Belfast: The Complete Guide
Read our travel guide on Belfast, Northern Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and, undoubtedly, one of the most exciting cities you can explore on Emerald Isle.
There are many exciting reasons to visit Belfast. The coastal city has a rich history, lively pubs, vibrant culture, and a fantastic location.
Simply put, there are plenty of things to see and do for every traveler.
When planning our trip to Ireland, we weren't sure we would have enough time to include Northern Ireland in our itinerary.
So, after visiting Ireland's Ancient East and driving the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Way, we finally made it to the largest city in Northern Ireland.
As the journey took us more than two weeks, we were pretty tired when we got there.
It may be a bit strange, but Belfast was truly a great place for us to unwind and relax.
After visiting many Irish cities on the island, we sort of knew what we could expect from the city. But Belfast exceeded our expectations.
To help you maximize your trip, here's everything you need to know about Belfast before you go.
Things to Do and See
Whether you're interested in history, culture, Titanic, food, or nightlife, Belfast has something to offer for everyone.
Belfast is by far the largest city in the country, so it's also the cultural and economic hub of Northern Ireland.
The city boasts many hotels, restaurants, and pubs, so it's an excellent spot to base yourself for a few days before heading out on the road again.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Belfast, so spending a few days there is easy.
Titanic Belfast
Without any doubt, no trip to Belfast would be complete without visiting the Titanic Belfast Experience.
This award-winning museum tells the story of the Titanic, the industrial history of Belfast, and the people who built this and many other ships.
The world's most famous ocean liner was built in Belfast's docks; here, you can learn everything about it.
It was one of the main reasons we were so excited to visit Belfast.
The museum is situated at the Harland and Wolff shipyard and features tons of information, interactive exhibits, many artifacts, a cart ride, and even recreations of some passenger rooms.
With so much history and information, we believe Titanic Belfast is worth visiting even if you aren't really into Titanic.
If you want to learn more about this ship, you should know that there is also a Titanic museum in Cobh, a small town in the south part of the island.
SS Nomadic
Once we were done with Titanic Belfast, we headed to the nearby SS Nomadic.
The 67-meter-long ship was built in 1911 and designed by Thomas Andrews.
It was Titanic's tender ship, though it's nicknamed a mini Titanic due to its small size.
Its initial purpose was to transfer first and second-class passengers from the shallow waters of Cherbourg's port to the Titanic.
It was just the start of the ship's long service, as it was used in both world wars and even as a party venue near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Today, SS Nomadic is the last remaining White Star Line ship visited by tourists who want to extend their knowledge of Titanic's history.
The best part is that SS Nomadic is included in the standard Titanic Belfast ticket.
Maritime Mile
Apart from the Titanic Museum, Maritime Mile was probably our favorite thing to do in Belfast.
This large area along the waterfront allows you to experience Belfast's incredible maritime and industrial history while offering great views of the Lagan River.
The best part is that it is easily explored on foot.
Coastal cities are always such a joy to visit, and Belfast is no exception, partly due to this lovely walk.
The route links many popular attractions on both sides of the river, so you can easily visit the Titanic Museum, SS Nomadic, HMS Caroline, Glass of Thrones, or the Big Fish.
St. George's Market
If you happen to be in Belfast on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you can visit St. George's Market.
Visiting markets is one of our favorite activities in every destination, whether it's Kathmandu, Tel Aviv, or Belfast.
We happened to be in Belfast on a weekend and heard so many good things about the market, so we felt we couldn't miss it.
The history of the Friday market dates back to 1604, making St. George's one of the oldest markets in Belfast.
By the way, St. George's is often ranked as one of the best markets in Ireland and the U.K. for its local produce and great atmosphere.
This market offers a wide variety of everything ranging from local crafts, clothes, and artisan food to fresh fish and restaurants.
There are about 200 stalls, so the market is often pretty busy, but it was unusually quiet when we got there.
The live music playing in the background made it a bit more lively, though.
Obviously, this is a tourist market, so you should set your expectations right.
The Victorian market is sheltered, so it's a great place to wander around, even on one of Belfast's rainy days.
St. George's Market is usually open from 8 AM to 2 PM on Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sunday.
It's located about a 5-minute walk from City Hall.
Ulster Museum
If you're into history and art, you should visit Ulster Museum.
