Belize City, with a population of 70,000, is a bustling, fascinating place, the country's biggest city and former capital.  Located on the east coast in the heart of the country, it is a gateway to Belize's historical and cultural points.

Places worth a visit while in Belize City include St. Johns Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Cathedral Church in Central America.  It was built in 1812 from bricks brought as a ballast from European sailing ships, and two Mosquito Coast Kings have been crowned in it.  Opposite the Cathedral is the Government House, a beautifully preserved, white-painted colonial building dating from 1814, and the residence of Belize's governor-general.  A block southwest from there is the Yarborough Cemetery, with gravestones that outline the turbulent history of Belize back in 1781.  Towering over the harbor entrance at Fort George point is the Lighthouse monument, which was built from money donated to the country by Belize's greatest benefactor - Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.  If you are interested in learning more in-depth history of the city, tours are available.

On the north side of the Swing Bridge, the world's only manual swing bridge which is still being swung daily, you can find the Marine Terminal, a beautifully restored former Belize City Fire Station.  It now houses two of Belize's new coastal and maritime museums.  Art enthusiasts can visit the Image Factory, an art gallery featuring work by Belize's contemporary artists.  The gallery holds outstanding, often provocative exhibitions and you can sometimes get a chance to discuss the work with the artists themselves.  The Bliss Institute on the Southern Foreshore is the cultural center of the city and sometimes features performances by visiting dance or theatre companies.  Also of interest is the National Handicraft Center on North Front Street, which sells high-quality Belizean crafts including beautiful carvings made from zericote, a two-toned wood found only in Belize.

Belize City is also a good starting point for other destinations, such as the Community Baboon Sanctuary or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the incredible Cockscomb Basin and Jaguar Preserve, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, the cayes and Barrier Reef, and Mayan archaeological sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich.

visitor info
Belize City is the hub of the country, with transport and boats radiating outwards in all directions. Domestic flights leave constantly from Belize Municipal Airport, and the International Airport is just 30 minutes away. You could feasibly use Belize City as your base during a stay, or spend just one night on arrival or departure, or even miss it out completely. Belize City certainly has charm, but if time is precious and you are dedicating this to just one or two hotel stays, then consider bypassing the city if connections permit.

There are hotels and guest houses of all categories. There is also a good choice of restaurants around. 

Security is an issue you should bear in mind, particularly with respect to theft. As elsewhere around the world, prudence is needed in carrying money and valuables around, and avoiding certain areas after dark. 

If you are staying briefly in Belize before transferring out or onwards, taxis are plentiful. For longer stays, where you plan to visit surrounding destinations, take tours or rent a car. 

getting there
The international airport is 30 minutes to the north. Unless being met for an onward tour, or to transfer onto a domestic flight, you will need to take a relatively expensive taxi into town. Airport buses exist but are very infrequent and do not coincide with airport arrivals.