Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It is on a small peninsula protruding into the Caribbean Sea. It was the capital city until flooding and other damage from a hurricane in 1961 prompted the government to relocate to Belmopan, closer to the geographic centre of the country.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Use a taxi . If you want to get out of Belize City, use the taxi, bus, or even the little airplanes which take you to other destinations in Belize for less than US$100. In Belize City, you will find plenty of local auto rental companies along with a couple of international ones. It's about US$70 per day to rent a car in Belize (as of 2021). If you stay for a longer time in Belize, you can get a discount on the rental. The auto rental companies can be spotted across the parking lot as you exit the Belize International Airport. They include Hertz, AQ Car Rental, Budget Rent-A-Car, Avis Car Rental, Jabiru Auto Rentals, and Dollar/Thrifty Rent-A-Car.
1 Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, Southern Foreshore, Belize City, ☏ +501 227-2110. The largest cultural centre in Belize, it also hosts the National Art Collection of Belize. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Government House. Once the residence of the British Governor General, this is now a "House of Culture" that is open for visitors. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Image Factory Art Foundation, 91 North Front St, Belize City, ☏ +501 223-4093, imagefactory95@gmail.com. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. An independent gallery and cultural centre with changing exhibitions and a small book shop. Probably the best place in Belize to learn about contemporary local art.
Most tourists use Belize City as a transportation hub and spend little time in the city. With that said, Belize City is still the cultural centre of the country and offers a comparably large number of cultural attractions.
1 Marva's, Water Ln. A small family-run restaurant serving good, hot breakfast within walking distance from the water taxi terminal. (updated Jan 2023) 2 Dit's Restaurant, 50 King St. Great watermelon juice and wonderful pastries. (updated Sep 2022) 3 Don Ceviche, Marbee Cone Avenue, Bliss Lighthouse. (updated Jan 2023) 4 Dibary Restaurant, Albert Street. (updated Jan 2023) 5 Dario's Meat Pie, 33 Hydes Ln. (updated Jan 2023) 6 Nerie's, 3-25 Daly St. (updated Jan 2023) 7 Belizean Meat Pies, 38th COR. Water lane and, Richard Sidewalk. (updated Aug 2022) 8 Mama Chen, 7 Eve Street (near Queen Street).
1 Riverside Tavern, 2 Mapp St (Mapp St & N Front). Tu-Su 11AM-midnight. Owned by Belize's only brewery you can get the freshest and coldest draft beer. Also great hamburgers, and other food available. 2 Spoonaz Photo Cafe, 89 North Front Street. Coffee shop near the water taxi terminal. Has a nice patio and A/C inside. Great place to spend some time waiting for the ferry or a night bus. Free Wi-Fi. (updated Mar 2016)
Although Belize City has a bad reputation, Commercial District and the Fort George District are safe during the day. Virtually all sights and the water taxi docks are in this area and tourist should not be worried about exploring these neighborhoods while waiting for a bus or water taxi. Other neighbourhoods in Belize City have a very high crime rate and you should take a taxi if you have to leave the city centre.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Belize City typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 26 rainy days.
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