::: Things to Do and See in Belize City

There is so much to do in Belize and it would be virtually impossible to explain them all in details but here's an overview of what's to do here.

Tours & Attractions
A City tour is a great idea and you can learn about the Haulover Bridge (the first bridge you will cross coming in from the airport heading to Belize City) St. John's Cathedral, Supreme Court House, Albert Street and Regent Street (we are located on Regent Street) Swing Bridge, House of Culture, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Museum of Belize.

Here is a little information about some of the above sites:

House of Culture
(5 min walk from Hotel Mopan)
The House of Culture is one of Belize City's oldest buildings in the city. Built in in 1814, this building was known as the Government House and was the residence of the governor-general up until Belizean independence from the British Commonwealth in 1981. The Belizean flag was raised for the first time on September 21, 1981 at this very location. This building was damaged and refurbishd after two hurricanes in 1931 and again in 1961 (Hurricane Hattie). As a side note, Hattieville, a village out west was named Hattieville after this hurricane because many people migrated to this area after the hurricane.

One can enjoy the furniture and tableware from the former residence along with historical photographs and occasional special exhibits by taking a tour at the establishment. One of Baron Bliss' (one of Belize's main benefactors) boats is displayed in the garden.

St. John's Cathedral
(5 min walk from Hotel Mopan)
St John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. It was built in 1812 by slaves with bricks brought on a ship from Europe as ballast. A notable ancient pipe organ and Baymen-era tombstones are found inside.

Swing Bridge
(10 min walk from Hotel Mopan)
The Belize Swing Bridge connects Belize City's south and north sides. Built in 1923, it is the only manually operated swing bridge in the world. Each morning and evening, bridge operators rotate the bridge just long enough to let tall boats pass along Haulover Creek, halting city traffic including pedestrians.

Baron Bliss Lighthouse Monument
(20 min walk from Hotel Mopan)
Located at Fort George Point this lighthouse towers over the harbor entrance. Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal, was Belize's greatest benefactor and this monument was built with money donated to the country. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse, which he designed himself prior to his death.

Museum of Belize
(20 min walk from Hotel Mopan)
The two-story brick building on Gabourel Lane was built as a colonial prison in the mid 1800s. It has a permanent exhibit of ancient Maya pottery as well as displays on the history of Belize City and Belize's rich Maya history. It gives an eerie feeling of being inside the prison when you see the area where capital punnishment was practiced and when you get a sense of how small the cells were and how many men shared it at times.

Belize City is very historical and there are many things to learn about our city. Please come with an open mind to embrace where we have been, where we are and how long it took us to get here. More importantly, embrace where we are headed. We are proud of our accomplishments.

Check with your Front Desk at your hotel for more information on the following activities available in your area. There are many interesting and adventurous tours such as these. Most tour operators either provide these tours or know a fellow tour operator who will.