Is Belfast worth visiting? Is Belfast safe? And everything else you need to know before you go

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and wondering is Belfast worth visiting? In this guide we go through all the important questions like, is Belfast safe, is Belfast expensive, and what is there to do in Belfast to help you decide if you should visit the Northern Irish capital.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Belfast worth visiting’ here is some background

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and is located on the North Eastern side of the Ireland of Ireland. The city is part of the United Kingdom therefore you will need to pay for things in British Pounds and not Euros like you would in Dublin.

Belfast has a strong industrial past. It built things like ships (the most famous being the titanic), and also produced rope and tobacco. It was also prominent in the linen industry, gaining the nickname Linenopolis.

Is Belfast expensive?

You might be wondering is Belfast expensive to visit? In our experience it is expensive, although maybe a little cheaper than Dublin at least.

We ended up spending about £150 each per day in Belfast. You can bring that cost down though. We did end up going out for a lot of food and drinks, as we were celebrating Dave’s birthday. Although keep in mind accommodation isn’t included in this total. Here is an average breakdown on what you might expect to pay for things in Belfast.

Pint of Guinness = £4.50

Meal for 2 including drinks = £60

2 x cocktails in a city centre bar = £22

Brunch for 2 = £35

Accommodation is also pretty pricey. For a 4 star hotel in the city centre we paid about £170 per night. Our advice when visiting Belfast is to book your accommodation well in advance to try and find the best deal. It’s also a lot cheaper mid week than at the weekend.

Do I need cash in Belfast?

We found that cash wasn’t necessary in Belfast. We were able to pay with card in all bars, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions that we visited. Having cash is always handy, particularly if you want to tip after receiving good service for example, but it’s not crucial.

What language do they speak in Belfast?

Belfast is part of the United Kingdom and therefore English is the language spoken here.

Is Belfast easy to get to?

It’s easy to get to Belfast, particularly as the city has 2 airports. You have Belfast City Airport. This is a smaller airport about 3 miles away from the city centre. Flights here are limited, as there is only a single runway, and these are usually European flights that land here. From the airport you can get a bus or a train into the city centre.

The main airport in Belfast is the Belfast International Airport. This is where your European and some US flights will arrive. Getting from the airport is easy. You just need to hop on the 300 or 300A bus, and you will be in the city centre in 40 minutes. A return ticket is £12.50 and you can purchase this at the bus stop from the ticket machine.

If you are coming from Dublin you can either hop on a us or a train which should get you to Belfast in somewhere between 2 – 3 hours.

How long should I spend in Belfast?

Belfast is a small city, and the main attractions are pretty close to each other. For that reason a weekend in Belfast is probably ample time to get to grips with the main attractions, sample some Guinness, and try some great food.

If you are planning to do some day trips particularly to the Causeway Coast you will need a bit longer so we would say 4 – 5 days.

Is Belfast safe?

I know some people have this idea that Belfast isn’t safe, particularly because of the cities tumultuous history. This isn’t the case, particularly in modern Belfast. You do need to be careful if talking about politics, particularly in some areas (depending on your views), but overall it is a generally peaceful place.

It’s also one of the safest capitals in the UK, and tourists rarely have issues here. Of course that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your wits about you. Anywhere with high tourist numbers will have people fall victim to petty theft or pickpocketing. We also recommend using a taxi if you are travelling late at night, again just as a precaution.

Is Belfast worth visiting compared to other European cities?

Belfast is definitely a great place to visit when comparing other European cities. It’s relatively small, so it’s perfect for a city break style holiday. It’s also a lot cheaper in comparison to other European locations, and even other UK and Irish cities.

Also if you are trying to decide between Belfast or Dublin here is a handy guide.

Can I use public transport in Belfast?

Translink operate the buses in Belfast and you can find more information on ticket types and costs on their website. There are different types of tickets that can be purchased via a travel card, or you can just tap with a card and pay as you go.

In all honesty Belfast is a really walkable city particularly in regards to the main tourist attractions. For instance it’s a 25 minute walk from the centre to the Titanic Quarter. Or if you are heading in the other direction it’s about 30 minutes walk from the Cathedral Quarter to the Botanic Gardens.

What is there to do in Belfast

Wondering is Belfast worth visiting for attractions alone? Here are some of the top things to do in Belfast.

Ulster Museum

If you are a history lover the Ulster Museum is great place to visit. The museum has everything from dinosaurs to Egyptian artefacts. There is also a mixture of art, and natural science exhibits to explore. It’s perfect for those rainy Belfast days.

Belfast City Hall

One of the most iconic buildings in Belfast has to be the Belfast City Hall. You can do tours inside the building, which are available 3 times a day, every day of the week. And they are completely free which is a bonus.

Botanic Gardens

The Belfast Botanic Gardens are great for nature lovers. The Gardens started as a private park in 1828, and nearly 70 years later they were opened to the public.

They are a 30 minute walk from the centre, but worth the trip for something a little different.

Titanic Belfast

This is a must when visiting Belfast. The museum is located by the old Harland and Wolff shipyard which is where the Titanic was actually built. It’s an incredibly interactive museum, with fun for the whole family.

