Belfast isn’t just famous for its murals and historic sites; it’s also a city with a lively, authentic drinking culture. If you’re looking to experience Belfast’s pubs, beers, and local spirit in a fun and engaging way, this city doesn’t disappoint. We’re particularly fond of the Belfast Beer Bike tours because it combines sightseeing with a healthy dose of laughter and good company—plus, you get to pedal your way around Belfast’s historic streets while bringing your own drinks. It’s a fantastic group activity that’s perfect for friends or family.
Belfast offers a variety of drinking experiences to suit different tastes and styles. Whether you prefer a guided pub crawl that uncovers hidden gems, a scenic beer bike ride, or a mix of street art and lively pubs, there’s something for all. The list below includes everything from short pedal-powered tours to evening pub crawls with live Irish music, all designed to give you a taste of Belfast’s spirited drinking scene.
1. Belfast Beer Bike tours
Belfast Beer Bike tours take the cake for combining cycling, socializing, and drinking into one package. For just $27.54 per person, you can enjoy a 1-hour cruise through the city on a pedal-powered bike. The key to this tour is that it’s a BYO experience—bring your own favorite drinks to sip while pedaling past landmarks like Belfast Cathedral Quarter and City Hall. The guide keeps the bike on track and ensures everyone stays safe, while you control the playlist and the pace.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and focus on fun. It’s ideal for groups of at least eight people and offers a relaxed, informal way to see the city from a different vantage point. Guests love the lively atmosphere, the chance to sing along, and the fact that you can customize your experience with your favorite tunes. Reviewers say it’s “absolutely amazing” and “great fun,” especially when you’re with friends looking for something a little different. A wonderful choice if you want a lighthearted, sociable way to explore Belfast.
Bottom Line: The Belfast Beer Bike is a lively, customizable experience perfect for groups wanting to combine sightseeing with a beverage and a good laugh.
2. Belfast Pub Crawl
The Belfast Pub Crawl is a classic way to learn about Belfast’s pub culture and musical tradition. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll visit historic pubs like McHugh’s, Kelly’s Cellars, and White’s Tavern—some dating back as far as 1711 and 1630. Your guide will take you through Belfast’s lively pub scene, sharing stories about each venue’s past while you sample Irish whiskey, Guinness, and Irish Cream.
This tour is a fantastic mix of history, music, and local flavor. Live music and Irish dancers on Saturday nights add to the lively atmosphere. Many reviewers mention how the guide enhances the experience with stories and local knowledge, making it more than just a drinking session. For example, “Shaun was an amazing tour guide!!” and “Eamonn our host was great ensuring everyone was comfortable” are common praises.
The tour’s value lies in the opportunity to try different drinks and explore Belfast’s iconic pubs—many of which have unique character and stories. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a social, culturally enriching night out.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced pub crawl that combines history, live music, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere for a memorable evening.
3. Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour
The Belfast City Centre Beer Bike Tour offers a slightly different spin on the traditional pub crawl. For around $30 per person, you’ll pedal a 16-person pedal bike through Belfast’s bustling city center. The tour is approximately 1 hour and is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of physical activity and social drinking.
What makes this tour distinctive is its interactive nature. You learn about Belfast’s history while cycling, and you can bring your own drinks or preorder some to keep the party going. Guests rave about the guides, Mark and James, who make sure everyone stays safe and has fun. One reviewer called it “brilliant and a great laugh,” highlighting the lively atmosphere and the chance to sing along while pedaling.
This experience suits groups wanting a light, engaging way to see the city while enjoying drinks. Its shorter duration makes it perfect for those on tight schedules or as a fun daytime activity.
Bottom Line: The Belfast City Centre Beer Bike combines sightseeing and drinking in a lively, active setting—ideal for energetic groups.
4. Belfast: Food Tour with 10+ Tastings of Bread, Beer, Seafood
Eat your way through Belfast with the Belfast Food Tour, which offers over three hours of tastings and storytelling. You’ll sample at least six different dishes, including hearty local breakfasts, Northern Irish specialties, and drinks in historic pubs. What sets this tour apart is the focus on food and drink pairings, with the added surprise of a secret dish revealed during the tour.
Guests love the opportunity to enjoy Belfast’s culinary side while soaking in stories from locals. The tour is especially good for those interested in authentic Northern Irish cuisine and exploring the city’s food scene beyond just pints. However, minors under 18 cannot participate, so it’s mainly aimed at adult food lovers.
The value here is the combination of delicious tastings and cultural insights, making it a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for foodies eager to discover Belfast’s culinary hidden gems in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: This food-focused tour satisfies both your appetite and curiosity, ideal for those who want to indulge while learning about local flavors.
5. Belfast: Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks
For a lively evening, the Belfast Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour offers a structured but fun exploration of Belfast’s historic and modern pubs. Lasting about 3.5 hours, this tour features visits to multiple pubs with live Irish music and Irish dancers along the route. The tour includes two free drinks, giving you a taste of local brews and spirits.
The guide will lead you through different venues, sharing stories and showing you Belfast’s musical heritage. Reviewers praise guides like Eamonn for their friendly demeanor and wealth of local knowledge. The tour is designed for people who want a social night out with entertainment and a chance to feel like a local.
While the free drinks are small, the overall experience offers a good balance of history, music, and drinks. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive pub experience with a bit of added entertainment.
