10 Best Belfast Tours To Take In 2024

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READY TO BOOK A BELFAST TOUR?

You’ve stumbled across the perfect article, as you’re about to find out about the 10 best Belfast tours, each offering a unique perspective on the city and beyond.

Belfast is a city rich with history and there’s no better way to understand Belfast than through a tour. As a Belfast local, I know how important it is to find the right tour.

There are hundreds of tour options, but some of them are not so great. So I have compiled a list of the 10 best tours in Belfast you can take this year.

A picture of Belfast City Hall, a key stop in most Belfast tours.

๐Ÿ†EDITOR’S PICK: Best Belfast Tour = Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Belfast Tours

#1 TOP PICK

A picture of the black taxis which are used for the famous Belfast Black Cabs Tour

โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours
โœ”๏ธ 2400+ 5 star reviews
โœ”๏ธ Private tour
โœ”๏ธ Learn about Belfast’s history

#2 PICK

A picture of the Giant's Causeway.

Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast
โœ”๏ธ See the Gian’t Causeway
โœ”๏ธ Visit the Dark Hedges
โœ”๏ธ 10 hour tour

#3 PICK

A picture of the Big Fish in Belfast. It's a large blue fish made of mosaic tiles, each depicting a piece of Belfast's history.

A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour
โœ”๏ธ Local guide
โœ”๏ธ Learn about The Troubles
โœ”๏ธ 1500+ 5 star reviews

Best Belfast Tours

Belfast is an amazing city, there are so many things to see and do, and finding the right tour will allow you to make the most of your trip to the Northern Irish capital. I can assure you that whichever of these 10 tours you choose to take, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

1. Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours

A picture of the black taxis which are used for the famous Belfast Black Cabs Tour

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2400+ reviews) | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 1-2 hours |
๐Ÿš• BOOK NOW

The Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours tour is the best Belfast tour and has extremely positive reviews with over 2400 โญโญโญโญโญratings!

This tour is perfect for visitors that have a love for history and want to learn more about Belfast’s past. It’s a well-known fact that Belfast has long struggled with a religious divide, but what’s it all about? This tour will give you a deep dive into all the information you need to know!

And this tour is actually so good that it was voted as one of the top experiences in the whole of the UK! For me, it’s always best to go with a tour that’s tried and tested, and this tour has certainly passed the test of thousands ๐Ÿ™‚

A review of this Belfast tour which says "Rarely has a tour flown by so quickly. Our guide was engaging and it really felt like a good opportunity to talk to a local about a sensitive subject matter. We saw and learned a ton in a short amount of time. Would recommend!"
Review by Kevin, read more reviews here.

There are many different tour options to choose from with the Political Tour being the most popular. The taxi drivers are your guide and are very knowledgeable, having lived here all their lives. Not to mention how friendly the people of Belfast are, we’re extremely welcoming.

A tour in your own private taxi allows you to beat the crowded tour buses and gives you the opportunity to learn about Belfast from a resident’s point of view. This tour is very informative about the politics of Northern Ireland and takes you through our turbulent and troubled past from a neutral perspective.

The route will take you by all of the major political murals and sites so you’ll get a real feel of how divided Belfast once was.

If you are looking to delve into the history of the infamous Trouble’s then this tour is for you. There’s a reason it’s so highly rated by over 2000 people: it’s the best tour there is.


2. Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

A picture of the Giant's Causeway.

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1700+ reviews) | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |
๐Ÿง GROUP SIZE: Max 15 | ๐ŸšŒ BOOK NOW

The Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast tour is a fantastic option if you’re a Game of Thrones fan and you’ve got enough time on your hands. This tour has over 1500 5-star reviews!

This tour is an excellent full-day excursion which starts from Belfast. You’ll take a coach to the main attractions of the hit series Games of Thrones and spend 2 hours of your day at the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Giant’s Causeway!

Review of the tour which says "Great trip, great guide. Enough time to do everything in each place we visit. Extremely punctual and organized. Recommended!"
Review by Felipe, read more reviews here.

The tour operator allows you to book up to 15 seats, but be advised that you could be sharing your minivan with other tourists. The meeting point is in the centre of Belfast with a departure time of 9 am, allowing for a full day of adventure.

From there, you’ll be taken on a scenic journey through Northern Ireland’s beautiful natural landscape until you reach the Giant’s Causeway. There, you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the stone pillars and marvel at the waves, all while learning about the history of the Causeway including local myths and folklore. Do you know Finn McCool?

You’ll then be taken to multiple sites that were involved in the filming of Game of Thrones, including the Dark Hedges- one of the most Instagrammable places in Northern Ireland. The tour guide on the bus can answer all of your burning questions and even give you some insider gossip about actors from Game of Thrones.

