Belfast stands out as one of the most fascinating cities in the UK, thanks to its rich tapestry of history, modern innovation, and lively neighborhoods like the Cathedral Quarter and Titanic Quarter. What makes Belfast especially appealing for city touring is its compact size combined with an abundance of stories—whether told through vibrant murals, historic sites, or scenic coastlines. For a memorable introduction, the Belfast: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great choice, offering flexible exploration while listening to lively commentary, perfect for first-time visitors. We also love the Belfast Eclectic Walking City Center Experience, which dives deep into Belfast’s past and present with a small-group vibe. Many tours offer insights into the Troubles, the shipbuilding heritage, and the city’s modern arts scene, giving you a well-rounded view of Belfast’s many layers.
In this list, we’ve gathered the top options for Belfast city tours, including bus, walking, biking, and even pub-bike adventures. Whether you’re after a quick overview or an in-depth cultural experience, there’s something here to match your style and pace.
1. Belfast: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Discover Belfast on an open-top double-decker bus. This tour covers key attractions like Titanic Belfast, the Peace Wall, and Albert Memorial Clock with lively live commentary. During April and May, enjoy an extra free day with the 1-day ticket, making it ideal for flexible sightseeing. It’s especially practical for travelers who want to see many highlights without much walking. The stops are convenient, with two options near Donegall Square, and guests often praise the driver’s knowledge and the relaxed open-air style. The hop-on hop-off format lets you explore at your own pace, reboarding as you please, which makes it perfect for families or those with limited time. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, this tour offers great value for money and easy access to Belfast’s top sights.
Bottom Line: A flexible, fun way to get your bearings in Belfast, especially if you prefer a mix of sightseeing and the comfort of a guided narrative.
2. Belfast Eclectic Walking City Center Experience, The Marti Way
This highly rated walking tour takes you through Belfast’s core in about three hours, starting at Belfast City Hall. It’s a small-group experience that offers a deep dive into the city’s history, from the Troubles to modern innovations. Your guide shares stories about architecture, street art, and local personalities, providing a personable and insightful perspective. The tour visits important sites like the Titanic Memorial Garden and St. Malachy’s Church, with plenty of stops to absorb Belfast’s atmosphere. Guests love Marti’s passionate storytelling and personal recommendations for dining and exploring further. If you prefer walking and want an intimate look at Belfast’s past and present, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: An immersive, personal way to understand Belfast’s complex history and culture in just a few hours, ideal for curious travelers who enjoy small-group conversations.
3. Eclectic Belfast City Center Walking Tour / Experience
For a slightly shorter, evening exploration, the Eclectic Belfast City Center Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour stroll with a local guide. It focuses on Belfast’s street art, architecture, and stories that you might miss on larger tours. Starting from City Hall, you’ll walk through lesser-known neighborhoods, enjoying insights into Belfast’s humble beginnings, the Troubles, and its modern transformation. Guides emphasize Belfast’s vibrant street art scene and hidden alleyways, making it perfect for those who want a mix of culture and history with a relaxed pace. Guests comment on the guide’s extensive knowledge and the lively atmosphere. This tour suits travelers looking for a more personal, authentic experience.
Bottom Line: A lively and intimate tour for those eager to see Belfast’s street scenes and hear stories that bring the city’s streets alive.
4. Giant’s Causeway Day Tour and Belfast City Tour 1 Day Pass
At number four, this combo tour offers a full day of Northern Ireland highlights. It combines a scenic coach trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway with a hop-on hop-off bus pass for Belfast. The trip includes visits to Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges, all famous for their appearance in films like Game of Thrones. The guided coach journey offers detailed stories about volcanic formations and local legends. Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the well-paced itinerary, making it suitable for those wanting both natural wonders and city sights in one day. The flexible bus ticket allows further exploration on your own.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for travelers eager to see both the dramatic coast and Belfast’s city highlights in one go.
5. Belfast: City Highlights Bike Tour
Biking around Belfast, the City Highlights Bike Tour covers major points like the Titanic Slipways, Peace Wall, and Cathedral Quarter in about three hours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get a thorough sense of Belfast’s past and present while enjoying the city’s lively streets. Guests rave about the efficient ride and the chance to see more ground than on foot, all while hearing personal stories and historical tidbits. The tour is suited for active travelers who want an energetic, fast-paced way to cover Belfast’s key neighborhoods and learn about its social and political history firsthand.
Bottom Line: A dynamic and comprehensive way to see Belfast, especially if you prefer cycling to walking.
6. Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour
For a relaxed, social experience, the Beer Bike Tour combines sightseeing with drinking. This pedal-powered bike seats groups of 7 to 16, allowing everyone to contribute to moving through Belfast’s city center. The tour lasts about an hour and offers the option to bring your own drinks, making it perfect for friends or party groups. Many reviews highlight the fun atmosphere, with guides keeping the energy high and ensuring everyone has a good time. It’s an unconventional way to explore, blending sightseeing with socializing and light exercise.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups seeking a fun, informal way to see Belfast, especially if you enjoy a lively, communal experience.
