Tours in Belize City

One of the best sites in the city is the St. John's Cathedral built in 1812, which happens to be the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The bricks used to build it were originally used as ballast in sailing ships from Europe and 2 kings were crowned there. Just across the street from the church is the Government house that has been preserved wonderfully from 1814 and used as the residence of the governor-general. Another point of interest is the lighthouse, that is a monument built by the country's greatest benefactor, Baron Bliss, who is entombed in front of the lighthouse. Ironically, he never set foot on the land, but designed the lighthouse and had it built while he was on a ship in the harbor.  Since the international airport is about 10 miles outside the city, taxis are available to the city, but generally cost about $35, US currency.  If you are going to spend any time here, it would be beneficial to rent a car.

Tours are available to tour this interesting site and the surrounding area. A Belize City fire station was restored to what is called the Marine Terminal and houses the maritime and coastal museums. The city is a starting point for many tours, which include: the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Jaguar Preserve, the Cayes and Barrier Reef, Community Baboon or Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuaries and the Cockscomb Basin. It is also the starting point for tours going up the Wallace River to Alta Hun or bus rides to Caracol and Xunantunich; Mayan ruins built centuries ago and awe-inspiring spectacles of a once great people. The major cultural events include; Baron Bliss Day (March 9), Belize City Carnival (September) and the Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19).  

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Things to do in Belize City Belize

Made up of three courtyards and terminals, the Fort Street Tourism Village is home to over 50 shops and businesses. It has been re-structured to cater to the cruise ship visitors that come almost daily. These busy, noisy shops offer up some of Belize's best arts and crafts, duty-free goods, jewelry and clothing. Some are open-air and many are air-conditioned, but all have the hustle and bustle of a busy sea port. It is the staging area for many of the small boats that tour along the various rivers around the Belize City area. Manatees, monkeys, and crocodiles are found in and around the rivers, as well as many strange plants that can be seen along the river. Dazzling butterflies, colorful birds, and even strange bats inhabit the riversides.  The cayes, small islands, in the area are growing each year as more people head to them for unbelievable scuba and snorkeling.  The two-story brick Museum of Belize was originally a colonial prison in the mid 1800s housing an exhibit of Mayan pottery and displays of the city's history and the country's Mayan history.

Along Queen and Albert Streets, downtown, a variety of foods can be bought. All native to the area, besides the daily catch of fresh fish and seafood, are the local fruits and vegetables, as well as clothing, crafts, shoes and many souvenirs.   Close by is the agro-eco-tourist based Gran's farm offering entertainment to locals and visitors alike. The Marine Parade is a walkway between the sea and the city; a beautiful setting for walking, jogging or just strolling to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this unusual city by the sea.  Among other prizes that can be had in Belize City are the original oil paintings, woven baskets, pottery, black coral jewelry that is exquisite and slate carvings and etchings.

The cuisine in the city is as varied and rich as the culture that has starting coming to Belize. It can be spicy and peppery as the tropical heat, light and colorful as the hundreds of birds in the jungles, refreshing and cool as the Caribbean breezes that caress the Belizean shores; but one of the main dishes included in all meals is the traditional rice and beans. These foods reflect the rich cultural heritage of Mayan, Spanish, Mexican and Caribbean peoples. Now immigrants coming from all over Central America, Nigeria, China and India are beginning to bring their own style of cooking and flavoring.