Belfast Travel Tips
Belfast is an incredible, dynamic and lively city that is rapidly gaining traction as one of Europe’s most popular city breaks options.
The city is home to vibrant nightlife, fascinating historical legacies and an abundance of incredible things to do and see. While it doesn't have the international recognition of its near-neighbour Dublin, Belfast offers a far-more authentic and personal insight into life in this fascinating little nation.
There are quite a few things you should know before visiting Belfast. From important customs, to suggestions of the best things to do in Belfast, this article will introduce you to everything you need to know before your trip to Northern Ireland.
So, let’s dive into: Belfast Travel Tips
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Tips For Visiting Belfast Overview
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in this article:
General Belfast Travel Tips
Where To Stay in Belfast
Things to do Before Arriving in Belfast
Best Things to Do in Belfast
Eating and Drinking in Belfast
Best Day Trips from Belfast
Frequently Asked Questions about Belfast
General Belfast Travel Tips
Belfast is the Capital of Northern Ireland, which makes up a part of the United Kingdom (along with England, Scotland and Wales) and is separated from the Republic of Ireland by a land border.
Belfast is roughly 2 hours North of Dublin and thankfully there are many different ways of travelling to Belfast.
Here are the easiest ways of getting to Belfast:
How to get to Belfast?
By Plane:
Despite being a relatively small city, Belfast surprisingly has two airports - George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. Both airports are well-connected to a number of different cities around the UK, with Belfast International Airport understandably providing the most connections for international destinations across Europe.
Thankfully both getting from Belfast City Airport to Belfast City centre and getting from Belfast International Airport to Belfast is relatively straight-forward, making travelling to Belfast by plane an easy and stress-free option.
Belfast budget-travel tip: Search for cheap flights to Belfast with WayAway and earn cash back on flight purchases with the WayAway Plus subscription
By Train:
Belfast is connected by rail to a number of different cities across Northern Ireland and Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Derry. You can see the timetable for Translink Rail here and Irish Rail here.
By Ferry:
Travelling to Belfast by ferry is one of the most popular ways of getting to Belfast. The city is connected to the UK via a number of different ferry routes. Here are some of the most popular:
Belfast - Liverpool (England): View Stena Line timetable and prices here
Belfast - Cairnryan (Scotland): View Stena Line timetable and prices here
Belfast - Douglas (Isle of Man): View Manx ferry timetable and prices here
It is worth noting that there are also a number of different ferry routes between Dublin and continental Europe, so getting a ferry to the South of Ireland and driving up to Belfast is also a viable option.
By Car:
The journey between Dublin and Belfast takes roughly 2 hours (105 miles) while other popular routes include Derry to Belfast (70 miles, 1.5 hours) and Cork to Belfast (260 miles, 4.5 hours). Drivers from the UK or Continental Europe will, of course, have to take a ferry before continuing their drive to Belfast.
Top tip: renting a car in Dublin and driving up to Belfast is the easiest way of visiting Northern Ireland’s capital city from the South. You can see Dublin rental car prices here.
By Bus:
Aircoach operates a thorough schedule between Belfast, Dublin and Dublin Airport - so reaching Belfast from Ireland is very simple. One-way tickets between Belfast and Dublin typically cost around £12 (€13) and the journey takes around 2 hours. You can view a full timetable via AirCoach.
The cheapest way of getting to Belfast from the UK is to jump onboard a National Express Coach from London to Belfast (with ferry ticket included) for as little as £50 (€56), but be aware that the journey takes upwards of 22 hours in total. View the full timetable and prices for National Express buses here.
Best way to get around Belfast?
Thankfully Belfast is a relatively small city so many of the popular places to visit in Belfast city centre are all within walking distance of each other.
Aside from walking, Belfast has an extensive and reliable bus network operated by Translink that can pretty much get you to anywhere in the city - Translink buses have recently been fitted with ‘tap’ technology so there is no need to fumble around for loose change when you get on board.
Alternatively, you can download the mLink ticketing app and pay for your tickets through the app.