7. German Walking Tour City centre Belfast- Belfast entdecken
This German-language walking tour focuses on Belfast’s architecture, streets, and stories from a local perspective. In just two hours, you’ll explore cozy pubs, hidden churches, and alleyways that reveal Belfast’s character. The guide shares interesting anecdotes and lesser-known facts that make the city come alive. This tour is perfect for German speakers or those interested in a deep dive into Belfast’s cultural fabric without a large group.
Bottom Line: A taste of Belfast through its streets and stories, suited for travelers seeking a personal and language-specific experience.
8. Shore Excursion from Belfast: Including Giants Causeway and Belfast City
If you’re in Belfast on a cruise, this shore excursion maximizes your port time. It combines a scenic drive along the Causeway Coast with stops at Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Belfast city highlights. The guide shares stories about the geology, history, and films shot in the region. Guests appreciate the seamless port pickup and the chance to see major sights without rushing. It’s perfect for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive taste of Northern Ireland’s coast and city in one day.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-paced day trip for travelers with limited time docked in Belfast.
9. Giant’s Causeway and Belfast City Murals Tour inc Game of Thrones Dark Hedges
Combining natural beauty with pop culture, this tour visits Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and Belfast’s famous murals. It’s an immersive day of photo opportunities and stories about Ireland’s giants, the Troubles, and the filming locations for Game of Thrones. The coach is comfortable, and the guide shares engaging tales along the way. This tour is ideal for fans of movies and TV as well as scenery. While it’s a longer day at six hours, the mix of sights makes it worthwhile for those wanting a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for media fans and scenery lovers who want a mix of natural wonders and cultural sights in one day.
10. 4 Hours Private Belfast City Tours
For travelers seeking privacy, this private tour offers a custom 4-hour experience with a driver and guide. It’s great for cruise passengers or those with tight schedules. The route can include Belfast Castle, Queen’s University, the Titanic Museum, and the Peace Wall. Guests appreciate the flexibility, personalized attention, and the chance to ask specific questions. The tour costs about $685 for a group of up to 7, making it an excellent value for those wanting a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a private, flexible exploration tailored to their interests.
11. Eclectic Belfast City Center Walking Tour / Experience
This eclectic walking tour offers a 2.5-hour peek into Belfast’s street art, architecture, and history. Led by a local, it covers Belfast’s humble origins, its rise as an industrial hub, and current cultural highlights. The guide’s enthusiasm makes it a lively experience, with reviews praising the depth of knowledge and personal stories. It’s suited for travelers interested in a cultural snapshot that blends history with modern art and community narratives.
Bottom Line: A quick yet rich introduction to Belfast’s diverse neighborhoods and artistic scene.
12. Belfast City Tour
This personalized private tour is perfect for those who want to customize their sightseeing. It includes highlights like Belfast Cathedral, Queen’s University, and Belfast Castle. The guide can tailor the route to your interests, making it suitable for travelers with specific sites in mind. The tour lasts around 2.5 hours and is praised for its flexibility and informative commentary, providing a more intimate look at Belfast’s key sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors wanting a flexible, private experience that matches their specific interests.
13. Belfast: Sightseeing Tour HOP ON HOP OFF from the City Hall
This hop-on hop-off tour offers a two-day ticket covering Belfast’s murals, Titanic Quarter, and film locations. It’s a convenient choice for travelers who want to explore at their own pace over a couple of days. The tour has a 4.8/5 rating from 6 reviews, with visitors appreciating the ease of use and the variety of sights. It’s perfect for those who enjoy flexibility and want to absorb Belfast’s culture over an extended time.
Bottom Line: Great for visitors who prefer a loose, multi-day exploration of Belfast’s highlights.
14. Private Belfast city & peace wall tour
Offering a very personal approach, this private peace wall and city tour is best for groups wanting an in-depth, discreet experience. With up to seven people, you can customize stops including the Peace Wall, murals, and other key sites, all with a driver-guide who’s well-versed in Belfast’s complex stories. At about $550, it’s an investment in privacy and tailored storytelling—ideal for families or small groups seeking an intimate connection with Belfast’s past and present.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking an exclusive, flexible, and detailed look at Belfast’s political and cultural landscape.
15. Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation – Arrival Private Transfer
For a smooth start to your Belfast visit, this private airport transfer gets you from the airport directly to your hotel without hassle. It’s a straightforward, reliable service ideal for those arriving after a long journey or with tight schedules. The driver meets you at the arrivals hall, making it a stress-free way to begin your Belfast stay.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for easing your arrival, especially if you want to avoid taxis and queues.
How to Choose Your Belfast Tour
Picking the best Belfast tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you want to see many sights with minimal hassle, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus offers flexibility and comfort. For a deeper, more personal experience, the Eclectic Walking Tour or Small Private Tours are great options. Adventurers seeking active exploration might prefer the Bike Tour, while social groups might enjoy the Beer Bike. Cruise passengers should consider shore excursions that maximize port time.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, as Belfast’s tours fill quickly and many options are popular for their unique perspectives and detailed storytelling.
Belfast offers a diverse array of sightseeing opportunities—whether you prefer a panoramic bus tour, an immersive walk through history, or a fun bike ride. The best choice depends on your style, but no matter what, early planning ensures you won’t miss out on this vibrant city’s stories and sights. Get your tours booked ahead and prepare for a memorable Belfast adventure.