Belize City is a unique place, full of energy and adventure, but also down-to-earth and - some might say - gritty. With easy access to Mayan ruins, native wildlife, and spectacular diving, Belize City is the gateway to it all. So, whether you arrive on a cruise, or decide to venture away from the idyllic Cayes, Belize City will reward you with a friendly welcome and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re into history, Belize City is sure to keep you riveted. Home to heritage buildings that reflect both its Caribbean and British past, it’s a place to explore, soaking up the blend of new and old, and enjoying the vibrant colors all around. Spend a morning on a Belize city tour exploring downtown, admiring the world’s oldest manual swing bridge, and learning about Belize’s checkered history in the Belize City National Museum. There are also plenty of Belize City excursions to the Mayan ruins and we recommend you join one if you can, as they’re fascinating. Altun Ha is the closest to Belize City and is well worth a look. Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich are the most popular and well-excavated ruin sites and are super atmospheric places to explore on [Mayan ruins tours]. Belize City is also a great jumping-off point for Belize wildlife tours - and Belize has plenty of them to tempt you. Manatees live close to the city, sharks and stingrays are just off the shoreline, and the famous Belize Zoo is only an hour away.