Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Belize City

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$12-25 per day

Local street food, rice and beans from local spots, market vendors, occasional cheap restaurants

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis for longer distances

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, local markets, occasional museum entry

Eat at local spots away from the tourist waterfront area - typically 40-60% cheaper than tourist restaurants

Use public buses instead of taxis for city transport - usually 80-90% savings on transportation costs

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking sites to avoid commission fees

Shop at local markets for snacks and drinks instead of hotel shops - typically 50-70% less expensive

Take advantage of free walking areas like the Swing Bridge and waterfront instead of paid attractions

Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates

Join group tours rather than private tours - generally 60-80% cheaper per person

Only eating in the Fort George tourist area instead of exploring local neighborhoods - can double your food costs

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public buses - transportation costs can increase by 400-500%

Booking tours at hotel concierge desks instead of shopping around - typically 30-50% markup on activities

Not carrying small bills for local vendors and buses - often results in overpaying or getting poor exchange rates