I would advise you to pack a rain jacket as you’ll be spending a lot of your time outside and you can never trust the pesky Northern Irish weather!

If you love Game of Thrones and want to explore NI, then this tour has your name written all over it!


3. A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

A picture of the Big Fish in Belfast. It's a large blue fish made of mosaic tiles, each depicting a piece of Belfast's history.
The Big Fish in Belfast. Each tile of the mosaic depicts a part of Belfast’s history.

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1500+ reviews) | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 2.5 hours
| ๐Ÿšถ BOOK NOW

A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour is one of the best Belfast tours you can take. It has some great reviews, particularly popular with history buffs. With over 1500 reviews at 5 stars, the quality of the tour speaks for itself.

This tour focuses on the troublesome past of Belfast and gives tourists an introduction to the terror that ensued on the streets that are now bustling with the joys of everyday life. This tour goes back in time further than most tours, even going into detail about British and Irish relationships during the colonial period. It’s a fascinating tour!

Tour review which reads "We learned about so many gaps in our history or Ireland/Northern 
Ireland - things we had partially heard on the news but never taken time to really understand when younger. Our guide was so 
passionate and patient helping our teenagers learn about this recent history for the first time."
Review by Suzi, read more reviews here.

This walking tour gives the lovely opportunity of exploring the grounds of City Hall with an informative guide. You’ll get up close to the famous statues of some key figures in Northern Irish history that stand proudly on the grounds.

The tour then proceeds to the main streets of Belfast which are always bustling with locals and tourists including Castle Lane, Donegall Place and Cathedral Quarter. Hidden in plain sight are some fascinating sites that many Belfast residents don’t even know about!

Walking along the streets that were once known around the world for violence can be hard-hitting for some visitors but your arrival at some of the artwork stops along the route will hopefully lift your spirits a little. The Spirit of Belfast Monument for example represents how resilient the people of Belfast are and how far we have come as a city in moving on from a troubled past.

Please note: The tour is not recommended for those with children under 12 due to discussions of violence.

If you prefer to take in the sights of Belfast via a relaxed walking tour and want to learn about the Troubles by listening to an informative guide then this tour is certainly the choice for you.


4. Giants Causeway, Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle and Dark Hedges Tour

A picture of The Dark Hedges.

โญRATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ๐Ÿฐ BOOK NOW

The Giants Causeway, Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle and Dark Hedges Tour has a 4.5 rating and is the perfect day out for anyone and everyone!

This tour takes you a little further out from Belfast and gives you some great opportunities to explore some of Northern Ireland’s key attractions all in one go. This includes the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Ropebridge, Carrickfergus Castle and the Dark Hedges!

Review of the tour which says "Great tour guide! He gave lots of great tips and recommendations. Plenty of time at each location so we didnโ€™t feel rushed!"
Review by Joely, read more reviews here.

The tour follows the scenic Antrim Coastal Road up towards the north coast of Northern Ireland. The views along the way are truly breathtaking and highlight clearly the lovely coastline that Northern Ireland has to offer. Most NI locals head to the north coast during the holidays, so you know it’s a good spot!

One attraction on offer in this tour that other tours do not visit is Carrickfergus Castle, a key landmark in Northern Irish history. It is one of the most intact castles that remain along the coast and was used to protect Belfast from incoming threats. The tour also stops at key Game of Thrones filming locations providing you with great photo opportunities.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is admired from afar on this tour so just be wary that if you wish to cross it you will have to come back another day.

The tour bus is piloted by a driver and tour guide who is very knowledgeable about the sites and provides onboard commentary.

This is another fabulous option for anyone wishing to take a trip a little further outside of Belfast. This jam-packed 8-hour journey will provide you with some lovely scenic views and there are plenty of opportunities to take pictures at each stop. It’s one not to miss out on!


5. City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A picture of the red open-top bus from the hop-on hop-off Belfast tour

โญRATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (6000+ reviews) | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours |
| ๐ŸšŒ BOOK NOW

The City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tour is one of the favoured ones among residents of Belfast and tourists alike! Like in most cities, the hop-on hop-off bus tour in Belfast is a popular choice. It has over 6000 overwhelmingly positive reviews!

The clue is in the name of this one in that you can hop on and hop off at multiple stops along the route, giving you time to visit the places on the top of your list! As with many cities, this double-decker adventure gives you a ticket to see all the main sites.

Review which says "The bus drivers/guides were 
brilliant. Informative and funny. Each one having their one little twist on the stories. Absolutely brilliant. Tour took in all the sites. Loved it!"
Review by David, read more reviews here.

With 1 and 2-day passes on offer, this is one of the cheapest guided tour options available in Belfast, but that doesn’t take away from the quality. The onboard commentary just adds to the experience with lots of information provided to you through headsets.

If you aren’t completely fluent in English, this is the tour for you. The audio guide is available in several languages.

