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Pembroke Parish: An Insider's Guide to Bermuda's City and Centre

Pembroke Parish is located in the middle of the island and includes the City of Hamilton within its borders, making this parish the commercial, cultural, and culinary heart of Bermuda.

While the city’s colourful streets are the centre of business, shopping, and nightlife, Pembroke extends beyond the city to include North Shore parks, historic forts, and local neighbourhoods. 
 

  • What to do in the City of Hamilton
  • Discover the North Shore parks in Pembroke Parish
  • Why visit Fort Hamilton in Pembroke parish
  • Best place to find authentic food in Pembroke parish
  • What to do in Pembroke parish, Bermuda
Discover Pembroke Parish

Pembroke is where Bermudians gather, meet friends after work, spend weekends by the water, and experience the island's art and food scenes.
If you want to experience Bermuda beyond the beaches, Pembroke is the place to start.

Start in the City of Hamilton

Hamilton is Bermuda’s only city, the capital of Bermuda, and it's packed with things to see and do.
 
Spend the morning exploring Front Street and the surrounding areas and browse independent boutiques like TABS, famous for its modern take on the iconic Bermuda shorts, or The Island Shop for quality Bermudian gifts, clothing, and locally inspired homewares. Explore further and find large-scale murals that have transformed the city into an open-air gallery. Visit the Bermuda National Gallery inside City Hall to discover works by local and international artists, and join a guided walking tour to uncover the city's history, architecture, and hidden stories. 
 
Hamilton is also Bermuda's event capital. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with Harbour Nights, food festivals, outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations, and cultural events that bring locals and visitors together.
 
Local tip: Don't stick to Front Street. Some of Hamilton's best murals, cafés, boutiques, and galleries are found just a block or two away.

Aerial of City of Hamilton

Escape to Pembroke's North Shore

Only minutes from the city, Pembroke's North Shore feels like a different world.

 

Explore the hidden tunnels and dramatic limestone cliffs of Admiralty House Park, one of Bermuda's favourite local swimming spots, where adventurous visitors can snorkel, cliff jump, or simply relax beside the crystal-clear water.
 

Nearby, Spanish Point Park offers peaceful walking paths, open green spaces, and panoramic views across Hamilton Harbour. It's a favourite spot for morning walks, picnics, and watching boats come and go.
 
Together, these parks offer the perfect balance to the energy of the city.
 
Local tip: Visit Spanish Point in the late afternoon for beautiful harbour views as the sun begins to set.

Step Back in Time at Fort Hamilton

Hidden above Hamilton Harbour, Fort Hamilton is one of Bermuda's most underrated historic attractions.
 
Built in the 1870s to protect the harbour, the Victorian fort features stone walls, underground passageways, and a dry moat filled with picturesque overgrown vegetation, while its hilltop gardens offer sweeping views across the city and Great Sound.
 
It's a peaceful place to explore, combining Bermuda's military history with one of the island's best viewpoints.
 
Local tip: Bring a picnic or coffee from Hamilton and enjoy it in the fort's gardens.

Take A 360 Tour of the Fort
Aerial shot of an old fort and green space

Eat, Drink and Experience Local Flavour

Pembroke is home to Bermuda's most diverse dining scene, where traditional island recipes sit alongside contemporary restaurants, lively happy hours, and waterfront dining.
 
For authentic Bermudian comfort food outside of the city, neighbourhood favourites like Grannie's, Byrdie's, and Teaffany's serve classic dishes including codfish and potatoes, fish chowder, daily specials, and hearty meals you shouldn’t leave without trying.
 
As the day turns into evening, enjoy happy hour overlooking Hamilton Harbour before finding somewhere for dinner. You can find whatever you are in the mood for, a casual bite or a memorable fine dining experience, it’s all here.
 
Local tip: If you want a good local food recommendation, ask a taxi driver, they know all the good spots!

Experience Everyday Bermuda

Pembroke is where Bermuda comes together.
 
It's where you’ll see the businessmen and women dawning their Bermuda shorts, families gathering in the parks, artists showcasing their work, and a hustle and bustle you don’t find anywhere else on the island. 
 
If the other parishes reveal Bermuda's natural beauty, Pembroke reveals its personality. Spend a day here, and you'll discover the rhythm of everyday island life.

Plan Your Pembroke Adventure

Grannies Kitchen Fish Sanwich

Grannie's Kitchen

Address: 113 North Shore Rd, Hamilton, Bermuda

Hours of Operation: 

  • Monday - Saturday: 7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Sundays: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Pembroke Parish is one of Bermuda's nine parishes. It surrounds most of the City of Hamilton, which is the island's capital and business center. 

The City of Hamilton, not to be confused with Hamilton Parish, is located within Pembroke Parish. If you're referring to Hamilton parish, then it is about a 15-20 minute drive depending on where you are going.

The capital of Bermuda is Hamilton, located in Pembroke Parish. Hamilton has been the capital since 1815 and serves as Bermuda's commercial, financial, and administrative hub.

Yes. Fort Hamilton is open to the public and is one of Bermuda's best-preserved historic forts. Visitors can explore:

  • The fort's ramparts and underground passages
  • A dry moat
  • Beautiful, landscaped gardens
  • Panoramic views overlooking Hamilton Harbour

Admission is free, making it a popular stop for history lovers and photographers. 

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