These 10 walking tours in Belfast told a story with every step. And we’ll never forget them!
I’ll never forget my first walking tour in Belfast—I showed up thinking I’d nailed the perfect mix of style and comfort. I didn’t. By the time we’d covered murals, historic landmarks, and enough stories to fill a novel, my feet were practically crying.
Each tour felt like peeling back a new layer of Belfast’s history, culture, and charm. Whether it was getting lost in the stories of the Titanic Quarter or marveling at street art in the Cathedral Quarter, I couldn’t get enough.
Ready to discover why these walking tours are worth every step (and maybe a blister or two)? Let’s dive into the best ones Belfast has to offer!
Step Back in Time with a History of Terror Walking Tour
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Highlight: 800 years of history brought about the birth of the troubles in the 1960s
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
In this tour, you’ll dive into the gripping history of Belfast. This tour will lead you through the story of the troubles and peace of the city by visiting key sites where pivotal moments of the conflict played out.
The tour starts off at 10:30 am and begins with a concise yet compelling overview of Irish and British history, setting the stage for the late 1960s, when the Troubles erupted.
From there, the tour explores seven city centre locations tied to major events from 1971 to 1976, using these stories to shed light on what happened, why it happened, and the profound impact it had on daily life.
Through personal stories and the broader context of the conflict, you’ll gain a neutral, civilian perspective on how these incidents shaped the city. The tour also highlights Belfast’s remarkable transformation since the ceasefires and Peace Process.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a winter visit, don’t forget to bundle up in a seriously warm coat—it gets bitterly cold! |
Immerse Yourself in Culture at Coiste Irish Tours
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Highlight: former political prisoners and former members of the British forces who served in Ireland
Duration: 3 hours
Coiste Irish Political Tours offers an immersive dive into Ireland’s complex history, with political tours, educational talks, and programs exploring the roots and realities of the conflict.
What sets this experience apart is the chance to hear directly from former political prisoners and members of the British forces who served in Ireland, providing visitors with rare, firsthand perspectives on history.
This compelling and sometimes intense tour weaves through key areas of the city that were at the heart of the Troubles.
Guided by both a republican and a loyalist, each shares their deeply personal stories, the conflict’s impact on their lives and communities, and its lasting resonance today. For anyone interested in Ireland’s history, this tour is unmissable.
| Pro tip: Street noise and group dynamics can sometimes make it tricky to hear the guides, so staying close is a smart move. |
Discover History at the Belfastology Walking Tours
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Highlight: Eclectic Belfast City Centre Walking Tour
Duration: 400 years of history, exploring Belfast’s unique architecture
This walking tour is truly one-of-a-kind, combining breathtaking street art with an endless array of fascinating pubs in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter—so many, it’s hard to keep count!
Spanning three hours, the tour begins at the MAC building in St. Anne’s Square and is an affordable alternative to the popular Black Taxi tours, which share many of the same stops.
Be prepared for plenty of walking, with varied terrain, occasional inclines, and a brisk pace. The route takes you through bustling streets, residential areas, security gates, and even offers a close-up look at the walls dividing communities.
| Pro tip: Arrive early at the City Hall meeting point to explore its stunning interior before setting off. |
Savor the Flavors on a Belfast Food Tour with Taste and Tour
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Highlight: Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Edinburgh Old Town to visit traditional bars, world-class shops, and many more
Duration: 4 hours
Taste and Tour offers a deliciously fun 4-hour guided walk through Belfast’s top food and drink spots, showcasing the best the city has to offer. From classic local dishes to modern takes, every bite on this tour is a treat.
If you’re in Belfast, this is an essential experience—it’s a fantastic way to explore local venues and see firsthand the passion they have for their products.
Each stop is a delight, starting with surprisingly excellent sausage, egg, and tomato sandwiches at City Hall’s restaurant.
Next, indulge in heavenly hot chocolate and candies at the artisan chocolatiers, Co Couture. Then, enjoy open-faced sandwiches and tempting treats at Sawyers (perfect for picking up some snacks to take home).
The tour ends with a hearty meal at a pub, where you can savor seafood chowder or beef stew paired with wine or beer—everything was top-notch!
| Pro tip: Come hungry, as you’ll be well-fed throughout the tour! |
Admire the Murals on a Belfast Street Art Tour with Seedhead Arts
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Highlight: art murals around the city
Duration: 2 hours
The Belfast Street Art Tour with Seedhead Arts offers a fascinating two-hour walk through the city’s vibrant street art scene. While much of the art historically marked territory, a more transformative wave is now emerging.