This tour lets you take in the fascinating architecture around Belfast and get a feel for the people that live here. With 20 stops along the way to get on and off, there are plenty of locations to explore. Belfast Castle, St. George’s Market and Queen’s University should be on the top of your list to visit on this tour.

If you are looking for a relaxed tour of Belfast that lets you explore the city for yourself then I highly recommend this option. It’s both informative and convenient, circling the must-see sights of Belfast.


6. Belfast: Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour

A picture of Belfast City Hall, a starting location for a lot of Belfast tours.

โญRATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (900+ reviews) | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |๐ŸšถBOOK NOW

The Belfast: Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour is perfect for those that love to get to know the politics and history of a country. And this one is very highly reviewed at 4.7/5 on GetYourGuide.

This walking tour goes into very great detail about the Troubles and Belfast’s long-lasting friendship with violence. It’s extremely enlightening and educational, but also sad to learn about the dark past of Belfast.

A review which says "Take the walking tour! You will gain unique insights into the conflict from two different perspectives. This is one of the best tours I 
attended and I applaud the tour guides for their honesty, knowledge, and frank assessments of the 
critical reasons underpinning the conflict."
Review by an American GetYourGuide Traveller, read more reviews here.

The Political Walking Tour is a unique experience that offers you the opportunity to interact with residents that were directly impacted by the Troubles. You’ll take a stroll through the divided neighbourhoods and listen to their stories first-hand.

The 4-hour long walk takes you through the well-known areas of the Shankill and the Falls, two key areas during the Troubles. You’ll see how separate parts of the Protestant and Catholic communities continue to live their lives. Ex-prisoners involved in the Troubles’ violence will tell you their stories of what it was like to grow up in the middle of a civil war.

Republican and Loyalist residents will come together to educate you on their views and paint a picture of the old and new Belfast. Throughout the route, you will pass by the many murals of Belfast and the peace walls too, it’s a very honest tour.

Due to the discussion of violence on the tour, it is recommended to be age 15+ only so you may need to leave the kids behind on this one.

If you are interested in learning about the divided communities of Belfast from first-hand sources and viewing the most separated communities in the city then this tour should be at the top of your list.


7. Belfast Bike Tours

A group taking the cycling tour, stopped at the Big Fish with the tour guide speaking about the fish.

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |
๐Ÿง GROUP SIZE: Max 15 | ๐Ÿšฒ BOOK NOW

A bike tour is an incredible way to see any city, allowing you to see most of the main sights as you can travel faster than walking. The Belfast Bike Tour leaves from the beautiful Titanic Quarter to take you on a marvellous journey around the stunning attractions of Belfast.

With bike rental included in the price, this tour is the top pick for those that love a spot of exercise while touring a city. The route shows off some fantastic views of Belfast and is not one to be looked over!

Tour review which says "Fantastic tour! Felt like we got to see all the highlights of the city and the guide did a great job. Would recommend to anyone travelling to Belfast!"
Review by Gabriel, read more reviews here.

The knowledgeable tour guide will navigate you around Belfast on a bicycle and stop off at the main sites. This includes everything from murals to pubs and everything in between. Titanic Quarter is the main attraction of this tour, which is not offered on any other tours on this list.

The newly developed area celebrates Belfast’s shipbuilding past. And also serves as a memorial to those that lost their lives on the fateful evening the Titanic sank. The Titanic museum and shipbuilding offices are very interesting to look at and if you get the chance you should definitely go inside on another day trip.

This tour covers a lot more ground than other tours and is commented on by the guide. The tour also makes time to discuss the Troubles and visit the Peace Wall, which many tourists love to write on.

The Belfast Bike Tour is excellent for families as there are child safety seats available for smaller children. All safety equipment is included in the price too.

This tour is a great day out for all the family and covers a very large area of Belfast. The experience is sure to be a fun one!


8. Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour

The Beer Bike Belfast Tour beer bike.

โญRATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour |
๐Ÿง GROUP SIZE: 7 – 16 | ๐Ÿป BOOK NOW

If normal bike tours aren’t exactly your forte, you may wish to grab a group of friends and drink some beer while pedalling!

The Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour is the perfect opportunity to take in the sites and get yourself a little bit tipsy! It’s definitely one of the best Belfast tours for a friend group.

Review which says "Wow! Absolutely loved this experience it was amazing & perfect way to celebrate my partners 40th birthday, staff were lovely & looked after us well keeping our drinks topped up :)"
Review by Taylor Dee, read more reviews here.

You don’t have to be an Olympic-level cyclist to power this huge bike as you’ll be sharing the journey with at least 6 others. The drinks might help you get through it though!

This unforgettable tour of Belfast has been a popular one among the locals and those from afar. It has been popularised as a Hen-Do activity and you’ll all too often see a group of screaming women having the time of their lives while zooming through the bustling streets of Belfast.

