Bermuda

Cost of living

What a month costs

Bermuda is one of the most expensive places on earth to live. Almost everything is imported and carries steep customs duty, so groceries, fuel and dining run far above mainland North America. Figures exclude rent, which is the biggest line item of all.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Hamilton

1. Front StreetThe pastel waterfront main drag, lined with colonnaded shops, ferries and the cruise berths.
2. Bermuda National GalleryThe island's main art museum, housed inside City Hall with Bermudian and European collections.
3. City Hall and Arts CentreA 1960s civic landmark topped by a bronze weathervane ship, home to two theatres and galleries.
4. Cathedral of the Most Holy TrinityThe Anglican cathedral on Church Street; climb the tower for a sweeping view over the harbour.
5. Sessions HouseThe Italianate parliament building with its terracotta clock tower and jubilee detailing.
6. Fort HamiltonA Victorian hilltop fort with a dry moat garden and panoramic views across the town and Great Sound.
7. Par-la-Ville ParkA leafy downtown garden behind the old Perot Post Office, good for a shaded lunch break.
8. Bermuda Historical Society MuseumSmall local history collection inside the historic Perot Post Office building.
9. Albuoy's PointA waterfront pocket park by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, prime spot for watching the boats.
10. Victoria ParkA Victorian public garden with a wrought iron bandstand, a block from the shopping streets.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. St George'sUNESCO listed old town at the east end, with cobbled lanes and the earliest English settlement in the New World.
2. Royal Naval DockyardFortress dockyard at the west end with the National Museum, glassblowing and a snorkel park.
3. Horseshoe BayBermuda's famous pink sand beach in Southampton, a short ferry and bus run from town.
4. Crystal and Fantasy CavesUnderground pools and stalactites in Hamilton Parish, reached by a scenic ride along the North Shore.
5. New York CityA two hour flight from L F Wade International puts a full mainland weekend within easy reach.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Rock Island CoffeeLong running independent coffee house on Reid Street, an art hung local favourite.
2. Devil's Isle CaféBright, health minded cafe on Burnaby Hill known for good coffee and all day brunch.
3. BuzzHomegrown Bermudian coffee and deli chain with a busy Hamilton branch for quick fuel.
4. Common GroundEasygoing coffee shop off Reid Street popular with the downtown office crowd.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Barracuda GrillPolished seafood restaurant on Burnaby Street, a Hamilton fine dining staple.
2. Marcus'Marcus Samuelsson's harbourside restaurant at the Hamilton Princess, upscale and lively.
3. Port O' CallLong established Front Street seafood room with a clubby, dependable feel.
4. Little VeniceA Hamilton institution for Italian cooking and a deep wine list, running for decades.
5. Bolero BrasserieFront Street brasserie with harbour views and a modern European menu.
6. Hog PennyThe island's oldest British style pub, tucked on Burnaby Hill with fish and chips and live music.
7. HarbourfrontMediterranean and sushi on the water's edge near the ferry terminal.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. The Spot RestaurantA no frills Bermudian diner open since 1944, famous for hearty morning plates and Sunday codfish and potatoes.
2. Fork & SpoonThe all day restaurant at the Hamilton Princess, with a generous breakfast and a harbour view.
3. Devil's Isle CaféGo to brunch spot for avocado toast, eggs and proper coffee on Burnaby Hill.
4. Rock Island CoffeeEarly morning coffee and fresh pastries in a relaxed Reid Street setting.
5. BuzzQuick breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and coffee before the walk to the office.