Belize City lies at the mouth of the Belize River, is the country’s largest city, and was its capital until 1970, when the capital was moved to Belmopan. In the city, options range from an urban beach to museums, a project focused on architecture, and an annual Carnival Road March.
Coastline and a concise look at history
Kukumba Beach is an urban beach in Belize City on the Caribbean Sea. The city’s coastal location is therefore one of the clear themes to consider during a stay. The Old Belize Train Ride offers a different focus: its 15-minute exhibition is divided into five sections and covers Belize’s ecological, archaeological, industrial, and political history. The various topics bring together the country’s natural and cultural history with its industrial and political aspects. If you plan to take the ride, check with the operator to confirm it is currently running.
Museums: buildings, collections, and culture
The Museum of Belize is housed in a building that formerly served as the country’s main prison. Its Prison Cell exhibition preserves the last remaining prison cell and presents related artifacts, stories, and images from the prison’s past. The history of the building and the history of the cell are thus different aspects of the same visit.
Other exhibitions offer their own perspectives: “Birds of Belize” features taxidermied specimens of 30 native bird species. “The Art of Pen Cayetano” presents Garifuna culture through impressionist paintings. The Craig Family Collection showcases currencies, antique bottles, and household items as glimpses into everyday life. “Honoring the Past: The enSLAVEd Exhibit” explores the history of enslaved Africans in Belize, as well as their resilience and lasting influence on the country’s history.
City culture and an annual event
The Belize City EcoMuseum project aims to preserve and revitalize colonial-era public architecture and private homes in downtown Belize City. This is a project goal focused on the downtown area’s public buildings and residences.
The Carnival Road March runs along the seafront, from Memorial Park to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. It takes place every year on the first Saturday in September. If you would like to plan your stay around the Carnival Road March, check the specific event date in advance.
More things to explore in the wider destination of Belize
The wider destination of Belize also offers nature watching as a distinct focus. At Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the dry season from November to May is considered the peak season for birdwatching. On tours lasting one to three hours, visitors can likely spot 20 to 40 different bird species there at any time of year. Visitors can rent canoes, bicycles, and horses to explore the area for birdwatching; free trail maps are available at the visitor center. Before visiting, check the current availability of rentals and trail maps.
At Swallow Caye, visitors can observe manatees from their boats in their natural habitat; they should follow the sanctuary’s guidelines. The Belize Zoo was founded in 1983, and zookeepers take visitors to see some of the animals. Ask in advance whether these tours are currently available. In addition to Belize City’s urban and museum attractions, the wider destination of Belize offers independent opportunities to experience nature and observe wildlife.
Discover more destinations: Maskall, Rock Stone Pond, Big Falls, Crooked Tree, Ladyville, Bermudian Landing, Burrell Boom, Lucky Strike
Go to the overall travel guide: Belize.
