Belfast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Belfast

Belfast Travel Guide Video

Northern Ireland's capital is awash with castles and culture. On its doorstep too is dramatic, unforgettable scenery.

Belfast has experienced a tumultuous past, but that's behind it now. It is now an inviting tourist destination that's friendly, educational and manageable. Museums, castles, art and the famous Irish nightlife pull in visitors from all over. Many come for County Antrim's countryside and coast alone.

Begin your trip by acquainting yourself with the city. Stroll through the cobbled old centre, marvel at the grandness of City Hall and discover the city's links with the infamous liner Titanic. Climb to the heady heights of Belfast Castle, situated in Cave Hill Country Park, and gaze down on one of the best views of the city. Explore the eerie corridors and cells of Crumlin Road Gaol, opting for one of the paranormal tours if you're feeling especially brave. Venture out east to find the Stormont Parliament Buildings. Take a guided tour of Northern Ireland's “House on the Hill” and even watch members of the assembly battling it out in a debate.

Afterwards, head into the wider countryside. Giant's Causeway is an iconic feature of Northern Ireland. Learn how it was created millions of years ago by enormous volcanic activity. Take a pilgrimage to Dunluce Castle, once home to the McQuillan family and now an imposing cliff-top ruin. More breathtaking architecture with a sea view is to be found at Mussenden Temple, which itself is set in the grounds of a ruined house. Mount Stewart House, Gardens and Temple of the Winds are still in good shape explore the historical artefacts in the house, walk around its unique gardens and admire the fascinatingly-named Temple of the Winds.

To taste County Antrim at its rawest, drive out to Torr Head. Spot sea birds sweeping the coast and squint to make out Scotland's Mull of Kintyre.

Revive yourself with a dram or two of whiskey at the Old Bushmills Distillery. On a detailed guided tour, you'll learn how the “water of life” is produced.

Central Belfast is small, and easy to get around without transport. Public buses service many of the major tourist attractions. For more freedom, hire a car. Though the summer months in and around Belfast can be warm, winters are bitterly cold, and rain falls throughout the year. Make sure you pack accordingly.

Where to stay in Belfast

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

Belfast City Centre

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

Belfast City Centre
St. George\'s Market featuring markets, food and shopping

Belfast Central District

4.5/5(68 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

5/5(1 area review)

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

4.5/5(24 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(6 area reviews)

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

Titanic Quarter
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Ormeau

5/5(1 area review)

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

Ormeau
Travelodge Belfast Central
Travelodge Belfast Central
3 out of 5
15 Brunswick Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$159 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$159
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay overall
"Location is great ! So central! Easy access for everything! The room is so warm i even ask for an electric fan which they kindly provided. The staff specially olivia so kind and helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Travelodge Belfast Central
Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is NZ$188 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$188
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,084 reviews)
"Brogan on reception was exceptional and very helpful. A real asset to the hotel!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
4 out of 5
20 Brunswick Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is NZ$204 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$204
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,166 reviews)
Quick Trip.
"I had a great stay at the hotel. The staff was amazing and helpful. The bartender Kapil was great and took care of my mother and I. Location was perfect for what we wanted to while visiting. Would stay again if ever in Belfast again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
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.
No1 Luxury Service Apartments
No1 Luxury Service Apartments
3.5 out of 5
98 Roseberry Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free parking, a rooftop terrace, and a business center. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Ormeau Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"I like that parking was easy and the apartment was spacious. I didn't like the weird smell in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 27 Nov. 2023

No1 Luxury Service Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
Lisburn Road,355-367, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Windsor Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (130 reviews)
"Lovely staff on check in and apartment lovely and tidy"

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2023

Cordia Serviced Apartments
2-bed Apartment in Belfast 4 min From City Centre
2-bed Apartment in Belfast 4 min From City Centre
3 out of 5
Belfast
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Gaol (HM Prison) ...
2-bed Apartment in Belfast 4 min From City Centre
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

Activities

Reviews of Belfast

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
34
" "5 - Excellent 42.5%
4 - Good
35
" "4 - Good 43.75%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 13.75%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Beautiful city but cold and quite during March

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

Go see the Titanic Belfast

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

Parking is terrible but it’s walkable with lots to do.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Oct 2019

Friendly city with some beautiful old buildings

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
6 Oct 2019

I was just there for 1 night so cant comment. Apart from The Ulster Museum and Gallery is very good. And the Botanic Gardens are very nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Sep 2019

Great city to visit.

Cities near Belfast