Despite being the largest metropolitan area in the country and your landing point that houses Belize’s only international airport, Belize City is the destination most people bypass entirely. Odds are, you’re traveling to Belize to uncover its vast expanse of coral reefs, verdant rainforests, ancient Maya temples, sandy cayes, and numerous archeological reserves. Don’t worry, we don’t blame you either! And although it is easy to get from one corner of the country to the other in a day, a layover in Belize City on either arrival or departure is even easier and sometimes cheaper. Here are 3 things to know when planning on a layover in Belize City for what to do, eat, and stay.
DO
Keep in mind that Belize can’t brag about any ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft—at least not yet. You can, however, grab a cab with fares averaging around $5 USD per run within city limits, although your accommodation (like the Best Western Biltmore Plus) will offer complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs. From there, the split city is your oyster. The city is divided by Haulover Creek into the North and South thanks to the hand-cranked Swing Bridge built in the 1920s; on either side has historical relics and unexpected delights perfect for a day trip or second-city stopover.
Do go on a scenic tour of downtown Belize, south of the Swing Bridge and past handpainted wooden sailboats, for sightseeing landmarks and remnants of colonial architecture by walking Albert Street with a loop onto Regent Street. You’ll find St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and the only place outside of England where kings were crowned. The Museum of Belize, once a functioning prison up until 1993, isn’t too far by. As is the Image Factory, a riverside art gallery and center for up-and-coming multimedia artists in Belize. And if you want a 15-minute crash course on Belizean culture instead, take the Old Belize Train Tour; the Traveller’s Rum Museum is a good way to pass the time also.
And for a bit of nature, stroll alongside the coast of Seashore Drive or Marine Parade for a photo-op with the Belize sign found at both locations. Though for something really special, you can take a scenic tour of the Belize River and even chance spotting manatees.
EAT
Try the street food, which is found on almost every other corner from the “lotta pot” vendors that serve out of “lots of pots,” as you’ll soon find out in Kriol. English is the first language in Belize, but almost everyone speaks Kriol and you’ll hear it especially when ordering. Authentic Belizean food sounds like salbutes, garnaches, panades, ducunu, tamales, rice and beans, meatpies, and so much more. Organize your own food tour for Belizean favorites like whole-fried fish fresh from the coast alongside rice and beans at the Biltmore Bistro which even has weekly buffets, or veer off on your own. Places like Smokeez Seaside Restaurant, Senor Coconut’s, or Midtown all spring to mind.
STAY
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the airport into Belize City itself, and the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza is conveniently on the Northern Highway itself. Beyond its tropical gardens, this comfy 90-room resort is classic yet chic, right on the highway. Besides its full-service restaurant, the Biltmore even has a fitness center, pool, and tour desk—if you’d rather stay in or venture out.