Belfast, Northern Ireland
Welcome to Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, where a rich maritime past meets a thriving cultural present. Major cruise lines including Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean frequently call here, drawn by the city's compelling history and its role as the gateway to the stunning Antrim Coast.
Cruise passengers are captivated by the story of the Titanic, born in Belfast's shipyards, and the city's incredible transformation into a hub of art, cuisine, and classic Irish hospitality. It offers a unique blend of urban exploration and access to world-famous natural wonders.
The most iconic attraction is Titanic Belfast, an award-winning museum located on the very site where the famous ship was built. This state-of-the-art experience is just a short distance from the cruise terminal.
In the city center, the magnificent Edwardian architecture of Belfast City Hall offers free public tours that delve into the city's history. For a deeper understanding of Belfast's complex political past, a Black Cab Tour provides a guided visit to the famous political murals on the Shankill and Falls Roads.
Another popular site is the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, a 19th-century prison that offers fascinating tours detailing its 150-year history.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The most popular day trip from Belfast is to the dramatic Causeway Coastal Route. This excursion typically includes the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site of interlocking basalt columns, located about 60 miles (a 90-minute drive) from the port.
Tours to the coast often include a stop at the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which sways 100 feet above the sea. For history buffs, the well-preserved Norman-era Carrickfergus Castle is a much closer option, situated just a 25-minute drive from the cruise port.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Cruise ships dock at the Stormont Wharf cruise terminal, an industrial port area located approximately 2-3 miles (about 5 km) from Belfast's city center. Due to the distance and the nature of the port, walking into the city is not recommended.
To accommodate passengers, the port authority typically provides a complimentary shuttle bus service. These shuttles run frequently throughout the day, dropping passengers off at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, conveniently located near Belfast City Hall. The port terminal itself has limited amenities, serving primarily as a point of transit.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The official currency in Belfast is the Pound Sterling (GBP), often denoted as £. While Northern Ireland prints its own banknotes, English and Scottish notes are also accepted everywhere.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. ATMs are abundant throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It is not common for US Dollars or Euros to be accepted, so it is best to use local currency or a credit card for purchases.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Belfast is a very safe and welcoming city for tourists. The city center and main tourist areas can be confidently explored independently. As in any major city, it is wise to exercise standard precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure, especially in crowded places.
While the city has a complex political history, areas with political murals are safe for visitors, particularly during the day. For the best context and experience, visiting these areas on a guided excursion like a Black Cab Tour is highly recommended.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Belfast has a temperate maritime climate, meaning the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, even during the summer cruise season (May to September). Expect mild temperatures, with average daily highs ranging from 14-19°C (57-66°F).
Rain is possible at any time of year, so packing in layers is the best strategy. A waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or fleece are essential items to bring ashore, regardless of the forecast.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The most convenient way to reach the city center from the cruise terminal is via the complimentary shuttle bus service typically provided by the port. Once downtown, Belfast is a very walkable city, with many key attractions located within a compact area.
For sightseeing, Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tours are a popular and efficient option, covering all major landmarks. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. The city's public bus network, Translink Metro, is extensive but may be less necessary for visitors on a short port call.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Belfast offers excellent shopping opportunities for cruise visitors. The primary retail hub is centered around Donegall Place and the modern Victoria Square shopping center, which features a mix of high-street brands and designer stores, topped by an iconic viewing dome.
For authentic local goods, visit St. George's Market (open Friday to Sunday), a beautiful Victorian market hall filled with local artisans, food producers, and craft stalls. Popular souvenirs include Irish linen, Belleek pottery, Celtic jewelry, and Titanic-related memorabilia. Prices in shops are fixed and not open to negotiation.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
This tour offers a non-biased perspective on the past troubles in Northern Ireland. It is provided by the only company in Belfast that is owned by both a Catholic and a Protestant. Please note that while offering an authentic experience, not all tour cabs are London black taxis.
On this 2.5-hour tour, local expert guides will take you on a journey through Belfast's city center to discover how 'the Troubles' started and the path to peace. The tour is factual and historically accurate, visiting locations where the most important events occurred. Your guides are conflict historians who weave their own stories into the tour, giving you a unique understanding of life during the conflict.
Tour with Belfast's longest-established company, which has over 25 years of experience. Your local guides come from both communities and lived through the city's turbulent past. They deliver educational tours with a bit of Irish humour, sharing stories of what life was like and how they are now working together for a better future.
Experience a professional and thought-provoking mural taxi tour with guides who have lived through the recent conflict in Irish history. These are real people with real stories, using their natural gift for storytelling and over 20 years of experience to share the history behind each mural. Learn about the neighborhoods and Belfast's fascinating history from guides who know it best.
This unique tour is one part walking tour and one part street theatre, designed to entertain, engage, and inform. The immersive experience uses original songs and personal experiences to help you understand the realities of the Troubles. Visit political murals and peace walls while gaining a deep insight into the region's history, culture, and peace process.
Experience the history of the Troubles through a powerful live narrative led by local guides who lived through it. This immersive tour features personal stories and insights, and you are encouraged to ask questions to foster a deeper understanding. You will travel in comfort between key historical sites, with photo stops and vivid storytelling making the journey both educational and memorable.
