What to Do in Belize City: 9 Things You Shouldn’t Miss

You can explore ancient Maya temples at Altun Ha and Lamanai, snorkel Belize’s world-famous barrier reef at Goff’s Caye, and float through underground limestone caves on tubing adventures. Visit the Belize Zoo to meet rescued jaguars and tapirs, discover colonial history at St. John’s Cathedral, and experience authentic local culture at downtown markets. Take wildlife boat cruises to spot howler monkeys, explore Maya artifacts at museums, and enjoy fresh street food with Marie Sharp’s famous hot sauce. Each destination offers unique insights into Belize’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

Climb the Temple of the Masonry Altars at Altun Ha

When you arrive at Altun Ha’s Plaza B, the Temple of the Masonry Altars dominates the landscape at 52–55 feet tall, making it the site’s most imposing structure. You’ll climb past carved stone masks wearing pointed headdresses that represent the Maya “Jester God” of kingship.

The temple’s design echoes Teotihuacan’s pyramids, featuring a low terrace with temple enclosure before the pyramid mass rises behind. This wasn’t just architectural showmanship—you’re ascending what served as Altun Ha’s principal ceremonial focal point from 600–650 CE. The temple’s enclosure features nine doorways, which may symbolize the nine layers of the Maya underworld, Xibalba.

The summit altar witnessed bloodletting rituals, jade offerings, and copal burning ceremonies. Inside, archaeologists discovered the famous Jade Head of Kinich Ahau, weighing 10–11 pounds and representing the largest carved jade object found in Mesoamerica.

Meet Rescued Jaguars and Tapirs at Belize Zoo

Just 30 minutes from Philip Goldson International Airport, the Belize Zoo offers you an extraordinary opportunity to meet rescued jaguars and tapirs that couldn’t survive in the wild. This 30-acre wildlife rescue facility houses over 150 animals representing 43 native Belizean species, all non-releasable due to injury, confiscation from illegal trade, or human-wildlife conflict.

You’ll encounter jaguars rescued through the Human Jaguar Conflict Program, which has saved over 20 cats from certain death after livestock predation incidents. These apex predators, weighing 75-150 pounds with 1000+ PSI bite force, serve as conservation ambassadors while supporting vital research.

The Central American tapir, Belize’s national animal and largest native mammal, represents another conservation success story. The zoo offers special Night Walk tours where you can observe nocturnal animals in their active state after dark.

Visit Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or Sunday until 4:30 p.m.

Snorkel the Barrier Reef at Goff’s Caye

After experiencing Belize’s remarkable wildlife conservation efforts on land, you’ll want to explore the country’s equally impressive marine treasures at Goff’s Caye. This tiny coral sand island sits just 30 minutes by boat from Belize City on the world’s second-largest barrier reef system.

You’ll snorkel in crystal-clear, shallow waters teeming with brain coral, fan coral, and tropical reef fish including stingrays and lobsters.

Most four-hour excursions include snorkel gear, licensed guides, and beach time on powdery white sand. The rustic island offers basic facilities with local vendors selling barbecue and drinks. During your boat journey, you might spot bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside as you pass through mangrove islands that serve as natural habitats for seabirds.

You’ll pay a $10 marine park fee, but the easy shore entry and calm conditions make this perfect for families and beginners wanting authentic Caribbean reef experiences.

Float Through Underground Caves on a Tubing Adventure

While Belize’s barrier reef offers incredible marine adventures, the country’s underground river systems provide an equally thrilling experience through ancient Maya sacred spaces.

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Archaeological Reserve takes you floating on inner tubes through interconnected limestone caves carved by the Caves Branch River. You’ll drift past stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations while your guide explains the geological processes and Maya history surrounding these portals to Xibalba, the Maya underworld.

The adventure begins with a 30-minute rainforest hike carrying your tube, followed by an hour-long float through seven miles of caves and lazy river sections. The cave water maintains a cool temperature of 70-74°F year-round, making it refreshing even on Belize’s hottest days.

Tours from Belize City typically last 4-6 hours total, including transportation, safety gear, and lunch. You’ll need moderate fitness for uneven terrain and sitting upright in moving water.

Explore St. John’s Cathedral and Colonial Architecture

Standing at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets, St. John’s Cathedral commands attention as Central America’s oldest Anglican church and Belize’s most significant colonial-era building. Built between 1812-1820 using European ship ballast bricks and slave labor, this red brick structure showcases imported materials combined with local mahogany and sapodilla wood interiors.