The museum has a rich history collection, ranging from Egyptian mummies and Spanish Sailors to dinosaurs and the Troubles.
Some of the exhibitions are permanent, while others rotate.
Either way, the museum offers an eclectic mix of art, science, and history.
Inside, we found a modern and clean museum that was fun to explore, though the signage was a bit lacking.
By the way, there are plenty of activities for kids, so we believe it's suitable even for families.
As there is no entry fee to the Ulster Museum, it's definitely on the list of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The Ulster Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (yes, it's closed on Monday).
Ulster Museum is located at the Botanic Gardens, so you can easily explore both places in one go.
Botanic Gardens
Established in 1828 as the private Royal Belfast Botanical Gardens and opened as a public park in 1895, this oasis of flowers and plants is one of Belfast's top attractions.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Belfast's Botanic Gardens from City Hall on foot, so you don't need to take a bus to get there.
The highlights are two glasshouses, Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, which you can explore without a guide.
Another highlight is the Rose Garden, especially if you have a chance to visit the park in June when the roses are in full bloom.
You can visit the Botanic Gardens year-round, but we expect there is not much to see in winter.
The garden was still waking up in May, but some gorgeous flowers were already in bloom.
The park opens at 7:30 AM daily, but the closing time changes throughout the year (from 4:30 PM in December to 9:30 PM in summer).
Botanic Gardens are free to enter.
Crumlin Road Gaol
The history of Crumlin Road Gaol as a working prison stretches back to 1845.
The prison was closed in 1996 but later reopened as a tourist attraction.
Crumlin Road Jail is worth seeing if you have extra time and have never visited a prison.
It is the only remaining Victorian-Era prison in Northern Ireland.
You can explore the prison on a self-guided tour and learn about the building's history, the daily lives of prisoners and guards, political segregation, escapes, riots, executions, and much more.
The best part is that it's not just the story of this prison you will learn, but also a lot from the history of Northern Ireland.
Guided tours are also available and grant you access to additional areas not included in the self-guided tour.
Crumlin Road Gaol is open Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM (the last admission is at 4 PM).
You will need about 90 minutes to see it all. Booking your tickets online is recommended to avoid disappointment, though you can also purchase them on-site.
You can book a Crumlin Road Gaol Experience in advance here.
Belfast Castle
As we focused on the city, Belfast Castle was one of the places we didn't get a chance to visit on our trip.
One of the reasons was lack of time; the other was that the castle was not that interesting on paper for us.
Don't get us wrong. We can't deny that Belfast Castle has beautiful architecture.
However, the 19th-century Victorian castle is used mainly for wedding venues, meetings, and events, so it is not a typical tourist attraction such as Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel.
After reading that this is basically a public space with a lovely but fairly empty building and garden with nice views, we decided to give it a pass.
On the other hand, if you have extra time and come to Belfast on a beautiful summer day, this lovely place may be worth visiting.
We would probably go if we could combine the castle with a hike in Cave Hill Country Park, but unfortunately, we didn't have time for that.
You can drive to Belfast Castle and leave your car at nearby free parking.
Alternatively, take a bus (Route 1) that stops at Strathmore Park, which is about a 20-minute walk from there.
Cave Hill Country Park
If you want to stay active while in Belfast, you can visit Cave Hill Country Park.
The park has some of the best hiking trails within the wider Belfast area and is easily accessible from the city center.
By the way, there are seven different parking areas for Cave Hill, with the areas around Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo being the most popular.
There are several ways to get to the top of the 380-meter-high hill, depending on where you park.
There are three main signposted trails within the park. The Castle Trail and Estate Trail are easy to moderately difficult, while the Cave Hill Trail is a bit more strenuous.
The highest point is McArt's Fort, which is also known as Napoleon's Nose.
The iconic hill resembles a sleeping giant from a certain angle, and it's said that the shape of the mountain gave Jonathan Swift an idea for his Gulliver's Travels novel.
Belfast City Tours
With more than 5000 years of history, there is no denying that Belfast has witnessed some fascinating events.
Even though the first settlement appeared at this site in the Bronze Age, the town of Belfast is relatively young.
Sir Arthur Chichester founded it at the beginning of the 17th century.
The name 'Belfast' comes from the Irish Beal Feirste, meaning 'mouth of the sandbar.'
