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Belfast

Belfast travel guide

Capital and largest city in Northern Ireland

Things to do11 experiences
Best time to visitJanuary and March to November
Nearest airportBHD · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+0
Population345,006

About Belfast

Belfast is the capital, largest city and main port of Northern Ireland. It stands on the banks of the river Lagan, and is connected to the open sea through Belfast Lough and the North Channel. The city is the most populous in Northern Ireland and the second-largest, after Dublin, on the island of Ireland, with a recorded population in 2021 of 345,418 and of 704,406 for the greater metropolitan area.

Things to do in Belfast by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 2
  • Flexible 2
  • Over 6 hours 2
Ways to go
  • Shore excursions 1
Browse all things to do in Belfast

Top experiences in Belfast

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

See all things to do in Belfast

Where to stay in Belfast

Popular hotels in Belfast, out of 126 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Belfast

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Belfast is January and March to November, when average daytime highs are around 44–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 36° – 44° 11
Feb 38° – 48° 13
Mar 39° – 51° 15
Apr 42° – 54° 15
May 48° – 62° 13
Jun 50° – 62° 18
Jul 53° – 66° 18
Aug 53° – 66° 19
Sep 49° – 60° 13
Oct 47° – 56° 13
Nov 42° – 50° 15
Dec 40° – 48° 15

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
British pound (GBP)1 US dollar ≈ £0.75
Language
English
Calling code
+44
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Europe/LondonUTC+0
Capital
London

Upcoming public holidays in United Kingdom

  • Christmas Day
  • St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
  • Good Friday
  • Early May Bank Holiday
  • Spring Bank Holiday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Belfast

These are the airports closest to central Belfast. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BHD George Best Belfast City Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
  • BFS Belfast International Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Belfast

Walk to all the central sights. The centre is within a mile or two of the Botanic Gardens, Queen's University and Titanic.

By bus

Belfast buses are run by Translink, a public corporation, check their website for timetables and fare deals such as day tickets. A single adult fare within city centre is £1.80 in 2026. There are three types of buses, which run from around 6AM to 11PM, plus Friday and Saturday night buses.

By Black Taxi

The Black Taxi is Belfast's equivalent to the dolmuş or marshrutka - they're shared taxis running over a fixed route for a fare similar to the bus. They mostly pick up and drop off at the bus stops but will stop anywhere that traffic allows along the routes, which connect the centre and the outlying housing estates.

By conventional taxi

Standard taxi operators include Fonacab ☏ +44 28 9033 3333, Value Cabs ☏ +44 28 9080 9080, and Castle Cabs ☏ +44 28 9024 1111.

Belfast travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Belfast?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Belfast is January and March to November, when average daytime highs are around 44–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.

What is the weather like in Belfast?

July is usually the warmest month in Belfast, with average highs of 66°F (19°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 36°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 107 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Belfast?

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Belfast. Other nearby airports include Belfast International Airport (BFS, 12 mi).

What currency is used in Belfast?

Belfast uses the British pound (GBP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £0.75.

What time zone is Belfast in?

Belfast uses the Europe/London time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Belfast?

Walk to all the central sights. The centre is within a mile or two of the Botanic Gardens, Queen's University and Titanic.

What are the top things to do in Belfast?

Popular experiences you can book in Belfast include Special Offer: City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Dark Hedges Tour and Game of Thrones Film Locations and Giants Causeway Tour with Optional Hop-on Hop-off Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Belfast?

The most popular types of experiences in Belfast are day trips & excursions (7), city tours (2), travel services (2) and tickets & attraction passes (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Belfast?

Popular areas for hotels in Belfast include Belfast. Well-reviewed options include ibis budget Belfast City Centre and Maldron Hotel Belfast City.

How many hotels can I book in Belfast?

Destina Holidays currently lists 126 properties in and around Belfast, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.