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Belize
City Harbor |
Belize City sits on a small peninsula along the coast, overlooking
the Caribbean Sea. With its population of about 80,000,
Belize City is the country’s commercial and historical
center, and the old capital.
It was in the mid 1600’s that the land known today
as Belize was first settled. In the next century, after
buccaneers (pirates) took refuge in the safe waters inside
the reef, they also saw the economic value of cutting logwood.
Eventually the settlement grew, with an increasing number
of families and their slaves. Even though the main area
of residence for the more affluent was St. George’s
Caye, majority of the Baymen, as they called themselves,
settled in what was then Belize Town. The settlement was
established at the mouth of Haulover Creek in the 1700s.
It is this creek that divides the city into the north and
south sides.
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Haulover
Creek running through the city |
The city was hit by two major hurricanes in history, one
in 1931 and the other in 1961 (Hurricane Hattie). The latter
was the reason for the subsequent transfer of the capital
to inland Belmopan. Some of the old colonial architecture
and wooden structures remain, but more and more modern buildings
and homes are being built, particularly in the more affluent
areas.
Belize City is the hub for travel around the country. Even
though there are ports of entry in the north, south and
west of the country, airline and cruise passengers arrive
into Belize City. The Phillip Goldson International Airport
is located in the area called Ladyville, which is about
ten miles from downtown Belize City. Today, the city is
expanding outward, closer to the airport. The Municipal
Airstrip is located in the city, which is utilized by local
commuter aircrafts. The Fort Street Tourism Village, the
terminal for cruise passengers, is located near the heart
of downtown. The city is also the base for public transportation,
car rental companies, conference facilities and larger hotels.
Banks, embassies, and major suppliers are also located here.
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Aerial
view of Belize City |
Even though Belize City is the largest urban area in the
country, it is still small enough to get around quickly
and easily. It is probably the only area in the country
that has the most diversity of ethnic groups in one place.
The city has an interesting personality, even though some
areas appear run down. Reports of crime have affected the
reputation of the city, but with common-sense precautions
that would apply in any city, visitors can experience a
unique culture. There are some areas to stay away from,
but you should feel comfortable to walk downtown, or in
the hotel zone. The city’s attractions include the
Museum of Belize, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, National Handicraft
Center, Fort Street Tourism Village, Belize Marine Terminal
& Maritime Museum, Swing Bridge, Supreme Court Building,
Battlefield Park, the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts,
House of Culture, St. John’s Cathedral, and Yarborough
Cemetery.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
