Belfast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Belfast
Belfast
Belfast
Stormont Parliament Buildings showing a statue or sculpture, a monument and an administrative building
Belfast
Just an hour away from the pretty Atlantic coast is Belfast, the vibrant and welcoming capital of Northern Ireland.

Surrounded by miles of rolling countryside, Belfast is Northern Ireland’s cultural, political and artistic hub, and has a fascinating history. In recent years, the reminders of the city’s tumultuous past have been slowly receding, with the memories of the national conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s gradually fading. Belfast is fast emerging as a safe, popular and exciting tourist destination.

Although it’s the largest city in Northern Ireland, Belfast is home to under 300,000 residents and is remarkably easy to navigate. The city is a charming blend of the old and the new, with traditional cobbled streets, castles and architecture rubbing shoulders with modern-day facilities.

Head to the Belfast Welcome Centre at Donegall Square to pick up a map and information about the city. The centrally located Donegall Square is a bustling hub of shopping, restaurants and entertainment, and a busy transport interchange.

Visit the Titanic Quarter to learn all about the humble beginnings of the cruise ship and the fateful voyage that started in Belfast. Head to the Crumlin Road Gaol, have a meal in a typical Irish pub or explore the iconic St. George’s Market.

Go back in time at Belfast Castle and make a trip up nearby Cave Hill. Visit the Stormont Parliament Buildings and relax in the peaceful public park surrounding them.

Leave the city and explore the surrounding countryside of Lough Neagh to see the other side of County Antrim. Head north to the windswept Atlantic coast and the stunning natural formation the Giant’s Causeway. Explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle and take a tour around the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest whisky producer in the world.

Central Belfast is easily explored on foot, and the public transport network makes travelling further afield cheap and easy. You can book a tour to the coast, or rent a car from the one of the agencies in the city centre or at one of Belfast’s two airports.

Although it can rain throughout the year, Belfast has warmer weather in the summer. Winters can be windy and cold, and sometimes there is heavy snowfall.

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 Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic.

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

Popular places to visit

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