Here’s how to enjoy Belfast like a proper brokey and still have a cracking time.
Belfast International Airport to the City Center: What’s the Cheapest Way to Get There?
From Belfast International Airport, hop on the Airport Express 300, with prices starting at £8 (€9.39) for a direct ticket. The journey takes around 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy way to reach the center, unless you fancy blowing half your budget on a taxi. In which case, no judgment, but also, why.
Flying into Dublin instead? The Dublin Express Bus will only set you back £10.66 (€12.50), and there are plenty of other options too, like Aircoach. It’s a pretty decent deal for a 1-hour-and-40-minute trip, so be sure to compare flight prices into both airports and weigh up your options.
Navigating Belfast Without Burning Through the Pounds
As far as cities go, Belfast is relatively small. You won’t have any trouble finding your way around as a lot of the main attractions are in and around the center. Just expect to be on foot a lot, popping between murals and markets, but when the legs give out, the city’s public transport network has you covered.
From £2.30 (€2.70) on a Metro/Glider fare to the Belfast Visitor Pass at £7 (€8.21) a day (unlimited Metro, NI Railways, Ulsterbus, and Glider), getting around is surprisingly affordable.
Fancy a pedal instead? Belfast Bikes are a great way to tick off a few sights in a short space of time, with pricing from £0.07 (€0.08) a minute.
Museums, Murals, and Quirky Quarters: Seeing the Best of Belfast on a Shoestring
Titanic Belfast
Did you know that the Titanic was built right here in little old Belfast? Yep, that ship that Jack and Rose fell in love on was built at Harland and Wolff, and its legacy lives on throughout the city today at the Titanic Belfast experience.
Visitors can find interesting displays and delve into the story of how the iconic vessel was built. With self-guided and guided options, it’s a wonderful way to learn more than you’d ever get from a certain Leonardo DiCaprio film.
Tickets for the Titanic experience aren’t cheap though, as they’re priced at £29.45 (€34.55). But here’s a tip: roll up for the early riser deal between 8:30 am and 9:50 am (April to August), and you’ll get in for £19.95 (€23.40).
If you’re a real tighty, you can skip the ticket altogether and just stick to the slipways and plaza where the ship was built. It’s yours for the grand total of £0.
How to Get Up Close to Belfast’s Murals
Belfast’s murals are a symbol of the city’s and the north’s divided history. Found throughout different pockets of Belfast, these painted walls represent the political views in both republican and loyalist areas.
Many people choose to see the Belfast murals on a black taxi tour, where a driver takes you around and gives a full rundown of the history. It’s an interesting experience, but a pricey one, starting at £90 (€105.58).
A cheaper way to do things is to skip the taxi entirely and walk around the areas instead on your own; they’re not that difficult to find. Head to places like the Falls Road and Shankill Road, and it won’t be long before you spot some artwork.
Wandering Belfast’s Areas on Foot for Nothing
Bouncing between Belfast’s different neighborhoods costs zero. Start in the Cathedral Quarter, where history and nightlife mix. One minute you’re marveling at the Romanesque St Anne’s Cathedral, the next you’re nursing a pint of plain for a couple of quid in the Dirty Onion.
From there, get yourself over to Central Belfast for a saunter through the heart of the city and duck into the Linen Hall Library. Regarded as the oldest in all of Belfast, they specialize in Irish and local texts, with plenty of interesting reads for you to have a look at.
Just outside the center is Queen’s Quarter, home to the stunning Queen’s University (open to outsiders, no charge). And while you’re there, you can also pop into the Ulster Museum (also free) and admire some of its fantastic art, history, and natural science displays.
Discover Unique Trading Posts: St. George’s Market and Beyond
Get ready to shop till you drop across Belfast’s markets. Plan your visit around St George’s Market, open weekends only. Serving the people of Belfast since 1604, it’s the go-to for budget-friendly bites. Fridays bring fresh seafood, Saturdays go global, and Sundays are all about arts and crafts. Stick to stalls like El Habanero and their mighty burritos, and you can eat well for under £10 (€11.73).
Once you’ve stuffed your face, swing by Smithfield Market, which is less about food and more about everything else. Pre-owned bargains, carpets, toys, you name it. You probably won’t be buying much, as it’s more of a place for locals to pick up some odds and ends, but it’s worth a look. If you do have a little space left for something sweet, drop by the Manila Filipino Store and ask if they’ve got some of their sweet ensaymada in stock. You’ll thank yourself later.
Take Your Sightseeing Outside, Where the Admission Fee Is Exactly Nothing
Should the weather be on your side, head outdoors, and I don’t mean mountains; I mean Belfast’s peaceful green spaces.
The Botanic Gardens are a nature retreat you didn’t know you needed, with a tropical ravine packed with old seed plants and a gorgeously designed Palm House.
On the edge of the city, Stormont Estate, which is the seat of Northern Ireland’s government, has four adventure trails that you can try. The history trail takes you through the story of the grounds, while the woodland trail brings you deep into the forest. Got the kids with you? The Mo Mowlam Play Park is nearby too, in case you want to keep the little ones busy while you relax and soak up the fresh air.
