Belize City – What You Need to Know Before You Visit
For nearly 200 years, Belize City was the capital of the country. Today, it's still the largest urban area and transportation hub in Belize. All international flights land at the Philip Goldson Airport just nine miles away, so Belize City is often the first place that visitors see.
Despite the fact that Belize City is no longer the political capital, it is still home to many government offices, and the city is the undisputed commercial hub of the country. Two of Belize's three highways begin in Belize City, and the water docks are the main transportation gateway to the offshore islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Since most people come to Belize to engage in sports like diving and snorkeling on the islands or to visit some of the pristine natural areas on the mainland, Belize City often gets overlooked. The city often gets a fearsome reputation, but there's a lot to do and see here for tourists.
The historic downtown is the section of Belize City between the Swing Bridge that spans Haulover Creek and the coastline. Albert Street is one of the main thoroughfares in this section, and there are several hotels, guest houses, and restaurants in this area.
Many of Belize's oldest European-built buildings are in this area, including the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Fort George, St. John's Cathedral, and the Belize Museum.
Here are some of the top places to see in Belize City:
The Museum of Belize
This vast building was originally constructed in 1857 as a prison. After Belize gained independence, the prison was shut down. In 2002, it was restored and turned into a museum that showcases exhibits and artifacts from the country's more than 3,000 years of recorded history.
Baron Bliss Lighthouse
Although he never set foot in the country, Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the fourth Baron Bliss, was Belize's greatest benefactor. In the 1920s, Baron Bliss sailed his vessel into Belizean waters and met with local fishermen. After succumbing to an illness, Baron Bliss ordered the bulk of his estate to the country with a stipulation that the money go towards funding educational and other projects. March 9 was previously known as Baron Bliss Day, and a regatta is held every year in his memory.
Distilleries and Breweries
Both Belikin Beer (Belize's only domestic brewery) and Traveller's Rum (makers of the popular One Barrel Rum) have facilities in downtown Belize City that regularly hold tasting tours.
St. John's Cathedral
The oldest Anglican church in the New World, St. John's holds the unique distinction of being the site where four different heads of state were crowned.
Despite the fact that Belize City is no longer the political capital, it is still home to many government offices, and the city is the undisputed commercial hub of the country. Two of Belize's three highways begin in Belize City, and the water docks are the main transportation gateway to the offshore islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Since most people come to Belize to engage in sports like diving and snorkeling on the islands or to visit some of the pristine natural areas on the mainland, Belize City often gets overlooked. The city often gets a fearsome reputation, but there's a lot to do and see here for tourists.
The historic downtown is the section of Belize City between the Swing Bridge that spans Haulover Creek and the coastline. Albert Street is one of the main thoroughfares in this section, and there are several hotels, guest houses, and restaurants in this area.
Many of Belize's oldest European-built buildings are in this area, including the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Fort George, St. John's Cathedral, and the Belize Museum.
Here are some of the top places to see in Belize City:
The Museum of Belize
This vast building was originally constructed in 1857 as a prison. After Belize gained independence, the prison was shut down. In 2002, it was restored and turned into a museum that showcases exhibits and artifacts from the country's more than 3,000 years of recorded history.
Baron Bliss Lighthouse
Although he never set foot in the country, Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the fourth Baron Bliss, was Belize's greatest benefactor. In the 1920s, Baron Bliss sailed his vessel into Belizean waters and met with local fishermen. After succumbing to an illness, Baron Bliss ordered the bulk of his estate to the country with a stipulation that the money go towards funding educational and other projects. March 9 was previously known as Baron Bliss Day, and a regatta is held every year in his memory.
Distilleries and Breweries
Both Belikin Beer (Belize's only domestic brewery) and Traveller's Rum (makers of the popular One Barrel Rum) have facilities in downtown Belize City that regularly hold tasting tours.
St. John's Cathedral
The oldest Anglican church in the New World, St. John's holds the unique distinction of being the site where four different heads of state were crowned.
With a fully staffed center located in Belize and years of experience in crafting unique, bespoke vacations in Belize, Adventures in Belize is the name to trust for all your accommodations, travel and organized tour needs in Belize.
To book a Belize vacation that includes any or all of the above tours in Belize City, contact Adventures in Belize today!
