Visitor Information
The Belize Tourist Board (tel. 800/624-0686 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or 223-1913 in Belize; www.travelbelize.org) has a large office at mile 3 1/2 of the Northern Highway. If you missed their desk at the airport, they have a basic information desk here with regional brochures, basic maps, and a score of hotel and tour fliers; the office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Local travel agencies are another good source of information. Three in Belize City to try are Discovery Expeditions, 5916 Manatee Dr., Buttonwood Bay (tel. 223-0748; www.discoverybelize.com); Grayline Belize, 71 N. Front St. (tel. 223-6025; www.graylinebelize.com); and S&L Travel and Tours, 91 N. Front St. (tel. 227-7593; www.sltravelbelize.com).
City Layout
Belize City is surrounded on three sides by water, with Haulover Creek dividing the city in two. The Swing Bridge, near the mouth of Haulover Creek, is the main route between the two halves of the city, as well as the city's principal landmark. At the south end of the bridge is Market Square and the start of Regent Street and Albert Street. This is where you'll find most of Belize City's shops and offices. To the west and east of these two major roads is a grid of smaller roads lined with dilapidated wooden houses. On the north side of the bridge and to the right is the Fort George area. From the southern side of the city, Cemetery Road heads out of town to the west and becomes the Western Highway, while from the northern side of the city, Freetown Road becomes Haulover Road and then the Northern Highway.
