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Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Belfast in Northern Ireland for the First Time – OUR CROSSINGS
If street art is your thing, Belfast is your city.
In addition to vibrant murals reflecting a changing narrative for the city, you can also find an impressive collection of murals depicting the city’s political division.
Over the years, these emotionally charged paintings illustrating the city’s tumultuous history have become popular tourist attractions.
As fascinating as they might be, visitors must remember that most of these murals are linked to Belfast’s sectarian divide. They honour legacies of struggle & courage, so they demand respect.
See, for three decades, all people knew of Belfast were the Troubles.
Images of mass protests, deadly clashes, hunger strikes and politically motivated bombings were broadcast to the international media.
More than 3,500 people were killed during the Troubles, with tens of thousands more injured.
Before that, Belfast saw the rise and fall of the Industrial Revolution, the launch and sinking of the Titanic, the divisions of Ireland, followed by the global depression and the Nazti bombing in the 40s.
As we wandered around the cheery, modern-day Belfast, it was hard to believe that the bright and bustling pedestrian centre had been a subdued, traffic-free security zone not long ago.
Belfast has undergone an enormous transformation since the end of The Troubles, from a no-go zone to a lively and welcoming city perfect for a city break.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Belfast in Northern Ireland for the First Time
Belfast is a very interesting city, with a solemn and lively centre, a handfull of great museums to visit and plenty of green spaces.
Theres also the Titanic experience, and an area of great historical interest: that of the 2 districts The Falls, predominantly Catholic, and Shankill, Unionist-Protestant, both characterized by large murals and divided by the Peace Lines.
If you are planning to vist Belfast, here a few things to know to make your trip more enjoyable.
Useful Info for Visiting Belfast for the First Time
Northern Ireland is not Ireland | Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom along with England, Scotland and Wales. The rest of the island is the Republic of Ireland (not ‘Southern Ireland’), and an independent country.
- Location | Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, located on the banks of the River Lagan on Northern Ireland’s eastern coast, which is a part of the United Kingdom. It is the second-largest city on the Island of Ireland and the 12th-largest city in the United Kingdom.
Belfast’s original settlement was founded on the marshy Ford where the River Lagan and the River Farset cross. Today, this is where Belfast’s High Street meets Victoria Street.
- Population | Belfast is home to more than 643,000 people.
- Language | They speak English but with a very distinctive accent. They also speak quickly, so don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves.
- Currency used in Northern Ireland | As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland’s currency is the pound sterling (£). Usually, individual currency notes are available from all the major banks and Post Offices operating in Northern Ireland.
- Banks and Bureau de Change | Most banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Internet and WiFi | Internet and WiFi access is widely available throughout the city, including in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
- Phone Calls | The international dialling code for Northern Ireland is 00 44 28. The local code for Belfast is 90.
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Is Belfast Safe to Visit
One of the primary questions regarding Belfast is always about safety.
Northern Ireland and Belfast are synonymous with the Troubles. Thankfully, things have improved since 1998’s Good Friday Agreement, and nowadays Belfast is a thriving, multicultural and most importantly, safe city to visit.
However, when visiting a divided city like Belfast, common sense must be applied.
- Avoid talking politics | If you don’t discuss Ireland’s politics or religion in public, then you have little chance of offending anyone. It’s fine to strike up a conversation about it, but remember that many locals you meet will have lost loved ones in the fighting.
- Use common sense | Don’t be careless just because you’re in a different country and on vacation. Just because something is okay to do where you live does not mean it is okay elsewhere. Be aware of your surroundings and remember that Please, Thank You, Hello and Goodbye, go a long way
- Leave your jersey at home | Wearing clothes that could be construed as a political statement is a big no. Don’t wear a jersey of the Scottish soccer teams, Celtics or Rangers, or a garment with Britain’s Union Jack symbol.
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Educate Yourself About The History of Belfast
Learning about the convoluted and complex history of Belfast and Northern Ireland is one of the best things you can do before the trip.
This way, you won’t be that surprised to find out that parts of the city are still separated by large walls which were erected back in the 1970s when Belfast was experiencing the brutal civil war between Catholics and Protestants known as the Troubles.
