Welcome to Belize: A First-Timer’s Guide to Starting Your Trip Smoothly
From The Palms King’s Park, Belize City
If this is your first time visiting Belize, welcome — you’re in for an adventure!
Belize is one of those rare destinations where you can wake up watching the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, explore an ancient Maya city by midday, and end the afternoon snorkeling alongside colorful fish. And the best part? You can reach all of these experiences easily from Belize City, especially if you’re staying somewhere central and well-connected like The Palms.
This guide covers what most travelers want to know before they land, with a focus on what you can actually do during your first days in the country.
Start Exploring Right Away: Things to Do in and Around Belize City
Many visitors arrive expecting to simply spend the night before continuing elsewhere — and then discover there’s much more to see nearby than they thought.
Within short reach, you’ll find:
Within the City
Seaside Promenade – a relaxed oceanfront walk perfect after a flight
Belize Sign – colorful landmark and photo stop
Fort Street & historic downtown – colonial architecture, local shops, cafés
Museum of Belize – culture, history, and a great introduction to the country
These are ideal if you want to stretch your legs, enjoy the sea breeze, or grab something delicious to eat without committing to a full excursion.
Just Outside the City
(20–40 minutes)
Old Belize Marina & Beach Club – artificial beach, restaurants, easy-going atmosphere
The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center – known for rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife
Altun Ha – one of Belize’s most iconic Maya sites, surprisingly close to the city
If you’re staying with us, we can organize outings to these locations as part of your stay.
Understanding Belize’s Main Regions (and How to Reach Them)
Belize is wonderfully compact, which means you can enjoy completely different landscapes within a short distance. Here’s how the main areas compare — and what makes each one worth visiting.
The Cayes: Caye Caulker & San Pedro
These islands offer:
turquoise water
snorkeling and diving
beach cafés and bars
relaxed Caribbean atmosphere
Travel time from Belize City:
Caye Caulker: ~1 hour by water taxi / ~10 min flight
San Pedro: ~1.5 hours by water taxi / ~20 min flight
Many travelers choose to stay in the city and take day trips to the islands — especially for snorkeling tours, sailing trips, or simply spending a day walking sandy streets and enjoying the sea.
From The Palms, it’s easy to arrange island experiences such as:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Shark Ray Alley
Coral Gardens
You leave in the morning and return to your room in the evening without changing hotels.
Cayo District: San Ignacio, Caves, and Maya Cities
West of the city, the landscape becomes:
lush and jungle-filled
full of rivers and waterfalls
home to impressive archaeological sites
Highlights include:
Xunantunich
Cave tubing and ziplining
Barton Creek Cave
Caracol, the largest Maya city discovered in Belize
Caracol is one of the most remarkable experiences in the country — deep in the forest, surrounded by nature and howler monkeys, with panoramic pyramid views. Many guests don’t realize that you can visit Caracol as a day trip from Belize City with proper planning.
We regularly arrange full-day inland experiences like this, combining archaeology, nature, and Belizean culture.
The Coast & Southern Beaches: Hopkins & Placencia
South of Belize City, the coastline becomes:
quieter
more village-oriented
known for Garifuna culture
home to long sandy beaches
Hopkins and Placencia are popular choices for:
beach days
culinary experiences
marine excursions
cultural music and drumming
You can reach Placencia by road (~3 hours) or by a short domestic flight, and it’s possible to enjoy it as a day experience if you’re centrally based.
Why Some Travellers Choose a Central Stay
Instead of moving between several hotels, many visitors now prefer to:
stay in one comfortable location
explore islands, jungle, and coast through day trips
return to the same room each evening
This approach works especially well in Belize because distances are manageable and experiences are varied.
Belize City gives you access to:
island adventures
Maya heritage sites
caves and rivers
wildlife encounters
coastal culture
without needing to repack or reorganize every few days.
At The Palms, we see this trend growing, particularly among travelers who want to experience all sides of Belize in a shorter trip.
Currency, Cards, and Cash
Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD), with a fixed rate of:
2 BZD = 1 USD
USD is widely accepted, especially in tourism settings, and credit cards are commonly used in:
hotels
restaurants
tour operators
ATMs are available across the country, particularly in Belize City.
Bringing a few small USD bills makes quick purchases easier.
Quick Arrival Tip
Keeping a comfortable outfit in your carry-on makes it easy to refresh after travel without opening your whole suitcase. Most travelers appreciate being able to change quickly before heading out to explore or relax.
If You Stay at The Palms
Staying with us means your trip can begin smoothly and comfortably, with access to:
curated inland and marine tours
private transfers in comfortable vehicles
assistance arranging domestic flights and water taxi tickets
a pool to unwind after travel
an on-site spa experience
private balconies in every room
support from our team throughout your stay
It’s the perfect combination for travelers who want to enjoy both the city and all the experiences Belize offers.
Welcome to Belize
Whether you’re dreaming of islands, rainforest, beaches, or ancient history, Belize City is where it all connects.
Welcome to Belize — and welcome to The Palms.