See Belfast’s Landmarks and Spend Less Doing It
It’s totally possible to experience Belfast’s highlights without blowing the budget; just be tactical about which ones you pick.
The Belfast City Hall is one you’ll walk past even if you don’t plan to. Built in 1906, this is the city’s main civic building, free to the public, and there’s a dedicated app that you can download to see it properly. Soak up the stained-glass windows and the marvelous architecture, then chill out on the green afterward.
Narnia fans, meanwhile, will love CS Lewis Square, with its towering statues of the White Witch, Aslan, and Mr Tumnus, built in honor of Belfast’s own C.S. Lewis.
For one of the best views over Belfast’s skyline, make your way to the Dome at Victoria Square. A walk up to the viewing platform beneath the giant glass dome rewards you with sweeping vistas, with landmarks like the Albert Clock easily noticeable in the distance.
Cheap Scran, Big Portions: Belfast Edition
One thing’s for sure: Belfast knocks it out of the park when it comes to grub. The Ulster Fry is the classic morning feast. Bacon, sausages, black pudding, soda bread, potato farls, eggs, and yes, it’s a heart attack on a plate, but a good one. Grab a cheap version at Causeway Café for under £10 (€11.73). Greasy goodness, served up right.
Another Belfast original is the iconic Belfast bap, found at a stall in St George’s Market. A soft bread roll stuffed with sausage, eggs, pudding, hash browns, and bacon, for £10 (€11.73) that’s guaranteed to leave you in a food coma.
To keep the unhealthy streak going, grab a battered pastie from Beattie’s. A proper Belfast institution, made of fried sausage meat and potato in batter for only £5 (€5.87); comfort food at its finest. Even if you don’t want to make the trip out to Beattie’s location, which is outside the main center, you can order on JustEat instead.
Tips for Enjoying Belfast like a Real Budget Traveler
Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
What beats exploring a new city? Exploring it with a local, for free. The original Belfast Free Walking Tour offers trips twice daily, departing from Belfast City Hall. One at 11 am and the next at 2:30 pm. Just show up, see the sights, and leave a tip if you have a good time.
Make Use of the Sunday Day Tracker Ticket
See the best of Northern Ireland with the Sunday Day Tracker train ticket. Every Sunday, £10 (€11.73) gets you unlimited train travel across Northern Ireland- yes, that’s right- as many rides as you like. Take your pick of day trips, including coastal adventures in Portrush and urban escapes like Derry, to see places made famous by Derry Girls.
Visit as Many Free Galleries as You Can
Most cities around Europe have a few free museums that you can check out, and Belfast is no different. Keep an eye out for the Ulster Museum and the Metropolitan Arts Center; both are free.
Even if big historical displays aren’t your thing, museums are still handy when there’s a downpour. They give you somewhere to hide until it passes without having to spend money on an overpriced coffee somewhere. Travel smarter, not harder.
Best Time to Visit Belfast
If you can time it right, nothing beats Belfast in the summer (June to August), though the shoulder months of May and September are mighty fine too. Be aware that summer is high season, so accommodation will be priced a bit higher than usual. However, if you stick to the shoulder seasons, that’s when you’ll find some real deals.
For the brave souls who don’t mind a bit of cold and a drop of rain, consider visiting between mid-November and late December, when the Christmas markets take over City Hall. Think cozy chalets, aromatic bites, and plenty of festive sparkle.
How Expensive Is Belfast?
Food
Breakfast at local eateries is quite affordable if you go where the locals do and stick to wraps or baps that sell for around £6 (€7.04). At dinnertime, chippies are a fraction of what you’d pay when eating out in a proper restaurant, with most items costing around £5 (€5.87) to 7 (€8.21) or less.
Drinks
A decent coffee at a local cafe should be about £2.50 (£2.93), but more if you hit up somewhere fancier or your favorite chain.
Pints at a pub usually cost roughly £6 (€7.04) per order these days, though you’ll find some boozers selling them for £5.50 (£6.45). Wetherspoons has built a reputation for low-cost drinks, and the Belfast Bridge House branch keeps the tradition alive with some of the best value beer in the city.
Like your vino? Budget around £6.50 (€7.63) a glass of house wine.
Accommodation
Keep costs down by staying in hostels, with beds from £17 (€19.94), or you’ll spend at least £30 (€35.19) a night if you’d rather have your own space in a cheap hotel or B&B.
The closer you are to the action, the more you’ll usually pay for accommodation. Cathedral Quarter and Central Belfast are the most sought-after neighborhoods in Belfast, so rooms here are more spenny.
Conclusion
Belfast is proof that you don’t need a massive budget to have an epic city break. Here, you’re treated to buzzing streets, brilliant attractions, and ridiculously good food without the painful price tags. Come learn about Belfast’s maritime heritage, catch some live tunes in a neighborhood watering hole, and do things the local way. The cultural heart of the north is ready to welcome you.
