Things to Do at Government House

Complete Guide to Government House in Belize City

About Government House

Government House in Belize City stands as one of the country's most significant historical landmarks, serving as the former residence of British colonial governors from 1814 to 1996. This elegant colonial mansion, built in the Georgian architectural style, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and represents over 180 years of Belizean political history. The building witnessed the transition from British Honduras to independent Belize and hosted numerous dignitaries, including members of the British Royal Family. Today, Government House operates as the House of Culture, a museum and cultural center that preserves Belize's rich heritage. The beautifully restored building showcases period furnishings, historical artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Belize's journey from colonial rule to independence. Its manicured gardens and seaside location make it not only a repository of history but also one of Belize City's most photogenic attractions.

What to See & Do

Historical Exhibits

Explore displays chronicling Belize's colonial period, independence movement, and political evolution through artifacts, documents, and photographs

Governor's Quarters

Tour the restored living quarters featuring period furniture, elegant dining rooms, and bedrooms that housed British colonial governors

Seaside Gardens

Stroll through the meticulously maintained tropical gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea with native plants and colonial-era landscaping

Royal Visit Memorabilia

View collections commemorating visits by British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family

Architecture and Design

Admire the Georgian colonial architecture, including wraparound verandas, mahogany woodwork, and traditional Caribbean adaptations

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed weekends and public holidays

Tickets & Pricing

BZ$10 for adults, BZ$5 for students and children, guided tours available for BZ$15 per person

Best Time to Visit

Morning hours (9:00-11:00 AM) for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for self-guided tour, 2-3 hours with guided tour and garden exploration

Getting There

Government House is located on Regent Street in the Fort George area of Belize City, easily accessible by taxi, rental car, or on foot from the city center. The building is approximately 10 minutes from the Belize City Municipal Airport and 45 minutes from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. Water taxis from nearby cayes can drop passengers at the nearby Swing Bridge, making it a 10-minute walk to the attraction. The landmark is well-signposted and sits prominently along the seafront.

Things to Do Nearby

Belize Museum
National museum showcasing Maya artifacts, colonial history, and natural history exhibits just a few blocks away
St. John's Cathedral
Historic Anglican cathedral dating to 1812, where British colonial ceremonies took place
Swing Bridge
Iconic manually operated bridge over Haulover Creek, one of the few remaining of its kind in the world
Fort George Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of Belize City and the Caribbean coastline
Memorial Park
Waterfront park commemorating Belizean history with monuments and scenic views of the harbor

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera as photography is permitted throughout most areas of the house and gardens
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring multiple floors and outdoor garden areas
Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like St. John's Cathedral for a full historical tour
Check for special cultural events and exhibitions that are occasionally held at the House of Culture

Tours & Activities at Government House