About Belfast
Belfast is the capital, largest city and main port of Northern Ireland. It stands on the banks of the river Lagan, and is connected to the open sea through Belfast Lough and the North Channel. The city is the most populous in Northern Ireland and the second-largest, after Dublin, on the island of Ireland, with a recorded population in 2021 of 345,418 and of 704,406 for the greater metropolitan area.
Cheap flights to Belfast
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,233 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to BelfastPlaces to visit in Belfast
-
Titanic Belfast
MuseumAn interactive museum on the site where RMS Titanic was built, telling the story of the ship and the city's shipyards. Book a timed ticket in advance during busy periods.
-
Belfast City Hall
LandmarkA grand Edwardian building at the heart of the city with a striking copper dome. Free guided tours run most days, and the grounds host seasonal markets.
-
St George's Market
MarketA Victorian covered market known for local food, crafts, antiques and live music. Visit Friday through Sunday mornings for the full experience, and come hungry for the Ulster fry and fresh seafood stalls.
-
Crumlin Road Gaol
HistoricA former prison operating for over 150 years, now a museum with guided tours. The tours include the tunnel to the courthouse and the execution cell.
-
Cave Hill Country Park
Nature · 4 mi from centreA hilly park overlooking the city, with trails leading to the Napoleon's Nose summit. Combine it with Belfast Castle, and wear sturdy shoes for the climb.
-
Botanic Gardens
ParkA Victorian park beside Queen's University with the elegant Palm House glasshouse. It is next to the Ulster Museum, so plan to visit both together.
-
Ulster Museum
MuseumA free museum covering art, natural history and the story of the Troubles. Allow at least two hours, and see the Egyptian mummy, a visitor favorite.
-
Carrickfergus Castle
Historic · 9 mi from centreA well-preserved Norman castle on the shore of Belfast Lough. It is a short train ride from the city, and the ramparts offer good views.
Top experiences in Belfast
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Special Offer: City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $18 per adult
Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Dark Hedges Tour
From $58 per adult
Game of Thrones Film Locations and Giants Causeway Tour with Optional Hop-on Hop-off Ticket
From $48 per adult
Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones Location Tour
From $70 per adult
Titanic Experience and Giant's Causeway Tour
From $70 per adult
Secret Food Tours Belfast
From $107 per adult
Belfast – Skip-the Line Titanic Museum & Distillery Discovery Tour
From $132 per adult
European eSim Data Card
From $12 per adult
Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - United Kingdom
From $1 per adult
Best time to visit Belfast
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Belfast is January and March to November, when average daytime highs are around 44–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Belfast weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 49° 45° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 49° 42° 0%
- Fri 13 Nov 46° 40° 0%
- Sat 14 Nov 47° 40° 28%
- Sun 15 Nov 49° 41° 53%
- Mon 16 Nov 55° 47° 43%
- Tue 17 Nov 51° 45° 52%
Know before you go
- Currency
- British pound (GBP)1 US dollar ≈ £0.75
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +44
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Europe/LondonUTC+0
- Capital
- London
Upcoming public holidays in United Kingdom
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- Good Friday
- Early May Bank Holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Belfast
These are the airports closest to central Belfast. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BHD George Best Belfast City Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
- BFS Belfast International Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Getting around Belfast
Walk to all the central sights. The centre is within a mile or two of the Botanic Gardens, Queen's University and Titanic.
By bus
Belfast buses are run by Translink, a public corporation, check their website for timetables and fare deals such as day tickets. A single adult fare within city centre is £1.80 in 2026. There are three types of buses, which run from around 6AM to 11PM, plus Friday and Saturday night buses.
By Black Taxi
The Black Taxi is Belfast's equivalent to the dolmuş or marshrutka - they're shared taxis running over a fixed route for a fare similar to the bus. They mostly pick up and drop off at the bus stops but will stop anywhere that traffic allows along the routes, which connect the centre and the outlying housing estates.
By conventional taxi
Standard taxi operators include Fonacab ☏ +44 28 9033 3333, Value Cabs ☏ +44 28 9080 9080, and Castle Cabs ☏ +44 28 9024 1111.
Belfast travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Belfast is January and March to November, when average daytime highs are around 44–66°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
What is the weather like in Belfast?
July is usually the warmest month in Belfast, with average highs of 66°F (19°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 36°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 107 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Belfast?
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Belfast. Other nearby airports include Belfast International Airport (BFS, 12 mi).
How much are flights to Belfast?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Belfast in the last 30 days was $1,233 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec.
What currency is used in Belfast?
Belfast uses the British pound (GBP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £0.75.
What time zone is Belfast in?
Belfast uses the Europe/London time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Belfast?
Walk to all the central sights. The centre is within a mile or two of the Botanic Gardens, Queen's University and Titanic.
What are the best places to visit in Belfast?
Top sights in Belfast include Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, St George's Market and Crumlin Road Gaol. An interactive museum on the site where RMS Titanic was built, telling the story of the ship and the city's shipyards. Book a timed ticket in advance during busy periods.
What are the top things to do in Belfast?
Popular experiences you can book in Belfast include Special Offer: City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Dark Hedges Tour and Game of Thrones Film Locations and Giants Causeway Tour with Optional Hop-on Hop-off Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
