Belize City: A Tropical Gem With A Gritty Edge

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. It is not known for its beaches, but there is an artificial beach called Old Belize Beach a few miles outside the city. The city has a reputation for not being very safe, particularly its south side, where a lot of poverty is evident. However, tourists are rarely victims of crime, and there are many nice parts of the city, such as the Kings Park neighbourhood. Belize City is a good base for a few days to explore the old capital, which is full of historical sites, and nearby attractions such as the Belize Zoo, Altun Ha, and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Belize City has a rich history

Belize City, the country's namesake and its largest city, has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Maya civilisation. The name "Belize" is believed to have derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Peter Wallace, a Scottish buccaneer who established a settlement in the region in the 17th century. Alternatively, it may have originated from the Mayan phrase "bel Itza", meaning "the way to Itza", or "belix" or "belikin", which refer to "muddy water".

Belize City, located on both banks of the Haulover Creek, was once a logging camp and export centre for mahogany. It became a British settlement in 1638 and served as a base for British and Scottish pirates who targeted Spanish ships. The city was severely damaged by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which prompted the relocation of the capital to Belmopan, an inland site less vulnerable to flooding.

Belize City is known for its mix of narrow streets and wider avenues, reflecting its history as a seaport. Notable landmarks include St. John's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1812, and the Government House, built in 1814. The city is also home to historical sites such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Belize's Supreme Court, the House of Culture, and the Museum of Belize, housed in the old prison built in 1857.

As the former capital and the country's main gateway, Belize City remains a significant cultural and commercial centre. It is known for its diverse cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity, reflecting the various ethnic groups that have contributed to Belize's history.

It has a range of accommodation options

Belize City has a range of accommodation options, from large hotels to smaller guesthouses. The city is home to the country's only international airport, so it's a convenient gateway to the rest of Belize.

If you're looking for a beachfront property, the Costa Blu Beach Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, and the Seaside Chateau Resort are great options. For those seeking a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sea Side Chateau and Orchid Garden Eco-Village are ideal.

For business travellers, The Golden Tree Hotel and The Great House are good choices as they offer excellent business centres. If you're travelling with your family, The Caribbean Hotel, The Red Hut Inn, and The Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat all have swimming pools to keep the kids entertained.

The Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel is a great option if you fancy a flutter, as it offers a Las Vegas-style casino. If you're bringing your four-legged friend, the Bachelor Inn Hotel is a pet-friendly option.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly stay, there are several affordable motels, including the Coningsby Inn, The Easy Inn, and The Best Time Inn Hotel.

• Royal View Apartment Plus
• Villa Boscardi
• Stylish Apartments near Best Western Hotel
• The GECKO BUNGALOW
• LAKE VIEW CONDO
• Caribe Island Studio #2
• St. George's Caye Resort
• City Garden Apartment
• River Bend Resort Bze

The city is a hub for travel

Belize City is the country's main port and a hub for cruise ships. It is often the first point of contact for travellers since it is home to the Philip Goldson International Airport. The city is also the gateway to the cayes and atolls.

Belize City is a common jumping-off spot for excursions to other parts of Belize. From the city, it is easy to access the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites along the Macal and Belize rivers.

There are daily flights from many cities across North America to Belize, and it is easy to get around the country via local airlines, helicopters, rental cars, buses, boats, and even horses.

Belize City itself has the largest concentration of large hotels, conference facilities, and a cruise ship terminal. While the city may not be the ideal base for a long holiday, it is worth exploring for a day or two.

There are lots of attractions in the city

Belize City is the country's largest city and former capital. While it may not be known for its beaches, there are plenty of attractions in the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the top things to do and see:

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Belize City is full of historical sites, including the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Belize's Supreme Court, the House of Culture, and St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The Museum of Belize, housed in the old Queen Elizabeth prison built in 1857, offers a glimpse into the country's history and culture. The Government House, a well-preserved colonial building, was once the residence of the Governor-General of Belize and now serves as a house of culture.

