We’ll tell you the daily costs to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, if you’re planning a trip. Read on to find out our insider information, top tips, and more.
Are you wondering about the daily costs to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland? If so, read on for our full lowdown how much a visit to the historic city will cost you.
The best way to get the most out of your trip to Belfast city is to plan ahead and budget for the experiences on the top of your bucket list. Whether you’re visiting for Titanic Belfast or Game of Thrones, we have figured out how much it will cost you and your family.
Many visitors arrive in Northern Ireland via Belfast International Airport, though you can access the city on public transport from the Republic of Ireland.
With lots to do and see in historic counties close by, Belfast is an ideal base of operations for any trip to Northern Ireland.
Travel ‒ how are you going to get here?
Travelling to the city has to be factored into your budget for daily costs to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Flights
As Belfast is on the island of Ireland, the most common way to visit the area is by plane. There are numerous airports to choose from, both north and south of the border.
Belfast has two airports: Belfast International and Belfast City Airport. Most tourists, especially those from North America, are likely to fly into Belfast International airport as it offers more flights and further destinations.
According to easyjet.com, the cost of visiting Belfast, from London, for a weekend is roughly £355.
Ferry
An alternative way to visit Belfast is by boat. Many weekend guests from Britain choose to take the ferry as they can drive their own vehicles without having to rent or rely on public transport.
Arriving at Belfast Lough by the waterway is unique, and the special views are worth it. Stenaline.co.uk is offering roundtrip visits for one adult with a car for about £140 each way.
Tours ‒ experience all the magic Belfast has to offer
The best way to learn about a city is to take a tour. There are various prices to consider when planning the daily costs to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Excursions
Belfast provides direct access to both County Antrim and County Down since the city is located on the border of these county boundaries. There are numerous ways to travel around the North, such as by car, coach, or train.
In north Antrim, you will find Giant’s Causeway, a landmark not to be missed. While in south Down, there are the Mourne Mountains, where C.S. Lewis was inspired to write the Chronicles of Narnia.
Renting a car from hire service Enterprise is at least £119.07 per day. A coach tour with McCombes Coaches to Giant’s Causeway will cost £30 for an adult ticket.
A train is always a good option; just hop on at Belfast Central Station or another train stop. Currently, a return train ticket from Belfast to Derry costs £19.50 on translink.co.uk.
Belfast City Tour
If you don’t want to leave the city to explore the further counties every day, there are still plenty of things to do and see within the city itself.
Many tourists visit the HMS Belfast or Belfast Zoo. But even a walk around Belfast City Centre can make for a great day out. There are public buses and Belfast sightseeing bus tours available at Donegall Square North.
Ulsterbus offers a £6.00 Belfast Visitor Pass for public transport around the city and extra bonuses. You could also get a Belfast City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off ticket for £18.00.
Northern Ireland’s political locations
Most visitors to Belfast are aware of Ulster’s fraught political history following The Troubles and rule by the British government. Many tours are available to visit both Irish and British communities to learn about their history.
There is a lot to learn and experience when researching the impact Republican and Unionist governments had on the province.
Although Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and thus the government of the United Kingdom has a hand in Northern Ireland’s affairs, a devolved government usually sits within Stormont, just outside East Belfast.
There are free guided tours of the parliament of Northern Ireland, Stormont Estate.
Accommodation ‒ the price of staying in Belfast
There are options for all budgets when finding somewhere to stay while considering the daily costs to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Hotels and hostels
There are many places to stay when visiting Belfast, whether you are on a budget and planning to stay in a hostel, travelling with a group who want to rent an Airbnb, or in search of a classy hotel getaway.
The cost to stay one night in a centrally located hostel is as low as £15 on hostelworld.com. A one-night stay at the Europa Hotel costs about £180.
Notable mentions
Food: The cost of food in Belfast depends entirely on what you opt for. If you’re visiting on a budget, then there are plenty of supermarkets around the city centre, where you can get food to cook for yourself. Alternatively, Northern Ireland’s capital is home to plenty of great restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy everything from budget to five-star dining.
Free attractions: Some attractions in Northern Ireland’s capital will set you back a few pounds. However, there are plenty of great free attractions, such as Belfast City Hall, Cave Hill, and the Ulster Museum.
Student living in Belfast: Belfast is a thriving student city, with Ulster University and Queen’s University close to the city centre. Compared to similar cities across England and Scotland, Northern Ireland’s capital is a relatively cheap place to study.
FAQs about the daily costs to visit Belfast
Is it expensive in Belfast?
Being the capital city of Northern Ireland, the cost of living is higher within Belfast than in most of Northern Ireland. But in comparison with other major cities, such as London or Dublin, Belfast tends to come in cheaper.
How expensive is Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is comparable to the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland. In many cases, it is cheaper to take a trip to the North rather than the South of Ireland. Travelling from Britain is affordable, and most goods and services are priced similarly to those within Scotland, England, and Wales.
How much does a meal cost in Belfast?
This depends on many factors, such as the mealtime, the dining experience, how hungry you are, and the part of Belfast you eat in. However, if you eat a three-course meal at dinnertime in a popular city-centre restaurant, you could expect to pay around £45 per person.
Do you need euros in Belfast?
As Belfast is within Northern Ireland, and thus the United Kingdom, euros are not usually accepted as the local currency is British pounds sterling. However, the Republic of Ireland uses euros.
Many places along the border may accept euros in Northern Ireland, but it is best to check beforehand. Currency exchange locations are often available also.