Uber is a popular way to get around Belfast with Value Cabs being one of the most affordable and reliable taxi companies in the city. It is worth noting that waits for taxis during peak times (evenings and weekends) can be quite long in Belfast, so it is always better to book in advance where possible.
Another popular way to get around Belfast is to use the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus which makes 20 stops around the city including Belfast City Hall and the Botanic Gardens.
Best Hotels in Belfast
Finding a great place to stay in Belfast is relatively straightforward, particularly in the centre of the city. While there are many top boutique hotels in Belfast, underneath we have highlighted just a few of our favourites to get you started.
The Flint
The Flint - one of our favourite places to stay in Belfast
The Flint says goodbye to the traditional hotel model and instead provides impeccably furnished apartment-style rooms for you to use as a comfortable home base during your trip to Belfast.
The very spacious apartment rooms feature a bedroom, living area, kitchenette and bathroom, and with The Flint being located in the heart of the city centre, it is hard to find a more convenient location to stay in Belfast.
If you’re looking for an answer to the question where to stay in Belfast, then The Flint is the answer we will always give.
Titanic Hotel
Titanic Hotel
We often tell people that the best area of Belfast to stay in is the Titanic Quarter - the area is within walking distance of Belfast City Centre and is home to the Titanic Museum, We are Vertigo activity centre and the SSE Odyssey Arena, home to the Belfast Giants Ice-hockey team.
One of the best places to stay in the Titanic Quarter is the Titanic Hotel - the most authentic Titanic-themed hotel in the world. The Titanic Hotel is a very unique place to stay in Belfast, with the rooms furnished in a way that makes you feel as though you have actually been transported back onto the famous ship.
Best Hostels in Belfast
It can be very easy to travel to Belfast on a budget and one of the tips we give for achieving this is to stay in one of the best cheap hostels in Belfast. While the city doesn’t have a huge array of hostel options, the ones that do exist are affordable and provide a great place to stay in Belfast.
Vagabonds Hostel
Vagabonds Hostel - Belfast
Often described as the ‘overall best hostel in Belfast’, Vagabonds is an easy 15-minute walk away from the city centre and provides the kind of friendly and relaxing atmosphere that you look for in a hostel.
On top of comfortable, spacious dorm rooms, the Vagabonds Hostel also provides a free continental breakfast every morning as well as access to a movie room - perfect to relax in the evenings after a busy day exploring all the best sights in Belfast.
Global Village Hostel
Global Village Hostel - Belfast
If you’re searching for a more sociable atmosphere when staying in Belfast, then look no further than the Global Village Hostel.
The hostel prides itself on being the best hostel in Belfast for meeting and socialising with other travellers. This hostel is particularly suited towards solo travellers, or couples looking to meet new people while travelling in Belfast.
The Global Village Hostel is found in the University Quarter of Belfast and as the name suggests, is within walking distance of the beautiful Queen’s University Campus.
Things to do Before Arriving in Belfast
Once you’ve worked out the best place to stay in Belfast and booked your accommodation, you’re nearly ready to travel. Before that however, there are still a few extra things we recommend that you sort out before arriving in Belfast.
Download an e-Sim that works in Northern Ireland
If you’re travelling to Belfast from the UK, then of course your mobile data will work in the City and you’ll have no problem. If however, you’re visiting Belfast from the South of Ireland or from an international destination, then you will need to get a SIM card that works in Northern Ireland.
We recommend downloading an e-SIM that works in Northern Ireland because they are cheaper than ordinary SIM Cards and you will already have it downloaded to your phone, prior to arriving in Belfast.
If you have never used an e-SIM before, there is no need to panic, they are very easy to use and when you buy one they come with full instructions of how to install it to your phone.
Book flights to Belfast
As we mentioned earlier, there are two major airports that serve the Belfast area. Belfast City Airport has good links with the UK and is much closer to Belfast city centre, whereas Belfast International Airport is around a 30-minute drive from the city centre but has better connections throughout the UK and Europe.
Remember that the best way to find cheap flights is through WayAway, we love using the site to find great deals on flights in Europe.
