Belize

Cost of living

What a month costs

Belize City rents beat the beach towns for value, but imported goods, reliable power and quality groceries add up fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Belize City

1. Swing BridgeManually operated swing bridge over Haulover Creek, one of very few still working worldwide.
2. Fort George Lighthouse and Baron Bliss MemorialLandmark point honoring the benefactor who shaped much of modern Belize.
3. Museum of BelizeNational museum set inside a former colonial jail on Gabourel Lane.
4. St. John's CathedralOldest Anglican cathedral in Central America, built from imported brick in 1812.
5. Government House / House of CultureElegant colonial residence turned museum near the harbor mouth.
6. Bliss Center for the Performing ArtsRiverside cultural venue hosting concerts, theater and national events.
7. Image Factory Art FoundationDowntown gallery showcasing contemporary Belizean artists.
8. Fort George districtHistoric waterfront quarter of old wooden mansions and sea breezes.
9. Memorial ParkSmall seafront green in Fort George honoring Belize's war dead.
10. St. John's Cathedral cemetery and Yarborough waterfrontAtmospheric old burial ground beside the southern shoreline.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. San Pedro, Ambergris CayeBelize's biggest island and dive base, an easy water taxi or short hop by air.
2. Caye CaulkerTiny go-slow island with sandy lanes and great snorkeling off the reef.
3. Altun HaCompact Maya ruins about 30 miles north, a simple half-day trip from the city.
4. The Belize ZooBeloved wildlife park on the Western Highway showing native jaguars, tapirs and toucans.
5. LamanaiRiverside Maya site reached by a scenic boat run up the New River lagoon.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Le Petit CafeCoffee and French-style pastries by the Radisson Fort George, open early.
2. Dit's Restaurant and BakeryLong-running King Street institution loved for cakes, tarts and strong local coffee.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Riverside TavernPopular riverside spot known for big burgers and steaks.
2. Nerie'sBustling local favorite for hearty Belizean plates and stewed everything.
3. Bird's Isle RestaurantBreezy waterfront kitchen on its own little islet at the south end.
4. Celebrity RestaurantSmart Marine Parade dining room mixing Belizean and international dishes.
5. Chon Saan PalaceBelize City's best-known Chinese restaurant, a longtime local staple.
6. Smoky MermaidCourtyard restaurant at The Great House hotel, strong on seafood.
7. Wet LizardCasual grill and bar beside the Tourism Village near the harbor.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Nerie'sThe classic Belizean breakfast of fry jacks, eggs, beans and stew chicken.
2. Dit's Restaurant and BakeryFresh pastries, johnnycakes and full local breakfasts early in the morning.
3. Le Petit CafeCroissants, coffee and a quieter morning start near Fort George.