Top reasons to visit Belfast
- Iconic Titanic Belfast: Discover the fascinating history of the Titanic at this world-renowned museum, showcasing the ship's story and Belfast's maritime heritage.
- Vibrant City Center: Experience the lively atmosphere of Belfast's city center, filled with friendly locals, shops, and eateries.
- Beautiful Urban Parks: Enjoy the lush green spaces and outdoor activities available in Belfast's urban parks, perfect for relaxation and family fun.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Explore the city's historical charm through its architecture, museums, and cultural events.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to every traveler's needs.
Find great hotels in Belfast
From chic hotels to cozy guesthouses, Belfast offers a diverse array of accommodations perfect for every traveler. Whether you're seeking a luxurious stay at the Titanic Hotel Belfast or a budget-friendly option like Belfast Hometel, you'll find places that cater to business needs and provide eco-friendly, LGBTQIA-welcoming environments. Explore hotel reviews to find the perfect fit for your vacation experience in this vibrant city.
- Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG: This 4-star hotel is an excellent choice for families and business travelers alike, boasting a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Located in the heart of Belfast, it offers convenient access to the city’s attractions. Guests appreciate the family-friendly amenities, including complimentary cribs for infants. The hotel features well-appointed rooms that blend comfort with modern conveniences, making it an ideal base for exploring the city or attending business meetings.
- Maldron Hotel Belfast City: With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this eco-certified 4-star hotel is perfect for travelers who prioritize sustainability. Situated in the city center, the Maldron Hotel offers a vibrant city-themed atmosphere. Its modern design and eco-friendly initiatives resonate with environmentally conscious guests. Enjoy easy access to local attractions while taking advantage of the hotel's contemporary facilities, which include a stylish restaurant and comfortable rooms designed for relaxation after a day of exploring.
- Holiday Inn Express Belfast City by IHG: This 3-star hotel, also rated 9.0 out of 10, provides a comfortable and eco-friendly stay in Belfast's city center. Ideal for both business travelers and city explorers, the Holiday Inn Express combines practicality with modern amenities. Guests appreciate the streamlined design of the rooms, which provide everything needed for a restful stay. The hotel’s focus on sustainability makes it a responsible choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying the vibrant urban atmosphere.
Where to stay in Belfast
Belfast, a vibrant metropolis, offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern attractions, making it ideal for outdoor and family-friendly vacations. Explore the bustling Belfast city center and discover the heart of the city, where friendly locals welcome you. Just a short drive away, charming neighborhoods provide a relaxing atmosphere for a romantic city getaway or a fun family staycation. Experience the unique vibes of this captivating region, just a few kilometers from Belfast.
- Belfast: Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant hub rich in history and culture. Known for its friendly locals and diverse attractions, it welcomes visitors year-round, with peak travel times in April, July, and September. Travelers flock to Belfast for family outings, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Key highlights include the iconic Titanic Belfast museum, the lush Botanic Gardens, and the historic City Hall. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy local parks and sports facilities, while the city's thriving arts scene offers numerous theaters and entertainment venues.
- Belfast City Centre: Located in the heart of Belfast, the City Centre is a bustling neighborhood that perfectly blends modernity with history. With a peak in visitor numbers during the summer months, this area is popular for family-friendly activities and eco-conscious experiences. Explore the lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, or catch a show at the Grand Opera House. Local parks and the stunning Victoria Square provide green spaces for relaxation, while nearby golf courses cater to sports enthusiasts.
- Belfast Central District: The Belfast Central District is a lively area that captures the essence of the city's cultural and historical significance. Welcoming travelers throughout the year, with peak visits during the summer, this neighborhood is ideal for families and culture lovers. Enjoy a range of activities, from visiting educational institutions to experiencing local theater productions. Notable landmarks include the Ulster Museum and various parks, while the area's stunning monuments reflect its rich heritage and are perfect for photo opportunities.
Things to do in Belfast
Shopping
Visit Belfast's Victoria Square, a premier shopping destination featuring a mix of high-street brands and unique boutiques. For a local market experience, check out St. George's Market, where you can find artisan crafts and local produce, perfect for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
In Belfast, the Fitzwilliam Hotel offers a serene spa experience with indulgent treatments and a calming atmosphere. Nearby, the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort features thermal spa facilities and lush landscapes, providing a tranquil escape for relaxation and rejuvenation in a picturesque setting.
Adventure
Explore the thrilling indoor climbing at The Belfast Activity Centre, where you can scale various walls suited for different skill levels. For outdoor excitement, try Go Ape at Tollymore Forest Park, offering treetop adventures with zip lines and rope courses amidst stunning natural scenery.
Nightlife
Belfast's nightlife buzzes with energy, featuring trendy spots like The Limelight for live music and The Crown Liquor Saloon for a historic pub experience. For a more modern vibe, visit The Merchant Hotel’s cocktail bar, where you can savor unique drinks in an elegant setting.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belfast
Belfast offers numerous ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like the Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park. For transportation, opt for buses over taxis. The best time to find cheaper accommodations is from January to March, with Mondays being the least expensive days to book. Use Expedia to compare rates, find last-minute deals, and package your hotel with flights for additional savings. Remember to check for flexible booking options and unlock travel rewards for even more benefits on your trip.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Belfast are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Belfast is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Belfast is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Belfast is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and great deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Belfast with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Belfast
Belfast is perfect for outdoor, family, and eco-friendly vacations, offering diverse attractions such as urban parks, maritime museums, and leisure centers. Key points of interest include the iconic Belfast City Hall, the vibrant city itself, and the renowned Titanic Belfast. Whether you seek cultural experiences or outdoor fun, Belfast has something for every traveler to enjoy.
- Titanic Belfast: Explore the fascinating world of the Titanic at this state-of-the-art maritime museum. Located in the heart of Belfast, it offers engaging exhibits that tell the story of the ship's construction, its ill-fated maiden voyage, and the legacy it left behind. The building itself is an architectural marvel, reflecting the ship's grandeur.
- Boucher Road Playing Fields: Enjoy a lively atmosphere at this outdoor fairground, perfect for family outings. Featuring various sports and recreational activities, the fields provide ample space for picnics, games, and quality time with loved ones amidst beautiful surroundings.
- Belfast Botanic Gardens: Stroll through this picturesque botanical garden, where lush greenery and vibrant flowers create a serene escape. Ideal for families and couples, the gardens feature charming walking paths, a Victorian glasshouse, and lovely picnic spots that encourage relaxation and connection with nature.
Best time to go to Belfast
The best time to visit Belfast can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Belfast falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Belfast falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Belfast
Traveling to Belfast is convenient with two major airports. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is located 5km from the city center, with luxurious nearby hotels like The Fitzwilliam Hotel and The Merchant Hotel, both offering easy access to the airport. Belfast International Airport (BFS) is situated 19km away, with excellent accommodations such as the Doubletree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick and Dunadry Hotel and Gardens. For those considering Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), it lies 132km from Belfast, with high-end options like Marine Troon Hotel nearby. All these hotels provide accessible transportation services to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth travel experience.