This tour is a fantastic way to dive into contemporary Belfast through its unique street art, with a well-paced and engaging experience led by knowledgeable guides. At just £10, plus an optional arts donation, it’s an absolute steal.
A fun and insightful way to explore the city, this tour showcases eclectic, original street art that covers the walls of Belfast’s city centre—definitely worth the price.
Even if you’re a local, you’ll see Belfast from a whole new perspective. I’ve been recommending this tour to everyone since I went!
| Pro tip: The Cathedral Quarter is the perfect spot to grab food and drinks before or after the tour! |
Relive the Stories at Belfast’s Free Walking Tour
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Highlight: famous landmarks in Belfast
Duration: 2 hours
This tour offers a thorough exploration of Belfast’s history, packed with details about local tourism and political insights, both past and present. The guide also shares fantastic recommendations for bars, restaurants, and activities to check out.
The tour begins in front of City Hall, marked by a large yellow umbrella, and takes you on a route through the university side, Linenhall, behind City Hall, the Castle Quarter, and down to the quay.
The use of headphones and receivers is a clever touch, ensuring you can hear the guide clearly, even in the noisy areas. The tour focuses on Belfast’s downtown, so while it’s not a strenuous walk, it’s more about absorbing valuable information.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to leave a donation at the end—it’s a great way to show appreciation for all the amazing insights you’ll gain from the knowledgeable guides. |
The Best of Belfast with Dead Centre Tours
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Highlight: history with stories of old and new Belfast
Duration: 3 hours
Starting and ending at the iconic City Hall, this tour is the perfect way to discover and explore the heart of Belfast. Your local guides will lead you through the city’s quarters, unveiling hidden history, vibrant street art, stunning architecture, and captivating stories of Belfast’s past and present.
With Vox headsets, you won’t miss a word of the guide’s insights, and the 2-mile route is entirely flat—no hills or steps to worry about.
This tour is everything you hope for when traveling, and it’s a rare gem that truly delivers. It’s worth far more than a million selfies in front of the Mona Lisa or Big Ben.
If you’re in Belfast, you can’t miss it. And if you’re in Ireland, make sure Belfast is on your list, then take this tour.
| Pro tip: Be sure to book in advance, as this popular tour fills up fast, especially during peak tourist seasons. |
Join the If Buildings Could Talk: Belfast Walking Tour
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Highlight: history in Belfast over the last 150 years
Duration: two hours
“If Buildings Could Talk” is an engaging and insightful tour, brimming with well-researched details about the city’s buildings and wall art.
It’s amazing how much you’ll learn about places you’ve passed by countless times, only to discover fascinating tidbits you’d never have known without joining the tour.
This isn’t just a history lesson of dry political facts; it’s a deep dive into the heart of the city—its buildings, its stories, and the lives of its residents throughout the years.
While it does touch on the city’s experience during the Troubles, the focus is more on Belfast’s soul and the transformations it has undergone.
If you’re visiting Belfast for the first time and want to understand not just its political history but its true essence, this tour is an absolute must.
| Pro tip: Look for Barney, your knowledgeable guide, at the visitor center across from the city center. |
Uncover the Secrets of Belfastlad Tours
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Highlight: Darkside of Belfast’s terrible yet terrific history
Duration: 2 hours
Belfastlad Tours offers a unique and entertaining way to spend an evening, blending history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural. The knowledgeable guide brings the ghost tour to life with personal anecdotes and fascinating insights.
This tour truly has it all—abandoned castles, fairy tales, the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, authentic fish and chips, cemeteries, ghost stories, vanishing lakes, and a firsthand, balanced, and optimistic perspective on Belfast.
It’s a whirlwind of everything you could possibly hope for in one experience. Simply put, this is the tour to take!
| Pro tip: Download the app beforehand to confirm you’re in the right spots for each eerie tale—it’s a spooky and interactive addition to an already fantastic tour. |
Learn History at Belfast Political Tour
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Highlight: personal insight into ‘The Troubles’ with a tour by Ex Political Prisoners on both sides of the Peace Wall along the Falls and Shankill Road
Duration: 1.5 hours to 3 hours
This tour offers a raw and thought-provoking look at the sectarian violence that shaped Belfast over the past fifty years.
With guides from both sides of the divide, it delivers a balanced perspective, tracing the streets that were once battlegrounds between the IRA and the Ulster Unionists.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Belfast, the tour takes you across both sides of the peace lines in West Belfast, where you’ll hear firsthand accounts from members of both communities.
It’s an eye-opening experience that reveals why achieving peace has been so challenging and why tensions still linger today.
| Pro tip: To get the most out of this tour, it’s worth brushing up on the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland either before or after your visit. |