On your own in Belize City?

[ussuriysk]

We were in Belize last year on Christmas Day and did a Bannister island excursion and spent the afternoon in the tourist village. We did venture outside a couple of blocks to a flea market, but other than that the city was shut. This year we'll be there Christmas Eve and we've decided against doing any excursions or tours. Anyone have any ideas about wandering around town and what there might be to see/do/buy? At most ports in the Caribbean (we've been through a bunch of them), we're generally happy just wandering through local stores (the local grocery is always fun) and generally looking around, and then planting our b--ts someplace to drink beer for the afternoon until sailing or until out son gets bored. We'd appreciate any suggestions on areas of the city to visit (or avoid). Thanks!

[OttoCal]

While I love Belize the Country, Belize City leaves much to be desired :(

 

If you want to see a bit of the city, there are some small shops right outside the tourist/ fenced in area. There is a small monument on the sea wall about in front of the Raddison Fort GEorge. There is a restaurant called the Smoky Mermaid in that area also, very nice. This would be going to your right from the tourist area. There is also a small craft market that has slightly fancier stuff than you would find in the tourist shops.

 

Take a look at the Swing Bridge (to the left from the tourist area). If you cross it and stay to the sea wall, you will have some nice views, but you might also be dissapointed because it is kind of dirty/depressing. If you go directly up the street, you will have your choice of seedy shops with what I likened to flea market junk in them. (socks, junky flipflops, questionble 'electronics').

 

You can also just have drinks at the Raddison- they have a buffet for dinner, not sure about lunch, a nice pool, pool bar etc. It is clean and safe. And has a small gift shop. Fun drinks like watermelon margaritas and other great juices.

 

There is a museum (never been, heard it has some recovered artifacts from the mayan ruins) somewhere in the city, but you may find that it is closed on Christmas Eve. I am not sure what type of opening hours you would find or if that would be considered a holiday type day.

 

I actually think you would get more out of it on a short tour- you get a little local flavor that way. There are several short driving/trolley tours you might look into, and that gives you some bar time also.

 

Below: monument thingy in Belize City- on the seawall.