Shopper's Guide To Belize

Belize is known for its wide variety of products, from local crafts to imports from Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond. The shopping scene in Belize varies depending on the location, with the capital, Belize City, offering the most expansive options. Here, you'll find a mix of handicraft and souvenir stalls, curio shops, and art galleries. Outside the capital, the shopping becomes more tourist-centric, with generic souvenirs and mass-produced crafts, but there are still pockets of unique, high-quality items to be found. Whether you're looking for local art, jewellery, clothing, or food products, Belize has something for everyone.

Local carvings and jewellery

Belize is known for its local handicrafts and art, including local carvings and jewellery. The country's different ethnic groups each have their own crafts, using local materials and traditions.

The coastal Creoles are known for their jewellery made from coral and shells, as well as wood carvings of sea creatures and ships. The Garífuna population, who live in the southern coastal region, are famous for their unique, petite dolls. Towns like Punta Gorda and Placencia are good places to explore Garífuna craftsmanship.

The Mayan people of Belize create replicas of ancient Mayan hieroglyphics, figurines and modern interpretations of Mayan style and symbolism using stone. Mayan carvings can be found throughout the country, but San Ignacio is one of the better towns due to its location in the heart of the ruins.

Belize City has the most expansive shopping scene, in part due to the cruise ships that regularly dock at Fort George. The Belize Tourism Village on Fort Street has a high concentration of handicraft and souvenir stalls. The downtown core of Belize City is where most of the more developed curio shops can be found.

Outside of the capital, the shopping scene becomes more tourist-centric. Ambergris Caye has several shops that focus on quality artwork and handicrafts, including Belizean Arts in Fido's Courtyard, which is the top shop on Ambergris Caye for local original artwork and crafts. Barrier Reef Drive is another great place to shop, where local craftspeople sell their handmade items at great prices from stalls along the road.

Conch jewellery is perhaps the most popular type of jewellery in Belize, but handmade jewellery from slate, wood, natural stone, and even coral can be found throughout the country.

Cuban cigars

If you're looking to purchase Cuban cigars in Belize, there are a few notable options to consider. Firstly, the Habano Cigar Store in downtown Belize City offers an extensive selection of cigars and cigar accessories. With four humidors and a smoking chair, it provides a specialised shopping experience for cigar enthusiasts.

Another renowned establishment is Havana Cigars Belize, nestled in the heart of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. They boast a walk-in humidor with a diverse range of premium cigars, including those from Cuba, Central America, and the Caribbean. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist customers with their choices. Additionally, Havana Cigars Belize provides a unique smoking lounge experience, featuring air conditioning, a full bar, and a café.

For those seeking a more comprehensive cigar experience, Havana Cigars Belize's lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere for smoking, socialising, and enjoying a drink or coffee. The reviews for this establishment are overwhelmingly positive, with patrons praising the cigar selection, ambiance, and drink variety.

Whether you're a cigar aficionado or a novice, these destinations in Belize offer an opportunity to explore and indulge in the world of Cuban cigars, providing a unique shopping and cultural experience.

Art galleries

Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery

The Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery is located near the Water Taxi Terminal and Maritime Museum. It features an extensive collection of literature and a constantly changing gallery of locally produced pieces. It is considered the leading art gallery and center for up-and-coming artists in Belize.

Belizean Arts

One of the oldest art galleries in Belize, Belizean Arts showcases an extensive selection of art by Belizean and expat artists, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and other crafts.

Art n Soul Gallery

Art n Soul Gallery features beautifully crafted works of art from the owner and other local artists. It is a great place to find a meaningful reminder of Belize or a piece of fine art.

Studio Gallery Cayetano

Owned by renowned artist Pen Cayetano, the Studio Gallery Cayetano is located in an old colonial house. Cayetano's works depict the history and culture of Belize and Central America, including the Garifuna, the World of Maya, and historical figures with African and Afro-Caribbean descent.

Lola's Art Gallery

Lola's Art Gallery displays the work of Lola Delgado, the first woman to open a gallery in Belize. Her paintings depict Garifuna women and Belizean seascapes in a primitive but alluring style.