The city played a role in the Plantation of Ulster, the Industrial Revolution, the Troubles, and the construction of Titanic, among other events.
If the past and historical events are your thing, you should consider exploring Belfast's rich history and culture with a guided city tour.
You can dive into the city's past on your own by visiting historic landmarks like the City Hall, St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast Castle, the Titanic Belfast Museum, and the Crumlin Road Gaol.
That said, Belfast is one of those places where a knowledgeable guide will really bring the city's past back to life.
Here, you can book the Belfast City Walking Tour in advance.
Black Taxi Tour
One of Northern Ireland's most turbulent parts of history is known as the Troubles.
While you can read about the conflict everything online, the Belfast Black Taxi Tour offers a more personal insight into this particular set of events.
The cab is driven by a local guide who helps you better understand the conflict in an unbiased way.
You will learn about Belfast's history and daily life during the Troubles and see murals from both sides of the conflict.
The local guide's personal touch made the Black Taxi Tour so compelling and thought-provoking, though we also enjoyed the murals.
You can book a top-rated Belfast Black Taxi Tour here.
City Hall
Built in 1906, the City Hall is one of the most impressive buildings in Belfast.
The city has plenty of interesting buildings, but this one really stands out.
We enjoyed the Renaissance style, large stained glass windows depicting the history of Belfast, various memorials, and well-kept grounds.
City Hall is located in Donegall Square, right in Belfast's city center, making this civic building hard to miss.
While the building is beautiful even from the outside, the real highlight is the 45-minute free tour.
There are usually three guided tours a day, and you can sign up at the reception desk.
Food, Drink, Culture
Belfast is home to a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafes, delis, and bars to choose from.
If this is your first time in Northern Ireland, you can sample traditional Northern Irish dishes like Ulster Fry, Champ, and Irish Stew.
The Ulster Fry is basically an Irish breakfast with an addition of potatoes.
Belfast is a modern city, so you can also try international cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.
If you're seeking a great culinary experience, Edo, Ox, James St, The Ginger Bistro, or Peculiar Tree are arguably one of the best restaurants in Belfast.
If you're not into fine dining, you can always hit the nearest pub to experience great beer and meet locals.
Belfast also has a lively cultural scene, with music, dance, and theater performances taking place throughout the year.
Free Things to Do in Belfast
If you're traveling around Ireland on a budget, you should know there are still plenty of free things to do in Belfast.
Start with a guided tour at City Hall, then head south and wander around the Botanic Gardens.
Right next to the gardens is the Ulster Museum, where you can easily spend several hours.
If you're interested in history, don't forget to sign up for one of the free walking tours in Belfast.
In the afternoon, you can explore the Maritime Mile, which features attractions such as Big Fish, Glass of Thrones, SS Nomadic, Harland & Wolff shipyards, Titanic Slipways, Titanic Dock & Pumphouse, HMS Caroline, and much more.
If you still have time, you can wander around the city center to find many impressive murals dotting the city.
When it comes to the Titanic Quarter, you will pass by the Titanic Belfast.
We know that the tickets are expensive. But this is one of the museums we believe it's worth the money.
Splurging a bit from time to time really improves your travel experience, even if you want to keep your budget at bay. Don't skimp on this one.
Day Trips from Belfast
As the city sits between Antrim and Down counties, Belfast is a fantastic starting point to explore Northern Ireland's stunning attractions.
The best part is that Belfast is surrounded by natural beauty, though you can also visit a few cities.
Northern Ireland is relatively compact, so you can explore almost all major tourist attractions from Belfast on a day trip.
If you decide to base yourself in this city, make sure to include a few of those sites in your itinerary.
Here are a few tips on some of the best day trips you can take from Belfast.
Giant's Causeway
This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
The Giant's Causeway site features impressive cliffs, coastal views, great hiking trails, and thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
This is one of our favorite places we've visited in Ireland. Giant's Causeway is located about 100 kilometers north of Belfast.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This famous rope bridge spans 20 meters across the Atlantic Ocean and connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede.
The bridge, originally built by local fishermen in 1755 to access the best salmon fishing spots, is suspended about 30 meters above sea level.
The fisherman's cottage is the only structure you will find on the island.
