Colorful Belize is a port city, divided into two parts by Haulover Creek. Anything but dull, the country’s commercial and cultural hub is rich in history and boasts a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful colonial architecture, and remarkable natural wonders. Although greatly devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the city showed resiliency and has since recovered. With thousands of years of history inside Museum of Belize and Government House, lots of greenery throughout its historic parks, and a stunning harbor, Belize City is a gem yet to be discovered. It is also a great gateway to the spectacular marine life and coral reefs at Shark Ray Alley (Ambergris Caye) in Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Upon arrival here, the ancient Mayan civilization, the finest Caribbean cuisine, and old British colonial architecture unravel. These are the best things to do in Belize City, including some of the most Instagrammable spots you shouldn’t miss.
1. Get a glimpse of Belize's history on a guided tour (from USD 25.0)
Belize is a city with lots of history that’s worth exploring. Here’s a one-hour guided tour that will take you to see some of its most notable attractions on both sides of the creek. You’ll see the iconic Swing Bridge, visit St. John’s Cathedral (the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America), and hear stories about the colonial city. It’s a great start, because it will give you a quick overview of what this old Mayan city has to offer in terms of culture and history, so you can decide what you want to explore in more detail later.
The tour will also take you to Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Memorial Park, and House of Culture. Each participant will get a complimentary bottle of water.
Belize City Historical Tour
Duration: 1 hour
2. Taste local rum at Travellers Liquors Heritage Center (from USD 38.0)
One of the best ways to travel is by mixing popular landmarks and tourist attractions with tasting local flavors and listening to stories about the place. Here’s a tour that will do exactly that. Get ready to go rum tasting, while also spending some time sightseeing through the city. This two-hour tour includes an overview of the different neighborhoods in Belize City, stops for photos and souvenirs, as well as rum tasting at Travellers Liquor Heritage Center. Here, you’ll learn the behind-the-scenes of run production, listen to stories about the country’s rum history, as well as enjoy unlimited shots of this classic spirit.
Belize City and Rum Factory Tour
Duration: 2 hours
3. Discover over 3,000 years of history inside Museum of Belize
Museum of Belize was built 150 years ago by the British colonial government, initially as a prison, and only decades later was it turned into the museum it is today. While the place still looks like a prison from the outside, it is home to more than 3,000 years of history in the shape of British colonial artifacts, Mayan ceremonial objects, Victorian-era postcards and stamps, paintings, carvings, and many other historical and cultural objects. There’s also a prison cell left for visitors to see.
Museum of Belize
Address: 5 Eve St, Belize City, Belize
Website: Museum of Belize
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 8:30am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
Price: 5 USD
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4. Check out the iconic Baron Bliss Light
The name of Baron Bliss weighs heavily on Belize’s history, as he was the country’s biggest financial benefactor. Every year, he is commemorated on March 9, also known as Baron Bliss Day, but his legacy continues to live on through the iconic Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City. The red-and-white landmark was established in 1885 and has remained a staple of the city, while the memorial tomb of Baron Bliss reminds locals and travelers of Belize’s colonial era.
Baron Bliss Light
Address: 4 Fort St, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Go souvenir shopping in Fort Street Tourism Village
The waterfront Fort Street Tourism Village is a colorful village appreciated for its many eateries and souvenir shops. Its harbor-front location makes the site a favorite stop among cruise ships, and you’ll often see the bars and restaurants buzzing with tourists. Since the place is usually so lively, it’s also one of the safest neighborhoods. Fort Street Tourism Village is excellent for souvenir shopping, having a local beer, or just walking around and taking photographs of the colored buildings.
Fort Street Tourism Village
Address: Fort Street Tourism Village, Terminal 1, Belize City, Belize
6. Enjoy the harbor views from Swing Bridge
Built in Liverpool, England, in 1922 and installed in Belize City a year later, Swing Bridge is a historical landmark that connects the north and south parts of the city, over Haulover Creek. Today, the structure remains a popular tourist attraction, as it is believed to be the last manually operated bridge of its kind in the world. While it is a must-see during your trip, travelers are always advised to watch their pockets in this area.
Swing Bridge
Address: 19 Albert St, Belize City, Belize
7. Learn about the history behind Government House, Belize
Hosted in an authentic colonial building, Government House, Belize, is a combination of English urban architecture and Caribbean influences. Since it was built in 1812, the house has been the official residence of the governor of British Honduras and the governor-general, and today it is the address of House of Culture Museum. Visitors will discover a variety of local art and colorful exhibits inside, while outdoors, the mansion is surrounded by lush gardens.
Government House, Belize
Address: 71 Regent St, Belize City, Belize
Website: Government House, Belize
Opening hours: Mon - Thu & Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Fri & Sun)
8. Go scuba diving at the magnificent Great Blue Hole
With the Caribbean Sea bordering Belize City on three sides, it comes as no surprise that the city is the starting point for some of the most exciting water adventures and natural wonders. One of them is scuba diving in the Great Blue Hole, about 43 miles (70 kilometers) off the coast. Great Blue Hole was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been featured in some of National Geographic’s documentary films. It is also part of the nature reserves of Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.
