It may not longer be the capital of this small Central American nation, but there are plenty of reasons to visit Belize City. The largest city in the country has lots of colonial history. And, its coast on the Caribbean Sea means it’s a great place to spend a few days soaking up the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

If you’ve planned to include the largest city in Belize on your Central America itinerary, you’ll need to know where to stay in Belize City. But what fits into a backpacker budget? Well, we’ve decided to help you plan your trip.

That’s right, in this post we’ve put together a list of the best cheap places in town. Yes, we’ve included the best hostels in Belize City, with some budget hotels and Airbnbs thrown in too! Hopefully, this list will help you make the most of your trip and have a great time in Belize!

Quick Answer – Best Hostels in Belize City

Best Hostels in Belize City

Best Hostels in Belize City

If you’re backpacking Belize, you’ll probably end up in Belize City sooner or later. It’s the state’s biggest city and hosts the largest harbour in Belize. With its amazing location, it attracts quite a few tourists all year round.

There are loads of awesome hostels in Belize, but the ones found in Belize City are truly special. Perfect for backpackers on a budget, they can enjoy a super comfy bed, the chance to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world while keeping the costs low.

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    Best Cheap Hostel in Belize City – The Red Hut Inn

    The Red Hut Inn
    The Red Hut Inn is our pick for the best cheap hostel in Belize City
    • $
    • Fully equipped kitchen
    • Airport pick up/drop off available
    • Near the sea!

    For the best budget hostel in Belize City, look no further than the Red Hut Inn. There is a mixture of dormitories and private rooms, so it’s suitable for all budgets really! To keep your costs as low as possible, pick some food up at the nearby supermarket and prepare it in the fully equipped kitchen, rather than spending money on restaurants! Also, if you’re unsure about getting to or from the airport, you’ll be pleased to know this Belize City backpackers hostel offers pick up and drop off. That should take away some of the stress!

    Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Belize City – Sir Angel’s Guesthouse (Airbnb)

    Sir Angel’s Guesthouse (Airbnb)
    Sir Angel’s Guesthouse (Airbnb) is our pick for the best hostel for digital nomads in Belize City
    • $$$
    • Complimentary Tea and Coffee
    • Free shuttle to/from water taxi
    • Salon and massage services

    When you’re travelling as a digital nomad, sometimes you need a break from hostels. Yes, they’re great for meeting people, but if you need to get your head down and work you could probably do without the distractions. This guest house is one of the coolest places to stay in Belize City! And essentially for remote workers, there’s a laptop-friendly workspace and a fast Wi-Fi connection. Another bonus is that all the essentials are provided for you – meaning that you can keep your suitcase lightweight!

    Overall Best Hostel in Belize City – McKay’s Hostel

    McKay’s Hostel
    McKay’s Hostel is our pick for the overall best hostel in Belize City
    • $$
    • Free drinks on arrival
    • Shared Lounge
    • Breakfast available

    Let’s kick off our list of the best hostels in Belize City with a cool and friendly place to stay – McKay’s Hostel. It’s just 150 metres from the centre of Belize City, so you really are spoiled in terms of location! There are plenty of place in the hostel to meet other travellers too, such as the garden, shared lounge, or outdoor terrace. Rooms come equipped with air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV, so you’re welcome to enjoy a night in too! Last but not least, start the day with breakfast to fuel yourself up before exploring the town. There are American, continental, and vegan options!

    McKay’s Hostel is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in Belize City – Caribbean Palms Inn

    Caribbean Palms Inn
    Caribbean Palms Inn is our pick for the best hostels for solo travellers in Belize City
    • $$
    • Tour desk
    • Terrace with Outdoor Dining
    • Laundry Available

    You can be at the ocean within two minutes of checking into this awesome Belize City backpackers hostel! So, it’s ideal for solo travellers. You have the choice of heading down to the beach and making friends, or checking out who is sharing your dorm. Of course, if you want the vibe of a hostel without sharing a dorm, you can always book a private room instead! If you want to explore the cayes surrounding the hostel, there’s a tour desk here which can take you wherever you want to go!

    Caribbean Palms Inn is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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    Best Hostel for Couples in Belize City – New Chon Sing Restaurant and Guest House

    New Chon Sing Restaurant and Guest House
    New Chon Sing Restaurant and Guest House is our pick for the best hostel for couples in Belize City
    • $$
    • Chinese restaurant on site
    • Private bathroom
    • Near Water Taxi

    If you’re travelling with your other half, you won’t want to be in a sweaty, smelly, or noisy dorm. Instead, here’s a recommended Belize City Hostel. New Chong Sing Restaurant and Guest House not only offers you a lovely double room with a private bathroom, but there’s a Chinese restaurant on site. So, there’s your romantic evening meal sorted too! It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the water taxi too, so you can easily get to the surrounding cayes!

