If you’re heading to Bermuda, you’ll want to bring home more than just memories and photos. Bermuda is known for its unique crafts, vibrant textiles, and artisanal products, making it a perfect place for souvenir shopping. While its beaches and clear waters are famous, the local markets and shops are also a treasure trove of unique items you can take home. Here’s a guide to help you find the best local souvenirs, where to shop for them, and what’s worth hunting for while you’re on the island.
What to Buy: Popular Bermuda Souvenirs
When you’re picking out souvenirs in Bermuda, there are a few staples you won’t want to miss. Here are some of the most popular items that capture the beauty and spirit of the island:
Bermuda Cedar Crafts
Historically, Bermuda cedar was used in everything from furniture to shipbuilding. Today, this native wood is turned into beautiful handcrafted items like small sculptures, decorative boxes, and picture frames. You can even find tiny replicas of houses or boats made from cedar, each with its own unique smell. These pieces make for a great connection to Bermuda’s artisan past.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts are iconic. They’re not just a souvenir; they’re a part of the island’s cultural identity. These knee-length shorts come in bold colors and patterns and are traditionally paired with knee-high socks. Look for classic versions in local stores or at some high-end boutiques for a fresh, stylish take on this timeless souvenir.
Pink Sand Jewelry
Bermuda’s beaches are famous for their unique pink sand, which you’ll see incorporated into local jewelry. Pendants, earrings, and bracelets often feature this sand set into glass or metals, creating a stunning—and literal—piece of the island to take home with you.
Rum Cakes
Bermuda has a long history of rum, and its delicious rum cakes have become a must-buy souvenir. Made from the island’s distilled Black Seal Rum, these cakes are soft, sweet, and rich. You’ll find bakeries and shops selling them in small sizes, so they’re easy to pack in your suitcase. Grab one (or two) for yourself, and maybe one for friends before you head to the airport.
Local Pottery
If you’re after something handcrafted and authentic, Bermuda’s local pottery is the way to go. From vases and cups to ceramic dishes, artisans on the island create each piece by hand. What makes Bermuda pottery special is the use of natural materials, including sand from the beach, giving each piece a distinct look and feel.
Bermuda Rum
No trip to the island is complete without bringing home a bottle of Bermuda’s famous Black Seal Rum. Distilled on the island, this rum is at the heart of many Bermudian cocktails, including the classic Dark ‘n Stormy. You can easily find bottles at liquor shops around the island, and they make for a great gift or personal treat.
Where to Shop: Best Markets and Stores
So, where do you go to find all these amazing local products? As you explore Bermuda, make sure to visit these markets and shops, each offering their own unique take on Bermudian crafts and products.
Hamilton’s Front Street
One of the best places to start your shopping is Hamilton’s Front Street. This busy street is full of boutiques, shops, and local markets. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end Bermuda shorts to smaller artisan shops. It’s also home to many souvenir stands where you can pick up postcards, T-shirts, and beachwear. If you like variety, this is the place to start.
The Bermuda Craft Market
Located in the Royal Naval Dockyard, this market is one of the best places to find local crafts. Artisans from all over the island come here to sell their handmade items. From hand-carved wooden objects to weaved baskets and locally drawn art, you’ll see a bit of everything. It’s also a great spot to meet the makers themselves and learn the stories behind their crafts.
The Bermuda Perfumery
For a more luxurious souvenir, visit The Bermuda Perfumery in St. George’s. Established in 1928, this perfumery creates handmade perfumes using natural, island-grown ingredients. Scents like ‘Lili Bermuda’ capture the fragrance of the island’s flowers, sea breeze, and natural surroundings. You can even take a tour of the perfumery to see how the scents are made.
Dockyard Glassworks
Also in the Royal Naval Dockyard, Dockyard Glassworks is where you can watch artisans blow glass and create stunning bowls, glasses, and decor pieces. Their colorful glass ornaments are a favorite among tourists and locals alike. You can pick up something small or pack home a one-of-a-kind piece to show off as a centerpiece at home.
Harbour Nights Market
Every Wednesday night during the summer, Hamilton’s Front Street is transformed into a street market known as Harbour Nights. Local vendors set up stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, handmade crafts, and food. There’s live music, street performers, and a laid-back island vibe. If you’re visiting Bermuda during the warmer months, this market is a great place to find something unique.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Bermuda
Before you start shopping, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the best deals and quality products as you explore local markets and shops in Bermuda.
Stick to Local Artisans
While you’ll find plenty of machine-made souvenirs in tourist areas, the real gems come from local artisans. You may pay a bit more, but you’ll be supporting local makers and getting a true piece of Bermudian culture to take home with you.
Bring Cash
Though most shops and markets accept credit cards, some smaller stands or temporary setups may be cash-only. Make sure to carry a small amount of cash in Bermudian dollars or U.S. dollars, as both are accepted on the island.
Know the Import Rules
If you’re buying rum, candles, or anything made of organic materials, make sure to check the customs rules for your home country. Many countries limit how much alcohol you can bring back, and some organic items may not be allowed through customs. Always declare anything you’re bringing home to avoid issues.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you’re shopping at markets, don’t hesitate to ask vendors about what they sell. Many of the crafts and products have deep cultural or historical ties to Bermuda. You’ll appreciate your souvenirs even more when you know the story behind them.
Bringing Home a Piece of Bermuda
Souvenirs are more than just stuff; they’re a way to remember the places you’ve been and the experiences you’ve had. In Bermuda, shopping for local crafts and products is a fantastic way to bring home something that connects you to the island. Whether you’re after handmade jewelry, a bottle of rum, or a piece of pottery, the island has something special waiting for you in its stores and markets.
So, take your time exploring the shops and enjoy the hunt. You never know what you’ll find in Bermuda’s markets, but whatever you bring back, it will always remind you of your unforgettable island trip.
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