Belfast City Centre Walking Tour
From£26
2h 30m
Valentia Island, Ireland
About this activity
Join a 2.5-hour guided walking tour through Belfast's city centre, exploring its rich history and iconic landmarks.
Highlights
- Explore Belfast's rich history
- Visit iconic city landmarks
- Learn about Belfast's cultural heritage
- Discover hidden historical gems
- Engage with knowledgeable local guides
Full description
Discover the heart of Belfast on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll delve into the city's rich history, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From the historic City Hall to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, each stop offers a unique glimpse into Belfast's cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, providing an insightful and enjoyable experience of Northern Ireland's capital.
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Belfast's city centre
- Visit to significant historical sites
- Insightful commentary on Belfast's history
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
In the grounds of Belfast City Hall your guide will introduce you to the tour and also give an introduction to the history of the Troubles. The introduction sets the scene for the rest of the tour, explaining the centuries old relationships between the British and the Irish and how and why the Troubles started in the late 1960s.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Today Belfast's main shopping street may look like any other British or Irish city, but it hides a troubled past. Your guide will explain the story behind a bomb attack on a nightclub here in 1971, the tragic events which followed and the introduction of what became known as the 'Ring Of Steel'.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Our next stop is in the heart of the pedestrian precinct. In what is now a bustling shopping street you will discover the realities of our lives at the height of the troubles, and the details of an event which still lives prominently in our minds to this day.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
The Spirit of Belfast is an artwork which is intended to evoke the resilience of the people of Belfast, but we just know it as 'the Onion Rings'. As we stand in its shadow your guide will introduce you to a series of events which started in a bar nearby in 1971. These were to prove the catalyst in propelling Northern Ireland into a rapidly escalating spiral of violence.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
As you walk through the newly regenerated Cathedral Quarter, at the heart of our cultural and nightlife district, your guide will introduce you to the stories of more significant events while also discussing the beginnings of the path to peace. Today the streets and alleys of the Cathedral Quarter are home to fantastic examples of street art and some of our best bars and nightspots, but through the powerful story-telling of the guide you will be transported back in time and realise how far we have come since the dark days of the 1970s.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Whilst standing beside the largest police station in Belfast you will discover how Northern Ireland was policed during the troubles, how it has changed since the peace agreement and the potential impact of Brexit on our borders!
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
We end the tour by the Waterfront on the banks of the river Lagan and the Beacon of Hope, our favourite piece of public art which champions our resilience and regeneration. Here we will compare Belfast today with one of the darkest days in our history, explain how we achieved our fragile peace and discuss what the future may hold.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square North, Belfast, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- No pets allowed on the tour
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring a bottle of water
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- A moderate amount of walking is involved (1.5 miles)
- Minimum age is 12 years
- The tour will take place regardless of the weather. Please check the forecast and dress accordingly
- A waterproof jacket is recommended just in case of showers, as is warm clothing during the winter months
- Belfast City Center is completely flat, so no hills or steps are involved. However, comfortable footwear is advised
Traveler reviews
5.02,985 reviews
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Accurate description of Belfast recent history.
Rory is well studied in the unrest that occurred in Belfast. He led us thru actual events and locations that were pivotal to the recent history of the city.
William DMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Don’t miss this tour
Highly recommend. As someone who has never understood the history of the conflicts, this tour provided valuable and balanced insights of the issues and troubles. Best tour I have ever taken.
Meander51259950111May 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent History Lesson
Rory is a well informed guide. An excellent story teller.
G3788GNchrisbMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fantastic would recommend
Fantastic, definitely recommend and would do again. Eugene was a great tour guide and made it even more special that he was from Belfast so experienced the history.
charlottecK6527UHMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A must do in my opinion in Belfast
Wonderful and very interesting but of course also sad. Highly recommended with a wonderful guide. You get to see the places where terrible things happened which is important
250nuriaiMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
A moderate amount of walking is involved (1.5 miles)
Minimum age is 12 years
The tour will take place regardless of the weather. Please check the forecast and dress accordingly
A waterproof jacket is recommended just in case of showers, as is warm clothing during the winter months
Belfast City Center is completely flat, so no hills or steps are involved. However, comfortable footwear is advised