The primary focus of this website is promoting ecotourism in Belize, and Belize City itself is not really an ecotourism destination. However, nearly everyone visiting Belize will start their journey in Belize City, and this historic city is definitely worth exploring before heading out into the more remote areas of the country.

Belize City was founded in the 1600s by British lumber harvesters. It was originally called Belize Town, and only later grew into its city status. Until 1970, Belize City was the capital of what was then a British colony called British Honduras. However, in 1961, Hurricane Hattie nearly destroyed the city, and it was decided to move the capital inland to Belmopan. With a population of about 80,000, Belize City is by far the largest city in Belize, and it is home to nearly one quarter of the country's entire population.

St. John's Cathedral
Built between 1812 and 1820, St. John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America. It was constructed using bricks brought to Belize as ballast in ships, and for the return trip, ships would be filled with Mahogany. St. John's also has the distiction of being the only Anglican cathedral outside England where kings have been coronated. From 1815 until 1845, four "Mosquito Kings" were crowned here. More accurately called Miskito Kings, these were rulers of the Miskito Indians, who were among the original inhabitants of this area. Although it is not linguistically related to the word "mosquito," the name Miskito is the origin of the term "Mosquito Coast." This "Mosquito Kingdom" existed from the 1600s until the late 1800s, when it was split between Nicaragua and Honduras.

Government House/House of Culture
Located directly across the street from St. John's Cathedral, this is one of the most historical colonial buildings in all of Belize. It was built in 1814 to serve as the seat of the colonial government. It also served as the residence for the Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors, and Governors that ruled Belize for over 150 years. Later, it would serve as the home of the first Governor-General of an independent Belize, and it was here that the British Union Jack was lowered, and the flag of Belize was raised for the first time. Eventually, the Governor-General's office was moved to Belize House in Belmopan, and the Government House was converted to a community center and House of Culture.

Government House currently houses art and cultural displays including the Eric King Collection of photography, which includes many historical photographs and postcards of Belize. The grounds of Government House are a popular destination for birding, and can be rented for special events like weddings. Government House is open from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

Baron Bliss Lighthouse
The Baron Bliss Lighthouse is not just a practical aid to navigation, it also serves as the tomb and monument for Baron Bliss, one of Belize's top benefactors. Baron Bliss arrived in Belize harbor from England in 1926, but illness prevented him from leaving his yacht. Nonetheless, he fell in love with Belize through interactions with Belizeans that visited him on his yacht. Before he died, he established a $2 million trust to help the people of Belize. The interest on this trust has been used for many important projects including the Bliss School of Nursing and the Bliss Institute.

The Museum of Belize
Built between 1855 and 1857 as Her Majesty's Prison, it was converted to a museum in 2002. Although many modifications were required for the transformation, one jail cell was left completely intact. Like St. John's Cathedral, this building was also constructed using bricks brought from England as ballast for ships. Executions were carried out in public until 1857, when they were moved to a cell on the second floor of the prison. A hole was cut in the floor, and prisoners were hanged by dropping them through the hole to the room below. Today, the room on the first floor where executed prisoners were dropped to is the women's restroom.

The museum has a very nice selection of antiques from Belize's colonial era as well as artifacts from its Mayan past. There are everyday items as well as displays featuring important events in Belize's history. The musuem also houses temporary exhibits that change every six months. Permanent exhibits include Colonial Postcards, Insects, Maya Masterpieces, Jades of Belize, Coins of Belize, Stamps of Belize, Hurricanes and Fires, and Belize City: An Historical Exhibition. To find out what the current temporary exhibit is, click here.

The Museum of Belize is open from 8am - 5pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8am - 4pm on Fridays. Admission is $5 US.

Fort Street Tourism Village
Okay, a "tourism village" isn't really the kind of local experience I usually enjoy or recommend, but the Fort Street Tourism Village is actually pretty nice. It was designed by local achitects and engineers, and was built by Belizeans. Because it serves as the main port of entry for cruise ship passengers, it is a very busy place. While shopping is obviously the main focus here, there are also some great places to hang out and have a few drinks or try some of the local food.

My favorite place in this area is The Wet Lizard, which is a combination restaurant, bar, and gift shop. You can also book a nice selection of tours here. Their restaurant and bar is located right on the boardwalk, just a few minutes walk from where the cruise ship tenders dock. Their conch fritters and conch cerviche are excellent, but they are seasonal. If you visit The Wet Lizard's website, you can print out a coupon for a free tropical drink.