Things To Do
in Belize City
Belize City sits on the northern coast of Belize and serves as the country’s largest urban hub with a long maritime heritage. The waterfront and historic districts blend colonial charm with a lively, culturally diverse community. While it can be bustling and humid, it also serves as a convenient gateway to the Barrier Reef, cayes, and nearby rainforests.
From delicious seafood to museums and markets, the city offers a practical base for exploring Belize’s natural and cultural riches.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start with a guided walking tour of the historic downtown, marveling at colonial architecture and local street art. Stop at St. John’s Cathedral to admire its gothic design and learn about the city’s religious heritage. Chat with vendors at the swing bridge and sample fresh tropical fruit from roadside stalls.
Grab a traditional Belizean lunch at a family-run restaurant, tasting hudut and rice and beans. Spend the afternoon browsing the Museum of Belize for exhibits on Garifuna culture and ancient Maya history. Wander through the artisan stalls at Caribbean Shores for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Enjoy a sunset stroll along the waterfront, watching fishing boats return to port. Join locals at the Swing Bridge area for an authentic Belizean belikin beer and live drumming. Dine at a seaside restaurant, feasting on freshly caught lobster or ceviche under the stars.
Visit the Maritime Museum to uncover Belize’s seafaring past, from shipwrecks to coastal trade. Explore interactive exhibits on piracy and colonial naval skirmishes. Climb to the top of the museum’s lighthouse replica for panoramic harbor views.
Walk to nearby street art alleys to admire vibrant murals celebrating Garifuna and Maya culture. Join a drumming workshop led by local masters to learn traditional rhythms. Taste cassava bread and freshly smoked fish at a riverside kiosk.
Attend a Garifuna showcase featuring punta music and dance at a local cultural center. Sip on a cocojito or fresh coconut juice before the performance. Mingle with performers afterward to learn the stories behind each song.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍝Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $0.50-1 |
| 🥤Coffee or juice | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- English-speaking, friendly locals
- Gateway to the Barrier Reef and cayes
- Good seafood and cultural diversity
- Relatively compact for city-based trips
- Heat and humidity can be intense
- Some areas prone to petty crime; exercise caution
- Infrastructure varies by district
- Seasonal mosquitoes and tropical storms
- "Helo" - Hello
- "Gud maanin" - Good morning
- "Plis" - Please
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "Weh di bathroom deh?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Weh da dis cost?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Belize City
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic operating bridge with good light around sunrise and sunset; captures boats and river traffic.
A historic Gothic-style church with distinctive architecture and stained glass—great for daytime and evening shots.
Promenade with palm trees, fishing boats, and colorful market activity, ideal for golden-hour photography.
Colonial-era buildings and shaded streets offering characterful street photography.
Food in Belize City
Belize City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh lime-cured seafood with peppers and onions, a light starter found at waterfront stalls and coastal eateries.
Must-Try!
A tangy, peppery vegetable and fish or chicken pickle, commonly served with rice or fry jacks.
Staple Belizean dish featuring coconut rice and beans with tender stewed chicken.
Fluffy fried bread often served with eggs, cheese, or beans for breakfast.
Crispy fritters made with conch meat, a popular street-food snack near the water.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, seafood, spices, and quick snacks like fry jacks and conch fritters.
Open-air stalls along the riverfront serving ceviche, fried fish, and Belizean stews with sea breeze.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello or good morning goes a long way; a handshake or a light hug among friends is common.
Belize is culturally diverse—respect for Indigenous and Garifuna traditions is appreciated; dress modestly in sacred or traditional spaces.
Ask for permission before photographing people or private spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Belize City
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is common if a service charge isn’t included; higher in nicer venues or for exceptional service.
Belize Dollar (BZD) is the local currency, pegged at 2 BZD = 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Credit/debit cards are common in hotels and larger restaurants; cash is handy for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, sunny days with lower humidity and little rainfall; excellent for outdoor exploring and day trips to the cayes.
More rain, higher humidity, and thunderstorms; still warm, with lush vegetation and fewer crowds; plan for possible thunderstorms and mosquito protection.
Belize City at Night
Hiking in Belize City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short jungle trails around the Altun Ha ruins, a convenient day trip from Belize City.
Wetlands and forest trails north of the city offering birdwatching and nature walks.
Accessible trails along the river and mangrove ecosystems suitable for light hikes and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Belize City by plane.
Belize's main international gateway, located near Ladyville about 20–30 minutes from Belize City by car.
Domestic airport within Belize City limits for short flights and charters to nearby cayes and interior sites.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group with a mix of Indigenous and European ancestry.
A core cultural group known for language, music, and Creole cuisine.
Indigenous communities with Mayan languages and traditions.
Afro-indigenous community known for drumming and distinctive culture.
Diverse immigrant communities contributing to Belize's multicultural society.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Belize, with local leagues and frequent street games.
Common among youth and community centers; public courts in neighborhoods.
Coastal and reef fishing, including game fishing around the cayes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belize City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Belizean dishes can be made vegetarian by substituting meat with beans, plantains, and rice; tell servers you avoid meat and ask for vegetable stews.