Top tip: if you sign up for a yearly subscription to WayAway Plus, you earn cash back on every flight, hotel, car rental and activity purchase. It’s the easiest way to save money on a trip to Belfast!
Get reliable travel insurance for Belfast
As with any trip, it’s important to get the right travel insurance for the duration of your time in Belfast. If you’re visiting Belfast from the South of Ireland, you need to be careful when booking travel insurance, ensuring it covers both North and South of the border.
In general, the most reliable travel insurance for Belfast, and a company we always use when travelling, is True Traveller. Another handy alternative travel insurance to try when visiting Belfast is World Nomads. Both are very comparable and we’d recommend choosing which insurance package suits you and your needs best.
Read about the history of Belfast and Northern Ireland
Belfast is a fascinating city with an incredibly complex and convoluted history, so we suggest reading some great books about Belfast and Northern Ireland before you venture to this wonderful city.
Reading up on a destination, prior to arriving, is one of our best travel tips for couples. Learning more about a place before you set foot in the destination will help you fully appreciate it once you actually touch down.
Best Things to Do in Belfast
Titanic Museum
It’s impossible to consider visiting Belfast without experiencing one its most famous sites - the Titanic Museum!
The history of the city of Belfast and the world’s most famous ship are inextricably linked, with the city being the place the Titanic was designed and constructed in the early 1900s. Today, visiting the Titanic Museum in Belfast is one of the best things you can do in the city and with the recent exhibit renovation, the museum has become even better.
Visiting the Titanic Museum is arguably the most popular thing to do in Belfast so we would recommend trying to book tickets online before arriving, then you can simply pick up your tickets from the self-service machines once you arrive - this is the only way to guarantee entry at the time you want.
While you could happily explore the Titanic Museum in Belfast for an entire day, we generally recommend planning to visit for 2-3 hours, which gives you plenty of time to view all the exhibits and walk around the Titanic’s sister ship - the SS Nomadic.
The famous Titanic Museum in Belfast
Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail) is a 19th Century, Grade One listed prison that housed many significant political prisoners during the height of the Troubles and visiting Crumlin Road Gaol is one of the best things to do in Belfast.
Now open to the public as an open-air museum, the prison only stopped being an active prison in 1996, when it remained derelict until a restoration project was announced to restore the prison to its former state.
The Jail was even visited by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 - if the prison is fit for a royal visit, then you know it’s definitely a place worth visiting in Belfast.
Crumlin Road Gaol is only 1.7km (1 mile) from Belfast City Centre so it is quite an easy walk for the most-part. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, we’d recommend jumping on board the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus as it makes a stop at the Crumlin Road Gaol as part of its 20 stops around Belfast.
In order to save money when visiting Crumlin Road Gaol, it’s important to buy your tickets online before arriving - there is a discount on all online tickets and it guarantees fast entry once you arrive.
A visit to the Jail is completely self-guided, but there are audio guides and plenty of information points available.
Belfast Black Taxi Tour
Violent Sectarian conflict ravaged the city of Belfast throughout the latter half of the 20th Century - bitter violence between the mainly Protestant Loyalists and the majority Catholic Unionists lasted over 30 years until the Good Friday Peace Deal was reached in 1998.
Though Belfast has made immeasurably strides in the succeeding years, there are still remnants of its turbulent past that are worth learning about when you visit Belfast.
Belfast is an extremely safe place for tourists to visit nowadays and although you could wander around many of the significant areas of the Troubles independently, the best way to truly get to know these areas is by embarking on the best political black taxi tour of Belfast.
As you are driven around the city by a driver who lived and worked through the Troubles, you get to visit politically significant regions of Belfast such as the Falls Road and Shanklin Road area.
You can view a full timetable for the Belfast Black Taxi Tour, including prices and reviews, here.
Black Taxi Tour - Belfast
Troubles Walking Tour
One of the reasons many choose to travel to Belfast, whether it's as a day-trip from Dublin or as part of a more thorough Northern Ireland trip, is to experience firsthand the impact that the Troubles had on the city.
