Belize City

Not only is the city your gateway to mystic sites, adventurous caves, rivers, flora, fauna and relaxing breathtaking beaches, but it is also filled with history.

Belize City, with a population of 70,000, is a bustling, fascinating place, the country's biggest city and former capital.

Belize City has the only manual swing bridge in the world and is still being swung daily. The oldest Anglican Cathedral Church in Central America, St. John's Cathedral, was built in this city in 1812 from bricks brought as ballast from European sailing ships. Over the years, Government House, which was built in early 1800 with a combination of Caribbean Vernacular and English Urban architecture, was used as an administrative office and living quarters for the governors of Belize. The Lighthouse monument at Fort George Point towers over the harbor entrance. This was built from the donations of Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.

Visitors to the city may take a bus to visit the wildlife sanctuaries the community baboon sanctuary and the crooked Tree wildlife sanctuary. The city has other attractions such as the adventurous Cockscomb Basin, the only Jaguar Reserve in the world. The mysterious archaeological sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich are not to be missed.

The Belize Tourism Village on the Belize River mouth is about 15 minutes away from cruise ship anchorage. This is specially designed to cater to cruise lines. This village has terminals offering entertainment, restaurants and bathroom facilities. There is also access to land and marine tours.

The Maritime Museum next to the Swing Bridge introduces visitors to a history of Belize’s fishing and boat building industries. The Yarborough Cemetery, the country’s first public cemetery serves as a valuable source of information for the researchers.

Belize City Walking Tour Highlights....

• Baron Bliss Lighthouse is the resting place of Belize's most well known benefactor.
• Memorial Park is used for Official Activities.
• Former Belize City Prison - Recently restored and declared a national  museum.There you will find a permanent display of Maya culture as well as temporary exhibits showing diverse aspects of Belize's cultural heritage. Also housed in the same compound is the Belize Tourism Board.
• Maritime Museum - Located on the North Front Street side of the Swing     bridge alongside the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association docking area.    Features displays about the history and evolution of Belize's boat building and fishing industry.
• Paslow Building - Houses the municipal courts and the post office.
• Swing Bridge - Has connected the cities downtown area since colonial days and is one of the few manually operated bridges still in use in the world.
• Supreme Court Building - Built in 1926, it still functions as the highest court in Belize.
• Regent and Alberts Streets are where to find banks, a variety of shops    and street vendors.
• St. John's Cathedral - Built in 1812; It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.
• House of Culture - Once the residence of colonial governors, its now a historical museum. Exhibits include historical photos and a glassware     collection.
• Southern Forshore - Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a Belizean waterfront view of the Western Caribbean.
• Bliss Institute - Theater, Museum, and National Arts Council - It the cultural center of Belize City and sometimes features performances by visiting dance or theatre companies. Check the notice board for scheduled events.
• National Handicraft Center - An outlet for crafts people to sell their goods; Including carved hardwood figures, slate carvings, black coral jewelry,pottery, original oil paintings on canvas and woven baskets.
• Image Factory with its unique gallery style shops and interesting   exhibitions,introduces you to contemporary local artists.