Belize City

Belize City, the largest urban center in Belize, sits at the mouth of the Belize River on the Caribbean coast. While no longer the capital, it remains the country's commercial hub and main port. You can explore the red-brick St. John's Cathedral, wander through the former prison turned Museum of Belize, or watch the manual operation of the Swing Bridge. From Belize City, you can easily visit Maya ruins like Altun Ha, observe native wildlife at the Belize Zoo, or take a water taxi to the cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Exploring the City's Landmarks

St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Anglican Cathedral, dating back to 1812, is one of the oldest in Central America. Its red brick exterior and colonial-style architecture make it stand out in the city landscape. Inside, you'll see stained glass windows and antique furnishings that date back to the early 19th century.

Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize occupies a building that served as a prison from 1857 to 1993. You can explore exhibits on Maya artifacts, colonial-era items, and contemporary Belizean art. The building's thick stone walls and iron bars remain intact, allowing you to imagine what life was like for prisoners in the past.

Swing Bridge

The manually operated Swing Bridge connects the north and south sides of the city. Twice daily, it opens to allow boats to pass. You can observe this process from the nearby boardwalk, which also provides views of the harbor filled with fishing boats and water taxis.

Day Trips from Belize City

Altun Ha Maya Site

About 30 miles northwest of Belize City, Altun Ha is an ancient Maya city that was active from 200 to 900 AD. You can climb the Temple of the Masonry Altars, the largest structure at the site. From the top, you'll see the surrounding jungle and get a sense of how the city might have looked over a thousand years ago.

Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo, located 30 miles west of the city, houses over 175 animals native to Belize. The zoo focuses on education and conservation, caring for animals that were orphaned, rescued, or rehabilitated. You can observe jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats.

Getting Around Belize City

Belize City is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Taxis are readily available and are a safe option, especially at night. At the Marine Terminal, you can catch water taxis to nearby cayes like Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. These trips typically last about 45 minutes to an hour.

Belizean Cuisine

In Belize City, you can try a range of local dishes. Sample rice and beans with stewed chicken, a staple meal, or try seafood specialties like conch ceviche. Look for "dukunu," Belizean-style tamales made with corn. Most restaurants offer Marie Sharp's hot sauce, a local favorite that adds heat to many dishes.

Climate and When to Visit

Belize City has a tropical climate with high humidity year-round. From December to April, the dry season sees less rainfall and temperatures around 75-80°F (24-27°C). This is the peak tourist season with higher prices. From May to November, the wet season brings afternoon showers and temperatures around 80-85°F (27-29°C). During this time, you'll find fewer crowds and lower prices.

Safety Considerations

While many areas of Belize City are safe for tourists, some neighborhoods, particularly on the south side, have higher crime rates. Stay alert, especially after dark, and remain in well-lit, populated areas. It's advisable to take taxis at night rather than walking. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Belize City's History

Belize City's history dates back to the 17th century when British settlers arrived to cut logwood. The city grew as a center for mahogany export and became the capital of British Honduras in 1892. After Hurricane Hattie caused significant damage in 1961, the government moved the capital inland to Belmopan. Despite this change, Belize City continued to develop as the country's economic center, a role it maintains today.