Once you reach the island, you can admire the crystal clear waters of nearby shallows, try to spot basking sharks and seals, or watch the kittiwakes, fulmars, or razorbills soaring around you.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located about 100 kilometers north of Belfast, close to Giant's Causeway.
Castle Ward
This 18th-century manor house and 840-acre estate is located on the shores of Strangford Lough.
Self-guiding the lovely mansion was fun, but you can also take a guided tour if you're interested more in history than decor.
Castle Ward was used as a filming location for the hit TV show Game of Thrones, making it one of the most popular attractions in County Down.
If you're a GOT fan, you should know Castle Ward is home to the iconic Winterfell and Audley's Castle.
Castle Ward is located about 50 kilometers southeast of Belfast and is open year-round.
By the way, if you want to see more Game of Thrones filming locations, we enjoyed Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges.
Mourne Mountains
These stunning mountains are located in County Down, about an hour's drive from Belfast.
The rugged mountains offer some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in Northern Ireland.
Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Donard, and Slieve Doan are some of the best hikes in the Mourne Mountains.
You can take a guided tour or explore the area on your own.
Derry
Also known as Londonderry, this historic walled city is absolutely worth visiting.
The second-largest city in Northern Ireland can be reached from Belfast by car, bus, or train. The city has a rich history and culture, with plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore.
Therefore, there is plenty of things to see and do in Derry.
The well-preserved walls encircling the city's historic core are truly spectacular, but the turbulent history makes a visit to Derry unforgettable.
Derry is located about an hour and a half from Belfast.
How Much Time Do I Need
As always, one of the most crucial questions is how many days you should spend in Belfast.
Well, the answer is, as with every destination, it depends on your travel plans and what you want to see and do.
A full day in Belfast should be more than enough if you want to explore just the city and discover some of its top attractions.
A half-day in Belfast might work for those who are pressed for time.
Remember that the city is fairly compact, and if you plan your itinerary carefully, you can see a lot of places in roughly four to eight hours.
It's far from perfect, but sometimes there's no way around it, and you just need to make the most out of your limited time.
In our opinion, the best way to experience Belfast is to arrive in the afternoon, walk around the city center, visit a restaurant or pub, stay overnight, and see the remaining places on your list the following day.
You can always extend your stay, at least if you create flexible itineraries.
Two or three days in Belfast will allow you to get a feel for the city and even include a day trip or two.
Five days to one week is the ideal amount of time for those who want to experience Belfast to the fullest and also plan to explore Northern Ireland's coast.
As the city is fairly small, we believe there's no point in dedicating that much time to just Belfast, though.
Explore the coast and countryside instead. It's really worth it.
When to Go
Belfast is a year-round destination, which means you can visit the capital city any time of the year.
No matter if it's summer or winter, you can enjoy the city's beautiful architecture, go on walking tours, and explore the rich history and culture of the city.
If you're wondering what the best time to visit Belfast is, the answer is that it depends on your preferences.
So, here's a recap of the pros and cons of each season.
Summer
The best time to visit Belfast is generally during the summer. So, the most popular months for traveling are June to August.
The temperatures are pleasant, and the long days are ideal for exploring every nook and cranny Belfast offers.
The only disadvantage is that this is the peak tourist season in Northern Ireland.
Expect larger crowds and higher prices in Belfast and every major tourist destination.
You will need to book your accommodation well in advance to secure a good deal.
Keep in mind that summer is often considered the best time to visit Ireland.
The reason behind it is that the weather is at its best on the coast and in the mountains.
Therefore, this is also an ideal season for those who want to go on a road trip to Ireland, not just stay in the cities.
Spring
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) can also be good times to visit Belfast.
The weather is still fairly pleasant, and days remain relatively long, especially during the late spring and early fall.
The major attractions are less crowded, and the prices for accommodation drop significantly compared to summer.
Remember that St Patrick's Day is held on the 17th of March.
This day commemorates the traditional death date of the patron saint of Ireland.
This is a huge festival in Ireland, and festivities take place across the whole city.
We recommend avoiding this date unless you really want to experience the festivities.
Winter
Winters on Northern Ireland's coast (December to February) are often cold and damp.
As with any other European city, winter is a perfect time to explore the city's museums, galleries, pubs, and restaurants.
The weather during winter is hit or miss if you want to explore the coast and countryside.
