Best Tours of Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom and a destination marked by the political and religious conflicts that marked the Irish 20th century. This is why, throughout the length and breadth of this destination, you will find a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions that will allow you to discover the local essence, and one of the best ways to do so is through guided tours.

Some of the best things to do in Belfast include taking an eclectic tour of the city's monuments and murals, a foodie tour of local stalls and markets, a minibar tour of the city's most popular bars and pubs and a hop on-hop off tour of Belfast's tourist bus.

If you want to experience first-hand the city's history, intermingled with its arts and culture scene, you can 't miss out on an eclectic tour of Belfast. These experiences will take you on a circuit of the Northern Irish capital's iconic murals, which are artistic expressions that reflect the region's tumultuous political history.

From murals dedicated to the period of conflict, known in Northern Ireland as The Troubles, to those celebrating reconciliation and diversity, this tour will take you on a visual narrative that will lead you to discover one of Belfast's most prominent profiles.

In addition to the murals, the tour also includes visits to monuments and sculptures that adorn the city's public spaces. These include the Titanic Monument, a structure that commemorates the construction of the famous ship in the city's shipyards and marks the entrance to the Titanic Museum in Belfast.

During these experiences you can also see the Great Wave sculpture at the Waterfront Hall, an artistic representation symbolising Belfast's resilience and renewal after the years of conflict, and visit the Botanic Gardens, where Victorian architecture blends with the surrounding nature.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the cultural and artistic side of Belfast in a comprehensive guided tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You won't have much free time to explore the sites on your own.

One of the best ways to experience Belfast is through its food and on food tours of the city you can explore everything from bustling city markets such as St. George's Market to street stalls. These experiences range from artisan cheeses to fresh produce and baked delicacies.

The itinerary of these tours will also take you to some of Belfast's top restaurants, where you can sample some of the most iconic dishes of Irish cuisine. Here you will try Irish stew, a stew made with lamb, potatoes and vegetables, which reflects the very essence of traditional Irish cuisine.

Elsewhere, in the famous Cathedral Quarter district, known for its lively pubs and innovative restaurants, you can sample delicacies that reflect the evolution of local cuisine and experience the unique hospitality of the Irish while enjoying live music performances and a selection of craft beers.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately €88 per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Benefits of these tours: you get to sample the highlights of the city in an express experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are generally not inexpensive experiences.

If you want to explore Belfast in a unique and fun way you can join a bike bar tour. This innovative mode of transport will take you to discover the city's top pubs on a tour of the lively Cathedral Quarter, where you'll find the Duke of York, a historic pub with a welcoming atmosphere and a varied selection of local ales.

Also on this adventure is the Titanic Quarter, a district that is home to the Titanic Belfast Pub and other maritime-themed venues. Here you can take in the panoramic views as you cycle along the banks of the River Lagan and take part in stops at bars along the way for cocktails and local specialities. Also, if you visit Belfast during Christmas, you'll find beautiful Christmas Eve decorations.

Finally, the itinerary of these experiences will take you to Queen's Quarter, a lively student area with a selection of quaint pubs and bars ranging from classic to modern styles. Here you can check out the Botanic Inn, a popular venue with an outdoor terrace that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying Belfast's unique atmosphere.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get a taste of Belfast's nightlife in a quick and fun tour of the main districts of the Northern Irish capital.
• Disadvantages of these tours: These are express experiences, so you won't have too much free time to relax at the sites you visit for tastings.

One of the best ways to get a comprehensive tour of Belfast is to join a guided tour that will take you around the city's main tourist attractions. These experiences will allow you to visit the Titanic Museum, which is the starting point of any guided tour in the Northern Irish capital, but also to get to know the city's surroundings, such as the Falls Roads and the Shankill Road, two of the districts with the most representative murals of this destination.

The Titanic Museum is an interactive museum commemorating the construction and tragic sinking of the legendary ship. There you'll have time to learn about the region's maritime history and admire the architecture of the iceberg-shaped building, one of Northern Ireland's most famous landmarks.

Nearby, you can also visit Belfast City Hall, a Renaissance-style building that stands as a symbol of the city and offers a glimpse of the city's rich local architectural heritage.

You will also have time to visit the Belfast Botanic Gardens, a green oasis in the middle of the city, where you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of its landscapes. Finally, you'll reach the Falls Road and Shankill Road, where you can explore the famous murals that tell the political and social history of Northern Ireland and immerse yourself in the local culture through the destination's street art.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to see the main sights of the city in a guided experience which is ideal for a short stay in the city.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: generally, entrance fees to the sites you visit are not included in the price of the tours.