Undoubtedly the best way to learn about the Troubles is to embark on a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide, and our recommendation for the best walking tour in Belfast is the ominously-named A History of Terror Walking Tour.
On the tour, you will learn all about the recent historical and political troubles of Northern Ireland while visiting some of the most significant and poignant places in Belfast.
The Troubles Walking Tour will give you a fresh perspective on Belfast and the Troubles of Northern Ireland.
Belfast Castle
Your Belfast trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Belfast Castle - one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Northern Ireland.
Found in the heart of North Belfast, nestled beneath the imposing Cave Hill, Belfast Castle is a lovely place to explore if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of Belfast City Centre.
The castle was built in the 1870s and this popular North Belfast attraction is now primarily used for weddings, functions and events - as part of your visit, you are able to walk freely through the castle grounds and even explore the rooms inside the Castle.
In terms of how to get to Belfast Castle, the best option is jump on board a Translink Bus (any route 1 bus) and travel along the Antrim Road until you get to the Strathmore Park stop. From here, it’s a simple 5-minute walk to the Castle grounds.
Belfast Castle
Sightseeing City Tour Bus
With so many things to squeeze into your Belfast travel itinerary, it can sometimes be tricky to work out just how to fit everything in - particularly as Belfast is a popular spot for a weekend city break, so you will only have 48 hours to explore.
Our best Belfast travel tip is to jump on board the Belfast Sightseeing Tour Bus as much as possible. The bus stops at 20 locations throughout Belfast, including the most popular spots like the Titanic Museum, Belfast City Hall, Crumlin Road Gaol and St George’s Market.
As well as transport to several of the best places to see in Belfast, the Sightseeing Tour Bus also provides free audio commentary so you can learn about a few of the sights you pass along the way.
Belfast travel tip: order your Sightseeing Tour Bus ticket online prior to arriving in Belfast to guarantee your place on the bus and then you can schedule your itinerary around the bus's departure times.
Ulster Museum
Next up on our list of the best things to do in Belfast is another stop on the Sightseeing Bus Tour - the Ulster Museum.
The Ulster Museum is the best place in Belfast to learn about the past and present of Northern Ireland. With a number of fascinating exhibitions, the museum showcases the history of Belfast through its collection of art and natural sciences displays.
Best of all, there is no admission fee for the Ulster Museum and you don’t have to book in advance, making it one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The museum itself is located inside the beautiful Botanic Gardens, so you can happily combine a visit to 2 of Belfast’s best attractions in one trip.
Belfast Peace Wall
One of the best Belfast travel tips we can provide is to simply learn about the history of the city - Northern Ireland’s history is convoluted and complex, but that shouldn’t deter you from learning as much as you can while you visit Belfast.
One of the best ways to learn about the history of Belfast is to visit the Belfast Peace Wall - a series of man made barriers that separated the predominantly Catholic Unionists from the predominantly Protestant Loyalists.
Some of the best tours in Belfast include visits to the Belfast peace wall, including this fascinating political conflict walking tour of Belfast.
The peace wall is one of the most poignant places to go in Belfast - it is a tangible reminder of how far the city has come, and possibly how far it still has to go yet.
Political Murals in Belfast
We are Vertigo
One of the best things to do in Belfast as a family is to visit the We are Vertigo adventure centres - they have two centres, one in the Titanic Quarter and one in Newtownbreda (South Belfast).
With inflatable obstacle courses, Ninja warrior courses and indoor skydiving, there is something for everybody at We are Vertigo. In fact, the inflatable course at Newtownbreda is actually the world’s largest indoor inflatable activity course!
In terms of what to see in Belfast, it’s difficult to think of anywhere that offers a more adrenaline-fuelled day out in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
Belfast City Hall
The Grade A listed building in the heart of Belfast City centre is one of the most beautiful buildings in Northern Ireland.
The City Hall roughly separates the commercial and business districts of Belfast, making it the most centrally located landmark in the whole city. There are free, daily guided tours around the city hall on a first-come first-served basis which give a brief insight into what is achieved day-to-day in this impressive building.
