- Flights from London take about 1h15, and Belfast City Airport is only about 10 minutes from the centre
- Titanic Belfast is the must-see, so book a timed ticket
- Take a black taxi or walking tour to understand the murals and peace walls
- Use the city as a base for a Giant's Causeway day trip
- Airports
- Belfast City (BHD), Belfast International (BFS)
- Best time to go
- May-September; late November-December for the Christmas market
- Type
- City
Belfast has reinvented itself over the past two decades. The shipyards that built the Titanic are now home to one of Europe's best museums, the Victorian centre is full of lively pubs and restaurants, and the murals and peace walls of the west of the city tell the story of the Troubles and the peace that followed. It's compact, friendly and great value compared with many UK cities, and it makes an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country.
See our Northern Ireland guide for the coast and countryside, and the United Kingdom guide for more ideas. Dublin is about two hours away by train, covered in our Ireland guide.
Where to stay
- City centre – around City Hall and Donegall Square, close to shops, restaurants and transport.
- Cathedral Quarter – cobbled streets with the city's best-known pubs, live music and boutique hotels.
- Titanic Quarter – modern hotels near Titanic Belfast and the waterfront, a short walk or bus from the centre.
- Queen's Quarter – leafy streets around Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, with guesthouses and cafés.
Things to do
- Titanic Belfast – an interactive museum on the slipways where the ship was built; the ticket includes SS Nomadic, Titanic's tender ship.
- Murals and peace walls – black taxi and walking tours of the Falls and Shankill roads explain the city's recent history.
- St George's Market – a Victorian market hall with food, crafts and live music from Friday to Sunday.
- Crumlin Road Gaol – guided tours of a 19th-century prison.
- Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens – free art, history and natural history, beside the Palm House.
- Belfast City Hall – free guided tours of the grand Edwardian building.
- Cave Hill and Belfast Castle – walks with views across the city and Belfast Lough.
- Giant's Causeway day trip – coach tours run daily, often also stopping at Carrick-a-Rede and the Dark Hedges.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Mild and showery, St Patrick's Day celebrations on 17 March |
| Summer (June-August) | Longest days and busy festivals; July marching season can affect some areas |
| Autumn (September-November) | Quieter, with Belfast International Arts Festival in October |
| Winter (December-February) | Cold and wet, Christmas market at City Hall from late November |
Getting there
Flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and many regional UK airports take about 1h15. Belfast City (George Best) Airport is about 10 minutes from the centre by bus or taxi, and Belfast International is about 30-40 minutes away on the Airport Express 300 bus. Stena Line ferries arrive in Belfast from Cairnryan in about 2h15 and from Liverpool (Birkenhead) overnight, and P&O sails from Cairnryan to Larne, about 40 minutes north by road or train. Trains from Dublin take about 2h10.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, with Titanic Belfast about 20-25 minutes from City Hall on foot. Glider rapid buses run east-west and to the Titanic Quarter, and Metro buses serve the rest of the city. Trains and buses leave from the Grand Central Station transport hub. Belfast Bikes, a city bike-share scheme, are handy for short hops along the river.
Book the first Titanic Belfast slot of the day for the quietest galleries, then walk along the Maritime Mile to the Titanic Slipways and the HMS Caroline.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Belfast?
Two days covers Titanic Belfast, a mural tour, the market and the museums. Add a third for a Giant's Causeway day trip.
Is Belfast expensive?
It's generally cheaper than London or Edinburgh for hotels, food and drink, though prices rise around big concerts and events.
Can you do the Giant's Causeway as a day trip from Belfast?
Yes. It's about 1h15 by car, and many coach tours run daily. Trains to Coleraine and the summer bus onwards are a cheaper option.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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