But you don’t have to be a party-lover to enjoy this method of seeing Belfast. You can turn it into a nice leisurely cycle, sipping politely on drinks and chatting with friends. The driver can answer any questions you may have along the route and give you some motivation to keep pedalling.

The drinks are not included in the price of the tour but the company is licensed for you to bring your own alcohol and there is an opportunity to stop at a local-Belfast pub. This tour is definitely for those that want an unforgettable experience in Belfast and are looking to have some tipsy fun!


9. Belfast walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours

A picture of a Belfast Fry.

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ๐Ÿง GROUP SIZE: Max 12 |
๐Ÿป BOOK NOW

Food tours are one of the best things you can do when visiting a new city and Belfast is no different. The Belfast walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours is a great option for tourists with a love for trying new foods. It has lots of fantastic reviews!

This Belfast tour option takes advantage of the brilliant food on offer in Belfast. The walking tour travels through the city to a different location for each meal.

Review reading "Great experience and story of Belfast. Amazing treats along with a guide who knew and lived the history of the city."
Review by Lance, read more reviews here.

Your starter will consist of 3 stops all sampling local favourites. The walk between stops is perfect for working up your appetite! Your main course will be sourced from the remaining stops and promises to be worth the exercise.

The tour promises a hearty bowl of Irish Stew, some local tray bake, Northern Irish cheese and so much more! It also offers you a ‘Secret Dish’ to spark some excitement. I’m sure you’re bound to love it!

You’ll fit right in with the locals who enjoy the meals on offer on a daily basis. Why not enjoy a pint or two with your food in a traditional Irish Pub?

If the sound of this tour is already making your mouth water then you need to book it now!


10. Belfast: Guided Food Walking Tour with Street Art and Pubs

A picture of a famous street in Belfast known for having nice bars, with coloured umbrellas hanging between the buildings.

โญRATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | โŒ› TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ๐Ÿป BOOK NOW

The Belfast: Guided Food Walking Tour with Street Art and Pubs tour is another excellent choice for foodies. An added bonus with this tour is that it also visits street art across the city.

This tour will take you through the lovely, welcoming streets of Belfast, allowing you to sample some of the local cuisines and admire our beautiful street art.

Review which says "Had such an amazing tour with Paul. Strongly recommend, he was so knowledgeable about Belfast History and food and would definitely book again with him. Food was delicious, so much more food than we expected. Cannot fault any of the places we were taken to."
Review by Angela, read more reviews here.

This tour is perfect for food and drink lovers who are open to trying everything! You’ll be given a chance to try freshly caught oysters, a delicious local tray bake and Irish whiskeys among lots of other options.

The tour begins, like many others from City Hall. Side note: if you visit Belfast at Christmas, it might start from somewhere else as the markets will be there. Nonetheless, you’ll be guided by a local tour guide who is passionate about the cuisine. They’ll also give you lots of information about street art and Belfast’s history.

I bet you didn’t know that parts of Belfast are in two counties, for example.

The opportunity to dine with the locals is favoured among tourists. You’ll feel right at home tucking into a hearty breakfast alongside the Belfast resident and having a few drinks in a traditional Irish pub. Not to mention how friendly we Belfast people are, the phrase “they could talk to a brick wall” could not be any more true!

Book this tour if you’re up to the task of devouring Belfast’s finest food while learning all about the city!


A picture of Belfast City Hall, a key stop in most Belfast tours.

๐Ÿ†EDITOR’S PICK: Best Belfast Tour = Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!


Best Belfast Tours: FAQ

Below are a number of questions related to Belfast tours along with my answers.

What is the best Belfast tour?

The best Belfast tour is the Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours. The Black Taxi tours in Belfast are famous all around the world and for good reason. It’s an incredible tour and it allows you to see the city as well as learn a lot about the history of Belfast.

Are Belfast tours worth it?

Yes, without a doubt. The history of Belfast is very complicated and a tour is a great way to understand this history and learn more about the Belfast culture, as well as get to see the main sights in Belfast and beyond.

Do Belfast tours include the Giant’s Causeway?

Some tours from Belfast include the Giant’s Causeway. Most Game of Thrones tours from Belfast also include a trip to the Giant’s Causeway, and admission is included in the tour price. A tour is a great way to learn more about the Giant’s Causeway, rather than just looking at the rocks.

Best Belfast Tours: Conclusion

And there you have it! 10 of the Best Belfast Tours to take during a trip to Northern Ireland. Remember, the best tour is the Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tour.

Nonetheless, whichever of these 10 tours you decide to take, you are guaranteed to have an amazing tour and learn a lot about Belfast and the history of Northern Ireland.

I hope you have a great trip to Belfast and most importantly, have a great tour ๐Ÿ™‚