Belfast is a bustling city filled to the brim with exciting adventures to be had. But visiting for the very first time can prove to be a little daunting. City tours in Belfast are by far the best way to explore, as they not only let you do a little Belfast sightseeing but also allow you to learn about the rich history of the city.
Once your accommodation in Belfast is all sorted, the only thing you have to worry about is what you’re going to get up to while you’re there.
Whether you’re planning to check out the amazing night life, looking to learn about The Troubles or see the vast green landscape that lies just beyond the city, there’s sure to be a city tour to meet your needs.
Here are a few of the best city tours that can be taken during your trip to Belfast.
Best Belfast City Tours
Belfast Bus Tours
Some of the very best tours in Belfast happen on a bus. This is because of the big open windows, and the option to sit on the open-top portion of the bus. As well as the fact that you get to stop off at all the most fascinating spots around the city.
Hop-off Hop-on Bus Belfast Tours
If you’re looking to enjoy views of the city from the comfort of an open-top bus, then this hop-on hop-off bus tour is perfect for you. Along the way, you’ll learn about the unique history of each area you pass through.
Apart from the scenic city views, you’ll also get the chance to stop off at an impressive 23 different stops along the way. It’s best to plan your stops in advance as it’s unlikely you’ll make it to every single one in a day.
Belfast Taxi Tours
Taxi tours have become an increasingly popular way to see the city of Belfast. They bring a rather personal experience that you wouldn’t come across during a bus tour. Your driver acts as your tour guide for the day, and being a local, he’s sure to know all the best spots.
Political Taxi Tour
Take a fun and informative ride through the city with your personal driver for the day on this political taxi tour of Belfast. The driver will be your guide and teach you about the tormented history of the Belfast Troubles. At the end of the day, you’ll have a lot of knowledge about the history hidden beneath the surface of what seems to be an ever-increasingly peaceful destination.
You’ll hear the political views of both sides of the conflict. This will give you a better understanding of why Belfast is the way it is today.
Taxi Mural Tour
Take a taxi mural tour of the streets of Belfast. You’ll see some of the very best political art in the city, and visit the famous peace wall. You’ll even get the chance to sign your name on the wall and make your mark on history.
Take photos with some of the most iconic street art in the world to make your trip even more memorable.
Walking City Tours Belfast
If you prefer to see a city on foot, then going on a walking tour is the perfect way to learn the history of a city while remaining on-the-go. You’re also able to discover many more hidden gems on foot than you would if you were riding in a vehicle.
Walking Mural and Peacewall Tour
Taking on the city by foot presents a whole host of opportunities that you simply don’t have in a car. Many tourists realise that you actually make many more discoveries when walking the streets.
The Belfast murals and peace wall tour offers the very same sights that the taxi ride does but the tour is a little slower and more in-depth. Your guide has a little more time to explain the complexities of the art and intricate history of the peace wall.
History of The Troubles Walking Tour
The history of the troubles walking tour leads you through the city centre with its grand and long history. You’ll learn about the violence that took place within Belfast and how it came to a peaceful end.
Learn about what it was like to be a citizen of Belfast during the Troubles from someone who lived through it. This gives you a great opportunity to ask questions from someone who’s sure to know the answers.
City Centre Eclectic Walking Tour
This two-hour eclectic walking tour offers the opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of where Belfast is going as a city.
You’ll walk through the city centre, learning about the tortured history that took place on the troubled streets.
Admire the intricate architecture, meet the vibrant locals and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of some of the best restaurants and pubs in the city. Whether you’re looking to do something a little quirky, or just venture further from the path less travelled, here’s what you should be doing.
Unique Belfast Tours
If you’re looking for a Belfast city tour that’s a little more uncommon than the previously mentioned tours, here are a few that are sure to tickle your fancy.
HMS Caroline Ticket and Audio Guide
The HMS Caroline tour dives deep into the history of this incredible surviving boat from the first world war. Step aboard the ship and discover its many rooms while listening to an audio guide that will teach you about its history.
After taking a self-guided tour of the ship, you’ll watch a presentation that will show you what the ship was like in its hay-day. Be sure to take part in the interactive exhibits and admire the impressive weaponry.
Enjoy exhibits about communication at sea and how it’s evolved over the years before heading to torpedo school and learning a thing or two about the heavy-duty weapons on-board.
City Centre Beer Bike Tour
If you’re looking for a bit of fun with your fellow travellers, then hopping on a beer bike to experience the city is an absolute must. Seeing the city through beer goggles is something completely different from the other history tours you’ll likely take part in.
The beer bike tour lasts an hour and you’ll get to do some of the best city sightseeing in Belfast. Pedal around the streets with the help of your fellow companions and enjoy ample comradery along the way. The bike can take between 7 and 16 people so you’ll likely be alongside all your closest travel buddies, and possibly some new friends.
Look forward to some banter while you learn the history and take in the wonderful sights of the city. You’ll also make a stop at some of the favourite local hangouts including restaurants and pubs. Enjoy this experience as you mingle with the locals.
Belfast Like a Local Tour
If you’re looking to see the city from the perspective of a citizen then the Belfast like a local tour is the perfect option. Spend between 2 and 6 hours on a tour that is customized to your personal interests. The best part is that you get to miss out on all the things you’re not that into.
You’ll be guided through the city by a passionate local who is determined to make you love the city just as much as they do. You’ll learn the city’s best-kept secrets and meet the people that make it the place it is.
As well as learning about the city, you’ll pop into some of Belfast’s best restaurants and pubs. This is where you’ll get to know the city on a whole new level.
Crumlin Road Gaol Historic Guided Tour
Taking a guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol gives you a peek inside the walls of Belfast’s infamous prison. You’ll be given a guided tour through the prison cells, the execution chamber and the graveyard. All while learning about the impressive 150 years of history that the prison offers up.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of thousands of prisoners as you explore the underground tunnels that lead from the prison to the courthouse. The jail has a very eerie feel that is sure to leave you with chills.
The tour generally takes around 70 minutes, in which you’ll get the chance to ask as many questions as you want about the prison and its history. Your knowledgeable guide is sure to have the answers for you.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you’ll even see the cells where the condemned prisoners were hanged.
Wrapping Up The Best Belfast City Tours
Now that you know some of the best tours to take of Belfast city, you can start booking your first trip. Whether you’re into deep history, intricate architecture, or famed sites, Belfast has no shortage of tours to lead you there.
There is an incredible amount of things to do that are sure to lead to the perfect weekend in Belfast, or even longer if you’re lucky. Be sure to book your tours well in advance to ensure you’ll get the opportunity to take all the ones that interest you most.
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