Gay Bermuda
A self-governing British overseas territory, Bermuda is a tiny island archipelago in the northern Atlantic Ocean that sits approximately 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the United States. Bermuda is known for its prosperous economy, tourism, and subtropical climate. The island brings a British and American culture together, a blend that is mainly present in the capital of Hamilton.
Although small, Bermuda has a robust economy, and the GNP per capita is one of the highest in the world. Bermuda's economy is mainly based on tourism and international finance.
Bermuda is famous for its pink-sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, which get their color from one of the sand's main components, pulverized coral and shells. Its massive Royal Naval Dockyard complex combines modern attractions like the interactive Dolphin Quest with maritime history at Bermuda's National Museum. In 2000, St. George, a historic town, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is worth visiting.
The climate of Bermuda is considered subtropical, making it mild throughout the year. August is warmest with an average daytime high of 86 °F (30 °C), and February is coolest, with an average nighttime low of 57 °F (14 °C). With plentiful sun and abundant rain, it makes for "Bermudiful" flowers and foliage that dot the landscape.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Bermuda
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Bermuda
Bermuda has been in the international spotlight over the legalization of gay marriage. First legalized in May 2017, it set off a period of legal battles and wavering protections. In June 2018, Bermuda became the first territory to reverse marriage rights for gay couples by legislation. After a months-long process involving multiple debates in the Supreme Court, Bermuda again granted legal protection to gay couples in November 2018.
Bermuda's first-ever gay pride parade took place on August 31, 2019, at Victoria Park in Hamilton. It's estimated that 6,000 people walked through the capital city Hamilton streets along a route covering Victoria Park to Court Street, Front Street, Queen Street, and Church Street. The island of Bermuda residents got behind it by wearing colorful outfits and rainbow flags to show their pride and celebrate diversity. Bermuda Pride 2019 was organized by equal rights campaigners and sponsored by charitable organization OutBermuda.
Best Time to Visit Bermuda
March to April are incredibly wonderful in Bermuda with comfortable, Springtime temperatures and reasonable hotel expenses. The prices are not as high as during the busiest season, from May to October. These two months of Spring are also some of the most festive.
June is the start of hurricane season, so by going in the Spring, you'll be well ahead of that. The early spring temperatures are warm enough for enjoyable beach walks, even if the water is a bit cool for swimming. Late winter and early Spring provide opportunities for hotels and resort deals since you'll be on either side of the high tourist season.
Top Things to See and Do in Bermuda
1) Horseshoe Bay Beach
2) Historic St. George
3) Royal Naval Dockyard
4) Unfinished Church
5) Elbow Beach
6) Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
7) Crystal & Fantasy Caves
8) Warwick Long Bay Beach
9) Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
10) National Museum of Bermuda
MUST DO Bermuda Attractions & Activities
Bermuda's beaches are legendary, but beyond the pink sand, you'll find a mid-Atlantic island packed with a rare mix of experiences. Go sailing or shipwreck diving, explore ancient caves and subterranean lakes, uncover British colonial heritage in historic towns, celebrate with Gombey dancers, feast on one of the world's best fish sandwiches, and wash it all down with one of the island's signature rum drinks. Horseshoe Bay Beach offers quite a spectacle as islanders fly their colorful handmade kites.
MUST EAT Bermuda Gay-Friendly Dining
A lively, welcoming vibe and upscale Italian fare await at Little Venice, a popular fine-dining spot in the City of Hamilton since 1971. Touted as the first true wine bar in Bermuda, Little Venice Wine Bar has more than 800 of the best wines on our wine list. Indulge in homemade pasta dishes like Ravioli Caprese and Spaghetti Vongole with fresh clams. Little Venice is a gay-friendly establishment and the top Italian restaurant in Bermuda. It is located on Bermudiana Road, just a short walk from the Hamilton Ferry Terminal.
MUST VISIT Bermuda Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Cafe Cairo is an Egyptian-themed bar in Bermuda and a great favorite to the local Bermudians. Sample the flavors of Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco while reclining on plush cushions in the Bedouin-style dining room of Café Cairo on Front Street in downtown Hamilton. After 10 pm, Café Cairo turns into a popular nightclub and bar scene that stays open – and packed with people dancing – until 3 am.
Travel Safety Tips
While it has gone back-and-forth on same-sex marriage, Bermuda is still a gay-friendly island with several anti-discrimination laws and the right to gay marriage. There are no reported violent attacks against gay tourists, but public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
Bermuda has always been considered a safe destination, especially when compared to countries of the Caribbean. Violent crime on the island is rare, and of the small amount that does occur, it's almost exclusively related to insular gang violence and doesn't affect tourists.
Related Blog Posts
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