Naturally, the history of Northern Ireland is incredibly complex.
In simple terms, the Troubles were an extremely violent period of conflict between the Unionist communities (who wanted to remain in the United Kingdom) and the Republican communities (who wanted to reunite with the Republic of Ireland)
What started The Troubles | The unrest was sparked by ongoing discrimination against the Catholic-nationalist minority by the Protestant-unionist government and local authorities.
This discrimination fueled a civil rights movement demanding equality, which was met with resistance and violence, ultimately escalating into a larger conflict involving paramilitary groups on both sides.
Some of the books you could read about the topic:
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Getting to and around Belfast
Belfast is an easy city to reach from multiple locations around the world.
From the UK, you can either fly or take the ferry. Ferries to Belfast depart from Liverpool, Cairnryan (Scotland) and the Isle of Man.
Belfast is served by two airports that are well connected to the city centre by public transport.
One is Belfast City Airport (officially called George Best Belfast City Airport) and the other is Belfast International Airport.
International Airport is located 18 miles (29km) northwest of Belfast City and is the most popular airport to fly into when visiting Belfast.
- A taxi takes around 30-40 minutes. The taxi rank can be found outside the terminal, beside the Airport Bus stop.
- The Airport Express Bus 300 takes around 40-50 minutes. The bus stop is right outside the terminal, and tickets cost 8 pounds. You can view the full Airport Express 300 Timetable here.
Although you can easily walk around the city, the distance to some of the outlying tourist attractions is considerable.
Thankfully, the city has a reliable and extensive bus network operated by Translink that can pretty much get you anywhere you like. Given that most of the buses are equipped with ‘tap’ technology, there is no need to fumble around for loose change when you get on board.
One of the best ways of seeing Belfast’s attractions and getting to grips with its political history is to go on a Black Taxi Tour, as they are hugely informative.
Another great way to get around Belfast is to use the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, which makes 20 stops around the city, including the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall.
Read More: Your Guide to Visiting Belfast’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions – Titanic Belfast
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
Belfast has an oceanic climate, meaning it’s rare to have prolonged periods of hot weather, and so is extremely cold weather.
You are sure to encounter a few days of rain no matter the season, so be sure to bring along a rainproof jacket and umbrella.
Although many people choose to visit during the summer months, when the city tends to be the most crowded, for their first trip to Belfast, the other seasons can be an even better choice, depending on your interests.
- Spring | is an amazing time of the year as the Magnolia trees burst into life. The Botanical Gardens are also in full bloom, and there are few crowds.
- Summer | It’s when Belfast is jam-packed with festivals and events. While the peak season arrives with higher costs, it’s nice to explore the city when the weather is nice.
- Winter | In December city is transformed by festive lights and Christmas markets. It’s when cosy chalets take over the area in front of Belfast City Hall for the Belfast Christmas Market.
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Where to Stay in Belfast
If you’re planning a visit to the city and are wondering about the best places to stay in Belfast, there are a few neighbourhoods worth considering.
If you’re coming to Belfast for the first time and want to focus on sightseeing, the food and drinks scene, and Belfast’s exceptional cultural attractions, Central Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter are the best neighbourhoods in the city.
While there are plenty of small neighbourhoods around Belfast worth staying in, I wanted to focus on what I think are the best areas to stay in Belfast as a visitor.
- Cathedral Quarter | The Cathedral Quarter is home to the city’s art scene, and many of Belfast’s most famous street murals are found here. In addition to breathtaking architecture and plenty of open-air gigs and food, and music festivals, you’ll also find a few historic pubs.
- Queens Quarter | Like many university neighbourhoods, Queens Quarter is more affordable than the surrounding areas and has a young and hip vibe. Here you’ll find many vintage shops, eclectic cafés and second-hand bookstores as well as two of the most popular attractions in Belfast: the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens.
- Central Belfast | Central Belfast is lively, vibrant and full of options to entertain newcomers and locals alike, and it’s where nightlife, culture, food and drink happen.