Belfast City Hall is also the home of one of Belfast’s most magical events - the Belfast Christmas Market. The City Hall grounds are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland filled with a number of quaint, boutique market stalls. It really is a sight to behold!
Belfast City Hall
W5 Science Discovery Centre
Another great place to visit in Belfast, particularly if you’re travelling with younger ones or as a family, is the W5 Science Discovery Centre.
Found on the ground floor of the SSE Odyssey Arena in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, W5 is an interactive science and discovery centre with a number of fascinating exhibits from robotic contraptions to science test demonstrations.
If you’re searching for a great day out in Belfast for the whole family, then look no further than the W5 Science Discovery Centre.
Watch a Belfast Giants Hockey Game
Arguably the highlight of any trip to the SSE Arena however, is the chance to watch the Belfast Giants play a home match in front of a raucous, sell-out crowd.
One of Belfast’s most famous sports clubs, the Belfast Giants are an ice-hockey team that competes in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League - being crowned champions an impressive 6 times throughout their relatively short history.
At the turn of the millennium, the Giants actually became the first professional ice hockey team on the isle of Ireland, and they have grown from strength to strength ever since.
With tickets starting from as little as £17 per person, watching a live Belfast Giants Game is one of the most affordable and enjoyable things to do in Belfast.
Botanic Gardens
Belfast Botanic Gardens, a 28-acre public park near Queen’s University, is a wonderful place to relax and unwind during your visit to Belfast.
Admission to the Botanic Gardens is entirely free, making it a great place to grab a coffee nearby and go for a refreshing stroll around the grounds.
The gardens are popular with students from the nearby Queen’s University, who choose to sit on the grass and relax in between lectures. It has a lovely, peaceful atmosphere and is one of our favourite outdoor spaces to hang out in Belfast.
Botanic Gardens
Watch an Ulster Rugby Match at Ravenhill
Rugby Union and the nation of Ireland will forever be inextricably linked and never is this more apparent than during a weekend clash at Ulster Rugby’s atmospheric home stadium - Ravenhill.
Ulster Rugby, Belfast’s home team, compete in the United Rugby Championship - a competition comprising teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa - and are one of the best club sides in the whole of Europe.
The fans at Ravenhill are passionate, loyal and loud. Throw a few pints of Guinness into the mix, and you create a lively atmosphere where everybody is welcome to enjoy the rugby and have a bit of craic together!
Watching an Ulster match live at Ravenhill is one of the best live sporting spectacles you can experience - it really is a great way to spend an afternoon in Belfast!
Belfast Zoo
Another great thing to do in North Belfast is to visit the wonderful Belfast Zoo - a brilliant family-friendly attraction that is home to over 800 animals from 120 different species.
You are sure to love seeing the Lions, Bears, Bongos, Zebras and Giraffes up close, while the selection of creepy reptiles on display at Belfast Zoo are sure to make everybody gasp.
Handily, Belfast Zoo is well-connected to the city centre by all 1 bus routes (1a, 1b, 1c, etc.) and all buses are now equipped with tap technology, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.
Click here to learn more about Belfast Zoo, including opening times and ticket prices.
Giraffes at Belfast Zoo
Axe-throwing in Belfast
For one of the most unique activities in Belfast, how about trying axe-throwing?
During an axe-throwing lesson in Belfast, you’ll be taught how to successfully throw an axe, including detailed instructions on safety, your technique and how to improve your aim.
We can’t think of any better stress-reliever than throwing an axe at a target for an hour!
The axe-throwing centre is located in the City Side Retail side, a short walk from Belfast city centre. This means you can add axe-throwing into any Belfast travel itinerary - a quick, affordable and incredibly fun activity to try during your Northern Ireland adventure.
Visit the Stormont Estate - Northern Ireland’s Parliament Building
The Stormont Estate is a major tourist attraction in Belfast, and indeed, Northern Ireland as a whole.
