The capital is a charming, small city of pastel houses with whitewashed roofs and attractive shops. Block after block of stores and restaurants line Front Street, across from the harbor.
At City Hall, be sure to note the ship atop the weather vane on the clock tower. It's a replica of the Sea Venture, the ship that wrecked near Bermuda in 1609, thereby introducing the British to the islands. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. 17 Church St. Phone 441-292-1234.
Wigged and robed members of the House of Assembly meet at the Sessions House on Friday and hold intense yet polite debates. Visitors are welcome to visit Sessions House Monday-Friday 9:30 am-12:30 pm and 2-5 pm (call for times of parliamentary debates). 21 Parliament St. Phone 441-292-7408.
Directly to the south is the Cabinet Building, where the Senate meets on Wednesday and where the office of the premier is located. The Cabinet meets there every Tuesday.
One block west of Sessions House on Church Street is the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, which dates to the late 1800s. Look for the needlepoint prayer cushions.
One of the most photographed spots in town is the Birdcage, an elevated, enclosed perch in which a Bermuda-shorts-clad police officer directs traffic. If you go one block north from the Birdcage along Queen Street, you'll reach the pretty Perot Post Office, another landmark from the 19th century. Take time to enjoy Par-la-Ville Park, once the private garden of postmaster William Perot.
Other sites to see include: The Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Historical Society Museum, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Fort Hamilton, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and Verdmont Museum.