Red Flower Gallery

The Red Flower Gallery showcases the work of Paulette, whose paintings capture the enchanting essence of the island and vibrantly depict the people and scenes of Belize.

Creek Art Walter Castillo Home Art Gallery

Creek Art is the home art gallery of Walter Castillo, located in the idyllic and peaceful village of Bullet Tree Falls. Castillo's paintings reflect the natural beauty of Belize and the vitality of its people.

Street vendors

Albert Street in Belize City

Albert Street is the heart of Belize City and the main street in the city centre. It offers a unique blend of shops, including small restaurants, grocery stores, and street vendors. While it may not be the most picturesque location, with reports of overcrowding and dirtiness, it is a bustling hub of activity. You can find a variety of items, from clothing and hair accessories to phone companies and quick loan services. It's a great place to experience the local culture and see the living standards of Belizeans. However, it is recommended to avoid this area after dark as it can become unsafe.

San Ignacio Market

The San Ignacio Market is a must-visit destination for street shopping in Belize. This market offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, household items, clothing, and souvenirs. It's the perfect place to find handmade souvenirs and experience the local food culture, with several hot food vendors serving delicious and inexpensive meals. The market is especially vibrant on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Street Food in Belize

Belize has a diverse and mouthwatering street food scene, heavily influenced by its Spanish-speaking neighbours: Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Here are some popular street food items to try:

• Garnaches: Fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans, onions, cabbage, and cheese.
• Panades: Fried corn patties filled with fish and beans.
• Salbutes: Hot, fried tacos.
• Tacos de camaron: Tacos filled with shrimp.

Other Street Shopping Destinations

In addition to Albert Street and the San Ignacio Market, there are several other places to explore for street shopping in Belize:

• Belizean Handicraft Market Place: An artisan market where you can find locally produced crafts, such as bowls, carvings, jewellery, and basketry.
• David's Vegetable Stand in Placencia: A great place to stock up on fresh produce while also finding unique, handmade souvenirs.
• Art Box Belize Arts & Crafts Centre: Located on the George Price Highway, this centre caters to both locals and tourists looking for souvenirs and gifts.

Local markets

Belize is known for its wide variety of products, from local crafts to goods made in Mexico, Guatemala, and other parts of the world. The local markets in Belize offer a fun and adventurous shopping experience, with a mix of tiny street vendors and gift shops selling unusual and interesting Central American goods. Here is a guide to some of the local markets and their unique offerings:

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye:

Take a stroll down Front Street in San Pedro Town and discover a plethora of colourful and interesting shops. Ambergris Caye may not have a mall, but it boasts a diverse range of vendors and stores, including gift shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and lifestyle boutiques like 12 Belize, which exclusively features products made in Belize. San Pedro Town offers a wide selection of Central American products, including art, jewellery, wine, liquor, clothing, furniture, wood or bamboo products, and much more. On weekend evenings, the downtown area becomes pedestrian-only, making it a delightful destination for a leisurely shopping trip.

Belize City:

Belize City has the most extensive shopping scene in the country, partly due to the cruise ships that dock at Fort George. The Belize Tourism Village on Fort Street is a hub for handicrafts and souvenirs. However, for more sophisticated curio shops, head to the downtown core. The Commercial Center is the only real market in the city, offering a mix of fresh produce and souvenirs. For those seeking high-end Belizean art and quality crafts, The Image Factory Shop and Fine Arts are recommended destinations.

San Ignacio Market:

San Ignacio Market is a must-visit destination, especially on Saturdays, when you can find an abundance of fresh produce and handmade souvenirs. Vendors offer a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, household items, clothing, and unique souvenirs from Belize. It is also located near Caribbean Spice Belize, a shop worth visiting for its wide range of spices and blends.

Other Local Markets:

Outside the capital, the shopping scene is largely centred on tourism. Ambergris Caye, for example, offers a mix of generic souvenirs and quality local crafts. Belizean Arts, located in Fido's Courtyard, is highly regarded for its local artwork and crafts. Barrier Reef Drive is another great location to find handmade items from local artisans. Additionally, the Little Old Craft Shop on Barrier Reef Drive is recommended for those seeking wood carvings and black coral jewellery.

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