Belize's Shopping Scene: Malls And More

Belize is known for its wide variety of products, from artwork to jewellery, and while there are plenty of shops, it does not have shopping malls. In Belize City, for example, you'll find small, locally-owned businesses and produce and craft stands. In San Pedro Town, there are colourful and interesting stores selling unusual and interesting Central American goods.

Belize's shopping malls and boutiques

Belize does not have shopping malls, but there are plenty of boutiques and shops to explore. In Belize City, for example, you can find the Downtown plaza and the surrounding shops on Albert Street, where clothing, cosmetics, and local foods are available. Belizean Handicraft Market Place is another great option for those looking for locally made goods.

If you're in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, stroll down Front Street to discover a variety of interesting and colourful stores. While there are no malls, you'll find a wide array of shops, from tiny vendors to gift shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and lifestyle boutiques like 12 Belize, which exclusively sells products made in Belize.

For art lovers, there's the Belizean Arts Gallery, featuring contemporary, native, and realistic works by leading and emerging artists, as well as gold and silver jewellery, ceramics, and fabrics. Island Dog Art showcases detailed drawings of the island paradise by Mike Gvara. Amy Brown specialises in ceramic sculptures and oil paintings of tropical fish, flowers, sailing, and diving.

For unique jewellery, D & G Fine Jewelry and Arts offers designs by Dimas Guerrero, including pieces made from black coral, a native material to Belize.

If you're looking for clothing, Mambo Chill has beautiful fabrics, jewellery, and designs, while Rubi Moon offers a range of women's and girls' clothing.

For foodies, Caribbean Spice Belize offers Caribbean-inspired, all-natural condiments and spice blends, with over 100 gluten-free options. The Belize Chocolate Company crafts bean-to-bar chocolates using organic cacao beans from small family farms in southern Belize.

Whether you're in Belize City or exploring San Pedro, there are plenty of shopping options to discover and support local businesses.

Local craft markets

Belize has a wide array of shops, from tiny vendors on the street to several gift shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and lifestyle boutiques. The local craft markets in Belize offer a delightful experience for both visitors and locals, especially in San Pedro Town, where one can find unusual and interesting Central American goods.

San Pedro Town, located on Ambergris Caye, is known for its diverse range of products, sourced from various parts of the world, including Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond. The town boasts colourful and interesting stores within a short walk from each other. While there are no malls in Ambergris Caye, visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience, discovering local crafts and interacting with artisans.

The San Pedro Farmers Market, held once a month, is a highlight for food lovers. It features a variety of artisanal products, including handmade cheeses, cured meats, and homemade dishes. The vendors vary, offering a diverse range of cuisines, such as fresh sushi, hummus, and local spices. The market also showcases local businesses, such as the Brooklyn Brothers Bagel Shop.

For those seeking souvenirs and gifts, San Pedro Town offers a wide selection of art, jewellery, wine, liquor, photography, clothing, furniture, and beauty products. The downtown area, particularly Front Street, is a hub for shopping, with a variety of stores and galleries. On weekend evenings, the downtown area is pedestrian-only, creating a pleasant atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.

In addition to San Pedro, Belize has several other notable craft markets. The San Ignacio Market, located near the pedestrian area of Burns Street, offers fresh produce, including exotic fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies like pupusas. This market is a great place to interact with local vendors and experience the vibrant energy of the town.

Belize City, the capital, also has a diverse shopping scene, catering to tourists from cruise ships. The Belize Tourism Village on Fort Street and the downtown core offer a range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and curio shops. For higher-end crafts and art, The Image Factory Shop and Fine Arts are recommended destinations.

Belize is known for its local handicrafts and art, with each ethnic group contributing unique crafts using local materials and traditions. The coastal Creoles are renowned for their jewellery made from coral and shells, as well as wood carvings. The Garífuna population in the southern coastal region is famous for their petite and unique dolls, which can be found in towns like Punta Gorda and Placencia. The Mayan people create replicas of ancient Mayan hieroglyphics, figurines, and modern interpretations of Mayan symbolism using stone, with San Ignacio being a notable location for these crafts.

Belize's fashion scene

The Belizean fashion industry is still young, but it is known for its innovative local designers who draw inspiration from the country's rich cultural heritage and natural environment. One notable designer is Rebecca Stirm of the fashion brand TWIG & PEARL, who creates eco-friendly and practical pieces that celebrate the blend of cultures and the beauty of nature. Stirm's designs incorporate hand-embroidery, beading, and creole ti-tie basket-weaving techniques, as well as natural wood and shell carvings, reflecting a uniquely Belizean lifestyle.

Belizean fashion also showcases the country's vibrant art scene, with many designers and artisans creating clothing, accessories, and jewellery that feature bold colours, unique patterns, and local motifs. The country's street markets and boutiques offer a wide range of fashion options, from traditional garments to modern, eco-conscious designs.

