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Plan Your Trip to Belfast: Best of Belfast Tourism

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Belfast, United Kingdom

With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energising getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theatres.
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Belfast travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Pubs and Areas

According to forum posts, the Cathedral Quarter is highly recommended for a variety of pubs. Travelers have called out The Spaniard, Muriels, The Duke of York, and The Thirsty Goat as favorites. Additionally, The Dirty Onion and The John Hewitt are also mentioned for their vibrant atmosphere.

Specific Recommendations

For those looking for traditional Irish music, The Harp Bar and Fibber Magees are recommended. Some travelers said that Filthy McNastys and Laverys are good choices for starting a night out, with options to move on to other nearby venues like Thompsons, which is known to be open until 3 a.m.

Dog-Friendly Options

For visitors with pets, The Dirty Onion is identified as a dog-friendly pub. This could be a useful tip for those planning to travel with their dogs and looking for a welcoming place.

Additional Info

For a more local experience, pubs like The Errigle, The Pavilion, and Northern Lights Brew Pub on the Ormeau Rd were recommended for their friendly atmosphere and good selection of drinks.

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Taxi Companies and Apps

In Belfast, popular taxi companies include Value Cabs and Fonacab, both of which utilize metered services to prevent overcharging. These companies also offer mobile apps that allow users to prepay, track their taxi, and receive updates on the taxi's arrival status.

Airport Transfers

For airport transfers, taxis are available at Belfast International Airport, with fares typically ranging from £30 to £40 to the city center. A more cost-effective alternative mentioned is the Airbus service, costing approximately £11 for a return ticket. Additionally, some travelers recommend booking taxis through local companies like Value Cabs or Fonacab for potentially cheaper rates compared to the airport taxi rank.

Special Taxi Tours

Belfast offers specialized Black Taxi tours, including historical and political tours. Companies like Paddy Campbell's Belfast Famous Black Cab Tours, Black Taxi Tour Belfast, and NI Black Taxi Tours are some options available, with varied pricing and features, catering to different preferences and interests.

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Tour Options

Some travelers prefer small-group tours to the Giants Causeway from Belfast due to discomfort with large crowds. McCombs and Irish Tours offer mini-bus tours that are popular among those seeking a more intimate experience. These tours can be booked through their respective websites, which provide details on the itinerary and pricing.

Public Transport Alternative

For travelers looking to explore at their own pace, taking public transport is a viable option. The journey involves taking a train or bus from Belfast to Coleraine, then catching the Ulsterbus 402 directly to the Giants Causeway. This method allows for flexibility in travel times and is cost-effective, with a day's travel on trains and buses available for around £15 using a Translink Ilink ticket.

Self-Drive and Taxi Options

Alternatively, some forum users have suggested hiring a private taxi for a personalized tour along the coast, or even driving themselves. This allows for custom stops at attractions like Carrick-a-Rede or Dunluce Castle, though navigating the winding coastal roads may be challenging.

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Christmas Celebrations

According to forum posts, Christmas in Belfast is marked with typical festive activities such as visiting Christmas markets and enjoying holiday meals at local restaurants. Some travelers suggested staying at hotels or restaurants that offer Christmas Day lunch or dinner, as many venues close on this holiday.

St. Patrick's Day

Travelers have called out St. Patrick's Day as a significant celebration in Belfast, with a parade and many bars raising their drink prices for the occasion. It's a busy time in the city, and pre-booking for bars is recommended.

Halloween

Forum users mentioned that while Belfast has small community events for Halloween, the nearby city of Derry/Londonderry is renowned for its extensive Halloween celebrations, including a large parade and fireworks.

The Twelfth of July

Some travelers said that The Twelfth of July is a notable holiday in Belfast, featuring a main parade that passes through the city center and down Lisburn Road. Accommodation recommendations for the event include staying near these areas to be close to the celebrations.

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Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic

According to forum posts, the Titanic Belfast is a must-see attraction for those interested in the history of the Titanic. It features exhibits about the ship's construction and historical context. Directly nearby, the SS Nomadic - the tender ship to the Titanic - is also recommended for a visit.

Titanic's Dock and Pump House

Travelers have called out Titanic's Dock and Pump House as worthwhile attractions. These sites offer deeper insights into the operational aspects of the Titanic's history.

Titanic Hotel and Nearby Areas

Some users have suggested visiting the Titanic Hotel, particularly for its significant location in the former Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices. Additionally, walking around the nearby areas to view the historic shipbuilding cranes, Samson and Goliath, can enrich the visitor experience.

Ulster Transport Museum

For those interested in a broader historical context, the Ulster Transport Museum, a short train ride from the city, features a section dedicated to the Titanic among its exhibits on local transport history.

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Bus Services

According to forum posts, George Best Belfast City Airport is served by the 600 bus, which runs to and from the Europa Bus Centre in the city centre. The fare is approximately £2.60, and it's a short journey of about 15 minutes.

Train Options

Some travelers mentioned walking from George Best Airport to the nearby Sydenham train station. However, this involves a walk and possibly a shuttle bus to the footbridge crossing to the station. Train tickets can be purchased on board from the conductor.

Taxi Services

For direct transportation, users have discussed taking a taxi as a convenient option. The cost from George Best Airport to the city centre is around £10, and the journey is relatively short.

Car Hire

Travelers have also indicated that car hire services are available at George Best Airport. This option is suitable for those looking to travel to other locations directly from the airport.

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Hotel Proximity and Transportation

According to forum posts, while there are no specific hotels mentioned directly adjacent to Belfast Airport, travelers have discussed general hotel options in the city center which is easily accessible from the airport. For instance, the Europa, Grand Central, and Fitzwilliam hotels are mentioned as being in central locations with easy access to the Europa Bus Centre, a central transport hub.

Transport Options

Some travelers said that the airport bus service is a convenient option for reaching central Belfast where these hotels are located. The service runs from Belfast International to the Europa Bus Centre, which is centrally located and near several major hotels.

Hotel Features

For many users, high-end options like The Merchant or Fitzwilliam come recommended for their quality amenities. Budget-friendly choices such as Premier Inn and Travelodge are also frequently suggested for those looking to save on accommodation while enjoying proximity to central Belfast and its transport services.

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Feasibility of Visiting Both Attractions in One Day

According to forum posts, visiting both the Titanic Museum and Giants Causeway in one day is technically possible but not recommended. Some travelers have managed it by starting early and using private tours to manage the tight schedule. However, many users advise against it due to the rushed experience and limited daylight, especially during shorter days.

Duration at Each Location

Travelers have called out that the Titanic Museum alone can take about 4-5 hours to explore thoroughly. Giants Causeway, being a significant distance from Belfast, typically requires a full day's trip when including travel time. Trying to fit both in one day would significantly limit the time spent at each location and could detract from the overall experience.

Traveler Recommendations

For many users, the consensus is to dedicate a full day to each attraction to fully appreciate them without feeling rushed. If constrained by time, choosing one based on personal preference and returning for the other on a future trip is often suggested.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.