Belize · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Belize
These are the places worth your time in Belize, from Creole kitchens in Belize City and reef trips from San Pedro and Caye Caulker to the ruins and caves around San Ignacio and the beaches of Placencia and Hopkins. Classics sit beside lesser-known corners, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Belize City
Arts and Culture
- Museum of Belize (Downtown)
The old colonial jail now tells Belize's story from the ancient Maya to independence. - St John's Cathedral (Southside)
The oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America, built with bricks that came as ships' ballast. - Image Factory Art Foundation (Downtown)
A small gallery showing contemporary Belizean artists in a historic building. - Government House, House of Culture (Southside)
The former governor's residence, now a museum with colonial history and quiet seaside gardens. - Altun Ha (Old Northern Highway)
A compact Maya site whose Temple of the Masonry Altars appears on the Belikin beer label.
Nature and Outdoors
- The Belize Zoo (Western Highway)
A small, much-loved home for rescued native animals, including jaguars, tapirs and harpy eagles. - Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Crooked Tree)
Lagoons and a historic Creole village famous for birdlife in the dry season.
Things to Do
- Belize City Swing Bridge (Downtown)
A hand-operated swing bridge over Haulover Creek at the heart of the old town. - Baron Bliss Memorial and Fort George Lighthouse (Fort George)
A breezy seafront spot honouring the benefactor whose gift built much of modern Belize. - Community Baboon Sanctuary (Bermudian Landing)
A community-run reserve where villagers protect black howler monkeys on their own land. - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve (New River, Orange Walk)
A boat ride up the New River leads to temples deep in the jungle, with crocodiles along the way.
Restaurants
- Nerie's Restaurant (Downtown)
A long-standing local favourite for stew chicken, rice and beans and cow foot soup. - Celebrity Restaurant and Lounge (Fort George)
A city classic for seafood and Belizean dishes in a relaxed setting. - Riverside Tavern (Downtown)
A riverside spot with big burgers and a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Shopping and Markets
- Belize City Market (Downtown)
The central market by the Swing Bridge for fruit, snacks and a slice of everyday life.
Bars and Nightlife
- Princess Hotel and Casino (Kings Park)
A long-running seafront venue with a casino, cinema and sea views.
Stays
- The Great House (Fort George)
A colonial mansion turned hotel in the calmest part of the city. - Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina (Fort George)
A seafront hotel by the harbour, convenient for water taxis and tours.
Events
- September Celebrations (Citywide)
Carnival, parades and parties for St George's Caye Day and Independence Day fill September.
Places to Visit in San Pedro
Things to Do
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve (South of San Pedro)
Belize's most famous snorkel site, full of turtles, eagle rays and schools of fish. - Shark Ray Alley (Hol Chan Marine Reserve)
Snorkel beside gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays in clear, shallow water. - Ambergris Caye golf cart tour (Island wide)
Rent a golf cart and explore the island at your own easy pace. - Great Blue Hole day trip (Lighthouse Reef Atoll)
A long but unforgettable trip to the famous sinkhole, Half Moon Caye and the outer atoll.
Nature and Outdoors
- Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve (North Ambergris Caye)
A remote, UNESCO-listed reserve with lagoons, mangroves and Maya sites at the island's tip. - Secret Beach (West side, north Ambergris)
Shallow, calm, turquoise water and beach bars on the lagoon side of the island.
Restaurants
- Elvi's Kitchen (San Pedro town)
A San Pedro institution for seafood and Belizean dishes since the 1970s. - Robin's Kitchen (South of town)
Smoky, spicy Jamaican jerk chicken and fish cooked by a friendly family. - Blue Water Grill (San Pedro town)
A beachfront favourite for seafood and sushi nights on the sand. - Waruguma (San Pedro town)
Famous for stuffed pupusas and generous Belizean comfort food. - Estel's Dine by the Sea (Front Street)
A sandy-floored beach café loved for big breakfasts and fry jacks.
Cafés
- Ruby's Cafe (Front Street)
A tiny bakery for coffee, cinnamon rolls and local pastries.
Bars and Nightlife
- Palapa Bar and Grill (North of town)
A dock bar where you can float in tubes with a drink over the water. - Wahoo's Lounge (San Pedro town)
Lively beach bar famed for its Thursday chicken drop game.
Events
- San Pedro Lobsterfest (San Pedro town)
Food stalls, music and lobster everything to open the season each summer.
Stays
- Victoria House Resort and Spa (South of town)
A beachfront colonial-style resort with gardens, pools and a calm feel. - Ramon's Village Resort (South of town)
A long-established palm-thatched resort near town and the dive shops. - Matachica Resort and Spa (North Ambergris)
Colourful casitas on a quiet northern beach for a true escape.
