Belfast Walking Tour: City Centre History, Troubles & Stories
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Belfast in a way that goes beyond ticking off the sights. This walking tour invites you to experience the city through the eyes of a local. Instead of a list of dates and facts, you’ll hear the humour, character, and stories that truly shaped Belfast.
Led by Corey, a born-and-bred local, the tour blends history with lived experience—taking you from ancient myths and industrial triumphs to The Troubles and the city’s modern revival. Along the way you’ll explore landmarks like Belfast City Hall and the Cathedral Quarter, as well as hidden corners and overlooked details most visitors miss. Expect tales you’d hear shared in the pub, plus a few words of Belfast slang.
What makes this tour different is its storytelling spirit. It’s not just about places—it’s about people, resilience, and humour. Every walk is filled with warmth, wit, and plenty of craic, leaving you with a real feel for Belfast’s heart and soul.
Available options
Evening Belfast Story Walk
Discover Belfast’s magic after dark.
City Center Tour
What's included
City centre walking tour with storytelling, history, and local tips
Visits to key landmarks
Personalised commentary tailored to your interests
Engaging storytelling with historical facts, legends, and local insights
Optional audio headset to ensure you can hear your guide clearly throughout the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Marvel at Belfast’s grand City Hall, the beating heart of the city, where stories of politics, pride, and identity are written in stone and stained glass.
2
Stand at the crossroads of Belfast life — a bustling square surrounded by history, commerce, and the echoes of great decisions that shaped the city.
3
Step into the old industrial Belfast, once the linen capital of the world, and hear how the “Linenopolis” made this small city globally famous.
4
Discover Belfast’s oldest library, a treasure trove of books and archives, where knowledge, culture, and history have been preserved for over 200 years.
5
Stop 5
Admire the stunning architecture of Belfast’s Cathedral, a place of faith and art, and the centrepiece of the creative and lively Cathedral Quarter.
6
Stop 6
See Belfast’s very own leaning tower, built in honour of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert — and hear the tales of sailors and nightlife that once surrounded it.
7
Meet Belfast’s quirkiest landmark, the Salmon of Knowledge, covered in ceramic tiles that tell the city’s story — and don’t forget to rub its nose for luck.
8
Pause by this moving sculpture symbolising peace, resilience, and the brighter future the city has built after its troubled past.
9
End your walk at this abstract sculpture of steel and light, reflecting the energy, creativity, and forward-looking spirit of the modern city.
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
12 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
14 reviews
5★
13
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meeting Point: Belfast City Hall Courtyard – We’ll meet inside the grounds, facing the main entrance beside the statue of Queen Victoria. I’ll have a blue school bag and blue umbrella. The courtyard’s stunning architecture and gardens make it the perfect place to begin our Belfast journey.
About Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city with a rich maritime, industrial, and political history. Known for its Titanic heritage, friendly locals, and dynamic cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and stunning natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Titanic Belfast
A world-class museum dedicated to the Titanic, offering interactive exhibits and a fascinating insight into Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.
Historical
2-3 hours
£22-£26
Belfast Castle
A beautiful 19th-century castle set in the Cave Hill Country Park, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
St. George's Market
A historic market offering a variety of food, crafts, and entertainment. It's one of the few remaining Victorian markets in the UK.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free entry, food and crafts for purchase
Crumlin Road Gaol
A former Victorian prison that has been restored to its original condition, offering guided tours and insights into Belfast's criminal history.
Historical
1-2 hours
£12-£15
Botanic Gardens
A beautiful public park featuring a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as the Palm House and Tropical Ravine House.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ulster Fry
A hearty breakfast consisting of soda bread, potato bread, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, and tomato.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Irish Stew
A traditional stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Chippey
A traditional fish and chip shop serving battered fish, chips, and various sides.
Dinner
Contains fish and gluten
Belfast Bap
A soft, white bread roll filled with a sausage, bacon, or egg.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cave Hill Country Park
Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Kayaking on Lough Neagh
Strolling through Botanic Gardens
Enjoying a spa day
Sipping coffee in a trendy cafe
Exploring the Ulster Museum
Attending a performance at the Grand Opera House
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest tourist season.
15°C to 20°C
59°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Irish (Gaelic)
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) in winter, BST (UTC+1) in summer
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Belfast is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis and check the fare before starting your journey.
Getting there
By air
- Belfast International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) northwest of the city center
- George Best Belfast City Airport • 3 km (2 miles) east of the city center
By train
Belfast Central Station, Belfast Lanyon Place Station
By bus
Belfast Europa Buscentre
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Belfast, with a comprehensive network covering the city and surrounding areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Free Now, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cathedral Quarter
Titanic Quarter
Belfast City Centre
Stranmillis
The Ormeau Road
Day trips
Giant's Causeway
90 km (56 miles) • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a unique natural formation of interlocking basalt columns.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
70 km (43 miles) • Half day
A thrilling rope bridge spanning a 23-meter (75-foot) chasm, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Dunluce Castle
80 km (50 miles) • Half day
A dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff, offering a glimpse into Northern Ireland's past.
Festivals
Belfast International Arts Festival • October
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival • May
Belfast Mela • August
Pro tips
- Take a black cab tour to learn about Belfast's history and political landscape from a local perspective.
- Visit the Cathedral Quarter for a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.
- Explore the Titanic Quarter, home to the Titanic Belfast museum and a variety of attractions.
- Stroll through Botanic Gardens and visit the nearby Ulster Museum and Palm House.
- Try local delicacies like the Ulster Fry and Belfast Bap at St. George's Market.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
