Shop ’til you drop in Bermuda: An insider’s guide to everything you want to buy on the island

Whether you’re a shopaholic or just need a souvenir or two, you’ll love shopping during your trip to the beautiful island of Bermuda. Though the island itself is only 21 miles long, there’s plenty of shopping to be done. Retailers are proud to feature the best selection from some of the world’s top brands, while local artists and artisans are excited to showcase their talent. No matter what you’re looking for, or whether you intend to buy anything at all, you won’t go home empty handed from your visit to Bermuda.

Arts, Crafts, Antiques and Bermuda Made

Looking for unique gifts to bring home from Bermuda? You’ll find everything you need and more at the Bermuda Craft Market. From hand-made jewellery to hand-rolled cigars, this is your one-stop shop for gifts people will love. Don’t forget to buy something for yourself. There’s also pottery, candles, specialty tea and rum swizzle mix. You’ll find the market in Old Cooperage Building, Royal Naval Dockyard. Hours vary depending on the season, so visit www.bermudacraftmarket.com for more. Also at the Dockyard is the Bermuda Arts Centre, where you can admire the art on display and buy your favourite work made by local artists right off the gallery walls. Check out www.artbermuda.com for hours, workshops, upcoming shows and information about the artists themselves. Don’t miss Harbour Nights, held every Wednesday during peak season (May to September) for the last 25 years. The streets close down to traffic from 7-10 pm and the island’s best artisans come out to showcase their work. It’s a great place to enjoy the summer island vibe and peruse the many stalls set up along Front Street in Hamilton. www.bermudachamber.bm/harbour-nights

Books and Electronics

If you forgot your beach read or need another book, stop by Bermuda Bookstore, known since the 1930s as the place to go for everything from bestsellers to more eclectic titles. www.bookstore.bm. You may also need to know where to go for the latest in electronics. P-Tech offers top-name consumer electronic brands, including Bose, Sony, Samsung and more. www.ptech.bm. Meanwhile, Gear & Gadget Bermuda Ltd. sells a range of Samsung and Apple products and even does repairs. You’ll also find a range of other products, from chargers to headphones and watches. www.gngbermuda.com

Boutique Gifts and Food

Marks & Spencer Bermuda www.marksandspencerbermuda.com offers a range of products to meet your every need. From clothing and home goods to specialty food items, you’ll want to see what all the buzz is about. With a presence in Bermuda since the 1960s, this London-based retailer has something for everyone. Somers Wharf in historic St. George’s is a picturesque shopping and dining complex with a variety of foods to please every palate. Easily accessible by bus and ferry, stores feature a wide array of clothing, home decor and gift items. Take some time to explore the various buildings and see all that Somers Wharf has to offer. www.bermuda.com/somers-wharf-shopping-dining-complex

Cosmetics and Perfumes

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind perfumes, you’ll want to visit Lili Bermuda Perfumery. Take a complimentary tour of the perfumery’s 18th-century property, located at Stewart Hall in St. George. Learn how perfume is made, buy your favourite scent, and have tea in the garden in the afternoon. Check the website for tour information www.lilibermuda.com.  For luxury perfumes, visit The Perfume Shop at Dockyard in the Clocktower Mall. There you’ll find brands like Chanel, Dior, Lâncome, Armani, Gucci and more. Bermuda also carries the kind of cosmetics brands you would find at home, including MAC. For natural skincare and beauty products, visit Salt and Cedar on Front Street in Hamilton. They have a range of specialty and sustainable products for every skin type and beauty regime. www.saltandcedar.bm

Essentials

If you forgot your toothbrush or need to pick up some medicine for your headache, you’ll find it all at The Phoenix Stores Ltd. Bermuda’s largest pharmacy, you’ll find eight major locations across the island. With a range of products and outstanding service, you’ll find all your health and beauty needs and even other must-have items like sunscreen and postcards.

Fashion and Accessories

From small boutiques or second-hand stores to luxury brands and department stores, Bermuda is home to some incredible designers and retailers. On Front Street, Bermuda’s main shopping street, you’ll find a range of stores. With Coral Coast Clothing for men, Urban Cottage for women and English Sports Shop for everyone, you won’t have trouble adding to your wardrobe. If you like malls, Washington Mall is a place you could spend several hours. Exotica Fashion and Fragrance is a great place to shop for adult clothing toys and fragrances. Perfect for gift ideas, special costumes and unique outfits. Look through the stores, grab a bite to eat or get your hair done at a salon. Other places to check out are Somers Wharf, a lovely dockside shopping area, and Reid Street, near the harbour in Hamilton. Featuring restaurants and boutiques, you’ll love Atelerie for a mix of clothing and accessories and 1609 Design, which has everything from jewellery to coffee.

Jewellery and Watches

No matter what kind of watch or piece of jewellery you’re looking for, there are many places to shop. You’re sure to find special items for every price point, person and taste. Crisson Jewellers carries luxury brands like Rolex and Bulova, but you’ll also find Michael Kors and ultra hip Doodle Watches. Swiss Jewellers is another great place to buy diamond engagement rings and a wide range of diamond jewellery. Diamonds International in Dockyard  and Astwood Dickinson Ltd.  in Hamilton also carry a range of gorgeous items for that special someone—or yourself. Both trusted names in the jewellery business, you are sure to find what you’re looking for and more. Since there is no sales tax in Bermuda, your vacation to the island is as good a time as any to buy what you like.

Souvenirs and Beach Wear

Souvenirs and beach wear are plentiful in Bermuda. It is an island after all! Island Outfitters has everything you need to enjoy the beach—and bring a piece of the beach home for your loved ones. With items for adults and kids, including t-shirts, hats, bathing suits and flip flops, you can shop for everything you need and support a lineup of local brands too. In the heart of Hamilton you’ll find Flying Colours. Family owned and managed for four generations, this shop has locally made jewellery collections and even socks with the Bermudian flag. It’s a great place to get t-shirts, souvenirs and gifts for the kids. The Island Shop is more for hand-painted, locally inspired gifts and souvenirs. You’ll find ceramics, glassware, art prints and more and this tropical paradise.

Wine Spirits and Tobacco

There are a number of places in Bermuda to buy wine, spirits and tobacco. Churchill’s Fine Wines, Spirits & Cigars is a good place to start. Open every day from 8am to 9pm, you’ll find a wide selection of wines featuring, classic vintages and chilled alcoholic beverages like champagne and prosecco. This shop has Bermuda’s only walk-in humidor and stocks Cubans, Dominicans and locally rolled cigars from the Bermuda Cigar Company. Discovery Wines and Spirits is another great option, featuring the finest wines, beers, spirits and accessories. You can even make your own bespoke gift basket to bring home, enjoy while on vacation or give to your host. 

Sunday Shopping

You can shop til your heart’s content six days of the week, but on Sundays and national public holidays, some shops, businesses, and restaurants in Bermuda close. Buses and ferries run on limited schedules, too. However, there are a few essentials that remain open. Check local listings for hours.