Belfast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Belfast
Belfast
Belfast
Stormont Parliament Buildings showing a statue or sculpture, a monument and an administrative building
Belfast

Belfast Travel Guide Video

Small in stature, yet culturally influential beyond its borders, Belfast has grown out of The Troubles of 20th-century Europe to offer visitors captivating history, art, music and more.

Visit Belfastto experience the idiosyncratic nuances of this Northern Ireland capital. Home to C.S. Lewis, Van Morrison and the RMS Titanic, Belfast is a study in contrasts, a city where politically leaning street-art murals are juxtaposed by cosy pubs and Irish folk music.

Start the day with a traditional Ulster Fry, famous for its back bacon, black pudding and fried soda bread, before embarking on a whirlwind tour of haunting prisons, excellent museums, a storied shipyard and more.

Things to do in Belfast

Spend a few hours exploring Belfast history at the five-story Titanic Belfast Museum in the Titanic Quarter, where visitors hear the story of how today’s city grew from an 18th-century trading town on the River Lagan, when it was known as Beal Feirste. Learn about the linen, shipbuilding, rope-making and tobacco-manufacturing eras of the industrial city, then go deep into the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic in 1912, which ultimately crippled the city’s strongest trade. You can’t miss the modernist museum, rising as it does beneath two iconic yellow cranes named Samson and Goliath.

In the heart of the city, visit the Belfast City Hall, an architectural masterpiece in Baroque Revival style completed in 1906. Standing as a symbol of civic pride, and surrounded by picturesque gardens, the gleaming white exterior and ornate detailing make it a must-see for historical architecture enthusiasts.

Shop at modern malls and traditional markets, including Victoria Square, with its striking glass dome and high-end stores, and the CastleCourt Shopping Centre. Boutique shops and charming cafes line Lisburn Road. At St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, browse a diverse array of stalls selling everything from linen products to pottery.

Belfast’s history and culture

Experience the haunting side of Belfast history at the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison built in the mid-19th century. Hear stories of the inmates who were imprisoned here and the city’s more sombre history.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Peace Walls give insight into the brighter future Belfast imagined after the Troubles divided Catholic and Protestant communities. From there, take a walk to Cave Hill, a basalt hill overlooking Belfast with beautiful trails and breathtaking views, a place to contemplate how the city rose resolutely out of historic turmoil.

Explore Belfast’s vibrant arts scene, starting at C.S. Lewis Square, where street art has rejuvenated the area over the last decade. Find several iconic statues from Lewis’s bestselling series, including Aslan, the White Witch, the Beavers and a replica of the Stone Table. The colourful Luminaries and Legends mural depicts C.S. Lewis, as well as other Belfast notables, including Van Morrison and others.

Dining and nightlife in Belfast

During your visit to Belfast choose from a range of dining options, from cosy pubs offering a pint of Guinness, Irish folk music and a convivial scene, to the haute cuisine restaurants that line Great Victoria Street and Lisburn Road. The City Centre, Cathedral Quarter and Titanic Quarter buzz with nightlife, numerous gastropubs and entertainment venues. Over the holidays, the Belfast Christmas Market is a foodie paradise.

For an evening of culture, attend a theatrical performance at the Lyric Theatre or Grand Opera House, the sight of large-scale productions, including West End and Broadway shows. Independent theatre takes the stage at the Modern Arts Centre and the Waterfront Hall.

Getting to and around Belfast

Fly into the Belfast City Airport or Belfast International Airport, or take the train to Belfast Central Railway Station or Belfast Great Victoria Street. Bus services come into the Belfast Stena Terminal and Belfast Albert Quay. The city is compact and walkable. Taxis and bike-sharing programmes are readily available.v

Where to stay in Belfast

Belfast City Hall showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

Belfast City Centre

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Cosy bars a university vibe and top sights from Crown Liquor Saloon to Grand Opera House – discover Belfast City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Belfast City Centre
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Belfast Central District

4.5/5(1,121 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Belfast Central District. Make a stop by Ulster Hall or Belfast Christmas Market while you're exploring the area.

Belfast Central District
Metropolitan Arts Centre showing modern architecture and a city

Cathedral Quarter

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

Cathedral Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to MAC Theatre and Belfast Customs House while you're in town.

Cathedral Quarter
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Queens Quarter

4/5(263 area reviews)

Queens Quarter is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and picturesque gardens. You might also want to check out attractions like Belfast Botanic Gardens or Ulster Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Queens Quarter
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Titanic Quarter

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Titanic Quarter is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like SS Nomadic and Titanic Belfast.

Titanic Quarter
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Ormeau

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Ormeau, you might make a stop by sights like Belfast Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park.

Ormeau
room2 Belfast Hometel
room2 Belfast Hometel
4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £109 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£109
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (730 reviews)
"A really beautiful hotel for a really affordable price. Myself and my partner were blown away by the facilities! The hotel itself was within walking distance of everything we needed and wanted, with bus services, cabs, restaurants and shops all very close by. I would highly recommend this hotel!"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

room2 Belfast Hometel
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
5 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £169 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£169
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Beautiful, luxurious hotel in a fantastic location right in the heart of Belfast!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £77 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£77
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,312 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ulsterville Residences
The Ulsterville Residences
3 out of 5
56 Ulsterville Avenue Lisburn road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Windsor Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Great stay recommend!"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

The Ulsterville Residences
Student Only Great Patrick Street
Student Only Great Patrick Street
2 out of 5
28-30 Great Patrick St, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and MAC Theatre are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Clean and tidy. Staff are helpful"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Student Only Great Patrick Street
Cordia Serviced Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
Lisburn Road,355-367, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (173 reviews)
"Great apartment, clean, spacious, right next door to Tescos, 1 minute walk to the bus stop for transpirt direct to the city. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Cordia Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Belfast

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
648
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
388
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
39
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everyone's friendly, felt very very safe walking around day and night Lots of history, try the 30 stop tour bus, usually £12 but for some reason only paid £8.00 lasts for about 90 minutes, lots of photo opportunities.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very interesting place whose history is apparent.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

unique experience - worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I work in BT Belfast so I love Belfast. My girlfriend thought the city was beautiful. Only thing I would change was the parking, no where your site said we could park was available as they all seemed to be under construction.

5/5 - Excellent

Sarang

Nice city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great place to visit

Cities near Belfast