Belfast
Western Europe · United Kingdom
Did you know?
- St George's Market hosts local produce stalls on weekends.
- The Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens both offer free entry.
- The Crown Liquor Saloon pairs pub food with beer.
See also
Overview
Belfast brings together Titanic heritage and a lively pub culture. The Northern Irish capital also makes a useful base for exploring the surrounding region.
Languages: English
Why go?
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, a city with a troubled past but now safe and fascinating. It offers Titanic heritage, vibrant pub culture, and is a great base for exploring Northern Ireland.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Belfast has two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) 2 miles east, and Belfast International Airport (BFS) 20 miles west. Airlines include Aer Lingus, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2. Ferries from Cairnryan, Scotland arrive at the ferry terminal. Trains and buses connect to Dublin (2 hours) and other UK cities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Walk to all central sights. The centre is within a mile or two of the Botanic Gardens, Queen's University and Titanic. Buses and trains serve outer areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from hostels like Lagan Backpackers (dorm £27), Belfast International Youth Hostel (£28), and Vagabonds Hostel (£30) to mid-range hotels like Travelodge (double £120) and Europa Hotel (£140). The university area near Queen's is popular for budget stays.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Try an Ulster fry at Maggie Mays (£10-15). Pubs like the Crown Liquor Saloon and the Garrick serve good beer and food. For quick eats, Boojum (Mexican) and Little Italy (pizza) are cheap. The St George's Market offers local produce on weekends.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Top attractions include Titanic Belfast (adult £25), Crumlin Road Gaol (£14), City Hall (free tour £6), Ulster Museum (free), and Botanic Gardens (free). The Waterfront Hall and Grand Opera House host shows.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Belfast is generally safe, but avoid interface areas after dark. Don't wear inappropriate football colors or discuss local politics. Keep away from rowdy youths.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
The city has 5G from all UK carriers. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels. There is no mobile signal on ferries.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget is about £50-70: dorm £27-33, meals £15-20, attractions £10-20, transport £5. Pints cost around £5-6.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include the Giant's Causeway, Derry, Hillsborough Castle, and the Ulster Folk Museum at Holywood. Dublin is reachable by bus or train in 2 hours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Avoid discussing the Troubles or politics. Be mindful of wearing football jerseys in certain areas. Tipping is not expected but appreciated (round up or 10% for good service).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Transport routes radiate from Belfast. Key onward destinations: Holywood (museums), Hillsborough (castle), Giant's Causeway, Derry, and Dublin.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Archana
Good Indian restaurant, the lunchtime deals are great value.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Boojum
Mexican chain.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bright's Restaurant
Old style breakfast and lunch, and traditional ambiance right down to the biddy brushing under your table as you're trying to eat.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Darcy's
Large servings of Belfast cuisine in an old-fashioned candlelit ambiance. Excellent vegan/vegetarian menu.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Belfast Empire
This former church has three floors of bars and music venues.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bittles Bar
Atmospheric little pub in a distinctive flatiron building.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Boundary Brewing
Modern craft beer brewery with attached taproom serving 20 beers on draught.
Recorded price: £6 pint
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bullhouse East
Taproom belonging to Bullhouse Brewing with approx 20 beers on draught. Woodfired pizzas also available.
Recorded price: £6 pint
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
5G coverage from all UK carriers. Free Wi-Fi in many public places.
Culture
Mixed Protestant and Catholic heritage; be respectful of symbols and colors.
Emergency
Dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink.
Language
English is universal; Irish also spoken in some areas.
Money
Currency is Pound sterling (GBP). Cards widely accepted, but carry some cash for small vendors.
Safety
Generally safe; avoid interface areas (peace walls) after dark.
Tipping
Not expected; rounding up or 10% for good service is fine.
Transport
City centre is walkable; buses and trains from Grand Central Station.
Visa
UK visa rules apply for Northern Ireland.