Bottom Line: A lively, music-filled pub crawl with cultural insights and a couple of free drinks—great for socializing and getting a taste of Belfast nightlife.
6. Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Beer Bike Tour
Discover Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter on the Beer Bike Tour. This 1-hour pedal bike ride takes you through historic streets, combining sightseeing with group cycling. You can bring your own drinks or pre-order them, making it a customizable experience. Guides like Ruben and Owen lead the way, ensuring safety and fun.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the rich history of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter combined with the camaraderie of pedaling as a group. Guests appreciated the “brilliant time,” even when rerouted due to protests, and enjoyed the lively banter. It’s a good choice for those wanting a short, energetic activity with a historical backdrop.
The tour is ideal for groups of 7-16 people who want to combine a bit of exercise, sightseeing, and drinking in a relaxed setting. Note that the drinks are self-supplied or preordered, and prices can be on the higher side if purchased on board.
Bottom Line: A fun, quick way to explore Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter while enjoying drinks and lively company.
7. Belfast: Pub Music , Street Art Experience Walking Tour
Explore Belfast’s street art, music, and pub culture on this 2.5-hour walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit some of the city’s most interesting bars, iconic street art, and music venues. This tour offers a different perspective on Belfast—through visual art and live music—and reveals stories behind the murals and murals’ connection to the city’s past.
Guests praise Marti for his insights and enthusiasm, noting the tour as an excellent way to get oriented and get recommendations for later. The focus on local music scene and street art makes it a unique cultural experience for those interested in Belfast’s creative side.
This tour suits travelers who prefer a walking exploration and want to combine art, music, and pub visits into one engaging outing. It’s also suitable for first-timers wanting a deeper understanding of Belfast’s cultural landscape.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art lovers and music fans who want to see Belfast through its street murals and lively pubs.
8. Belfast: Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour
For those wanting to explore Belfast’s craft beer scene and street food, this guided tour is a highlight. Priced at $115 per person and lasting about 3.5 hours, it offers a comprehensive experience with visits to top beer bars and street food venues.
Led by a resident beer geek, the tour highlights the best local breweries and their unique brews. Participants also get to taste a variety of street food, making it a great way to indulge in Belfast’s food and drink culture simultaneously. The guide’s expertise ensures that you understand what makes Belfast’s craft beer scene special.
It’s well-suited for beer enthusiasts and foodies eager for an in-depth tasting experience combined with storytelling. The tour’s high rating reflects its quality, though it’s on the pricier side.
Bottom Line: A top choice for serious beer lovers wanting to explore Belfast’s craft beer and street food in one upscale tour.
9. Belfast: Historic Pub Tour
If you’re interested in the stories behind Belfast’s centuries-old pubs, the Historic Pub Tour offers a 2-hour dive into the city’s brewing past. Rated highly with a 5-star review, it includes visits to standout pubs like Bell’s Brewery and others with fascinating histories.
Guests enjoy learning about Belfast’s whiskey heritage and the stories of each pub’s role in local life. The tour is intimate and relaxed, making it perfect for those who want to hear engaging tales as they sample local beers and a dram of whiskey. The guide Larry is praised for his storytelling.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want to connect with Belfast’s historical drinking culture in a short, focused experience. It offers good value and deep insight for whiskey and beer lovers alike.
Bottom Line: An enriching experience for history buffs and those curious about Belfast’s pub traditions.
10. Belfast: 2-Hour Pub Golf Tour on Party Bike
Finally, the Pub Golf Party Bike wraps up our list with a playful twist on pub hopping. Over 2 hours, you’ll cycle along a custom 9-hole pub golf course, dressed for the camera with neon gear, making it perfect for social media.
This tour emphasizes fun, competition, and socializing. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and can add extras like karaoke or a selfie shack. It’s suitable for groups looking for a lighthearted, energetic experience that combines sightseeing, drinking, and playful competition.
Reviewers note it’s a lively, party-centric option for those wanting to make memories and have a few laughs along the way. Ideal for groups celebrating special occasions or just wanting a different kind of pub crawl.
Bottom Line: A lively, humorous way to explore Belfast’s pub scene with friends, perfect for a light, festive outing.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour for You
Choosing the right drinking tour depends on your interests, budget, and the type of experience you want. If you’re after a relaxed, social experience, the Belfast Pub Crawl or the Historic Pub Tour offer immersive stories and local atmosphere. For active, fun groups, the Beer Bike tours and City Centre Beer Bike combine sightseeing with physical activity. Budget travelers might prefer the more straightforward pub crawls, while those seeking a culinary twist should consider the Food Tour.
Timing also matters—weekend evenings tend to be livelier, especially for pub crawls with live music. Book early, particularly for tours with limited availability or special add-ons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Belfast offers a surprising variety of drinking experiences, from guided pub tours and beer tastings to lively bike rides and fun pub golf. For a relaxed, comprehensive introduction, try the Belfast Pub Crawl, or for something more active and unique, the Beer Bike tours or City Centre Beer Bike are excellent options. Food lovers and history fans will appreciate the Food Tour, which combines tasting with storytelling.
Whatever your style, Belfast’s lively pub scene and quirky drinking tours promise a memorable addition to your trip. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure you get the experience that best suits your interests. Cheers!