What appears as a dark blue hole from above is home to underwater sanctuaries featuring abundant flora and fauna, including nurse sharks, bull sharks, as well as Caribbean reef sharks. The turquoise waters in this immense barrier reef are a prime spot for snorkeling trips too.
Website: Great Blue Hole
9. Take an Instagrammable photo with the Belize Sign
There are quite a few beautiful scenery and Instagrammable spots in Belize City, but nothing can top this multicolored Belize sign with a stunning ocean backdrop. No need to add any filters—just #belizecity #travelbelize should do. Likely, you won’t be the only one looking to take a photo with the sign, so if it gets crowded, take advantage of the location and go for a walk while taking in the ocean views.
Belize Sign
Address: Seashore Dr, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Go fishing at Haulover Creek
One of the fun activities to have an enjoyable time in the Caribbean waters is to go fishing. Haulover Creek not only separates the city in two, the northern and southern parts, but it also plays a major role in attracting fishers in the area, as well as tourists looking to get involved in some local activities. You’re likely going to see a lot of fishing boats harbored along the shores of Haulover Creek, and that should be your queue when it’s time to go fishing.
Website: Haulover Creek
11. Spend a day on the gorgeous beach in Old Belize
Spending a full day in Old Belize will guarantee a fantastic start to your vacation. Every corner of Belize City has a piece of history, but in Old Belize, the stories of the past intertwine with fun and entertainment galore, all to give you an unforgettable experience.
The fun part starts on Kukumba Beach, where guests can relax and sunbathe, while the 90-foot-long (27-meter) waterslide located only steps from the beautiful beach will plunge you straight into the Caribbean Sea. When it comes to dining, several beach bars and lively hot spots can be your go-to place for tropical ambiance, cocktails, decadent desserts, and delicious meals.
Old Belize
Address: George Price Hwy, Belize City, Belize
Website: Old Belize
12. Take a walk through BTL Park at sunset
The waterfront BTL Park (Digi Park) is a great stop, especially if you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, walking on the shore of the Caribbean Sea or the pier. If you get hungry and want to check out a good place to eat nearby, the park is just a few steps away from Sit & Sip Belize, Hour Bar, and Pier 1 Bar & Grill. The best time of the day to visit the grounds is at sunset when the views are simply breathtaking and the sky takes on majestic orange and yellow colors.
BTL Park
Address: Barrack Rd, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Visit the locals' favorite Battlefield Park
Battlefield Park
Posted by YDK around the world on Saturday, 18 August 2018
Battlefield Park sits right in the heart of Belize City, on the other side of Haulover Creek from Fort Street Tourism Village. The park is popular among tourists and locals alike, as it is a green oasis where everyone can relax or take a walk in the middle of the city. The venue hosts another multicolored Belize sign, which has only increased its popularity.
Battlefield Park
Address: 19 Albert St, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Catch a Belize celebration at Memorial Park
Found north of Fort Street Tourism Village, Memorial Park spreads along the shores of the Caribbean Sea. A short walk from the city’s lighthouse, the park can be an excellent choice if you’re looking to enjoy a quiet walk in the morning. There are also some eateries around in case you get the munchies, and if you visit Belize for a national celebration, you might even catch festivities at this location.
Memorial Park
Address: Marine Parade Blvd, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Learn about the maritime history in the region at Maritime Museum
With Belize City being a maritime city with a harbor (Haulover Creek splitting it in two and the Caribbean Sea looming all around), it’s only natural that the place has a maritime museum of its own—and a pretty interesting one to see actually. Located right on the bank of Haulover Creek, the museum tells stories of shipbuilding and ship voyages in the area. You’ll see a variety of artifacts, photographs, model boats, and paintings on exhibit from several archaeological sites.
Maritime Museum
Address: 19 Albert St, Belize City, Belize
16. Unravel the Garifuna culture at Luba Garifuna Museum
And then at 5:45am... Completed!
Posted by Brain Storm on Friday, 7 October 2016
Luba Garifuna Museum in Belize City pays tribute to the Garifuna culture, particularly its music and dance traditions. The philosophy behind their music and dance is that the performers synchronize their energy and movements. The museum is located in a private house not far from the city center and features a collection of Garifuna artifacts and exhibits.
Luba Garifuna Museum
Address: Fern Ln, Belize City, Belize
17. Enjoy local cuisine and waterfront vistas at Bird's Isle Restaurant
It wouldn’t be a trip to Belize without tasting some authentic Caribbean cuisine, and the best place for that is Bird’s Isle Restaurant. The establishment serves delicious local dishes, ice-cold libations, and decadent desserts, all in a breathtaking waterfront location dotted with palm trees. The menu includes seafood, steak, burgers, salad, and daily specials.
Bird's Isle Restaurant
Address: 90 Albert St, Belize City, Belize
Website: Bird’s Isle Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10:30am - 2:30pm; Wed: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Thu: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 12am; Fri: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 10:30am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
18. Earn your drinks on a Sit & Sip Belize tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour of Belize City, and pedal your way through downtown on a 15-seater bike bus. Sit & Sip Belize offers sightseeing tours by day and pub-crawl tours by night. The day tour will take you through downtown Belize City, while you sip on unlimited local beer. On the pub-crawl tour, you can expect that the music will be loud and the beer will be flowing. You’ll also get three free drinks on the house. The company organizes custom tours as well, so if you’re planning a family outing or just some fun times with friends, consulting the staff is an excellent idea.
