 km/hr, range 100 km. Charging stations are located around the island.
🚲 Bikes
Oleander Cycles also rents pedal cycles (locally called "livery cycles") — a safer alternative to mopeds. Helmets required and included. Be aware of steep hills depending on your route. Long Story Short on Water Street also rents bikes.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and metered. They do not operate on a shared basis. For sightseeing, look for taxis with a blue flag on the hood — the driver is government-qualified as a tour guide. Taxi stand is in King's Square near Water Street. Fares increase by 25% after midnight, on Sundays, and on holidays.
🚌 Buses
Bermuda's bright pink buses run along all major roadways every 15 minutes. Exact change or tokens required — purchase tokens or a Transportation Pass (1 or 3 days) at the Visitor's Bureau in King's Square. Sundays and holidays service may run every hour or not at all.
⛴️ Ferries
Ferries run between St. George's and Hamilton (Bermuda's capital) — about a 1¾ hour trip. Tokens purchased at the Hamilton Ferry Terminal. An additional fee applies if bringing a moped or bike. Check the latest schedule at SeaExpress Ferry Service.
Things To Do in St. George's, Bermuda
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 St. George's is one of the most historically rich towns in the Western Hemisphere — here's what to see and do:
Walk the Historic Lanes — The heart of St. George's experience. Wander Featherbed Lane, Old Maid's Lane, Printer's Alley, Shinbone Alley, and Silk Alley — 400 years of history around every corner. The entire historic core is walkable from the Ordnance Island dock in under 20 minutes.
St. Peter's Church — Duke of York Street. The oldest Anglican church in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere, consecrated in 1612. The interior is beautifully preserved and the churchyard contains gravestones dating to the 1600s. Free to visit — one of the finest historic sites in Bermuda.
Haunted History Tour — A guided walk through St. George's narrow alleys and cobblestone streets, where costumed "spirits" from the island's past recount their histories. A fun and atmospheric way to experience 400 years of colonial history.
Tobacco Bay — About 15 minutes on foot from Town Square. The historic bay where patriots secretly transported revolutionary gunpowder in 1775 is now a beautiful snorkeling destination. Calm lagoon, dramatic rock formations, beach bar, and snorkel rentals. The most accessible beach from the pier.
Unfinished Church — A hauntingly beautiful roofless ruin started in 1874 to replace St. Peter's, but never completed due to a combination of financial troubles and a congregation split. Its Gothic stone arches rising against the Bermudian sky are one of the most striking sights in St. George's. Free to visit.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort — A resort sprawled over 21 acres with two private beaches, pink sand swimming, a freshwater pool, Jacuzzi, sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving to ancient wrecks, tennis, and an ocean-front gym. Day passes available for cruise passengers.
National Museum of Bermuda — Located at the Royal Naval Dockyard (accessible by ferry from St. George's). Over 500 years of Bermuda history — bastions, cannons, shipwreck artifacts, and watercraft. The museum occupies several historic fortifications and houses remarkable items recovered from centuries-old wrecks.
Beaches & Outdoors in St. George's, Bermuda
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches get their color from pulverized coral and shells. The South Shore beaches are Bermuda's most spectacular, but St. George's has excellent options much closer to the pier:
Tobacco Bay
About a 15-minute walk from Town Square — the most convenient beach from the St. George's pier. A small, sheltered cove with excellent snorkeling around dramatic rock formations. Has a beach bar and snorkel gear rental. Historically significant — this is the very bay where colonial-era patriots secretly transported gunpowder for the American Revolution.
St. Catherine's Beach
Near Fort St. Catherine to the north — wider and quieter than Tobacco Bay. Beautiful pink sand and clear water with fewer crowds. A good alternative for those wanting more space and tranquility.
South Shore Beaches
Bermuda's most famous beaches — Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Elbow Beach — are located on the South Shore, 30+ minutes by scooter from St. George's. Worth the trip if you have a full day, but plan carefully around your ship's departure time.
Shopping in St. George's, Bermuda
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ St. George's has a charming selection of independent shops — far more interesting than chain retail:
Essence of Lili Bermuda
The Bermuda Perfumery — an artistic reflection of the island. Fragrances capturing ocean spray, wind, and local botanicals. Complimentary tours of the perfumery available, plus afternoon tea in the gardens. A genuinely unique Bermuda experience.
Saltwater Jewelry + Designs
Located on Water Street in St. George's. One-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry made using natural materials — pearls, semi-precious stones, and Venetian glass. Each piece is unique and a perfect Bermuda memento.
Long Story Short
A unique Bermuda shop with books, gifts, cards, skincare, clothing, games, and puzzles. Also offers History Tours and Private Scavenger Hunts of St. George's — and rents bikes for exploring the town.
Bermuda Craft Market
Located at the Royal Naval Dockyard (accessible by ferry) — Bermuda-made wares from over 60 local artists, housed in a barrel workshop built in 1832. The best concentration of authentic Bermudian crafts anywhere on the island.
Dining in St. George's, Bermuda
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Bermudian cuisine reflects the island's diverse heritage — Caribbean, British, and Portuguese influences throughout. Spiny lobster (September–March) is the local delicacy, and Peas 'n' Rice (Hop 'n' John) is a beloved local staple. Note that KFC in Hamilton is the only chain restaurant on the island — Bermuda prohibits outside franchise restaurants.
White Horse Pub & Restaurant
Town of St. George · Bermuda's oldest pub · Casual
Seasonal food with locally sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner ($$). Sunday breakfast only 10am–1pm. Closed holidays.
Tempest Bistro
St. George's · Home-style French cuisine · Casual
Moderately priced French fare. Lunch and dinner ($$). Monday dinner only 6–9pm. Sunday lunch only 11:30am–2:30pm. Closed holidays.
The Wharf
Somers Wharf, St. George's · Casual · Open 7 days
Fish, lamb, filet mignon, jerk chicken, pizza, and pasta. Lunch from 11:30am, dinner from 5pm. Closed Christmas.
Wahoo's Bistro & Patio
Waterside, St. George's · Bermudian cuisine · Casual
Wahoo nuggets, rockfish Picasso, fish chowder, Wiener schnitzel sandwich, Angus beef, pasta, tacos, and lobster. Lunch and dinner ($$). Tuesday–Sunday lunch 11:30am–5pm, dinner 6–9:30pm. Monday lunch only (April–October; closed other months).
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Book This Tour →St. George's, Bermuda – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is St. George's Bermuda known for?
St. George's is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World (founded 1612). It's known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, charming town square, and historic fortifications.
Can I walk from the cruise pier in St. George's?
Yes — ships dock at Ordnance Island right in the town center. King's Square, the stocks and pillory, St. Peter's Church, and the main shopping area are all steps away.
How do I get from St. George's to other parts of Bermuda?
Buses and taxis connect St. George's to the rest of the island. The ferry to Hamilton is the most scenic option. A scooter rental gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful east end beaches independently.
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