Belize City's Top Attractions

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and its former capital. While it is not the first destination for many tourists, there are still plenty of attractions to explore. The city is known for its colourful characters, raffish charm, stately colonial-era homes, lively shopping districts, beachfront amusement parks and graceful sailboats.

- The Belize Zoo

- Museum of Belize

- St John's Cathedral

- The Government House

- Altun Ha

- Old Belize

- Goff's Caye

- Belize Tourism Village

- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

- Haulover Creek

- Swing Bridge

- BTL Memorial Park

- Baron Bliss Lighthouse

- Bannister Island

- St. Mary's Church

- Cucumber Beach

Explore the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a unique zoo located around 47 kilometres west of Belize City. It is home to over 160 animals, with more than 40 native species. The zoo is set across 30 acres of land, with the natural environment of Belize left entirely intact. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who began by caring for 17 animals that were used in a documentary. The zoo now focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize and promoting conservation.

The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and five wildcat species: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, and black howler monkeys.

There is also a wide range of birds at the zoo, including several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. Reptiles at the zoo include American crocodiles, boa constrictors, and green iguanas.

The Belize Zoo offers a traditional daytime tour, as well as night tours, allowing visitors to observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as tapirs, jaguars, and howler monkeys.

The zoo also offers special encounters, such as the Junior Buddy encounter, where visitors can safely enter a cage within a jaguar exhibit. The zoo is committed to promoting appreciation and respect for the jaguar species.

The Belize Zoo is an excellent choice for animal lovers and families, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with Belize's diverse and native wildlife.

Visit the Museum of Belize

Belize City is known for being the country's old capital and its centre of commerce. However, it is also known for its high rate of poverty, which has resulted in high crime and gang violence. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of things to do in Belize City, especially for those interested in history and nature.

One such attraction is the Museum of Belize, which is set inside the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

Learn About Belize's History

The Museum of Belize showcases the country's history and culture through various exhibits. You can learn about the colonial history of Belize, with a focus on slavery, and explore the country's role in British colonial times. The museum also displays ancient Mayan relics, insect galleries, a stamp collection, and vintage photos.

Explore the Building's History

The building that houses the Museum of Belize is a historic site in itself. Originally built in 1857 as the main jail, the structure has been beautifully restored, and one cell has been maintained in its original form, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Discover the Art Gallery

In addition to historical exhibits, the museum features a rotating temporary art exhibit. During certain times, you can explore beautiful works by local artists, such as the contemporary artist Pen Cayetano, whose artwork has been displayed in the museum's art gallery.

Enjoy the Surroundings

The Museum of Belize is located in the downtown tourist area of Belize City, in a safe section. It is surrounded by other landmarks, such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the colourful 'Belize' sign, which provide great photo opportunities, especially with their serene location by the sea.

Accessibility and Convenience

The museum is easily accessible, with street parking available outside for those who have vehicles. The entry fee is reasonable, and the museum can be explored at your own pace in about 1-2 hours.

So, if you're looking for a blend of history, art, and culture, a visit to the Museum of Belize is an excellent choice during your time in Belize City.

Tour St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Belize. It is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and is recognised as a historical landmark of the country's colonial past.

History

The cathedral was built between 1812 and 1820 using bricks that had been used as ballast aboard ships. It was the first church built in the colony of British Honduras and is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize. It was initially a parish church but became a cathedral in 1891, a few years after the Diocese of Belize was erected.

Features

The exterior of the church is made of brick, while the interior is fitted with mahogany and sapodilla. Attached to the church is the oldest cemetery in Belize, the Yarborough Cemetery, which was built by the British using slave labour. The cathedral is also home to an antique pipe organ and tombstones of English colonists from the earliest days of the settlement of Belize City.

Location

St. John's Cathedral is located in the heart of downtown Belize City, just a few hundred feet west of the Government House. It sits at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets, directly across from the House of Culture.

Visiting

The cathedral is open seven days a week for worship or visits, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and there is no entrance fee. There are no guided tours, but visitors can explore the colonial-era tombstones, hardwood interior architecture, antique pipe organ, and lavish accoutrements that adorn the cathedral.

View the Government House

One of the most important historical and political landmarks in Belize, the Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize City. Here's what you need to know before you go:

History

The Government House was built in 1812 or 1814 when Belize was under British rule as British Honduras. It served as the residence of the Governor of British Honduras and later the Governor-General, the monarch's representative in Belize. In 1998, it was opened to the public and renamed the House of Culture. It has since become a creative community centre, hosting various cultural events and activities.

Architecture

The Government House is considered the finest colonial structure in Belize City, combining Caribbean vernacular with English urban architecture. It features polished silver, rich mahogany finishes, antique musical instruments, and period art and furniture. The surrounding grassy gardens display cannons at the front door and Baron Bliss' tender, the Sea King, showcasing Belizean shipwrighting skills.

Location

The Government House is located at the southern end of Regent Street in downtown Belize City. It's about a 15-minute walk from the McFadzean and Z line bus stations. If you're arriving by plane, it's a 30-minute drive from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.

Things to Know

The Government House may be closed to the public due to ongoing renovations, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. It is typically closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Bus tours of Belize City usually include a stop at the Government House.

Nearby Attractions

Right across the street from the Government House is St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America. Other nearby attractions include the Belize City Cruise Port and the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

Discover Altun Ha

Roughly an hour's drive from Belize City, Altun Ha is one of Belize's most-visited archaeological sites. This ancient Mayan city, located about 50km north of Belize City, covers an area of about 8 square kilometres and features over 500 identified mounds.

The site includes two main plazas and more than 13 structures, including the Temple of the Masonry Altars, the largest of Altun Ha's temple-pyramids, which stands at 16 metres (52 ft) high. A drawing of this structure is featured on bottles of Belize's leading beer brand, Belikin.

Altun Ha is also home to the famous Jade Head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau. This exquisite example of Mayan art weighs almost 11 pounds and is normally kept in the country's Central Bank, occasionally being displayed at the national museum.

The site is accessible for tourism and typically includes a guided exploration of the archaeological site, with insights into the Mayan civilisation, history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Temple of the Masonry Altars and spot wildlife in the surrounding jungle.

Altun Ha is a popular day trip from Belize City and there are various tour options available, with prices starting from $85 per person.

Frequently asked questions