Belize City, Belize: What to Know Before You Visit

Belize City isn’t just a name you see on your plane ticket—it’s the largest urban center in the country, the main port of entry by air or sea, and a place where Belize’s past and present intersect. Whether you’re arriving at the international airport or catching a water taxi to the islands, chances are you’ll pass through here. And for some travelers, it’s more than a transit stop—it’s a cultural experience.

🌍 Where Is Belize City?

Belize City sits on the eastern coast of the country, right at the mouth of the Belize River. It used to be the capital before Belmopan was established, and it still holds major importance today as the economic and transport hub of the nation. From here, you’re well-connected to all parts of the country—San Ignacio in the west, Placencia and Hopkins in the south, or Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker by sea.

Belize City doesn’t look like the cities you might see on TV—it has no skyscrapers and is more Caribbean in feel than urban. It’s a city where culture collides in everyday life, and for many Belizeans like myself, it’s the place where we learned how the country truly functions.

🗺️ City Layout & Landmarks

Belize City is split into the Northside and Southside, connected by a few main bridges. One of the most iconic is the Swing Bridge, a historic landmark once central to downtown life. On the eastern Southside sits the Belize Tourism Board headquarters, a sign of the city’s role as the face of national tourism.

A great family-friendly spot is Old Belize, a cultural center and beach destination just minutes from the city center.

✈️ Arriving in Belize City: Airports & Access

If you’re flying in internationally, you’ll land at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), located in Ladyville—about 25 minutes from downtown Belize City.

Note: While BZE is often referred to as the Belize City airport, it’s technically located just outside the city limits. Most international travelers still pass through Belize City right after landing.

Domestic travelers or those heading to the islands often fly through Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA), which is much closer to the water taxi terminals and inner city.

For a full breakdown of the arrival process, check out my Belize Airport Guide.

🛥️ Water Taxi & Coastal Transfers

One of Belize City’s key features is its direct connection to the islands. You can board a water taxi to San Pedro or Caye Caulker from terminals downtown. If you’re staying in the city, these terminals are just minutes away from most hotels and guesthouses. Even if you’re continuing inland, you might want to take a walk along the waterfront or grab a fry jack and coffee before your journey.

🐟 Activities & Wildlife Near Belize City

Belize City serves as a launch point for:

Manatee watching tours
Snorkeling and diving trips
Fishing charters

These experiences require booking a guided tour in advance.

Nearby, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary—just under an hour north—is one of Belize’s top birding destinations, especially during migration season.

🏙️ Is Belize City Worth Visiting?

This depends on your travel style. Belize City isn’t a resort town—it’s real, raw, and full of life. Some travelers find it gritty, while others appreciate its authenticity. I lived and worked here before becoming a full-time guide, and I can say it offers:

A deep look into Belize’s colonial history
Local markets and street food culture
Quick access to attractions like the Belize Zoo, Altun Ha ruins, and Community Baboon Sanctuary

While working in Belize City and commuting from Belmopan, I developed a love for the food culture. I’d wait for Dario’s meat pies in the morning, stop for oxtail at the Jamaican spot by the roundabout, enjoy sauteed duck from a Chinese takeaway, or eat Indian curry from Sumathi. Street food vendors served some of the best fried fish, rice and beans, and fry chicken—especially from places like Kickdown Face or Lee Chi. Tourists call it “street food,” but for us, it’s comfort.

I’ve even dined at spots like Smokey Mermaid and Spoonaz Café. Each brings a different side of the city.

🚍 Getting Around the City

Taxis are common and relatively affordable, but confirm the price before you get in. For safety and reliability, ask your hotel or accommodation to recommend a trusted driver. Local buses (often called busetas) run through the main districts. If you’re unsure, people are friendly—just ask someone at a shop or terminal.

Public transportation from other parts of Belize can be slow—on Sundays, the ride from Placencia to Belize City by bus can take nearly 6 hours. During the week, buses are crowded, and some travelers stay overnight in the city just to make early connections.

Tip: From BZE to the city, it’s about a 25-minute drive. From TZA, the terminals and shops are within walking distance.

One memory that stands out: after spending a few months in Belize City, I was once stopped by a tourist asking for hotel directions. I remember telling him, “I noh liv round yah”—a Creole way of saying, “I don’t live here.”

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink

Dario’s Meat Pies – a Belizean classic snack
Bird’s Isle Restaurant – local seafood and views over the water
Street food stalls – try stew chicken, garnaches, or panades
Sumathi – well-loved Indian cuisine
Kickdown Fence / Lee Chi – local favorites with different vibes

⚠️ Safety Tips

Belize City has its challenges. Stick to well-trafficked areas during the day, avoid certain neighborhoods after dark (especially the far south), and keep your belongings close in crowded places. Just like anywhere, a little caution goes a long way.

Local tip: If you ever arrive early from Belize City to somewhere like Placencia, people might say, “Yuh coh pah plane?”—implying you got there fast, even if you drove. That’s Belizean Creole humor for you.

🎉 Culture & Events

The city is not known for tourist-oriented nightlife, but in September, Belize City hosts some of the liveliest celebrations in the country, including Carnival and Jouvert (a pre-dawn street party). These are vibrant, loud, and full of energy—a window into how Belizeans celebrate.

📍 Nearby Attractions

Here are easy day-trips and stops from Belize City:

Belize Zoo – 45 mins west
Altun Ha Maya Site – 1 hr north
Community Baboon Sanctuary – 45 mins west
Crooked Tree Village – birdwatcher’s paradise
Old Belize – cultural exhibits and beach play
Belize Museum – a cultural stop I still need to visit myself!
Colonial House Tours – homes I grew up seeing before the big hurricanes

🛏️ Should I Stay Overnight?

Some travelers do—especially if arriving late or leaving early. Hotels like Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza offer secure and convenient stays.

🧳 My Belize City Experience

I still remember helping book flights from an internet café in Belize City—watching printouts marked TZA or BZE come through for guests headed to fish with my grandmother’s family in Placencia. And even now, I love visiting the airport with my kids just to see the big planes land. Belize City has always been part of my journey, even when I’m passing through.

It’s also where I first encountered Japanese culture through friends and coworkers. Their dedication to work inspired me. I often visited the fish market, though I never got there early enough to grab the best catch. City life was never fully for me—there’s no coconut tree to pick from—but I still enjoy a trip to the theater or time on the water.

Belize City isn’t where I’d settle—but it’s where so much of my Belize journey began.