Belfast

Belfast, Ireland - Complete Travel Guide

Belfast, the busy capital of Northern Ireland, is a city where industrial heritage meets modern renaissance. Once known primarily for shipbuilding and the Titanic, Belfast has transformed into a cultural hub filled with world-class museums, impressive Victorian architecture, and a thriving arts scene. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, with most major attractions within walking distance of each other. Today's Belfast easyly blends its complex history with contemporary attractions, from the politically significant Peace Walls to cutting-edge culinary experiences. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Northern Ireland's natural wonders, including the Giant'S Causeway and the dramatic Causeway Coast, while offering plenty of urban sophistication with its galleries, pubs, and shopping districts.

Top Belfast

Titanic Belfast Experience

Explore the world's largest Titanic exhibition in this iconic star-shaped building located on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. The interactive galleries tell the complete Titanic story from conception to construction, maiden voyage, and tragic sinking. Visitors can experience a replica of the ship's cabins and even take a ride through a recreation of the shipyard.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for £19.50-24.50 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and allow 2-3 hours for the full experience. Consider combination tickets that include SS Nomadic access.

Political Murals and Peace Walls Tour

Discover Belfast's complex political history through guided tours of the famous murals in West Belfast, including the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas. These powerful artworks tell the story of The Troubles and the peace process, offering insight into the city's divided past and hopeful future. Many tours include visits to the Peace Walls that still separate some communities.

Booking Tip: Black taxi tours cost around £30-40 for up to 6 people and last 1.5-2 hours. Choose operators with local knowledge and sensitivity to the political situation. Walking tours are also available for £10-15 per person. Book with established companies for safety and authenticity.

Giant's Causeway Day Trip

Visit Northern Ireland's most famous natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The hexagonal stepping stones create a dramatic coastline that has inspired legends of giants crossing to Scotland. The site includes a modern visitor center with exhibitions about the geology and mythology.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Belfast cost £25-45 per person and include transport and sometimes other Causeway Coast stops. Book tours that include Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or Dunluce Castle for better value. Independent travel by bus costs around £15 return but takes longer.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Explore the real-world locations where the hit HBO series was filmed throughout Northern Ireland. Tours typically include Winterfell (Castle Ward), the Kingsroad (Dark Hedges), and various other iconic filming spots. Many locations are within an hour's drive of Belfast, making it possible to see multiple sites in one day.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from £35-65 per person depending on locations included. Small group tours offer better access and photo opportunities. Some tours include props and costumes for photos. Book with operators who have filming location permits for the best experience.

Belfast Food and Whiskey Tours

Experience Belfast's growing culinary reputation through guided food tours that showcase local specialties, craft breweries, and traditional Irish whiskey. Tours often include visits to historic pubs, artisan food producers, and restaurants serving modern Irish cuisine. Many combine food tastings with cultural storytelling about Belfast's social history.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost £40-70 per person for 3-4 hours including multiple tastings. Whiskey tours range from £25-50. Book afternoon tours to work up an appetite, and inform operators of dietary restrictions in advance. Look for tours that include both traditional and contemporary venues.

Getting There

Belfast is easily accessible by air through two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport (closer to downtown) and Belfast International Airport (larger with more international flights). Both airports offer regular bus and taxi services to the city center. From Great Britain, regular ferries operate from United Kingdom and Cairnryan in Scotland to Belfast port. The city is also well-connected by bus and train services from Dublin (2 hours by bus, 2.5 hours by train) and other major Irish and UK cities. Car rentals are available at both airports and the city center for those planning to explore the wider region.

Getting Around

Belfast city center is compact and very walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The Metro bus system operates throughout the city and surrounding areas, with day passes available for £4.50. Traditional black taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short journeys. For exploring beyond the city, consider renting a car or joining organized tours, as public transport to rural attractions can be limited. The city also offers bike rental schemes and has been developing more cycle-friendly routes in recent years.

Where to Stay

Cathedral Quarter

Titanic Quarter

Queen's Quarter

City Center

Lisburn Road

Stranmillis

Food & Dining

Belfast's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from traditional pub fare to innovative modern cuisine. The city has several Michelin-recommended restaurants and a growing number of artisan food producers. Traditional dishes like Ulster Fry, fish and chips, and Irish stew remain popular, but you'll also find excellent international cuisine, particularly Asian and European options. The Cathedral Quarter and surrounding areas offer the highest concentration of quality restaurants, while traditional pubs throughout the city serve hearty meals alongside local ales and Irish whiskey. Don't miss trying local specialties like Tayto crisps, soda bread, and locally-sourced seafood from the nearby coast.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Belfast is during late spring through early autumn (May to September) when temperatures are mildest and daylight hours are longest. Summer months offer the warmest weather and numerous festivals, but also bring crowds and higher accommodation prices. Spring and early autumn provide excellent weather with fewer tourists and better value for money. Winter can be quite wet and gray, but offers a cozy pub atmosphere and fewer crowds at major attractions. Keep in mind that Northern Ireland's weather can be unpredictable year-round, so pack layers and waterproof clothing regardless of when you visit.

Insider Tips

Many museums and attractions offer free admission, including Ulster Museum and Belfast Cathedral - check websites before paying for tours

The best fish and chips are often found in local chippies away from tourist areas - ask locals for recommendations

Book restaurant reservations well in advance, especially for weekend dinners, as Belfast's dining scene has become increasingly popular