The Stormont Estate, usually referred to as just Stormont, is the site of the main Parliament buildings in Northern Ireland and makes for a great place to wander around and escape the chaos in the city centre.
Particularly in Summer, Stormont is a lovely place to explore and to go for a stroll around the woods that surround the parliament buildings.
Stormont’s convenient location, only 5 miles East of Belfast city centre, makes it one of the best places in Belfast to head onto the walking trails and really explore the natural beauty of Northern Ireland.
The beautiful Stormont Estate in Belfast
Grand Opera House
Northern Ireland’s most iconic theatre, the Grand Opera House was built in 1895 and is the only Victorian Theatre in Northern Ireland.
The Grand Opera House is a brilliant place to visit in Belfast for those that love theatre, drama, dance, opera, comedy and a whole host of other live performances.
It is possible to book a guided tour of the Grand Opera House which usually lasts an hour and you are given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this beautiful, historic building.
With private box packages offered alongside regular theatre seating, the Grand Opera House is the best place in Belfast to watch a live performance.
You can check out the upcoming performance schedule, timetable and book tickets here.
Shopping in the City Centre
For a capital city, Belfast is relatively small, with the main attractions in the city centre being within walking distance of each other. One of the major advantages of this, is that the main shopping areas in Belfast are all very close together - meaning you can shop to your heart’s content without having to venture to a number of different retail parks and outlets.
Victoria Square, Belfast’s number one shopping destination, is a great place to begin when looking for designer brands and clothes, while Castle Court is the best place to find a bargain.
If you’re looking for a great Belfast or Northern Ireland themed gift to take back home with you, then we’d recommend heading to Born and Bred, opposite the Urban Outfitters near Victoria Square. In Born and Bred you’ll find a great collection of funny Irish gifts, as well as some beautiful local artwork and everything in between.
Belfast Beer Bikes Tour
Have you ever wanted to discover the major sights of a city on a bike tour, while being able to comfortably drink with your friends at the same time? Well, the Belfast Beer Bike Tour is the perfect way to achieve this!
You have to use pedal power to cruise around on this very unique tour of Belfast. With BYOB, or drinks included options, this is a great activity for anybody visiting Belfast for a stag do or Hen Party - or even for a group of friends that want to try something a little different when visiting Northern Ireland.
Crown Liquor Saloon
Arguably Belfast’s most famous drinking venue, the Crown Liquor Saloon is a pub steeped in history, having originally been built in the 1820s.
Nowadays, the Crown Liquor Saloon features a great range of ales, craft beers and premium gins, in a setting that hasn’t changed all that much since the 1800s. The original gaslights still light up the pub, while the carved-mahogany booths give it a really traditional, homely feel.
The Victorian-era pub has become one of the most popular places to visit in Belfast City Centre thanks to its friendly atmosphere and its live music.
The Crown Liquor Saloon is the perfect place to experience the famous Belfast ‘craic’ and sip on an expertly poured pint of Guinness.
Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast
Harland and Wolff Cranes
The most iconic feature of the Belfast skyline is the bright yellow figures of Samson and Goliath - the two cranes that sit proudly in the Harland and Wolff dockyard in East Belfast.
The imposing figures have been in place since the last 1690s and early 1970s respectively, and continue to dominate the Belfast skyline to this day.
The best way to truly appreciate these architectural monsters is to get up and close and personal to them in the Titanic Quarter. Each stand at over 300 feet high and truly dwarf anything in the surrounding area. They really are a sight to behold!
Queen’s University
Originally opening way back in 1845, the Queen’s University is one of the most iconic locations in Belfast and strolling around the grand campus is one of the more memorable things you can do in the city.
As one of the leading universities in the UK and Ireland, Queen’s has a very distinguished heritage and history. Despite being home to over 22000 students, the Russell Group University campus is free to roam around at any time of the year, giving visitors a brief insight into what university life is like at this famous institute.
The University is located at the centre of the aptly named University Quarter of Belfast - it’s the Southern-mostly quarter in Belfast and features a number of artisanal cafes and wine bars.