Belize does not have shopping malls, but its downtown areas, such as Belize City's Downtown Plaza and San Pedro Town, offer a variety of shops, from tiny vendors to gift shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and lifestyle boutiques. Here, shoppers can find unique Belizean products, including clothing, cosmetics, local foods, jewellery, art, and handcrafted items. The absence of malls in Belize contributes to the country's charming and laid-back shopping experience, where exploring the colourful and interesting stores becomes an adventure in itself.

Where to buy food and drink

Belize's food and drink scene is brimming with exotic flavours, from freshly caught seafood to chocolate-infused wines. Here is a guide to where to buy food and drink in Belize:

Breakfast

Eggs are a common breakfast option in Belize, often served Maya-style (scrambled with diced tomatoes). Beans are also a staple, and a typical Belizean breakfast includes johnny cakes (hot, biscuit-like rolls) or fry-jacks (deep-fried dough puffs).

Lunch and Dinner

The national staples of Belize are white rice and red beans, usually cooked together in coconut milk and mild spices, and served with grilled fish or meat. Chicken is the most common meat, but seafood is a star attraction, with grouper, red snapper, shrimp, and conch being local favourites.

Specialities

Belize's Afro-Creole Garifuna people have their own unique cuisine, with cassava and plantain being key ingredients. Their signature dish is hudut, a combination of fish, coconut milk, and mashed ripe and green plantains. This dish can be found in restaurants in Dangriga and the surrounding villages. In the south, Maya staples such as caldo (a spicy meat and root vegetable stew) and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork flavoured with recado, a local spice) are more common.

Drinks

Belize offers a variety of drinks to suit all tastes. Fresh fruit juices are widely available, with orange, lime, and pineapple being popular choices. For those who prefer something stronger, Belikin beer is the "National Beer of Belize", offering a range of styles including lager and stout. Rum is also a popular choice, with Travellers One Barrel being produced by the country's oldest distillery, Travellers Liquors in Belize City.

Where to Shop

When it comes to purchasing food and drink in Belize, there are several options. Belize City offers a variety of shops, including specialty stores such as Caribbean Spice Belize, which offers all-natural condiments, spice blends, and bath and body products. San Pedro Town is another great option, with a wide selection of unusual and interesting Central American goods, including art, jewellery, wine, liquor, and edibles. Ambergris Caye, known for its wide variety of products, also has tiny vendors on the street as well as gift shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and lifestyle boutiques.

In addition to these larger towns, there are also local markets worth exploring, such as the San Ignacio Market, which offers fresh fruits and vegetables, household items, clothing, and souvenirs. For those looking for a more cultural experience, a homestay in a Maya village in the Toledo region can provide an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Maya dishes from scratch.

Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, exotic fruits, or unique drinks, Belize has something to offer, and the best way to experience it is by exploring the local markets, shops, and restaurants.

Art galleries and studios

Belize is home to a thriving art scene, with many galleries and studios showcasing the works of local artists. The country's art reflects its rich culture, diverse landscapes, vibrant street scenes, and wildlife. Here is an overview of some notable art galleries and studios in Belize:

Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery

The Image Factory is a leading art gallery and foundation located on 91 N. Front St. in Belize. It is dedicated to promoting up-and-coming artists and is a hub for new exhibitions, books, music, and poetry. The gallery is situated on a busy street leading to the Tourism Village and is a pivotal part of Belize's art and cultural landscape.

Museum of Belizean Art (MOBA)

MOBA is a relatively new museum that opened in 2024 in the former Government House on Dame Minita Gordon Drive in Belize City. This sprawling complex, which was once the seat of power during the colonial era, now showcases a diverse array of art from Belizean artists. The museum features 68 art pieces, including rare paintings and sculptures, telling the story of the country's artistic evolution.

Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery

Located in Dangriga, this studio gallery belongs to one of the most renowned artists in the Garifuna community, Pen Cayetano. His vibrant paintings depict the history and culture of Belize and Central America, including the Garifuna, Maya, and Creole influences. The studio is housed in a charming old colonial house, adding to the appeal of Cayetano's vibrant artwork.

Belizean Arts

Belizean Arts is one of the oldest art galleries in Belize, established over 20 years ago by Lyndsey Hackston. It showcases an extensive collection of art from both local and expatriate artists, featuring paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and other crafts. The gallery is conveniently located in the centre of San Pedro, inside Fido's Courtyard.

Lola's Art Gallery

Lola Delgado-Crossman, the first woman to open a gallery in Belize, displays and sells her artwork at Lola's Art Gallery in Seine Bight. Her paintings primarily focus on Garifuna women and Belizean seascapes, capturing the essence of the country's culture and natural beauty.

Art 'n Soul

Art 'n Soul, located in Placencia village, showcases the artwork of owner Greta Leslie alongside pieces from other Belizean artists such as Nelson Young, Lola Delgado, and Omar Sierra. This gallery is a great place to find meaningful souvenirs or simply appreciate fine art that reflects the soul of Belize.

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