Belfast Holidays

Tour the City in a Black Cab

For personalized and comfortable sightseeing, opt for an escorted black cab tour. Just tell the driver what sparks your interest or let them guide you to the many sites and neighbourhoods of Belfast. Suggested stops include the political murals of the Falls, the Victorian Crumlin Road Jail and Court House buildings, Belfast’s City Hall, and the Albert Memorial Clock. Knowledgeable and flexible drivers will satisfy your every curiosity about the city.

Walk the Cathedral Quarter

For an architecturally and artistically tantalizing experience, wander the Cathedral Quarter. Once home to Belfast’s warehousing and newspaper industries, the area houses the oldest buildings in town such as the McHugh’s, the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the Central Library, and the Custom House, formerly a place of public speaking and debate. The Cathedral district is also known for its vibrant art scene, with various art schools and galleries. Historic pubs and trendy new bistros and clubs make the area an ideal place for a night on the town.

Shop in St. George’s Market

Located in a beautiful Victorian building is the St. George’s Market, one of the UK´s top markets and an essential stop on your Belfast trip. On Fridays, the Variety Market has everything from fresh fish and fruit to antiques and books. The Saturday City Food & Garden Market is full of local and organic produce--meats, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, and coffee. Sample food from around the world at stalls that offer Caribbean, Spanish, French, and Italian eats. The Sunday market features arts, clothing, and crafts.

Try the Ghost walking tour

Explore the dark and haunted areas of Belfast and learn of the town’s murderous and supernatural history. You won’t find these stories in the guidebooks. Through spooky tales like Belfast’s connection to Jack the Ripper and the secret body snatcher trade, the entertaining guide of Ghost Walk Belfast will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on this unforgettable tour.

For personalized and comfortable sightseeing, opt for an escorted black cab tour. Just tell the driver what sparks your interest or let them guide you to the many sites and neighbourhoods of Belfast.
Suggested stops include the political murals of the Falls, the Victorian Crumlin Road Jail and Court House buildings, Belfast’s City Hall, and the Albert Memorial Clock. Knowledgeable and flexible drivers will satisfy your every curiosity about the city.

Ulster Museum

Despite its drab exterior, the Ulster Museum captures thousands of years of Irish history in its exhibits, which range from prehistoric artefacts to modern works. The most prized collections include the wreckage from the Girona, a ship of the Spanish Armada that sunk off the Antrium coast in 1588. Natural history is also on display with dinosaur bones and exotic butterflies. Other collections include mummies and masks from Africa and the South Pacific.

Titanic walking tour

Despite the ship’s infamous sinking, the Titanic and its groundbreaking engineering are a source of pride for Belfast. For the full Titanic experience, go on the popular guided walking tour that will take you through Queens Island where the ship was dreamt up and designed.

Stops include the Victorian drawing room, the slipway from which the ship first touched water, the massive 1911 dry dock, and the still-operating Pump-House. Get a sneak peek at the Titanic Quarter, a waterfront development due to open in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the ship’s maiden voyage.

Belfast Castle

Venture just outside the city to the rolling green Cavehill Country Park to see the famous Belfast Castle. Built in 1860, this romantic castle is a popular site for storybook weddings with its breathtaking views of Belfast. The castle also features an antiques shop and the Cellar Restaurant that serves superb fresh and local food. Visit the Belfast Castle on your way to or from a hike on Cave Hill.

Falls Road

Absorb the political history and spirit of Northern Ireland with a trip down Falls Road, a street running through west Belfast covered in colourful murals with messages of peace and justice. The area was also the site of Catholic/Protestant conflicts throughout the period known as the Troubles, and was occupied by the British Army that clashed there with the IRA on numerous occasions. Through festivals and the cultural centre Cultúrlann, Irish culture is alive and well in Falls Road.

Tip * Booking your Tours, Transfers & Airport Parking before you go will save your money & time and ensure a stress free start to your holiday

Public Transportation

Belfast’s public transportation includes the local bus service called the Metro, the Ulsterbus and Goldliner that serve the suburbs, and the railway service Northern Ireland. All Metro bus routes go to and from the city centre. The main bus stations are the Europa Bus Station at Great Victoria Street, the Laganside Bus Centre, and Newtownabbey.

Taxis

Companies FonaCab (028 9033 3333) and Value Cabs (028 9080 9080) run taxi services throughout Belfast and both offer sightseeing. Look for coloured license plates that indicate the legitimacy and destination of cabs: yellow is for the city, white is for outside the city, and green is for private hire. Black taxis also serve the city centre, make requested stops, and are often shared rides.

