A port city, former capital of Belize and the country's largest city, welcome to Belize City!

Traversed by Haulover Creek, an arm of the Belize River, this charming metropolis stretches along the Caribbean coastline. A destination still spared from mass tourism, Belize City will surely seduce you with its colonial buildings featuring Victorian architecture and magnificent wooden houses on stilts. The ideal spot for a romantic getaway, Belize City and its natural setting will surprise you!

Belize City is the historical heart of Belize! Beyond British remnants, this major city also harbors Maya civilization heritage, one of Belize's cultural treasures. You'll be captivated by the originality of this city, particularly with the famous Swing Bridge, the world's only manually operated swing bridge.

Belize City and its history

Toward the 10th century, Central America was under strong Maya domination. The mouth of Haulover Creek was home to the ancient Maya city of Holzuz. This territory would later become known as Belize, a designation that may have derived from the Belizean waterway Rio Belize, the river that runs through the city.

British loggers discovered the city around the middle of the 17th century. Belize City was then founded, ranking among British colonies in the American continent. It was then called British Honduras. During this era, the territory was deemed favorable for establishing a port, hence the construction of the famous Belize port.

Former capital of Belize

The city's location exposed it greatly to natural disasters. The years 1932, 1961 and 1978 were the darkest. During these periods, storms were devastating and horrifically deadly.

Following Hurricane Hattie on October 31, 1961, Belize City was heavily devastated. The frequent appearance of storms only slowed the city's development. The Belize government then relocated the capital to Belmopan, situated in a safer location than Belize City.

Belize City today

Generously surrounded by mangroves, Belize City is built at roughly sea level, spanning an area of 35 km². Divided in two by Haulover Creek, one part of the city is reserved for residential neighborhoods while the other bank is primarily devoted to commerce. Belize City remains indeed the economic heart of the country, as it was during the colonial era. The city's port welcomes cargo ships and cruise boats each year.

The perfect place to begin exploring Belize, Belize City stands out for its impressive fusion of British and Caribbean cultures. The Caribbean atmosphere is indeed the city's strong point.

Enjoy­ing several beach sites, it promises an unforgettable experience for water sports enthusiasts. Belize City also proves to be a very popular stopover for cruise ships.

What to do in Belize City?

To experience a part of Belizean history, head to the heart of Belize City, the country's historical capital. A city of remarkable charm, it will surely seduce you with its colonial quarters and natural landscapes.

Here are a few key sites that will give you a taste of what a trip to Belize City has in store:

Swing Bridge: Belize City's manual swing bridge

Unique in the world, this Belize City bridge spans Haulover Creek, which flows into the Caribbean Sea. This movable passage point was built in Liverpool in 1923, making it the oldest bridge in Central America. Bearing the imprint of the colonial era, Swing Bridge has become a true symbol for Belize City. This bridge features an uncommon system that allows it to pivot to permit boats traveling to or from the sea. Everything is controlled by hand. On-site, you can witness firsthand the rhythmic actions of those who operate the bridge.

The Fort George neighborhood

With colonial residences bordering the water, you'll be left speechless by the idyllic setting this neighborhood presents. Belize City is home to numerous buildings marking the passage of the British to Belize, including the courthouse.

The National Museum of Belize

Located north of this Caribbean city, this national museum showcases Belize's history beginning with that of the Maya people through to modern-day Belize. You'll discover a wealth of objects from this ancient civilization such as sculptures and ceramic pieces. Built in 1814, the building was a former British prison before becoming a cultural and historical center of Belize. Restoration began in 1998, and the museum opened its doors in 2002. This Belizean national museum also displays works by local artists.

The Bliss Institute

Paying tribute to an English baron named Bliss, this building showcases works of art from Maya civilization. It simultaneously houses the national library and regularly hosts theatrical performances. According to history, the beauty of Belize captured the Baron Bliss, who decided to bequeath his entire fortune to the country.

St. John's Anglican Cathedral

Considered the largest Anglican sanctuary in Central America, this church was built in 1887. The cathedral adds to the charm of the city with its Anglican-style architecture adorned with red-colored bricks.

The howler monkey sanctuary

Also called the Community Baboon Sanctuary, this place is a reserve for baboons, primates considered the largest in the Americas. Now endangered, these monkeys were rescued at this sanctuary, which locals created in 1985. An opportunity to learn more about these primates, a visit to the Community Baboon Sanctuary is not to be missed.

Fort Street Tourism Village

For a pleasant day by the sea, this colorful village radiates a wonderfully pleasant atmosphere. Reserved for tourists, Fort Street invites you to a lovely stroll through its many souvenir shops. You can find handicrafts, necklaces and more. Fort Street Tourism Village also concentrates a multitude of local products. Besides, local cuisine has its place here.

Rio Bravo Reserve

Are you a nature enthusiast? The Rio Bravo Reserve will undoubtedly delight you. This immense Belizean natural reserve is home to hundreds of species of trees, birds and mammals.

Crooked Tree Park

An bird-watching observatory, this biodiversity-rich park will likely allow you to admire the migratory birds that come and go above the park's lagoons.

Caye Caulker

One of the Caribbean's island paradises, the tropical island of Caye Caulker promises an unforgettable visit. You'll navigate the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea before setting foot on the island's hot sands. This small island boasts magnificent beaches with fine sand, where you can relax while savoring seafood. And more, Caye Caulker is perfect for diving or snorkeling.

Altun Ha Maya City

Located about fifty kilometers from Belize City, this ancient site still houses significant Maya civilization remains. Absolutely worth discovering!

A word about the climate

Belize City enjoys a hot and humid climate. The sun is quite pleasant year-round. The average annual temperature sits at 28°C. Heat dominates during May while January remains the year's coldest month. Note that the city receives substantial rainfall mainly during the summer season. Unlike March, rainfall is abundant during October.

The ideal period for a magnificent stay in the heart of Belize's largest city falls between January and April.

Ready to discover Belize City? Two options are available to get there:

Traveling by plane

If you're departing from Europe, there are no direct flights to Belize. To get there, you must make a stopover either in the United States or Mexico. For the United States, you can stop in New York, Atlanta, or Miami. For Mexico, you must transit through either Mexico City or Cancún.

Belize City's international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson, is located about 30 minutes from the city center. To reach the center, you must take a taxi or use an airport shuttle.

Getting there by bus

Bus travel is only possible if you're already in Central America. You can therefore reach Belize City from Cancún, Mexico by taking an overnight bus. There is also a route connecting Flores and Guatemala City (cities in Guatemala) to Belize City.

To get around Belize City, you have the choice between:

Taxi

To recognize a Belizean taxi, you can check its license plate. Colored green, it should contain four digits in white, preceded by the letter D. Besides standard taxis, you'll also encounter shared taxis that are more affordable than the former. Shared taxis connect small towns departing from bus terminals.

Bus

Very economical, numerous urban buses service the city. Taking a bus will allow you to connect with locals.

Water taxi

To explore Belize City's paradise islands (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye), head to the port to catch water taxis.

Walking

Less sprawling, Belize City is easy to navigate on foot. Besides, a walking tour will surely allow you to discover the true face of Belize City.