Natural Attractions

Belize is known for its diverse natural attractions, and the city is no exception. The Belize Sign Monument, celebrating the history of slavery, Mayan culture, and jade use, is a relatively new addition to the city. The Mesoamerican Reef, with its vibrant marine life and crystal clear waters, is a must-see for nature lovers. The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve offers a unique experience with its mile-long caves and lazy river. The Billy Barquiedier National Park provides a challenging hike to a lookout point and a refreshing waterfall swim.

Wildlife Experiences

The Belize Zoo, located near the city, is renowned as "the best little zoo in the world." It is home to rescued native animals, including jaguars, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and the famous tapir, April. The Tropical Education Center, spread across 84 acres, allows visitors to observe animals in their natural habitats. The Community Baboon Sanctuary, dedicated to protecting black howler monkeys, is a reserve with a diverse range of wildlife, including anteaters, armadillos, and iguanas. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird-watcher's paradise, with thousands of native and migratory birds.

Day Trips and Excursions

For those seeking adventure beyond the city, there are numerous day trips and excursions available. Altun Ha, a Maya temple featured on Belize's national brew, is located about an hour away. Xunantunich, another impressive Maya site, is surrounded by lush jungle and offers spectacular views from its main temple, El Castillo. Cave tubing and zip-lining through the rainforest are popular choices for thrill-seekers. Goffs Caye provides a relaxing beach day with fresh seafood and unlimited rum punch. Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley offer some of the best snorkelling opportunities, allowing visitors to swim with sea turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays, and colourful fish.

Belize City has a vibrant culture

Belize City has a vibrant and diverse culture, influenced by its long and complex history. As the country's former capital and largest city, it is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, including Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, Latino, Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, and Mennonite. The city's culture reflects a unique blend of influences from its Caribbean setting, British colonial past, and Latin American neighbours.

Language and Greeting Customs

While English is the official language of Belize, the country is truly multilingual, with Spanish being the first language of the majority. Belizean Kriol, an informal language, is also widely spoken, making Belize a trilingual country. The use of language and greetings in Belize City reflects both formal and relaxed cultural norms. Greeting strangers on the street and chatting with acquaintances are common practices. However, addressing people by their first name without an established relationship is generally frowned upon. Greetings may include a simple nod, a shout, or more intimate gestures like handshakes, fist bumps, or a kiss on the cheek.

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is a delightful mix 'n' match of cultural influences. The country's diverse food scene is influenced by its historical inhabitants, including the Maya, British colonists, and refugees from neighbouring countries. Belizeans of all ethnicities enjoy a variety of dishes. Breakfast typically consists of bread, tortillas, cakes, or fry jacks, accompanied by various cheeses, beans, eggs, or cereal. Midday meals can vary from lighter options like beans and rice to heartier dishes like meat pies and soups. The Maya often use corn or maize, while the Garifuna favour seafood, cassava, and vegetables. One of the closest dishes to a national Belizean meal is "bile up" or "boil up," which includes boiled eggs, fish or pigtail, and root vegetables in a tomato sauce.

Music and Sports

The vibrant music scene in Belize City showcases the country's cultural blend. Reggae, calypso, and the Belizean brukdown, a form of calypso, are popular genres. With many Belizeans having family in the USA, American music styles like hip-hop, rap, and rock are also prevalent. Additionally, Punta, a distinctly Afro-Caribbean genre, has become widely popular, with artists like Andy Palacio and Adrian "The Doc" Martinez gaining recognition. In sports, football and basketball are the most popular, reflecting the influence of the USA and the Caribbean. However, cricket remains a favourite among the older Creole generation, and soccer is gaining traction with the younger generations, influenced by Latin America.

Festivities and Attractions

Belize City comes alive during its September Celebrations, with festivities leading up to Independence Day on September 21st. The city also boasts historical sites like Baron Bliss Lighthouse, St. John's Cathedral, the House of Culture, and cultural attractions like the Museum of Belize, housed in the old prison. The city's social scene includes trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, offering a mix of entertainment options for locals and tourists alike.

Frequently asked questions