Maximize your time in Belfast and see the main sites from an iconic Black Taxi with an experienced and accredited guide. This tour offers a deep insight into the messages behind the city's political murals. It's an efficient way to explore Belfast's key historical locations with an expert.
Join an award-winning local guide for an essential walking introduction to Belfast, starting and finishing at City Hall. This tour of less than two miles covers fantastic street art, architecture, and history, including the Titanic and the Troubles, but also showcases so much more. Over 14 stops, your guide will also help you discover bars and restaurants you might not otherwise have found, helping you make the most of your visit.
Get outside and explore Belfast on a guided bike ride, with bike rental and navigation taken care of so you don't get lost. The tour includes highlights such as the city's famous murals, one of Ireland's oldest pubs, City Hall, and the Titanic Quarter. With plenty of stops and commentary from your guide, you won’t miss anything important on this active adventure.
Explore a state-of-the-art distillery located in a transformed wing of the historic Crumlin Road Gaol. This behind-the-scenes tour teaches you about the revival of a proud, Belfast-born brand. The experience concludes with a sampling of award-winning whiskies and the unique ‘new make’ spirit, straight from the stills.
Billed as the most entertaining walking tour in Belfast, this experience reveals the stories the buildings would tell if they could talk. Take a leisurely stroll through the city center to hear about the unusual and interesting history of Belfast. Every building has a story, and this tour brings them to life for you.
Journey along the North Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland's main visitor attraction, with an experienced and friendly driver-guide. Visit the Giant's Causeway, our only UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire stunning scenery with countless photo opportunities. Unlike large buses, this tour can travel on rural roads to see old castles and stop for things that interest you.
Travel with an award-winning tour provider that has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year in business. Your tour takes place in a luxury Mercedes vehicle for up to 7 people, complete with WiFi to keep you connected. With experienced, hand-picked guides, this tour is a top choice for cruise ship passengers seeking a world-class experience.
Join this small-group walking tour for the perfect introduction to the city, prioritizing an exclusive and interactive experience with your local guide. This gentle-paced walk focuses on Belfast's history, culture, and architecture, revealing secrets hidden within its old lanes and buildings. While the "Troubles" are discussed, the main focus is on the city's broader heritage, and your local-born guide ensures you take postcard-worthy photos without getting lost.
See Belfast from a local's perspective in an iconic Black Taxi Cab on a tour tailored to guest interaction. Your accredited local guide will take you into the Falls and Shankill Road neighborhoods, explaining the events from 1969 to the present day. You will visit key sites including the Bobby Sands Mural, the International Wall, and the Peace Wall.
Take a journey into Ireland’s past with guides who have lived and breathed the most recent conflict. This tour is delivered by guides from both sides of the divide. This unique structure allows them to deliver a narrative from both sides of a conflict where people lost their lives.
Take the Peoples Belfast black taxi political tour to listen to real people and see the real city. Learn what it was like to live through the troubles, what happened during the conflict, and what the city is like now since the peace process began. Your drivers have lived through it all, providing a primary account of driving the streets for a living during that time.
Enjoy a fully guided tour of Titanic Distillers, located in the historic Pumphouse in the Titanic Quarter. This monument building, standing for over a century, has been reopened to share the story of Belfast's workers and whiskey. You can still feel the history of the building as you lose yourself in this unique experience.
Take an in-depth, 3-hour political mural history tour with guides who were the original drivers transporting their communities during "The Troubles." Learn about the famous IRA and UVF murals that depict the history and political views of both traditions. These wall paintings, often seen on the news, have now become a major tourist attraction.
Explore all attractions along the Maritime Mile on a tour that covers the building, sinking, and human stories of the Titanic. Your qualified guide will share tales of the area's shipbuilding heritage as well as the future of the Titanic City. Unlike shorter tours, this comprehensive experience fittingly concludes inside the renovated Drawing Offices of the Titanic Hotel, where the ship was designed.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
Most cruise lines provide complimentary shuttle buses from the cruise terminal to Belfast city centre; taxis are also readily available at the terminal.
Must-see attractions include Titanic Belfast, located near the port, Belfast City Hall, and the historic Crumlin Road Gaol; political murals are best seen on a guided tour.
Sample a traditional Ulster Fry, enjoy fish and chips, or try some local stew in a pub; the Cathedral Quarter has many dining options.
The local currency is Pound Sterling (1 USD = 0.74 GBP). Pound Sterling (GBP) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in the city centre for cash withdrawals, and most establishments accept credit cards.
Belfast experiences mild, often wet, weather year-round, so pack layers including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
While Belfast isn't known for beaches directly at the port, scenic coastal spots like Helen's Bay are accessible by a short train ride from the city centre.
Popular shore excursions visit the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast; booking through the cruise line offers convenience, while independent tours can provide more flexibility.
Victoria Square and Donegall Place offer diverse shopping; look for local souvenirs like Irish linen, Belleek pottery, whiskey, or Celtic-themed gifts.
Consider excursions to the scenic Antrim Coast including the Giant's Causeway, or visit historic sites like Carrickfergus Castle, a short journey from Belfast.
Belfast is home to CS Lewis Square, dedicated to the 'Chronicles of Narnia' author, featuring bronze sculptures from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.
Overall Belfast is fairly expensive compared to other ports. The chart below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises from Belfast. Prices are about the same throughout the year.
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