Car Hire

Consider car hire in Belfast. As the city is more reliant on cars than most European cities, you might enjoy the freedom to roam and see more in less time. Roads are in good condition, though you should be careful on winding and narrow passes. Drive on the left.

To and From the Airport

Belfast has two airports: the Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport. There are regular buses from the Belfast International Airport that take you to the city centre and public transport networks. The International Airport Taxi Company (0 28 9448 4353) is also available for single or shared rides. From the city airport, the Airport Express 600 bus runs every 20 minutes to the Europa Bus centre in the heart of town, and taxis are £8 to the city centre.

Situated just five minutes from the city centre on the Lagan River is the Hilton Hotel. Boasting beautiful river views, the hotel is complete with the Irish cuisine of the Sonoma Restaurant and the delicious cocktails and snacks of the Cables Bar.

A chic hotel located right next to City Hall, the Ten Square Hotel has garnered a reputation of being one of the coolest places to stay in the city. With only 23 boutique-style bedrooms, each offers sophisticated luxury and excellent hospitality. The hotel’s Grill Room & Bar serves up some of the best steaks in town in addition to fresh seafood. Steps from shopping destination Victoria Square, Ten Square is both a favourite of visiting celebrities as well as locals in the know.

With easy access to the George Best Belfast City Airport, the Park Avenue Hotel offers a stylish stay in one of its spacious refurbished rooms. Each is equipped with a flat screen digital TV, a coffee and tea maker, air conditioning, and free wireless Internet access. This 4-star hotel also features the laid-back landmark pub Gelston’s Corner bar and the locally popular Griffin Restaurant that serves both contemporary and traditional Irish dishes.

With its chic, modern design and excellent downtown location, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is also a popular choice. Amenities include a fitness centre/spa, conference facilities, and high speed Internet.

For more options, browse our choice of hotels in Belfast.

A well-loved Belfast landmark, the colourful Crown Liquor Saloon (46 Great Victoria St) features a gorgeous red and gold painted ceiling, mosaic-tiled floors, ornate carvings and columns, etched glass, and a red granite bar. Wooden nooks create private rooms for drinking and eating from the excellent whiskey and food menu. Dishes include Irish stews such as the pastry-topped beef in Guinness.

Head to the Olive Tree (353 Ormeau Road) for high-quality Mediterranean food at a great price. This delicatessen specializes in (surprise!) olives with bowls of succulent kalamatas and marinated manzanillas, as well as olive, onion and tomato tapenades being among the many olive-inspired dishes. Other specialties include a warm duck salad, peppers stuffed with tapenade and tuna, and handmade cheese and salami.

Find excellent food and service at the Square Cafe & Restaurant (89 Dublin Road). A great selection of wine accompanies signature dishes like the salt and chilli squid, salmon with creamed leeks, and roast duck with caramelized orange sauce. Finish up your meal with a peach and hazelnut meringue or rhubarb crumble. With big portions and reasonable prices, the Square Cafe is at the top of Belfast’s best eateries.

Located in the former Bank of Ireland, Bo Tree Thai (31 University Road) boasts fantastic and flavourful Thai dishes with spices directly imported from Bangkok. With Thai chefs from the popular Chiang Mai Kitchen in Oxford, Bo Tree’s dishes include coconut soup, fried king prawns, and a variety of delicious stir-fries and spicy curries.

Health and Hygiene

Both the public and private health infrastructures offer excellent facilities. There are also many well-stocked pharmacies throughout Belfast. Before departing ask your Social Security centre for a European Health Insurance Card.

While there are no required vaccinations, those recommended include tetanus, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, and measles (1 dose of trivalent vaccine) for those not yet vaccinated. Water is potable.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergencies: Dial 999 or 112 for emergency medical service, police and fire department.

Automobile accidents: Notify the Irish Visiting Motorist Bureau (1) 676 99 44.

Safety

Belfast is a safe town for tourists and Northern Ireland has a low crime rate in general. Still, do not walk alone at night or in poorly lit areas. Carry just a little cash on your person and try not to wear anything that might attract attention such as expensive jewellery. Keep a photocopy of your travel documents with you and store the originals in a safe place. Do not leave personal belongings in parked vehicles.

Be sensitive to Belfast’s difficult past. Get permission before taking photos of military posts or people. Depending on which neighbourhood you are in, avoid wearing sports jerseys that belong to teams in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Also try to wait to wear the green souvenir shirts until you are back home.