Places to Visit in Caye Caulker
Things to Do
- The Split (North end of village)
The island's famous swimming channel and sunset gathering spot. - Snorkelling day trip with manatee stop (Front docks)
A classic day on the reef with turtles, rays and a chance to see manatees. - Kitesurfing on Caye Caulker (South end)
Steady trade winds and shallow water make the island a great place to learn. - Multi-day sailing trip to Placencia (Front docks)
Sail, snorkel and camp on remote cayes on the way south.
Nature and Outdoors
- Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (Offshore)
A protected section of reef close to the island with great snorkelling.
Bars and Nightlife
- Lazy Lizard (The Split)
The bar at the Split, perfect for a swim, a drink and the sunset. - I and I Reggae Bar (Village)
Swing seats, reggae and a rooftop for evenings on the island.
Restaurants
- Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks (Middle Street)
A tiny window serving stuffed fry jacks, the island's best breakfast. - Wish Willy's (Back of the village)
A ramshackle backyard grill famous for whatever came off the boat that day. - Habaneros (Front Street)
A colourful corner house for dinner with Caribbean and Latin flavours. - Rose's Grill and Bar (Front Street)
Choose your fresh seafood from the display and watch it grilled.
Cafés
- Ice and Beans (Front Street)
A seafront café for coffee and warm mini doughnuts in the morning. - Amor y Cafe (Front Street)
A busy breakfast spot for coffee, fruit and fresh bread.
Events
- Caye Caulker Lobsterfest (Village)
The island celebrates the opening of lobster season with food and music.
Stays
- Iguana Reef Inn (Village, west side)
A calm, comfortable inn by the water with sunset views.
Places to Visit in San Ignacio
Arts and Culture
- Xunantunich (San Jose Succotz)
Cross by hand-cranked ferry and climb El Castillo for views into Guatemala. - Caracol (Chiquibul Forest)
One of the greatest Maya cities, with the towering Caana pyramid deep in the forest. - Cahal Pech (San Ignacio town)
A hilltop Maya site within walking distance of town.
Things to Do
- Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (Teakettle)
A guided wade and swim into a sacred Maya cave holding ancient pottery and skeletons. - Barton Creek Cave (Upper Barton Creek)
Canoe into a river cave lit by headlamps, past Maya remains.
Nature and Outdoors
- Green Iguana Conservation Project (San Ignacio Resort Hotel)
Meet and learn about iguanas being raised and released back into the wild. - Rio On Pools (Mountain Pine Ridge)
Natural pools and small falls among granite boulders, perfect for a swim. - Big Rock Falls (Mountain Pine Ridge)
A dramatic waterfall and deep swimming hole in the pine forest. - Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (South of San Ignacio)
Cool pine uplands with viewpoints, waterfalls and quiet trails. - Blue Hole National Park (Hummingbird Highway)
A sapphire swimming hole and St Herman's Cave on the road east.
Shopping and Markets
- San Ignacio Saturday Market (Santa Elena side)
A colourful market for fruit, Mennonite cheese, crafts and tamales.
Restaurants
- Pop's Restaurant (West Street)
A tiny diner famous for big Belizean breakfasts. - Hode's Place (Branch Mouth Road)
A big family-friendly garden restaurant with Belizean and Latin food. - Guava Limb Café (Burns Avenue)
Relaxed dinners on a garden terrace with fresh, local ingredients.
Stays
- The Lodge at Chaa Creek (Macal River)
A classic jungle lodge with river views, trails and a medicinal plant walk. - Blancaneaux Lodge (Mountain Pine Ridge)
A riverside lodge in the pine forest with waterfalls and calm. - Black Rock Lodge (Macal River)
Remote cabins above the river with birdsong and quiet.
Places to Visit in Placencia
Nature and Outdoors
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park (Offshore)
A UNESCO-listed caye with clear water and excellent snorkelling. - Silk Cayes (Gladden Spit Marine Reserve)
Three tiny islands with turtles, rays and soft white sand. - Monkey River trip (Monkey River Town)
A boat ride for howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds and a village lunch. - Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Maya Centre)
The world's first jaguar reserve, with trails, waterfalls and river tubing.
Things to Do
- Whale shark trip to Gladden Spit (Offshore)
Seasonal trips to swim with whale sharks around the spring full moons. - Placencia Sidewalk (Placencia Village)
A narrow footpath through the village lined with guesthouses and cafés.
Restaurants
- Rumfish y Vino (Placencia Village)
A relaxed upstairs spot for seafood, small plates and wine.
Cafés
- Tutti Frutti Gelato (Placencia Village)
Italian gelato made with local fruits, perfect on a hot day.
Bars and Nightlife
- Barefoot Bar (Placencia Village)
A beach bar with live music, fire dancers and a sandy floor.
Events
- Placencia Lobsterfest (Placencia Village)
A summer celebration of lobster season with food and music.
Stays
- Turtle Inn (Placencia Village)
Thatched beach villas with a Balinese feel near the village. - Chabil Mar (Placencia peninsula)
Calm beachfront villas with pools and a peaceful setting.