You’ll discover ornate hardwood pews, an antique pipe organ, and colonial-era fittings that reflect the building’s role as the Church of England’s Central American headquarters.

The cathedral witnessed four Miskito king coronations modeled after British royal ceremonies.

Don’t miss exploring the adjacent Yarborough Cemetery, Belize’s oldest burial ground featuring early colonial tombstones.

The building originally served as a parish church before gaining cathedral status in 1891 when the Diocese of Belize was established. The cathedral’s open daily from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. with no entrance fee, though you should respect ongoing worship services.

Take a Wildlife Cruise to Spot Howler Monkeys at Community Baboon Sanctuary

Just 45 minutes from Belize City, the Community Baboon Sanctuary offers one of Central America’s most successful conservation stories, where you’ll encounter black howler monkeys in their protected riverside habitat. This community-driven initiative has boosted the howler population to over 3,000 individuals across 20 square miles of Belize River Valley.

Your wildlife cruise combines boat-based viewing along riparian corridors with guided forest walks from the visitor center in Bermudian Landing.

Plan afternoon visits after 2 PM when monkeys become most active. You’ll hear their calls—among the world’s loudest from land mammals—echoing several kilometers through the forest. Guides often demonstrate vocal calls that trigger spectacular howler responses.

The standard US$10 admission includes guided walks, with tours typically lasting 2-3 hours as a half-day excursion. During forest walks, guides share their knowledge of jungle plants that ancient Maya civilizations used for traditional medicinal purposes.

Discover Maya Artifacts at the Museum of Belize

Interactive screens let you examine 3D-scanned artifacts in detail, while contextual panels cover urban planning, agriculture, religion, and trade.

The collection includes approximately 150 recently returned artifacts from a 12-year U.S. touring exhibition, now permanently displayed alongside other national treasures representing Maya craftsmanship and ritual symbolism. Meanwhile, repatriation efforts continue for Maya artifacts from sites like Pusilha that remain in international museums despite questions about their original removal from Belize.

Experience Local Life at Downtown Markets and Street Food

While Belize City’s museums showcase the country’s ancient heritage, its downtown markets reveal the vibrant pulse of contemporary Belizean life. Head to the Commercial Center at Swing Bridge, the main market hub featuring a two-story concrete building packed with produce, meat, fish, and local eateries. You’ll find fresh oranges, melons, peppers, cilantro, and daily catches alongside everyday Belizean shoppers.

Browse Downtown Plaza’s under-roof stalls for local paintings, jewelry, and Caribbean art. Sample street food like fresh fruit cups and dishes seasoned with Marie Sharp’s iconic habanero-carrot hot sauce. For a more traditional supermarket experience, visit Brodies Supermarket, which opens daily at 7:00 AM and offers both local and international products. These markets operate roughly 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday, serving as social meeting points where commerce blends with conversation, offering authentic glimpses into working-day food culture.

Journey by Boat to Lamanai Archaeological Site

Beyond the bustling markets of downtown, one of Belize’s most spectacular archaeological adventures awaits via a scenic river journey to Lamanai, an ancient Maya city accessible only by boat through pristine jungle waterways. You’ll travel 26 miles up the New River through dense rainforest, spotting crocodiles, howler monkeys, and tropical birds during the hour-long boat ride.

This 2,500-year-old site features over 700 structures across 950 acres, including the climbable Jaguar Temple offering panoramic jungle views. What makes Lamanai truly distinctive among Central American archaeological sites is the presence of Spanish colonial churches and a 19th-century sugar mill, offering visitors a rare glimpse into both ancient Maya civilization and Belize’s colonial history. The name “Lamanai” means “submerged crocodile” in Yucatec Maya, reflecting the area’s abundant wildlife.

Expect a full-day excursion (6-8 hours) costing $150-200+, including roundtrip transport, guided tours, park fees, and traditional Belizean lunch.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Belize City offers an incredible blend of ancient Maya heritage, pristine Caribbean waters, and vibrant local culture. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two activities—you’ll want to experience the archaeological wonders, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures that make this destination unique. Pack comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and waterproof gear. Book tours in advance during peak season, and always carry cash for local markets and street vendors.