The political aspect is one of Belfast's most striking legacies and one of the best ways to discover this is to join a taxi tour of the city's intricate history. On these experiences you can start your tour on the Falls Road and Shankill Road, two iconic neighbourhoods that played a crucial role during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

There, as well as exploring the Republican and Loyalist murals that tell the complexities of the region's political history, you'll also get a sense of how the conflict permeated civil society, dividing the lives of Irish citizens for years. You will also see the Peace Line, a wall that physically separates the Falls and Shankill communities and was built during the most turbulent times to prevent clashes.

Towards the end of the tour, and with the assistance of a driver who will also act as an expert local guide, you will see the Crumlin Road Criminal Court, which witnessed many notorious trials of international significance and is now a tangible reminder of Belfast's tumultuous history. The tour will end at Stormont Parliament, home of the Northern Ireland Assembly and a point of understanding between Unionists and Republicans.

These tours will also be useful if you want to get to know the city and its turbulent political history in a short visit because you are planning a 3-day stay in Belfast or even less.

Useful details

• Price: approximately 68 euros for the tour available for 4 passengers.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to comfortably and effectively tour the main points of the Northern Irish conflict.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They do not include stops at the sites, but are a panoramic tour of the most prominent sites of the political conflict in Northern Ireland.

If you're looking to explore Belfast at your own pace, you can opt for a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. This service allows you to discover the city's main points of interest and use any of the 19 strategically placed stops as many times as you like for the duration of your pass.

Highlights include the Titanic Museum, a modern museum dedicated to the history of the Titanic which stands on the site where the ship was built. You can also tour Belfast Castle, a medieval structure with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills, and Queen's University, an academic institution noted for its architecture and beautiful gardens.

At the time of purchase you will need to decide whether you want to opt for the 1 or 2 day pass and from the time of activation you can use the tour bus as many times as you like until the time limit expires. The services have an estimated frequency of 30 minutes between each bus and you can use it every day from 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

Belfast hop on-hop off bus stops

• Donegall Square West, considered Belfast's Kilometre Zero
• SSE Arena, one of Belfast's most famous stadiums
• Titanic Quarter, the quarter founded by White Star Line workers
• HMS Caroline, the museum of the oldest ship afloat from World War One
• Titanic Belfast, the famous Titanic Museum
• St. Georges Market, the city's oldest street market
• Belfast City Hall, one of Belfast's most popular architectural landmarks
• Great Victoria Street, one of the city's most visited shopping arteries
• Dublin Road, the starting point for excursions into the surrounding areas of Belfast
• Queen's University, one of the most beautiful and prominent buildings in Northern Ireland's capital city
• Eglantine Avenue, located in close proximity to Windsor Park Stadium
• Culturlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, the centre of English culture in Victorian architecture
• Falls Road, the main thoroughfare of suburban Andersonstown
• International Peace Wall, the start of the dividing wall between Shankill Road and Falls Road
• Peace Wall, the main point of the wall dividing Shankill Road and Falls Road
• Spectrum Centre, epicentre of the city's murals
• Remembrance Garden, a garden honouring the victims of The Troubles
• Crumlin Road Jail House, home of the historic Courthouse and last stop on the tour

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 26 euros per person for the 1 day option.
• Duration: The full tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can use the service as many times as you like during the duration of the service.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the service ends at 4 p.m., a somewhat restricted time slot that could be detrimental to your tour, especially during the summer.

As a first step, I advise you to plan your itinerary in advance, considering the sights you are most interested in visiting. This will allow you to get the most out of your visit, and also allow you to make a proper travel plan to meet all the sites listed in advance.

On the other hand, don't underestimate the benefits of a guided tour. Often expert local guides can offer enriching information and stories that will give you a deeper insight into the history and culture of Belfast. On the other hand, political tours are great options for learning about the city's past and can be just as important as the best tours from Belfast.

Finally, be sure to sample the local cuisine. Belfast has a vibrant culinary scene that combines Irish traditions with modern innovations. Don't hesitate to explore the local markets and sample dishes emblematic of this destination that will add a delicious tinge to your Belfast experience.

Opting for a guided tour in Belfast offers several significant advantages over exploring the city on your own. Firstly, the presence of an experienced guide provides access to valuable information about local history and culture. Guides are often local residents who can offer a unique perspective, sharing anecdotes and details that may go unnoticed when travelling independently.

In addition, guided tours allow you to optimise your sightseeing time, ensuring that you don't miss the highlights of Belfast. Well-planned itineraries ensure a well-rounded experience, covering both the iconic sites and those lesser-known but equally fascinating corners of the city. This is especially beneficial if you have limited time to explore the city.

Finally, comfort and peace of mind are also notable advantages when opting for a guided tour. By relying on an expert, you will avoid worrying about navigation, logistical planning and other organisational details, which is ideal if you plan to visit Belfast in 3 days or even less.