Belize City

DESTINATIONS belize belizecity

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city and former capital of Belize, a small country located on the eastern coast of Central America. Situated at the mouth of the Belize River, the city serves as the country's main port and commercial hub. It is home to a diverse mix of cultures and expatriates from around the world, lending it a unique flavor and character. Despite its compact size, Belize City is a vibrant and bustling urban center that's packed with exciting attractions—from historic landmarks and museums to lively markets and outdoor activities.

The City Restaurants Cafés & Bars

The City

Belize City is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from various ethnic groups such as the Garifuna, Creole, Mayan, and Mestizo, among others. Its tropical climate is characterized by high humidity and temperatures that average around 80°F (27°C) throughout the year. As the former capital of British Honduras, Belize City is steeped in a rich history that visitors can discover by exploring historical landmarks like the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and St. John's Cathedral. The city is also the commercial center of Belize, with a busy port and bustling streets filled with shops and businesses. Belize City has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisine and entertainment options.

Restaurants

Belize City is a melting pot of various cultures and influences. As a result, the city's food scene is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan flavors. The city is replete with excellent places to sample the local cuisine, including dishes such as rice and beans, fry jacks, garnachas, conch fritters, and much more!

Cafés & Bars

In Belize City, there is a wide variety of cafés and bars to suit all tastes and preferences. If you're in the mood for a relaxing breakfast, there are numerous cafés offering delicious coffee and an array of pastries. On the other hand, if you prefer beer and a lively atmosphere, there are plenty of bars where you can spend an enjoyable evening with your friends!

Do & See Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Belize City offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to explore. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history by visiting its historical sites, museums, and cultural centers, such as the Museum of Belize, Belize Arts Council, and Factory Art Image Foundation. Additionally, while in Belize City, you can savor the local cuisine or go shopping for local handicrafts.

Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize is an art and history museum, built between the years 1854 and 1857 while Belize was still under Britain's rule. It initially served as a prison and then, in 2002, it was transformed into a museum. Divided into three distinct sections — History, Exhibits, and Activities — the museum is …

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is situated approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Belize City and it's home to the famous jade stone carved in the likeness of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, which graces the national currency. The temple is comprised of two primary clusters: Plaza A and Plaza B, each with its own …

St. John’s Cathedral

Constructed during a tumultuous period when colonial powers were vying for control of what was then known as British Honduras, St. John's Cathedral was built utilizing slave labor over a duration of eight years. Despite its unassuming exterior, this small Anglican church holds a unique distinction as the sole location outside of England where …

The Belize Sign Monument

The Belize Sign Monument is located just a short distance from the Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City and it's formed from big, boldly colored letters in a rounded font. It's a great spot to take stunning pictures of the ocean and relax by the …

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a unique wildlife conservation and education center located around 40 minutes from Belize City. The zoo was founded in 1983 as a last resort for animals rescued or donated from various sources, such as the film industry, government agencies, and private individuals. Today, it serves as …

Baron Bliss Light

Baron Bliss Light is a lighthouse that was built in 1885 and named after Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, also known as Baron Bliss, a British philanthropist and benefactor of Belize. The lighthouse stands at the end of a breakwater and marks the entrance to Belize City's harbor. It is an iconic landmark and …

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Community Baboon Sanctuary's primary objective is preserving and safeguarding the black howler monkeys of Belize. Spanning over an area of 18 square miles (29 square kilometers) in the heart of the jungle, the sanctuary is home to approximately 1,500 monkeys along with a diverse range of other fauna including anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, …

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Since its inception in 1984, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary has been recognized as one of the most exceptional locations in Central America for observing birds. The sanctuary is constructed on a system of lagoons, swamps, and estuaries, and it serves as a natural habitat for a vast variety of indigenous and migrant avian species, …

Lighthouse Reef

Positioned at the easternmost end of the Belize Barrier Reef, Lighthouse Reef is an atoll situated in the Caribbean Sea along with two other atolls, Turneffe Atoll and Glover's Reef. Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Belize City, the Lighthouse Reef is perfectly positioned to offer a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. …

Shopping

The shopping scene in Belize City offers a unique blend of local and international products, with something to suit every taste and budget. For those interested in local products and crafts, there are several markets and shops that offer handmade goods, such as jewelry, art, and textiles. These products often reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and are made using traditional techniques and materials.