Arts and Culture
- Nim Li Punit (Toledo District)
A small Maya site known for its carved stelae, on the way south. - Lubaantun (San Pedro Columbia, Toledo)
Unique rounded stone temples built without mortar in the hills.
Places to Visit in Hopkins
Arts and Culture
- Lebeha Drumming Center (Hopkins Village)
Learn Garifuna drumming and dance from local teachers.
Events
- Garifuna Settlement Day (Hopkins Village)
Re-enactments, drumming and dancing on 19 November celebrate the Garifuna arrival.
Stays
- Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort (Sittee Point)
A beachfront resort with treehouse rooms and dive trips.
Restaurants
- Driftwood Beach Bar and Pizza Shack (Hopkins Village)
Beachside pizza, cold drinks and drumming nights.
Nature and Outdoors
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park (Stann Creek)
Waterfalls, trails and one of the longest zip lines in the region.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Dit's Restaurant (Downtown, Belize City)
Simple home cooking, Creole breakfasts and famous cakes and pies. - Old Belize Cultural and Historical Center (Western Highway, Belize City)
A friendly museum and beach stop with displays on logging, Maya life and Creole history. - D'Nest Inn (Belama, Belize City)
A homely guesthouse with gardens, handy for the airport. - Belize International Film Festival (Citywide, Belize City)
A showcase of Belizean and regional film when it runs. - Le Petit Café (Fort George, Belize City)
A small café and bakery for coffee and pastries before a city walk. - Hidden Treasure Restaurant (South of town, San Pedro)
Candlelit dinners in a tucked-away garden built with salvaged wood. - The Baker (San Pedro town, San Pedro)
Fresh breads and treats for an early start before a reef trip. - Crazy Canucks Beach Bar (South of town, San Pedro)
Live music and a relaxed beach crowd at this friendly bar. - San Pedro House of Culture (San Pedro town, San Pedro)
Small exhibits and workshops on the island's history and Mestizo heritage. - Costa Maya Festival (San Pedro town, San Pedro)
A summer festival of music, pageants and celebration of the region's culture. - San Pedro Saturday market (San Pedro town, San Pedro)
Local food, crafts and produce on market mornings. - Pedro's Inn (South of town, San Pedro)
A friendly, simple base for budget travellers and divers. - Caye Caulker Forest Reserve (North Caye Caulker, Caye Caulker)
Mangroves, birds and quiet trails on the little-visited north of the island. - Femi's (Front Street, Caye Caulker)
Seafront plates and cocktails on a deck over the water. - Front Street craft stalls (Front Street, Caye Caulker)
Wood carvings, jewellery and small souvenirs from local makers. - Bella's Backpackers (Village, Caye Caulker)
A sociable, simple hostel for budget travellers. - Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages (South end, Caye Caulker)
Quiet cottages and a pool by the water at the calmer end of the island. - Caye Caulker Mini Reserve (Village, Caye Caulker)
A tiny community nature reserve showing island plants and birds. - Erva's Restaurant (Far West Street, San Ignacio)
Home-style Belizean cooking that locals have trusted for years. - Ko-Ox Han-nah (Burns Avenue, San Ignacio)
A small spot with an eclectic menu from Belizean to curry. - Ixcacao Maya Belizean Chocolate (San Ignacio area, San Ignacio)
Learn how the Maya made chocolate, from bean to cup, with a local family. - Bamboo Bar at Hode's (Branch Mouth Road, San Ignacio)
A friendly spot for a cold drink after a day of ruins. - Midas Resort (San Ignacio town, San Ignacio)
Simple cabanas by the river within walking distance of town. - Cayo Expo and Agriculture Show (Belmopan area, San Ignacio)
Rodeos, food stalls and farming displays bring the district together. - Belize Botanic Gardens (Macal River, San Ignacio)
Trails through native plants, orchids and medicinal gardens. - Omar's Creole Grub (Placencia Village, Placencia)
Simple, generous Creole seafood plates from a friendly family. - Mango's Bar and Grill (Maya Beach, Placencia)
A beachside favourite for sunsets, cocktails and seafood. - Sidewalk Arts Festival (Placencia Village, Placencia)
Art, crafts and music fill the Sidewalk around Valentine's Day. - Placencia Village craft stalls (Placencia Village, Placencia)
Wood carvings, slate carvings and jewellery from local makers. - Lydia's Guesthouse (Placencia Village, Placencia)
A simple, friendly guesthouse a short walk from the beach. - Hopkins village cookshops (Hopkins Village, Hopkins)
Hudut and sere from home kitchens are the taste of Garifuna Belize. - Sittee River canoe trip (Sittee River, Hopkins)
Paddle through quiet forest for birds and wildlife near Hopkins. - Hopkins beach bars (Hopkins Village, Hopkins)
Casual evenings with locals by the sea. - Tipple Tree Beya (Hopkins Village, Hopkins)
A small, simple beachfront guesthouse in the village.