Headed to AC for 5 days, but I want to take the boat over to Belize City to do a little exploring. Is this recommended? If so, what things can I do for a day in Belize City? Thanks for any help you can offer.

Becky, all the locals that live on AC sooner or later take the water taxi to Belize City for the day to shop or for appointments. Ask around and hook up with one, and tag along, they can help you explore.

Thanks Chloe. I'll ask around. Just want to try something new this time around.

Ask some of the service people you are familiar with, they probably have a family member or themselves, on their day off, going to BC.

Definately visit the Museum of Belize. More history? St John Cathedral. Lunch? My two new favs are Neri's on Queen and Daly (has a/c) or the more local one on Freetown road for Belize food. Or Gyros and Crepes, fabulous lebanese on Freetown Rd. What else? Birding? Shopping?

There is a community craft market right near the water taxi station. Also, a cool art gallery right near there, too, down the alley, off the street. A walk around the harbor, near "Embassy Row" (near Chatue Carribean Hotel) is a must. Lots of beautiful, old architecture,with the sea wall right there. And best of all, quiet and away from the hustle bustle.

Thanks everybody. I AM definitely going to do this as a day trip.

Becky, if you aren't in a big rush to get to AC, perhaps a night spent on your first day. Get a taxi from the airport, grab a nice room in a good part of the city, like the Colton House ( recommended ) and it's right in the heart of all of the interesting parts of Belize City.

Look at the map that's offered on the Colton House web site and see how close everything actually is, we walked to our room ( Colton House ) in about 5 minutes from the water taxi and the Raddison Fort George is across the street from the Colton House, and just a couple doors away from the Great House. LOVELY area.

Of course, this is taking one night away from AC, but it was certainly worth our stay for our last night in Belize. We only wished we had the time, that night, to go to some of the interesting places nearby. Next time !

Think it over. It's easier to do when you don't have to spend part of the day on the water and then, yet, have to return to the island.
Just a thought.

Thanks NY Gal, only thing is I dont' want to spend one night away from BB. My room there is almost as big as my apartment. If I get stuck though cuz I'm having too much fun, I will check out the place you mentioned.

Our arrival time always conflicts with staying in the city, and having daylight hours to visit these areas, they close early. ( plus, we too had reservations elsewhere for night # 1 )

But sure was glad to have found the Colton House.

NyGal's suggestion is a good one. Colton House is beautiful..no meals last I heard. Another in the area is Fort Street Guest House. It is noisy at night (has a restaurant in it), but an interesting old building that I really liked. Its been several years since there, but the food was quite good. Or you could stay at Colton and wander over to Fort Street to eat. BC is very safe in the day, but I'd watch my P's&Q's at night. Afterall, it is a port town.

Ft St has been closed for yonks and Colton never did and still doesn't serve meals. Try the Wet Lizard, next to the Tourism Village, for drinks and food. Nice new cafe/bakery at the Radisson hotel close to Colton House.

We've enjoyed staying at the Colton House and eating at the Smokey Mermaid, practically next door and a safe, short walk.

Hi Maya Travel. Awww. I liked Fort Street..when did it close? Are they doing anything with that nice old building?

Teresa Parkey, who was owner/operator of Ft St, is now genl mgr of the Belize Biltmore Hotel and has instituted the same Ft St menu at the hotel restaurant. She is one of the reasons the Biltmore has turned into one of the better places to stay in the City.

But, what's happening to that beautiful old building. Come to think of it...I spent my first night ever in Belize at the Fort Street Guest House. Are they doing anything with it?

Hey Beck,
If you decide to spend the night in BC, I will hook you up with my sisters and some friends so you can get the real Belize City! Well, even if you go for the day, I could get them to meet you for a looongg lunch! I don't think I gave you my address at T-giving but you can email me at unbelizeable@prodigy.net and I'll get you their phone #s. Also, you may want to read this post on the Belize Forums. Link is http://www.belizeforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000310

Thanks Gail, as long as they are not foozball champions, I am willing to go. I'll email you and get some more info.