Most travellers choose to spend a few nights in the Cayo district of the mainland rather than Bz City. Lots of great sites are very close by San Ignacio town, many of which you can do on your own. If you stay in the city, you will still need to travel quite a ways to see the ruins, caves, waterfalls, rainforest, etc. Unless you have a particular reason to be in Bz City, or a very early departure flight, there is not really a reason to stay in the city. Most people do not like it much and it is not really geared for tourism. That said, there is a nice cathedral and good museum there, as well as a nice music/art/drama venue, and the zoo about 30 miles from the city proper. But the sights most tourists come to Belize to see are all at least 1 - 2 hrs drive from the city. I would suggest splitting the trip up with time on AC and time in Cayo (at least 2 or 3 nights), in or around the San Ignacio area. LOTS to do and see, great jungle lodges, and a much different experience than the islands. Most of the time, you will be able to get back to Bz City for your flight out. It's about a 2 hr drive to San Ignacio, and the closest of the nice jungle lodges are about 1 1/2 hr drive from Bz City.