Because of its high crime rate, Belize City is best avoided, or relegated to a guided one-day tour.
Some old frame houses on stilts are being fixed up, and several Victorian mansions have been converted into small inns with restaurants. Even so, Belize's biggest city has a long way to go before it will be considered charming. Still, good restaurants and a vibrant arts community show growth.
Most visitors who spend the night stay in the north side of the city center in Fort George, considered the nicest neighborhood. The area has a small lighthouse and a park with good views of the water.
To reach the heart of the city, you'll cross the Swing Bridge, one of the few manually operated bridges still in use. On the south side of the bridge is the business district, which is the commercial hub of the city and contains St. John's Cathedral, the Bliss Center and the House of Culture, among other attractions.
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