Queen’s University Campus
Eating and Drinking in Belfast
Belfast is slowly growing a reputation as being one of the best up-and-coming foodie cities in the UK, and despite not having international acclaim just yet, the Belfast cuisine should not be slept on.
The best way to learn about the rich culinary history of Belfast, while getting to try some for yourself, is to embark on the Secret Food Tour of Belfast. The tour takes you to a number of stops across the city, places you wouldn’t even think to visit independently, and introduces you to a number of different Northern Irish delicacies.
One Belfast travel tip we always give to first-timers to the city is to join the secret food tour of Belfast - it cannot be missed!
What to eat in Belfast?
Underneath, we have highlighted some of the best food to try in Belfast and Northern Ireland - you might not be able to squeeze them all in during your visit to Belfast, but you should do your best to try as many as you can.
Ulster Fry
We start with the most famous Northern Irish dish of them all, the Ulster Fry. A typical Ulster Fry contains many of the core ingredients of a traditional Irish or English fry-up - bacon, black pudding, sausages, eggs etc.
What sets an Ulster fry apart however, is the addition of fried soda bread potato farls. The latter is a classic Irish food made from dry-fried dough of mashed potato and flour.
The Ulster fry is the best way to start your day in Northern Ireland and sets you up rightly for a full day of exploring in Belfast.
Belfast Bap
The humble Belfast Bap is a large, white, crusty bread roll that has its origins firmly rooted in Northern Ireland’s capital city. It is perhaps best known for being the perfect addition to an Ulster Fry, but it can happily be used as the bread for a traditional sandwich too.
Originally created in the 1840s as an affordable bread that everybody could enjoy, the Belfast Bap has withstood the test of time and continues to be one of the best things to eat in Belfast to this day.
Irish Stew
Traditionally made with root vegetables and lamb/mutton, it is difficult to imagine a more hearty dish when it comes to eating in Belfast.
As is similar with most ‘traditional’ dishes, the exact recipes differs from person to person, with each household boasting the ‘best version’ of the Irish stew.
Often in Belfast, an Irish stew will come served with beef or lamb, with an accompaniment of vegetables and potatoes - it really is the ultimate Irish comfort food!
Colcannon
Colcannon is a twist on traditional mashed potato as it contains chopped up cabbage and/or kale, mixed into the potato. While locals from the older generation will be used to having Colcannon as a stand-alone meal, nowadays in Belfast it is served as an accompaniment to the main dish.
Champ
Another Belfast variation on mashed potato, Champ contains scallions (spring onions), butter and milk. It’s a rich, creamy take on traditional mashed potato and is again the perfect accompaniment to a hearty Irish stew.
Fifteens
Belfast’s most famous sweet treat, Fifteen Bars are the perfect place to begin when you ask the question - what should I eat in Belfast?
Fifteens are made from digestive biscuits, marshmallows and glacé cherries, usually served with desiccated coconut on top. The traditional recipe includes 15 digestives, 15 marshmallows and 15 cherries - hence the name, Fifteens.
Nowadays, you will find Fifteens lining the shelves of every bakery in Belfast. Be careful though, they are very moorish and addictive and you’re sure to want to stock up on them before you head back home!
Best Day Trips from Belfast
As we have already highlighted, there is so much to do in Belfast, but there are also many brilliant day trips from Belfast. Underneath, we have provided examples of the best tours from Belfast, so you can decide how best to spend a day-trip from Northern Ireland’s Capital City.
Giant’s Causeway
Arguably Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique rock formation on the coast that, according to local tradition, was once used as a bridge by the infamous giant Finn McCool.
Nowadays however, a visit to the Giant’s Causeway is easily the best day trip from Belfast. A handy Belfast travel tip that we always give is to simply join an organised day-trip to the Giant’s Causeway, it’s very affordable and much easier than trying to visit Giant’s Causeway on your own.
Giant’s Causeway - one of the highlights of any Northern Ireland trip
Game of Thrones Locations Tour
There are many incredible Game of Thrones Locations in Northern Ireland and most of them can be seen as part of a day-trip from Belfast.