Winter is also great to experience Belfast's festive Christmas markets and events.
You can enjoy ice skating, shopping, and a visit to the Belfast Christmas Market.
Christmas markets are extremely popular in many European destinations, and Belfast is no exception.
At home, we mostly try to avoid them - see Prague Christmas Markets - as they are overpriced and crowded.
Though we can't deny the atmosphere is festive and it is nice to visit them once in a while.
What to Pack
It's important to keep in mind that Northern Ireland has unpredictable weather.
When creating a packing list for Belfast, make sure to come prepared. It's often said that you can experience all four seasons in one day.
That said, snow in Belfast is quite rare and usually doesn't last very long.
What's common in Belfast is rain, though. Therefore, it's best to be prepared for any type of weather.
Make sure to bring a windproof rain jacket, your favorite walking shoes, and a comfortable daypack.
It gets cold in Belfast outside the summer season. So, you will need to pack a few extra layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the current weather.
If you don't plan on visiting nearby attractions, packing a lightweight travel umbrella might be a good idea. If you do, leave the umbrella at home.
Some of the most beautiful places you can visit from Belfast lie on the coast. Coastal areas are often pretty windy, rendering umbrellas useless.
Don't forget to bring a universal travel adapter if you're coming from outside the U.K.
Here you can check our complete Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Belfast is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
There are several ways to get to Belfast, depending on your location, preferences, and itinerary.
The city is well-connected to other parts of the U.K. and Ireland, so it's easy to get there by car, train, bus, plane, and ferry.
Car
If you prefer to do the Ireland road trip, you can easily reach Belfast by car from other parts of the island (or even the U.K. if you take a ferry).
The motorways and primary roads (M1, M2, A1, A2, etc.) connect Belfast to other major cities in Northern Ireland.
Belfast is about 110 kilometers east of Derry, 15 kilometers north of Lisburn, and 21 kilometers west of Bangor.
The M1 motorway connects Belfast to Dublin Airport and Dublin. The 170-kilometer journey takes about two hours.
Despite its relatively small size, Belfast's traffic is notoriously bad. In fact, the city is often ranked as one of the U.K.'s worst cities for traffic jams.
We went early and avoided the morning rush hour on the way to Belfast. It was a different story on the way out.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about it, so just arm yourself with patience.
The main thing to remember when driving in Ireland is to stay on the left-hand side of the road.
Be extra cautious and drive defensively. Also, read this guide with practical tips on renting a car in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There are several options for parking in Belfast. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel before arriving to see their parking options.
If your hotel has available parking, you should definitely use that one.
You can park on-street or in one of the many car parks located throughout the city.
On-street parking is available in various city center areas, but we usually avoid it whenever possible. The main disadvantage is that it's often difficult to find a spot. Plus, it can be quite expensive.
Besides leaving your car at the hotel's parking, the second best option is to use one of the many secure parking garages.
This option is also very expensive, but your car will be safer than on the street.
Some hotels without parking facilities offer discounted prices for nearby garages, so you should ask if they offer special deals or discounts for their guests.
Belfast's best car parks include the Victoria Square Q-Park near Victoria Square, Value Car Parks on Grosvenor Road, and Castlecourt Car Park by the Castlecourt Shopping Mall.
If you're visiting the Titanic Museum, a large modern parking is available underground.
We initially parked there as we got to Belfast early in the morning.
Bus
If you're traveling on a budget or prefer a more flexible mode of transport, you can take a bus to Belfast from other parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Several bus services connect Belfast to other major cities, including Dublin, Derry, (and even Glasgow etc.).
One of the most popular routes among international tourists is the X1 bus connecting Belfast with Dublin.
The bus departs from Dublin's Busaras Bus Station and arrives at Belfast's Europa Buscentre.
This route is operated by Bus Eireann and Translink. The journey takes less than three hours.
You can search for more information on Translink's website, which is the main public transport operator in Northern Ireland.
Train
Another popular option is to take the train to Belfast. There are also regular train services from other major cities in Northern Ireland, such as Derry, Bangor, Newry, Coleraine, etc.
Finally, you can take a train from Dublin to Belfast.
The train departs from Dublin's Connolly Station and Belfast and arrives at Lanyon Place Train Station. The journey takes about two hours.
