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Best things to do in Belfast

If you’re considering a trip to Northern Ireland, look no further than this post. In it I’ll cover:

  1. Is Belfast safe?
  2. How many days should you spend in Belfast?
  3. Top Things Not to Miss in Belfast
  4. Day Trips from Belfast
  5. Where to Stay in Belfast

Is Belfast safe?

Yes, Belfast has actually been ranked one of the United Kingdom’s safest cities! This might come as a surprise to some as the history of the conflict between the Catholic and Protestant divisions within the country has been ongoing for over 50 years. However, relations have improved immensely in the last two decades. There are occasional flare ups, however, they do not impact tourists. It is important to note however, that it is best to avoid being in some of the more controversial neighborhoods late at night (near Shankill Road or Falls Road). Downtown Belfast is quite safe with many late night bars and music to enjoy!

How many days should you spend in Belfast?

There’s so much to explore in Northern Ireland, but to see Belfast city proper, you really only need about 2 or 3 days.

A large historic building with domes and columns, a statue in front, and a clear blue sky overhead.

Top Things Not to Miss in Belfast

  1. A Black Taxi Tour or a Political Walking tour. The history of the conflict that has plagued Northern Ireland for decades is a big part of the history. By taking a political historical tour, you can gain invaluable context into the problems in the region and what the city is doing to move towards a more peaceful future.
  2. Go bar hopping around the Cathedral quarter. There are many beautiful bars with unique architecture – think mirrors everywhere, mahogany, or beautiful tiling. Check out the Duke of York, The Dirty Onion, or the Thristy Goat.
  3. Enjoy some free traditional Irish music. 3 bars in particular, Kelly’s Cellars, Maddens, and Fibber Magee has traditional irish music playing nearly every night. Check the websites to confirm when bands are on – usually after 8:30pm. Grab a pint of Guinness and stay for awhile!
  4. Visit the Titanic Museum, and learn all about the shipyard that built hundreds of ships, including the ill-fated voyage. Tickets in advance are recommended, and there is timed entry.
A city street with graffiti-covered wall, metal fencing above, and bare trees under a cloudy blue sky.
A mural depicts armed men in paramilitary attire with the words Ulster Volunteer above; a white car is parked in front.
A narrow cobblestone alley lit by neon umbrella lights and a sign reading, Have you ever seen the rain coming down on a sunny day?.
A traditional pub bar with ornate beer taps, wooden barrels, and a decorated backdrop displaying Whiskies and High-Class.

Day Trips from Belfast

A great activity to consider is a day trip to the coast. You’ll drive through the Antrim Coast, and enjoy visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Giant’s Causeway. You can also visit Bushmills, one of Ireland’s oldest distilleries, or various scenes from Game of Thrones (which has many filming locations across Ireland) – including Dark Hedges or Dunluce Castle.

Hexagonal basalt columns form a rocky shoreline under a cloudy sky with waves in the background.
Rolling hills with patches of green grass, scattered trees, and cloudy skies in a rural landscape.
Rocky cliffs overlook the ocean with waves crashing below and small islands visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway rise along a rocky shoreline under a cloudy sky with waves crashing in the background.
A paved road lined with tall, leafless trees arches overhead, creating a tunnel-like effect; two people walk in the distance.
A tray with glasses of whiskey and a water pitcher sits on a bar; a large Bushmills whiskey sign hangs on the wood-paneled wall behind.

Where to stay in Belfast

There are a number of great hotels in the city center. I recommend Europa Hotel, which is historical and quite comfortable. Supposedly, it’s one of the most bombed hotels in the city (not that you would know it from the look of it!). It also prides itself on being where President Clinton stayed when he visited Ireland. Other great options include Ibis and the Fitzwilliam. You can check out more options depending on your price range at Booking.com!

Close-up of two striped pillows placed on a neatly made bed with a wooden headboard and a lamp in the background.

What other questions do you have about Belfast? Comment below!

Also, if you are traveling to Ireland soon, I recently used Airalo while visiting and it made it quite easy to always stay connected while traveling. Learn more in my post about SIM cards and travel. And, never forget to get travel insurance before your journey for peace of mind!

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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