Queen’s University 

Queen’s University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It dates back to 1845, and is one of those buildings that kind of reminds you of being in Hogwarts. It’s right near the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum so worth a visit if you are down that way.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Founded in 1846 Crumlin Road Gaol is an important historical site in Belfast. It housed murderers, as well as Unionist and Republican terrorists. Some suffragettes were also held here at various points.

You can do a tour to learn all about the history, which includes 17 executions, and the cells in which these took place.

St. George’s Market

St George’s Market is one of the oldest in Belfast, and was built between 1890 and 1896. It’s open Friday – Sunday, and there are a number of stalls to explore. The food here is amazing. And don’t get me started on some of the sweet treats that were for sale!

Explore the Cathedral Quarter

One of our favourite spots in Belfast is the Cathedral Quarter. It’s full of cobbled streets, quirky graffiti and murals, plus tons of bars and restaurants. It does get lively particularly in the evening, and is a great place for an evening pub crawl.

Is Belfast worth visiting for solo travellers

Belfast is definitely worth visiting for solo travellers. For starters it’s a relatively safe city, so you shouldn’t have any issues walking around alone. Of course, make sure you take your usual precautions, but populated tourist areas are generally fine.

There is also so much to do in Belfast. From exploring the Titanic museum to strolling around the Botanic Gardens you will find something to keep you entertained.

Is Belfast worth visiting for couples

Belfast is a great place to visit as a couple. The food and drink scene are incredible making it the perfect place for date nights.

The Cathedral Quarter is a great place to walk around as a couple as you explore the cobbled streets and beautiful alleyways. You also have the Botanic Gardens which is perfect for picnics and afternoon strolls.

Is Belfast worth visiting for families

If you are wondering is Belfast worth visiting for families, then the answer is a big yes. Belfast is a fantastic place to visit for families. The Titanic Belfast is one of the best places to visit, with its interactive exhibits. You also have the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens which will also keep the kids entertained.

Is Belfast worth visiting for foodies?

We were actually pleasantly surprised at how great the food was in Belfast. From quality seafood restaurants to cheap and cheerful small plates Belfast really does have it all. The food scene is a mix of your traditional Irish dishes, quality coffee shops, and international cuisine.

You will find food here to suit all tastes, but our biggest recommendation is to book a table especially if there is somewhere you really want to go to avoid missing out.

Is Belfast worth visiting for the nightlife?

If you are planning to visit Belfast for the nightlife, then you are in luck. The city really comes alive at night, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter. The bars fill up, and get really lively particularly on a Friday and Saturday night. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and one that you really have to experience for yourself.

There is also something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in Belfast. You can go to and Irish pub and sip whiskey, or a cocktail bar, or a jazz club, all in the same night.

Is Belfast worth visiting for nature lovers?

Belfast itself is a city, although it is surrounded by country parks, and hillsides perfect for long walks. You also have places like the Giant’s Causeway or The Gobbins which are no further than 2 hours drive from Belfast.

Is Belfast worth visiting for history buffs?

Belfast is a fantastic place to visit if you are into your history. It’s not secret that the city has had an incredibly tumultuous history and ‘The Troubles’ had a big impact on people here. These days it’s a peaceful city, but there are still reminders of the past throughout the city.

You can do tours with locals guides who will take you to some of the key spots during this time, and go through some of the murals that act as a reminder of the past.

Even further back in history Belfast was famous as the Titanic was built here. You can visit Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter in general to go back to a time when shipbuilding was big money for the city.

Is Belfast worth visiting for culture lovers?

The culture in Belfast is an interesting one. It’s a mix of Irish culture, with pubs proudly serving pints of Guinness as well as traditionally Irish foods like soda bread. You also have British culture mixed in obviously because of the history of Northern Ireland.

Drinking culture in general is big in Belfast, as is art and music. So if you love culture you will be fascinated by Belfast.

Is Belfast worth visiting in the summer?

Summer is one of the best times of year to visit Belfast. The days are brighter for longer, and there is less (slightly) chance of rain. The summer months bring alfresco dining and drinking, and honestly the city really does come to life.

The downside of visiting Belfast in the summer, especially August is that this coincides with school holidays. So expect crowds and slightly higher accommodation costs.

Is Belfast worth visiting in the winter?

Winter in Belfast can be a little bleak to say the least. The weather can be rainy and miserable, which in fairness is a good excuse to go to the pub.

The Christmas Markets are also in full swing by December, which is another good excuse to visit the city in winter.

We certainly wouldn’t discount visiting Belfast in winter, but if you can visit in the summer months it will probably be a more enjoyable experience.

What to pack when visiting Belfast?

Apart from your standard packing list here are some items we think you should pack on your trip to Belfast.

• Rain jacket and umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable drink bottle
• Warm, waterproof clothes

What should I know before visiting Belfast?

Here are some of our tips for visiting Belfast to help you plan that perfect trip.

• Book restaurants in advance particularly for dinner to avoid missing out
• Book attractions in advance too, especially the Titanic Belfast as entry is timed and must be purchased in advance
• Hotels should also be booked in advance to get the best rates.

So Is Belfast worth visiting?

Personally we think Belfast is a great city that is very much worth visiting. It’s perfect for a weekend break, or even as a base if you are wanting to go out and explore a bit more of Northern Ireland. With a lot of history, some great food and drink, and some amazing attractions you will definitely find a lot to do here.

We hope that you have found this guide useful, and if so why not pin it for later.

Happy travels.