    New Chon Sing Restaurant and Guest House is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    Best Hostel with a Private Room in Belize City – Belcove Hotel & Guesthouse

    Belcove Hotel & Guesthouse
    Belcove Hotel & Guesthouse is our pick for the best hostel with a private room in Belize City
    • $$
    • Sun terrace with sea view
    • Airport shuttle
    • Vending machines in lobby

    You might want to stay in one of the coolest hostels in Belize City without having to share a dorm. So, instead, let’s check out a guesthouse with awesome private rooms! If you’re a long term traveller who needs a break from parties and late nights, check into a single room at this cool guesthouse. Likewise, it suits a couple on a budget too! You can relax with a sea view from the sun terrace and get chatting to other guests in the evenings!

    Belcove Hotel & Guesthouse is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    More Great Hostels in Belize City

    Bella Sombra Guest House Kings Park

    Bella Sombra Guest House Kings Park
    Bella Sombra Guest House Kings Park
    • $$
    • Tropical Gardens
    • Air conditioned rooms
    • Private bathrooms

    There are lots of top hostels in Belize City, but if you’re on a budget you might want to explore some other options such as guest houses. One of our favourites is Bella Sombra Kings Park, which set around a gorgeous tropical garden! This is a great shout for families as it is equipped with family rooms. In the rooms, you’ll find a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Everything you could need from a cosy and comfy stay!

    Bella Sombra Guest House Kings Park is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    Bella Sombra Guest House Downtown

    Bella Sombra Guest House Downtown
    Bella Sombra Guest House Downtown
    • $$$
    • Garden
    • Basic kitchenettes
    • Free private parking

    If you like Bella Sombra but you’d rather be close to the centre of town, no worries. This one offers basic kitchenettes in rooms and it’s just a 15-minute walk from one of the most important landmarks in town – St John’s Cathedral! Another great plus of staying here is for travellers who have their own transport. Yep, if you’re exploring Belize by car, you’ve got a private parking space here at no extra cost! The guest house can also help you plan day trips and excursions – just talk to the friendly staff at the desk if you fancy a change of scenery!

    Bella Sombra Guest House Downtown is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    Private Guest Queen Room in the City (Airbnb)

    Private Guest Queen Room in the City (Airbnb)
    Private Guest Queen Room in the City (Airbnb)
    • $
    • Safe neighbourhood
    • Outdoor gazebo and patio
    • Homely and welcoming

    Other than Belize City Backpackers hostels, you can keep your costs down by choosing an Airbnb. This guest queen room is a homestay, which will not only save you money, but give you an authentic experience of Belize City! You’ve got your own bathroom and you’re welcome to the communal areas of the home, including zen gardens, a patio, and a gazebo! Best of all, it’s in one of the safest neighbourhoods in town! For a unique and local experience, go for a run with your host family and their friends at the local football stadium. That’s if you can keep up, of course!

    Private Guest Queen Room in the City (Airbnb) is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

    Bagels on the Beach (Airbnb)

    Bagels on the Beach (Airbnb)
    Bagels on the Beach (Airbnb)
    • $
    • Swimming Pool
    • Private bathroom and entry
    • Right on the beach!

    Last but not least on our list of the best hostels in Belize City is another Airbnb! And these units are right on the beach at Caye Caulker! If you’re a beach bum, there truly is no better place to stay in Belize City on a budget! In the village, you’ve got restaurants, shops, and everything you could need when it comes to convenience. On-site, you’ve got a swimming pool if heading out into the sea is a bit nerve-wracking for you! The perfect place to round off our list.

    Bagels on the Beach (Airbnb) is one of our favourites in Belize City but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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      What to Pack for your Belize City Hostel

      Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

      Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

      FAQ about Hostels in Belize City

      Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Belize City.

      Travel Safety Tips for Belize City

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      Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Belize City

      So, that’s all from our list of the best hostels in Belize City. We think you’ll agree there’s a lot of choice. Whether you want to make new friends in a dorm style room, get some privacy with the one you love, or wake up literally on the beach, there’s a hostel in Belize City for you!

      We just hope you haven’t been overwhelmed by our selection. If that’s the case, take a deep breath and go with our favourite hostel in Belize City. That’s McKay’s Hostel. It’s the perfect combination of good value for money, a great location, and a friendly atmosphere.

      Now, all that’s left is for us to wish you happy holidays in Belize City. We hope you have a great time!

      Do you own or run a kick ass hostel? Want to be featured in this list? Get in touch at [email protected]


      And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!