Sights & Attractions in Belize City

Belize City is defined by the water around it. The main part of the city is at the end of a small peninsula, jutting out into the Caribbean Sea. Haulover Creek, an extension of the Belize River, running roughly west to east, divides the city into the North Side and the South Side. The North Side is, to generalize, more affluent than the South Side. The venerable Swing Bridge connects the two sides, although in modern times other bridges over Haulover Creek, especially the Belcan Bridge northwest of the city center, carry more traffic. At the mouth of the river, just beyond Swing Bridge, is the Belize Harbor (or Harbour as it's written locally, in the English style).

The only routes into the city are the Northern Highway from the north, and the Western Highway from the west. Coming from the north, follow the Northern Highway through several roundabouts (traffic circles) to Freetown Road and Barracks Road to reach the center. Alternatively, you can swing west on Princess Margaret Drive to Barracks Road, along the seafront. From the west, the Western Highway becomes Cemetery Road, which leads you to the center via the South Side and Orange Street. The city center itself is a confusing warren of narrow streets, many of them one way.

If you're staying in either the northern or western sprawling suburbs, a car is handy. There's no point-to-point bus system in the city, although buses (except the few express buses) going north or west will drop you almost anywhere. It's not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they help you with luggage or perform other services. Most drivers are friendly and are happy to point out interesting sites to visitors.

Belize City earned a reputation for street crime in the early 1990s, but the government has made progress in cleaning up the problem. Crimes against tourists in Belize City are now relatively rare, and statistically as a visitor you may be safer in Belize City than in some other areas, such as the Cayo. Still, the crime rate in Belize City is comparable to that of a distressed inner-city area in the United States. In early 2008, Belize's crime problem spilled into the tourist zone when gang members fired shots into a bar across the street from the Princess Hotel and Casino. With incidences like this becoming increasingly frequent, it is more difficult for us to recommend that you spend time in Belize City, at least not in the downtown area after dark. Take the same precautions you'd take in any city—don't wear expensive jewelry or watches, avoid handling money in public, and leave valuables in a safe. Ignore offers to buy drugs. On buses and in crowded areas hold purses and backpacks close to your body. Check with the staff at your hotel before venturing into any unfamiliar areas, particularly at night. After dark, you should take a taxi rather than walk even a few blocks. Avoid leaving your rental car on the street overnight.

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