"Seedy Old Colonial Capital" Top 5 Page for this destination Belize City by JetlagCity
Belize City Travel Guide: 276 reviews and 443 photos
According to legend, Belize City was built on rum bottles, the legacy of buccaneers in centuries past. It lies below sea level and has suffered the ravages of hurricanes more than once throughout the years. It was the capital of the former colony of British Honduras, so English is the official language here, although it's often a pidgin English.
The town isn't a tourist destination, it's more a place where locals live and work. However, it is likely to be your port of entry to this fabulous country and the diverse delights it has to offer (Mayan ruins, fantastic diving and snorkelling, jungle wildlife, caving, etc.) At 70,000 people, it's Belize's only urban area.
Very oddly, Belize City reminded me of Venice in two ways: 1) I like the architecture (although the wooden British colonial architecture is completely different from anything in Venice), and 2) I like it in spite of the fact that it's decaying badly.
I've read much about crime in this city, but am convinced that if you choose a decent neighborhood to stay in (the Southern Foreshore or Fort George areas) and use the same common sense you employ in any big city your chances of being okay are as good as in any city. Belize City has spent some effort to clean itself up in this regard, and employed more police in these areas to discourage crime. We always felt safe during our short stay here.
- Pros:It's the gateway to Belize!
- Cons:run down; not a lot for a visitor to do
Reviews (12)
Water Taxi to/from the Cayes
Transportation
(2)
If you're arriving from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, you can either fly into Belize City or take the water taxi. The... more travel advice
The Bliss Institute
Things to Do
(6)
The Bliss Institute is Belize City's largest cultural center. It features exhibits by the National Arts Council, such as... more travel advice
Your tourist $ go to a good cause
Shopping
(2)
The Belize Audobon Society has a small shop with books on local birds and other animals, and typical souvenirs like... more travel advice
Philip S.W. Goldson International...
Transportation
(2)
You'll most likely begin your trip to Belize by flying into Belize City (actually its suburb, called Ladyville), unless... more travel advice
Belize City Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Belize ~ Dedicated to Wildlife Preservation"
- "Belize City - I've Seen Better!"
- "Seedy Old Colonial Capital"
- "Belize City and Countryside - Dec. 2004"
- "Belize City"
- "Belize City"
- "Belize City, Belize"
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Badges & Stats in Belize City
- 12 Reviews
- 14 Photos
- 0 Forum posts
- 18 Comments
- 10,249PageViews
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Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Belize City
- updated a Belize City Travel Page "Seedy Old Colonial Capital"
- Wrote a Review Water Taxi to/from the Cayes about Boat / Ferry in Belize City Transportation
- Uploaded a Photo to "The Bliss Institute"
- Commented on PrincessK's Belize City Page
Photos in Belize City
See All Photos (14)Top 10 Pages
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Friends
See All Friends (12)Latest Belize City hotel reviews
- Radisson Fort George Hotel And Marina
- 173 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Princess Hotel And Casino Belize
- 76 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2012 - Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel
- 83 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 7, 2012 - THE RED HUT INN
- 33 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 12, 2012 - Chateau Caribbean
- 18 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 11, 2012 - Orchid Garden Eco-Village Hotel
- 127 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Birds Eye View Lodge
- 37 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 16, 2012 - The Great House
- 50 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2012 - Coningsby Inn
- 12 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 2, 2012 - Mopan River Resort
- 1 Review & Opinion
- Barefoot Beach Belize/Seaview Hotel
- 143 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2012 - Caye Chapel Island Resort
- 65 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 24, 2011 - Glover's Atoll Resort
- 54 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 12, 2012 - Black Orchid Resort
- 133 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 7, 2012

Eco-Tourism
Beaches
Hiking and Walking
Comments (18)
Very interesting destination, although not touristy... Thanks for sharing here....
Super page! You're right, I enjoyed Belize alot, but the main draw for me was the wildlife of which there seemed to be an abundance!
An interesting look at Belize which shows that the country has more than just beaches. Very well written.
I had just a short encounter with Belize. Crossed the border and had lunch. Your pages make me want to go back and explore the rest of the country.
Nice page! Don't think I have ever heard of a memorial lighthouse before!
I can't believe its Belize! :) Thx for sharing this interesting info Jane. -m-
Great page with excellent tips and quite interesting destination, I see. Thanks for sharing.
Jane, your tips are excellent. They are so interesting to read because of your honesty, enthusiasm, and passion for travel. I like your style of hunting down books about where you have been or going to. Just wonderful.
I didn't spend anytime in BC apart from my drive to and from the airport, so I appreciated your virtual tour! That Baron Bliss must have left some chunk of change, they celebrated Baron Bliss day while I was in Belize.
Hi Jane, Thanks for the coments on my Travel Pages. Nice weather were having hu!!! Hard to believe this is Seattle... Nice Belize pages, I have to add this to my long list of places to see. Would you recommend a visit?
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