Review of Belize City, Belize

Belize City lies on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, with a population of around 50,000 around 1 in every 5 residents of Belize live here in its former capital. It is not the most picturesque of places, it has in the past had a bad reputation for crime and so many travelers will avoid the city all together and go straight off to their pre-booked luxury resort further along the coast or out on one of the many islands (or Cayes) that make up the barrier reef. It is true the city has had a bad past record with petty crime being prevalent with many tourists being the victims of such. The city has now done a lot to clean up this image and now employs tourist police whose existence is purely to assist visitors at points around the city. Much of the attraction to the city is for its rather ramshackle appearance, its collection of Victorian style buildings upon its narrow streets and the cooling breeze blowing in off the sea. For the independent traveler whether on a budget or equally someone seeking a luxurious hotel there is something here for all.

A settlement first appeared here in the 1700's when the Baymen (British pirates) arrived. It was the first European settlement on mainland Belize and eventually became the capital and seat of government after the Spanish invaded and captured nearby St. Georges Caye in 1779. Further battles ensued over the Caye until it was won back by the Baymen in 1798. By that time Belize City was well established as the capital and seat of the countries government.

Belize City was a trading post for loggers who after spending many months at a time in the forest would enter the city for their pay ready to relax and consume the local rum before returning to the forest. Belize City has had a number of disasters to overcome in its history. Notably fires, epidemics as well as the occasional but inevitable hurricanes. It was after the city was raised to the ground by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 that the government decided to move the capital further inland to the site of its present capital of Belmopan. Much of Belize's official events and announcements are still made from Belize City, although gradually more and more of the official organizations are now moving along the Western Highway and setting up in the much more modern capital.

One of the best ways to discover the city is by taking a walking tour, whether you decide to take an officially organized escorted tour or to discover the hidden delights of the city for yourself is up to you and a matter of personal preference, cost and time available usually being the major factors in this decision.

Source: - personal knowledge and experience

wikipedia