Sit & Sip Belize
Address: #162, Newton Barracks Rd, Belize City, Belize
Website: Sit & Sip Belize
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 5pm; Tue: 8:30am - 5pm; Wed: 8:30am - 12pm; Thu - Sat: 8:30am - 2am; Sun: 3pm - 12am
19. Dine and sip cocktails at Tropicana Lounge
Tropicana Casino Customer Appreciation Night! Be sure to look out for more events.
Posted by Casino Tropicana Belize on Monday, 2 July 2018
Belize City’s nightlife is quite lively, with several options for good times once the sun sets, from karaoke nights to local bars. One of the popular spots in town is Tropicana Lounge, a nightclub located in Fort Street Tourism Village, not far from the port. Tropicana Lounge has a casino that boasts a variety of table games and slots, a paradise for those into gaming.
Tropicana Lounge
Address: 14D Fort St, Belize City, Belize
20. Go on a shopping frenzy at Down Town Plaza
Located on Albert Street in the center of Belize City, Down Town Plaza is a shopping mall where tourists and locals alike can go for a retail therapy session. Whether you’re looking to get a bite to eat, get some souvenirs for those waiting for you at home, or just want to pamper yourself and buy something nice to wear, you’ll find it here, as the commercial center features many restaurants, novelty shops, and clothing stores. Down Town Plaza is located right across the street from Battlefield Park and within walking distance from Haulover Creek and Bliss Center for Performing Arts.
Down Town Plaza
Address: 17 Albert St, Belize City, Belize
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
21. Catch a movie at Ramada Princess Belize City Cinema
Posted by Ramada Princess Cinema on Monday, 10 June 2019
Ramada Princess Belize City is a luxury hotel with an excellent waterfront location, near the MCC Grounds stadium. The property features an outdoor pool, a spa and fitness center, and a casino. On top of these, it also boasts a movie theater, where people can come see a flick whether they’re staying at the hotel or not. After the film ends, you can grab a bite at the a la carte restaurant or the buffet restaurant that is also on-site. The theater is updated with blockbusters, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on your favorite movie franchise while on holiday. Take note, however, that the showing times vary, so give the cinema a call to confirm the schedules.
Ramada Princess Belize City Cinema
Address: Princess Margaret Dr, Belize City, Belize
Website: Ramada Princess Belize City Cinema
Opening hours: Currently under renovation; please check website for updates
22. Check out local art at Bliss Center for the Performing Arts
Sitting on the banks of Haulover Creek, Bliss Center for the Performing Arts is Belize City’s cultural hub, hosting a theater, a museum, and the National Arts Council. Just like Baron Bliss Light, mentioned previously, the name of the performing arts center is related to Baron Bliss, Belize’s most iconic financial benefactor.
Built in only one year between 1953 and 1954, the building is designed in modernist-style architecture with international influences. Bliss Center for the Performing Arts hosts unforgettable shows and local and international events, and it is home to the National Art Collection, including the “Sleeping Giant” masterpiece, created by the famous George Gabb.
Bliss Center for the Performing Arts
Address: Southern Foreshore, Belize City, Belize
23. Go on a 90-minute water ride to San Pedro with Belize Express Water Taxi
Since Belize City is bordered by blue waters on three sides and split in two by Haulover Creek, one of the main means of transportation in and around the area is by water. With Belize Express Water Taxi, you can either sail the Caribbean Sea around Belize or head over to Caye Caulker to see La Isla Carinosa and its tranquil beaches—and experience the island vibe—only 45 minutes from Belize City. Other short-trip alternatives include a 90-minute water taxi ride to Chetumal—one of the most important trading centers and the capital of Quintana Roo, Mexico—or a visit to San Pedro, also 90 minutes away from the city by water.
More commonly known as La Isla Bonita, San Pedro is a dream destination featuring five-star resorts, abundant sea life, white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, private islands, fine dining, distinguished scuba sites, and snorkeling spots. In addition, the town is home to the Belize Barrier Reef and Great Blue Hole, a must-see when in the country.
Belize Express Water Taxi
Address: 111 N Front St, Belize City, Belize
Website: Belize Express Water Taxi
Price: 38 USD
Discover the old and new in Belize City
Belize City is, without a doubt, a place worth exploring, as its many facets combine culture, architecture, history, and authentic local cuisine in a unique blend of old and new. Home to the ancient Mayan civilization, and old British colonial architecture, but also casinos, nightlife, superb diving sites, and commercial centers, the city is a place of contrasts perfect for day trips or weekend/week-long adventures.
With the Caribbean Sea bordering the area, marine life and their natural habitats as well as water adventures are plentiful. From fishing and cruising to scuba diving and snorkeling, make sure you add water sports to your to-do list for this destination. To guarantee that you don’t miss any major landmarks, as well as the most Instagrammable spots, keep this list of the best things to do in Belize City handy on your device.
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