Belize City is known for its colourful Creole houses, handsome colonial architecture and access to alluring offshore islands. There's plenty of history and culture to discover at local museums, trendy galleries and ancient churches.

Things to do

You can base yourself in Fort George, an upscale district filled with high-end hotels, boutiques and restaurants. It's also home to cultural attractions, including the Museum of Belize. It's housed in a former jail and covers everything from the colonial era to tropical hurricanes.

The Image Factory offers a glimpse at the island's colourful arts and crafts scene. The gallery highlights contemporary Belizean artists and designers and features a quirky gift store where you can purchase books, jewellery and artwork.

The oldest Anglican church in Central America, St John's Cathedral has been watching over the city since the 1800s. Stroll around the nave, see Baymen-era tombstones and admire the beautifully restored pipe organ.

The Caribbean is famous for its hearty cuisine, and Belize City doesn't disappoint. Nerie's II Restaurant is a local favourite, serving up curried lamb, chilli-chocolate chicken soup, grilled lobster and cassava pudding. Wash it down with a fruity rum cocktail.

Getting around

Belize City is well-serviced by local buses and taxis, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Water taxis depart from the port to offshore islands. Flights arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, around 15 kilometres from Belize City.