We will be stopping for a day in Belize City during a cruise. I don't yet know if we'll venture around on our own yet or not. My first question is as I'm looking through google maps and at restaurant menus, is it safe to assume that the prices I'm seeing on listed in the Belize currency and therefor translating roughly to 50% of US dollar? Forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I know things in touristy areas are over priced. I know its not uncommon for some businesses to charge tourist more than locals.
My intention is to experience some local businesses, try the local food and hopefully talk with locals, but I also don't want to feel like I'm being conned or ripped off because I'm coming from a cruise boat.

Any advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

An additional question is how safe is it to walk around Belize City alone? I have located, what looks to be local restaurants that look great, Smok'd, Neries and others. Anyone walk from their boats and check out local eateries?

I was on a cruise in January that stopped at Belize City. I got off the ship and walked around. Yes, prices are listed in local currency.


The city is interesting, in that it appeared to me to be an "authentic" Caribbean port town, not gussied up for tourists. The downside of that is that there were not local restaurants that looked inviting in the least...in fact, I saw very few restaurants at all--just a few outdoor stands and windows where you could order food. I went into a large supermarket to look around....lots of imported US food at pretty high prices. I could not find any fresh fruit. This photo gives you an idea of the food scene, or what I saw of it....I'm sure there are actual restaurants somewhere but not many that I saw within walking distance of the ship. Remember the legacy of the English--it shows in the dishes offered here:







I'm a single female and locals didi not pay me any mind, apart from a few guys hanging out on the street who threw the usual comments that females hear everywhere..but they were not in the last bit menacing..very smiley and seemed very wiling to chat me up...I talked with them for about a minute and then walked on.... I had the feeling that some locals would be open to chatting with you...they might be curious about your country, the ship, etc. Even if not the case, there was no negative vibe from anyone that I passed on the street. Apart from that groppp of young guys, no one paid me any mind..but no one was smiling and waving at me, either... Remember, it was British, not Spanish in Colonial times...so you're not feeling the warmth you might feel in the DR,, for example. But not one person hassled me, or tried to sell me something..

I got lost on the way back too the ship, and walked through a neighborhood that was pretty deserted. again, no sense of menace. It looked to me to be a very poor place, so I was surprised to read later about the fairly healthy economy of the country

There are many warnings online about not crossing the bridge over the creek. I read those AFTER I returned to the ship, so later understood the I was wandering in an area that some say is very dangerous...I did not for a second feel threatened. It's very laid back, lazy, Caribbean vibe....but after about an hour or less of walking around, there was nothing more to see..or at least I did not find anything to keep me busy..

The area near the piers has the typical array of tourist tat but unlike at other ports we stopped, this area did not appear to be totally roped off, so I did spot a few local ladies strolling around who looked like they were ready for a day of partying.... skin-tight mini-dresses and blond wigs. I just walked through the shops and out onto the street...

Here are a few photos of my day:


Photos of belize city...




I just looked at Trip Advisor's restaurant list for the city; a couple of places listed seem to be inside the port area. The others...I have no idea where they would be because I saw nothing remotely like those in my walk from the ship. I was on the Princess, by the way...so maybe there are other ports on the island.


I'd love it if you would come back here and report on your day in the city.....j

Also, I think I was the only one from the ship that walked off on her own....many of the cruisers took the ship's tours, but I think most remained on the ship at this port.

Be aware that you have to take a tender to shore, from he ship.

Thanks for sharing! That was helpful to hear. The pictures were great to see as well. Our trip isn't until April, but I will try to give a trip report when we return.

I found that very interesting that there weren't many restaurants. I'm curious is that is a bi-product of the poverty levels, or if it's more of a supply chain issue. I would have thought that being a cruise ship port, there would be locals trying to cash in on that, but maybe its not reliable enough. I also find it surprising that you couldn't locate fresh fruit.

I really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Thank you,

You're very welcome! I was surprised at the lack of fruit, but I only covered a small area, just south off the bridge.
I did see a stand selling fruit juices but it was closed.

Let me know what you find..I'd love to hear more..and have a great trip!!

Do not assume all menus prices are in BZ$.

I lived in Belize City, and have been to many restaurants including ones in the Tourist Village (where cruise ship passengers come ashore). Businesses on the main street (Albert Street) will usually display prices in BZ$, but businesses closer to the Tourist Village sometimes display prices with only a dollar sign and that could mean either BZ$ or US$ -- whatever the business decides.

A friend and I were at a restaurant near the Tourist Village. The menus we were given had prices with only a dollar sign, and the food prices were double what I expected for a Belizean restaurant. My friend asked for the "Belizean menu", and we were given a different menu with much cheaper prices. So if in doubt, always ask.

It's safe to walk around the central part of the city, and on the main/busier streets, but always be aware of your surroundings. It's safe to walk to Nerie's -- I've eaten there -- good local food, but don't expect a fancy restaurant.

I never had any problems finding fruit. I usually shopped in the main supermarkets.

I've never been to Belize but I know the area where cruiseships dock typically is not the best representation of a city/town. I am certain there is fresh fruit in Belize perhaps just not walking distance from where you get off a cruiseship.