Best Things to Do in Belize City, Belize

Belize City sits at the mouth of the Belize River on the Caribbean coast, a city of 70,000 that serves primarily as the transport and commerce hub for Belize rather than a destination in itself. The old downtown around the swing bridge and the Fort George lighthouse area has some colonial-era character, but the city’s main value for visitors is as a launching pad for the surrounding attractions. The things to do in Belize City and nearby include Lamanai (an impressive Mayan ruin complex in the jungle north of Belize City, accessible by river boat), Xunantunich (a large Mayan site near San Ignacio with a spectacular frieze), the Community Baboon Sanctuary (a conservation project protecting black howler monkeys 45 km north of the city), Altun Ha (a small but photogenic Mayan ruin 50 km north, near the coast), and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse waterfront area. Cruise passengers stopping in Belize City have access to all of these as excursions.

Best time to visit

November through April is the recommended period for visits to the region. The dry season brings the clearest conditions for Mayan site visits and reef excursions. Belize City itself is affected by heat and humidity year-round; the shoulder seasons (May-June and November) offer good conditions at lower prices. The hurricane risk peaks August through October.

Getting around

Philip Goldson International Airport is 14 km northwest of the city center. Taxis are the main urban transport (fixed-rate zones; no meters). For reef activities, water taxis depart from the Fort Street Tourism Village to Caye Caulker (90 minutes) and Ambergris Caye (2 hours). Organized shore excursions for cruise passengers cover all the main sites. For Lamanai (the most rewarding excursion from Belize City), the river boat route (3+ hours by motorboat up the New River) is the most atmospheric approach; road tours are also available.

What to eat and drink

Belize City’s food scene is basic by international standards. The Wet Lizard restaurant at the Tourism Village and Celebrity Restaurant on Regent Street are the most reliable options for a sit-down meal. For street food, the market area around the swing bridge has rice and beans, stew chicken, and garnaches. Belikin beer is omnipresent. The Fort George area has a couple of bars and restaurants aimed at cruise passengers and expats with better quality control.

Neighborhoods to explore

Altun Ha (50 km north) – A Mayan ceremonial site with the Temple of the Masonry Altars, from which the famous jade head of Kinich Ahau (the Sun God) was excavated — the largest Maya jade found in Belize. The temple is on the Belikin beer label. 1 hour from Belize City.

Lamanai (145 km north via New River) – The most rewarding day excursion from Belize City: a boat trip up the New River (with howler monkeys and crocodiles en route), arriving at Lamanai’s jungle-covered temples. The High Temple (33m) and the Jaguar Temple have excellent views over the forest canopy.

Community Baboon Sanctuary – A grassroots conservation community 45 km north, protecting one of Belize’s largest populations of black howler monkeys. Village walks with local guides are excellent.

Belize City Waterfront (Fort George and Baron Bliss areas) – The colonial waterfront district with the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the St. John’s Cathedral (one of the oldest Anglican churches in Central America), and the Government House museum.