Trains in Ireland are also operated by Translink. It's recommended to book tickets online.
Plane
When traveling from outside the U.K., the most convenient option is to fly into one of Belfast's two airports.
George Best Belfast City Airport is located east of the Titanic Quarter, just five kilometers from the city center.
The airport is serviced by Aer Lingus, British Airways, etc., and it's a popular choice for short-haul flights.
Belfast International Airport is located about 30 kilometers west of the city center.
This international airport is serviced by easyJet, Ryanair, etc., and is well-connected to major cities across Europe and the U.K.
Airport Express Bus Service
You can get to Belfast's city center (Europa Buscentre) from Belfast International Airport by Airport Express 300.
The Belfast City George Best Airport is served by Airport Express 600, and the bus also stops at Europa Buscentre.
Ferry
You can take a ferry to Belfast if you're coming from Scotland or England.
Ferry services are operated by Stena Line (Liverpool and Cairnryan), P&O Irish Sea (Cairnryan), and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (Isle of Man).
The ferry ride is a great way to cross the Irish Sea relatively quickly and enjoy some scenic views along the way.
This option is ideal for those who want to drive around the entire British Isles or do a Scotland and Ireland road trip.
Tours
Finally, you can also visit Belfast on a guided tour. This option is incredibly popular with travelers staying in Dublin.
Most day tours from Dublin also include some of Antrim's top attractions, such as Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, etc.
Here, you can reserve this top-rated Belfast and Giant's Causeway Tour from Dublin in advance.
How to Get Around
Belfast has a comprehensive network of buses, trains, and taxis that can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
Getting around Belfast is fairly easy, thanks to its good public transportation system.
On Foot
That said, Belfast is a very compact city, and walking is the best option if you want to stick to the city center.
The city is flat and easy to walk around. Most tourist attractions are situated in the city center area, so they're within walking distance of each other.
Even sites like Crumlin Road Gaol, Titanic Belfast, Peace Wall, or Botanic Gardens that are a bit further away can be reached by a 20-minute walk from the City Center.
Simply put, walking around Belfast was our preferred way to get around.
Bike
Alternatively, you can rent a bike via the Belfast Bikes scheme.
There are plenty of docking stations scattered around the city where you can rent/return your bike.
Renting a bike is pretty straightforward.
You can use a station kiosk or an app and pay as you go or sign up for one of the memberships if you want to use this service more extensively.
Just be prepared that cycling in Belfast might not be as enjoyable as in some other European cities such as Vienna or Amsterdam.
Car
Getting around Belfast by car is usually a terrible idea, as the city has one of the worst traffic in the whole U.K.
The city is walkable and has relatively good public transport.
Even if you arrive in Belfast by car, you really don't need to get around.
With that said, you will need a rental car for day trips, especially if you want to visit several places in one go.
Northern Ireland is a fantastic road trip destination. Being able to explore popular sites at your own pace.
Some areas outside Belfast can be reached by bus or train, but this option usually requires careful planning.
Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
If you're visiting Belfast for the first time, consider booking a Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Belfast Tour.
The main advantage of a hop-on hop-off bus is that it allows you to discover Belfast's main attractions in a fun and easy way (tours include commentary along the way).
The routes are well-planned and give you access to the most visited tourist spots in the city.
Most tours include stops such as Belfast City Hall, Titanic Belfast, Peace Walls, Crumlin Road Gaol, Great Victoria Street, etc.
Bus
If you want to rely on public transport, buses are the most common mode of transport in Belfast.
The city has an extensive bus network that covers most parts of the city.
There are two types of buses in Belfast, Metro Bus and Glider, both operated by Translink.
Metro Bus
No, Belfast really doesn't have a subway if you're wondering about that. It's just the name of the bus service.
That said, Metro Bus offers an affordable way to reach pretty much any place within Belfast you want to go.
The bus fares are relatively cheap, and there are multiple options available, like day tickets, weekly, monthly tickets, etc.
You can purchase tickets on board via contactless payment or use the mLink app to buy tickets online.
Glider
Glider is a modern tram-like bus that uses dedicated bus lanes.
Therefore, using a Glider is a quick and efficient way to get around the city.
The main advantage of the Glider is that it's faster than the regular bus and connects Belfast's major points, such as the Titanic Quarter, Lanyon Place, or Great Victoria Street, with the City Center.
