Fort George
Safest, near the water taxisThe waterfront district with hotels and restaurants.
City guide
Things to do in Belize City
The country's biggest city and transport hub: wooden colonial houses, the hand-swung bridge, the Museum of Belize, water taxis to the cayes, and day trips to the Belize Zoo, Altun Ha and the howler monkey sanctuary.
3
Hostels in the city
9.5
Average, from 687 reviews
1970
Capital moved to Belmopan
1812
St John's Cathedral built
The hub, worth a day
Belize City was the capital until 1970, when Hurricane Hattie led the government to build Belmopan inland. It is still the country's biggest city and its transport hub: the international airport, the water taxis to the cayes and the main bus routes all start here. Most travellers pass straight through, and with good reason, as parts of the city have high crime. But the centre is worth a few hours, and the city makes a practical base for day trips.
Haulover Creek divides the city, crossed by the Swing Bridge, one of the last manually operated swing bridges in the world. Around it are wooden colonial buildings, St John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, and the Museum of Belize, in the old colonial prison. Fort George, the waterfront district, has the lighthouse and the tomb of Baron Bliss, the city's benefactor.
Day trips go to the Belize Zoo, home to rescued native animals, the Maya site of Altun Ha, the Community Baboon Sanctuary for black howler monkeys, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Give it a day, or a night between flights and boats.
Where to base yourself
Fort George for the safest, most pleasant area near the water taxis, or near the airport for early flights.
City centre
HistoryThe Swing Bridge, museum and cathedral.
Near the airport
Early flightsHotels near Philip Goldson International.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 3 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Belize City
Walk across the Swing Bridge and around the centre, see the wooden colonial houses, and visit St John's Cathedral and the Museum of Belize, in the old prison, for the history of the country and its Maya past. In Fort George, walk the waterfront to the lighthouse and the Baron Bliss tomb, and visit the Image Factory, a gallery of Belizean art.
Outside the city, the Belize Zoo, about 45 minutes west, houses rescued native animals, including jaguars, tapirs and harpy eagles. Altun Ha, about an hour north, is a Maya site with temples. The Community Baboon Sanctuary protects black howler monkeys, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is great for birds.
From the city, cave tubing trips go to the Nohoch Che'en caves, and boats leave for the cayes.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Walking around the centre, the Swing Bridge and the Fort George waterfront costs nothing. St John's Cathedral is free to visit.
Watching the Swing Bridge open, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon, is free.
The museum, the zoo and Altun Ha charge entry.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Try Creole food: rice and beans with stew chicken, boil-up and cow-foot soup, and Belizean breakfasts of fry jacks with eggs and beans. Street food, such as tamales and garnaches, is cheap.
Fort George and the area around the water taxi terminal have restaurants and cafes.
Belikin beer is brewed near the city.
Nightlife
Going out
Nightlife is limited, and it is best to stay in Fort George and the area around the hotels at night. A few bars and hotel lounges are open in the evenings.
During the September Celebrations, the city hosts a carnival and parades.
Always take taxis at night.
Getting around
Getting around
Philip Goldson International Airport is about 25 to 30 minutes from the centre by taxi. The municipal airstrip, near the centre, has domestic flights to the cayes and the south.
Water taxis to Caye Caulker and San Pedro leave from terminals near the Swing Bridge. Buses leave from the main bus terminal for the west and south.
Take licensed taxis, recognised by green number plates, and agree the fare first.
Costs
What Belize City costs
Belize City has few budget beds, and the decent options are mid-range. Guesthouses start at around €30 to €60 a night. Local meals cost €4 to €10.
Day trips to the zoo and Altun Ha cost extra, and taxis add up.
The Belize dollar is fixed at two to one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, though change often comes in Belize dollars.
Safety
Safety and scams
Belize City has high crime in some areas, and government travel advice warns about specific neighbourhoods. Stay in the centre and Fort George, avoid walking after dark, and take licensed taxis.
Do not show valuables, and be wary of people offering unofficial help or tours around the bus and water taxi terminals.
Most travellers stay one night at most, or pass straight through. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth leaving town for
Zoo, ruins and monkeys.
Altun Ha
A Maya site with temples.
Caye Caulker
The laid-back island.
What's on
What is on while you are there
September Celebrations and La Ruta Maya.
September
September Celebrations
Belize City
Parades and carnival around two national holidays.
March
La Ruta Maya
Finishes in Belize City
A four-day canoe race from San Ignacio.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Belize City, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
December to April is the dry season. The September Celebrations bring parades and carnival. September and October are the wettest months.
Jan
Dry, busiest
Feb
Dry
Mar
Dry, La Ruta Maya finishes
Apr
Hot and dry
May
Rains begin
Jun
Wet afternoons
Jul
Hot and humid
Aug
Wet
Sep
September Celebrations
Oct
Wet
Nov
Rains easing
Dec
Dry season returns
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Belize City, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Belize City prices.
Treat these as a guide. Day trips and taxis cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Belize City questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Belize City worth visiting?
For a day or a night, yes, for the centre and day trips. Most travellers pass straight through.
Is Belize City safe?
Parts have high crime. Stay in the centre and Fort George, avoid walking after dark and take licensed taxis.
How do I get from the airport to the water taxis?
By taxi, in around 25 to 30 minutes.
What is the Swing Bridge?
One of the last manually operated swing bridges in the world, swung open by hand to let boats through.
Is Belize City the capital?
No. The capital moved to Belmopan in 1970.
What day trips can I do from Belize City?
The Belize Zoo, Altun Ha, the Community Baboon Sanctuary and cave tubing.
Where should I stay in Belize City?
In Fort George, near the water taxis.
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