At the heart of it is the majestic City Hall building, which hosts a variety of events at the Belfast Christmas Market. In addition to many hotels, it’s also a fantastic place to stay in the city if you plan on taking day trips to the surrounding towns and cities, as the train and bus stations are within walking distance.
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Arriving in Belfast from Dublin
Since the opening of the long-awaited new motorway, travel time between the two biggest cities on the island is now reduced to 90 minutes, and it is very common for visitors flying into Dublin to schedule a few days in Northern Ireland, too.
There are multiple bus options from Dublin, including a direct service from Dublin Airport. You can check the Aircoach website for the schedule.
Don’t worry about your passport; there are no formalities when crossing the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
These days, a tourist could cross over this border without even realising it.
In fact, the only signs to look out for are different vehicle registration plates, red post boxes, and road signs stating that the speed limit is measured in miles and that to pay for your dinner, you will require pounds sterling.
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Top Things To See and Do in Belfast
Great day trips from Belfast
Belfast is ideally positioned for visiting some of the best tourist attractions and must-see hidden gems, with some of them just a 60-minute drive away.
It would be easier to have your own car, but there are also plenty of organised tours that can transport you around.
- The Giant’s Causeway | one of the most popular day trips from Belfast, is a geological wonder and Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage Site that’s known for 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. It’s located just 96 km from the city and can be easily reached via
- Carrick-A-Rede Bridge | Originally built in 1755 by fishermen, the suspension bridge that hangs 98 feet above a rock cliff is one of the more famous landmarks and top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. It links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island and spans 20 metres.
- Dark Hedges | No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without visiting the Dark Hedges. The wonderful avenue lined with beech trees that form a tunnel down Bregagh Road is located 78 km from the city and shouldn’t take longer than an hour to reach.
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10 Interesting Facts About Belfast That You Probably Didn’t Know
The Good Friday Agreement was signed in Belfast – signed on the 10th of April 1998. The remarkable document ended three decades of violence.
Albert Memorial Clock is leaning – the tilt is triggered by the fact that a 2,000-tonne clock tower was constructed on reclaimed land.
The city was once referred to as “Linenopolis” During the 19th century, Belfast was the largest linen producer in the world and played a key role in the Industrial Revolution.
Belfast was bombed by the Nazis in World War II Belfast suffered four air attacks by the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe.
The Samson and Goliath cranes hold a world record – the bright yellow cranes that dominate the city’s skyline are the biggest free-standing cranes in the world.
The Society of United Irishmen was founded in Belfast – the United Irishmen pioneered parliamentary reform and equal rights for all Irishmen, particularly Catholics.
Belfast was once bigger than Dublin – by 1891, Belfast was a bigger city than Dublin and was Ireland’s largest city around the beginning of the 20th century.
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Money Saving Tips For Visiting Belfast
The Belfast Visitor Pass | offers unlimited travel on all Ulsterbus, NIRailways, Metro and services within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone for 1, 2 or 3 days. The Pass also offers discounts to 10+ tourist attractions, tours, shopping, food and drink.
- Belfast Visitor Pass Fares – Adult: 1 day: £6.50, 2 days: £12 and 3 days: £15.50
Book a Sunday Day Tracker ticket | If you wish to explore further afield, Northern Ireland Railways allows travellers unlimited rail travel on a Sunday with the Sunday Day Tracker. They currently cost £9.00 for an adult ticket and £4.50 for a child, and you can travel for as much as you like all day Sunday.
Go on a Belfast Free Walking Tour | Let a well-informed guide take you on a trip through the city’s main sights. It’s a great way to gain insights into the city’s history and culture. The tour operates daily, leaving at 11 am and 2.30 pm.
- Location: 5 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB, UK
Visit Stormont Estate, best known as the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland. Stormont is a great place to watch committee hearings, attend debates, or simply tour the Parliament Buildings.
- Location: Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SH, UK
Read More: St. Conan’s Kirk: A Captivating Architectural Marvel on the Shore of Loch Awe
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Belfast? Let us know in the comments!
Please let us know if you plan to visit Belfast and have any travel-related questions.
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