Remember that you must purchase your ticket before boarding via the app or ticket machines (located at each stop).
The main disadvantage is that there are currently only two routes, making some areas a bit harder to reach.
Train
If you prefer the train, there are two train stations in Belfast - Great Victoria Street and Lanyon Place.
Great Victoria Street is slightly closer to the City Center, while Lanyon Place offers better access to the Titanic Quarter.
The train service is operated by Northern Ireland Railways, and you can use the same Translink app to buy tickets.
The trains in Northern Ireland are comfortable and efficient. Plus they can take you to nearby towns like Bangor or Lisburn.
Taxis
Taxis are also a convenient way to get around Belfast, especially if you're short on time, traveling in a group, or have oversized luggage.
The most popular taxi companies in Belfast are Value Cabs and FonaCab.
You can book them via phone or app. You can also hail a taxi from the street, but it's always better to book them in advance for safety reasons and to avoid waiting.
By the way, Uber is currently available in Belfast.
Where to Stay
The good news is that Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from basic hostels and guesthouses to 3-star and 4-star chain hotels to luxury accommodations.
The city is relatively compact and walkable. Therefore, we recommend staying in one of the centrally located neighborhoods.
Some popular areas to stay in Belfast are the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, the Queen's Quarter, the Linen Quarter, and the City Center.
City Center is the heart of Belfast and offers easy access to all the major attractions, stores, and restaurants.
If you're traveling by car, try to book a hotel with private parking. So here are the best hotels in Belfast for every budget.
Hostel | Belfast International Youth Hostel - Situated a 10-minute walk from City Center, this is one of Belfast's best hostels. The hostel offers affordable, clean, and safe accommodation with both dormitories and private rooms. There are lockers, self-service laundry facilities, and a well-equipped kitchen. Free private parking is available at the hostel.
Budget | ibis Belfast City Centre - If you're looking for great value for your money, this budget-friendly chain hotel is a fantastic choice. Expect clean, air-conditioned rooms, modern facilities, luggage storage, and a central location.
Mid-range | Holiday Inn Belfast - This centrally located property is one of Belfast's most popular mid-range hotels. Expect modern rooms, beds with comfortable matrasses, attentive staff, and tasty breakfast. Secure discounted overnight parking is available nearby.
Mid-range | Titanic Hotel Belfast - Located in the Titanic Quarter right next to the Titanic Experience Museum, this hotel is housed in the historic Harland and Wolff buildings. The property offers an Art Deco theme, stylish decor, beautiful rooms, a great restaurant, and history oozing out of every corner.
Luxury | The Merchant - If you're looking for luxury accommodation, this is one of the best high-end hotels in Belfast. Situated in the Cathedral Quarter, it offers exceptional service, a relaxing ambiance, gorgeous rooms, and fine dining.
Staying Safe
If you use common sense, Belfast is generally a very safe city to visit.
However, like in any major European city, you should always take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. We also recommend checking our post on staying safe in Ireland.
It is recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in unfamiliar areas.
Avoid flashing expensive belongings, and keep your valuables secure in crowded places.
Pickpockets mainly target tourists on public transport and crowded tourist attractions, but you should stay vigilant even in museums, galleries, shopping malls, markets, etc.
Never keep your phone in the back pocket of your jeans.
Sticking to well-lit and busy streets and taking licensed taxis or public transportation to get around the city is also advisable.
Lastly, while Belfast's violent days are long gone, it's still better to avoid talking about politics with strangers.
Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy a safe and pleasant visit to Belfast.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Belfast Worth Visiting?
Without any doubt, Belfast is one of the best places you can visit in Ireland.
Whether you're looking to explore the city's rich history, culture, pubs, and museums or experience one of the lively events, Belfast has something to offer for everyone.
The capital city is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot.
Another thing we loved about Belfast is its fantastic location on Antrim's coast.
If you want to base yourself in Belfast, including several amazing day trips in your itinerary is easy.
The best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences, but it's good to know that Belfast is a great place to explore any time of the year.
In summary, Belfast is a fascinating city that is definitely worth visiting, and we were glad we had made an effort to see it.
It was a perfect ending to our journey along the Causeway Coastal Route and a great place to recharge before doing the final leg of our Ireland road trip.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
