Best Tours of Belfast

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

Some of the best things to do in Belfast include taking part in an eclectic tour of the city's monuments and murals, going on a food tour that will take you through the local stalls and markets, taking a mini-bar tour of the most outstanding bars and pubs, and participating in the hop on-hop off tour of the Belfast sightseeing bus.

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

On this tour you will find everything from murals dedicated to the time of conflict, known in Northern Ireland as The Troubles, to those that celebrate reconciliation and diversity, in 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. Among them is 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 will also see the Great Wave sculpture at the Waterfront Hall, an artistic representation symbolizing Belfast's resilience and renewal after the years of conflict, and experience the Botanic Gardens, where Victorian architecture merges with the surrounding nature.

Details of interest

• 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 will not 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 culinary tours of the city you can explore everything from the city's bustling flea markets, such as St. George's Market, to the street stalls. From artisanal cheeses to fresh produce and bakery delicacies, these experiences will take you to some of Belfast's most outstanding restaurants, where you can savor the most iconic dishes of Irish cuisine.

The itinerary of these tours will also take you to some of Belfast's most outstanding restaurants, where you can savor the most iconic dishes of Irish cuisine. In these places you will taste the irish stew, a stew with lamb, potatoes and vegetables, which reflects the very essence of traditional Irish cuisine.

On the other hand, 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.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 88 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to taste the most outstanding dishes of the city in an express experience.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are generally not inexpensive experiences.

If you want to explore Belfast in a unique and fun way you can participate in a bike bar tour. This innovative means of transportation will take you to discover the main bars of the city on a tour of the lively Cathedral Quarter, where you will find the Duke of York, a historic pub with a cozy atmosphere and a varied selection of local beers.

On this adventure, you can also visit Titanic Quarter, a district that is home to the Titanic Belfast Pub and other maritime-themed venues. There you can take in the panoramic views as you pedal along the banks of the River Lagan and take part in various stops at bars along the way to sample cocktails and local specialties. In addition, if you visit Belfast during Christmas, you will 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.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the nightlife of Belfast in a quick and fun tour of the main districts of the Northern Irish capital.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are express experiences, so you will not have too much free time to relax in the places you visit for tastings.

One of the best alternatives to make a comprehensive tour of Belfast is to join the guided tours that will take you through the main tourist attractions of the city. 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 know the surroundings of the city as is the case of Falls Roads and Shankill Road, two of the districts with the most representative murals of this destination.

In the Titanic Museum you will find an interactive museum that commemorates the construction and the tragic sinking of the legendary ship. There you will have time to learn about the maritime history of the region and admire the architecture of the building, which is shaped like an iceberg and is one of the most famous monuments in Northern Ireland.

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 rich local architectural heritage.

You will also have time to visit the Belfast Botanical Gardens, which offer a green oasis in the middle of the city, where you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of its landscapes. Finally, you will 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 street art of this destination.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main points of the city in a guided experience that will be ideal for a short stay in the city.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: generally, the entrance fees for 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 it is to join a cab tour of the city's intricate history. On these experiences you can start your tour on the Falls Road and Shankill Road, two iconic neighborhoods that played a crucial role during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

There, in addition to exploring the Republican and Loyalist murals that narrate the complexity of the region's political history, you will 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 numerous notorious trials of international significance and is now a tangible reminder of Belfast's tumultuous history. The tour will end at Stormont Parliament, seat 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 time.

Details of interest

• 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 it is a panoramic tour of the most important sites of the political conflict in Northern Ireland.

If you are looking to explore Belfast at your own pace, you can opt for a hop on-hop off bus tour of the city. This service will allow you to discover the main points of interest of the city and use, as many times as you want during the life of your pass, any of the 19 strategically located stops.

Among the highlights is the Titanic Museum, a modern museum dedicated to the history of the Titanic that 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 must 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 want until the term is completed. The services have an estimated frequency of 30 minutes between each bus and you can use it every day from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Belfast hop on-hop off tour bus stops

• Donegall Square West, considered to be Belfast's ground zero kilometer
• SSE Arena, one of Belfast's most famous stadiums
• Titanic Quarter, the neighborhood founded by White Star Line workers
• HMS Caroline, the museum of the oldest ship afloat in the First World War
• Titanic Belfast, the famous Titanic Museum
• St. Georges Market, the oldest street market in the city
• Belfast City Hall, one of Belfast's most popular buildings for its architecture
• Great Victoria Street, one of the city's most visited shopping arteries
• Dublin Road, the starting point for excursions to the surrounding areas of Belfast
• Queen's University, one of the most beautiful and outstanding buildings of the Northern Irish capital
• Eglantine Avenue, located very close to Windsor Park Stadium
• Culturlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, the English cultural center of Victorian architecture
• Falls Road, the main thoroughfare of the suburb of Andersonstown
• International Peace Wall, the beginning 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, epicenter of the city's murals
• Remembrance Garden, a garden honoring 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 complete tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can use the service as many times as you want 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 places of interest you are most interested in visiting. This will allow you to get the most out of your visit and, also, to make a proper travel plan to meet all the sites previously consigned.

On the other hand, do not underestimate the scope of a guided tour. Many times local expert guides can offer you enriching information and stories that will give you a deeper perspective on the history and culture of Belfast. On the other hand, political tours are ideal 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. First, 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 might go unnoticed when traveling independently.

In addition, guided tours allow you to optimize your sightseeing time, which will ensure you don't miss Belfast's highlights. Well-planned itineraries guarantee a complete experience, covering both the iconic sites and those lesser-known but equally fascinating nooks and crannies. 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 organizational details, which will be ideal if you plan to visit Belfast in 3 days or even less.