Joining a Game of Thrones tour from Belfast is the most efficient way of seeing as many filming locations as possible from the hit HBO series.
For many, a major motivation of visiting Belfast is to see some of the filming locations from the famous show, and embarking on a day trip from Belfast is the best way to do this.
Dark Hedges - Game of Thrones Locations in Northern Ireland
Did you know? You can now embark on a Game of Thrones Studio Tour (including transfers from Belfast) which allows you to step behind the scenes of the Seven Kingdoms!
Northern Ireland Highlights
While visiting Belfast is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of Northern Ireland, it isn’t the only one. The country is rich in culture, history and incredible scenery, and the best way to explore this amazing place is to embark on a Northern Ireland Highlights tour.
The full-day, guided tour of Northern Ireland begins with hotel-pick up in Belfast before venturing to some of the country’s most popular attractions - stops at Carrickfergus castle and Glenarm Castle are followed by visits to the Glenariff forest park and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
The tour culminates with a trip to the Giant’s Causeway before a quick exploration around Dunluce Castle - a famous site, particularly for Game of Thrones fans.
Whiskey Distillery Tours
Ireland and Whiskey - the two are completely inseparable. They have been hand in hand for generations, so it only seems right that one of the best day trips from Belfast is to the Old Bushmills Distillery.
Found 1 hour North of Belfast, close to the beautiful coastal town of Portrush, the Old Bushmills Distillery is actually the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, having originally started distilling way back in 1608.
Over 400 years later, a guided tour of the distillery will offer you the chance to learn about the copper pot stills and the production process of one of the world’s most famous triple distilled whiskeys.
Derry Day Trip
The journey from Belfast to Derry only takes about 2 hours, making it a great day to enjoy from Belfast.
Derry is a very compact city, complete with many cathedrals, iconic murals and fascinating architecture - in fact, Derry is Ireland’s only remaining completely intact walled city. Perhaps most famous for being the setting for the brilliant TV show ‘Derry Girls’, the city has much more to offer.
Getting from Belfast to Derry is relatively straightforward with Translink offering a Derry/Londonderry - Belfast coach that operates all throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Belfast
How many days should you spend in Belfast?
How many days you should spend in Belfast depends entirely on your travel itinerary and budget, but as a general rule of thumb, we’d recommend spending at least 2 full days in Belfast and then a 3rd day for embarking on a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast.
48 hours in Belfast will provide you with plenty of time to see all of the city’s main attractions and best places to see.
Is it it safe to visit Belfast as a tourist?
Belfast is considered very safe for tourists and has put the majority of its historical troubles firmly in the past. As is the case when travelling to any city however, you should exercise caution when venturing around the city after dark - common sense when travelling is to avoid dimly-lit areas and take public transport instead of walking at night.
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
We always suggest that the best time of year to visit Belfast is during the shoulder summer months of May and September - at these times of year, you can expect relatively warm weather and the crowds won’t be quite as extensive as is the case during the height of the summer. Unfortunately, rain can still occur at any time of the year in Belfast, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket even during the summer.
Is Belfast worth visiting?
Absolutely. Belfast is one of the most up-and-coming European Capital Cities with a wealth of historical attractions, vibrant nightlife, top-class restaurants and fascinating museums. Whether you plan to see the city as a day-trip from Dublin, or as part of a full weekend in Northern Ireland, Belfast is certainly worth visiting.
What currency do they use in Belfast?
Belfast and Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (£) as its currency, as it is part of the United Kingdom.
If you are travelling to Belfast from the Republic of Ireland, where they use Euro (€), then you won’t be able to use this cash North of the border. There are many exchange bureaus throughout Belfast City Centre, or alternatively it is common to pay by card everywhere in Belfast.
There we have it folks, a complete round-up of our best Belfast travel tips. From choosing where to stay in Belfast, to deciding the best things to do in Belfast, we hope our travel tips have helped you prepare for your Northern Ireland trip by outlining everything you need to know before visiting Belfast.
