Anything happening in Belize city? (crime, hotels, houses)

[Angorlee]

I like the idea of Belize because they speak English so language wouldn't be a hassle. But is it safe? Anything to do in Belize city?

[netwit]

nope. At least there was nothing to do in Belize City in the 90s when I was last there. It was then a city of one and two storey buildings, third world in the sense of sewage running alongside streets. Ramshackle houses for the general population.

There are a few (I remember only two) major chain hotels, and lots of embassies, perhaps because it is a stable country. The embassies were relocating already at that time to Belmopan, the capital of Belize, inland quite a distance and the smallest capital city in the world.

Belize City was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, and Belmopan was planned precisely due to the hurricane. Belize City is not impressive or touristy in any sense. There are no beaches in Belize City - for that you have to go to the cayes, which are popular with divers. Prices for everything were high, due, I was told to high import duties.

We were there for a week and walked through most of Belize City. Apparently that was considered a little strange as we were escorted back to our hotel by a really huge and dangerous looking guy who fell into step with us at some point (which had me a little worried) but who told me that we clearly weren't "typical" tourists and that we should tell people that Belizians are very friendly. He was flattered that we were walking around where no tourists dare, apparently, which was a hint that Belize can be dangerous, although I don't have statistics on crime there.

Not finding a restaurant open on Sunday (wanted to try out that local cuisine, off the beaten track, as opposed to hotel restaurant food), had a local sending us to his grandmother's house. Literally. His grandmother's house. He explained there were no restaurants open on Sundays in Belize apart from hotels. We ate at his grandmother's house. Chicken and rice. Got back alive and in one piece.

At the hotel's restaurant, another day, we got into a conversation with an ambassador from Lebanon and another country I don't remember. He gave my husband a couple of Cuban cigars. Not sure that would happen in many places.

I like Belize very much. But action??? The only action there would be would be on the cayes from tourists. If you're not into nature, diving or exploring Mayan ruins or bird watching, there's not a whole lot there. But I personally like places like that.

I know my information is old but I would be very surprised to find it had changed much.

[Naomi Manischewitz]

i have to be honest, i thought belize city was disgusting. most americans go to belize but not for belize city. if that is your cup of tea, sounds good.

[beegan]

We were just there last year and Belize city DOES NOT have anything to offer that would be appealing-however the islands off the coast of Belize are amazing.The people are incredably friendly, speak english but yet still hold their culture. I would recommend not staying in belize city and just jumping down the coastal islands.

[fishnfool]

I agree with what others have said. I was in Belize last year and the locals were warning all gringos about staying out of the city. There was a surge in crime recently and they said it wasn't safe....regardless of what the tour books said. We were there for half a day switching buses....It might have settled since then, but even it it's safe I would spend my time elsewhere.

Stay on the islands or shoot south to Placencia or Toledo and west to the Cayo/San Ignacio.