A Belfast Tour Guide: Must-See Landmarks and Top Attractions
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and sits at the mouth of the River Lagan. It is well known for being a vibrant city that is steeped in centuries worth of history and culture. The city has undergone significant transformation since its previous conflict known as ‘the troubles’, now emerging as a thriving and vibrant destination for tourists and residents alike.
In this article, we’ll explore all the sights that you will come across on a Belfast tour, highlighting the must-see landmarks and top tourist attractions. The charming city now combines a rich historical legacy with a modern and dynamic atmosphere, making it an intriguing destination for visitors to explore.
What Will I See on a Belfast Tour?
At Eazy Tours, we conduct all of our Belfast tours on the convenience of an electric bike, this means that we can cover more ground and traverse through the narrow lanes and cobbled streets. That’s what makes our Belfast tour so unique, you gain a real sense of the city and feel immersed in the hustle and bustle atmosphere.
All of our tours are also led by a knowledgeable local guide, who will provide a rich insight into the city’s landmarks and answer any questions that you may have about Belfast’s history and culture.
Belfast Tourist Attractions
Despite being a relatively small city, Belfast is full of interesting attractions that depict the city’s architecture, history, culture and natural beauty. Check out the destinations that you will come across on a Belfast tour below!
Albert Clock
The Albert Clock is an impressive clock tower that stands at 113 feet tall. It was originally built as a memorial to Queen Victoria's late Prince Consort, Prince Albert and includes a combination of French and Italian gothic style architecture.
Today, the clock has a significant tilt to the side, due to the grounds it was originally built on, leading to it sometimes being referred to as "Belfast's Leaning Tower of Pisa".
Albert Clock
The Big Fish
The Big Fish is a printed ceramic mosaic sculpture by John Kindness. The 10-metre-long statue was constructed in 1999 and celebrates the regeneration project of the River Lagan. The sculpture also embodies a tale from Irish mythology, the "Salmon of Knowledge”, and pays homage to the site’s history as a former fish market area.
Belfast Marina
On your Belfast tour, you’ll also pass by the idyllic Belfast Marina, which is part of the larger Belfast Harbour, and one of the main maritime hubs in Northern Ireland. It is usually lined with a range of boats and every year the Tall Ships also pay a visit.
Titanic Building
The Titanic Building is a maritime museum, dedicated to the history of the RMS Titanic and telling the ill-fated tale of the maiden voyage. The building is located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built and stands 126 feet tall which is the same height as the Titanic's hull. This is a top tourist attraction in Belfast, welcoming thousands of visitors every year across its doors.
HMS Caroline Warship
The HMS Caroline is a decommissioned C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw combat service in the First World War. Today, visitors can explore the ship's deck, captain's quarters and engine rooms whilst learning about life at sea during WW1.
City Hall
Belfast City Hall is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It's a magnificent Edwardian 'wedding cake' built to reflect Belfast's city status and is a fine example of the Baroque Revival architectural style.
River Lagan Tow Path
The River Lagan Towpath is a popular walking and cycling route that runs alongside the River Lagan. The towpath stretches from Belfast, through Lisburn, and onto the village of Moira. It's a beautiful and tranquil route that takes in a variety of landscapes, from urban cityscapes to peaceful countryside.
The Botanical Gardens
The Belfast Botanic Gardens is an idyllic public park in Belfast and a key part of Belfast's Victorian heritage. It includes a number of notable features such as The Rose Garden and Herbaceous Borders, The Palm House and The Tropical Ravine. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is the largest museum in Northern Ireland and boasts a vast collection of art, artefacts and natural sciences. Highlights of the museum include the Takabuti, an Egyptian mummy that is one of the museum's most famous exhibits, and the Armada Room, which houses artefacts from the 1588 wreck of the Spanish Armada ship Girona.
Queen's University
Queen's University is a current university in Belfast that dates back as far as 1810. The most iconic building of the campus is the Lanyon Building, which was designed by the English architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. The university's physical estate also includes more than 250 buildings, 98 of which are listed for their architectural importance.
Europa Hotel
The Europa Hotel is one of the largest and most iconic hotels in Northern Ireland. It is famous for being the most bombed hotel in the world, during the city’s troubles, and yet it still remains a luxurious accommodation that has welcomed a number of presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities over the years.
How Much is a Belfast Tour?
A Belfast Tour with Eazy Tours is priced at just £49.95 per person. This includes the cost of a rented electric bike, helmet, hi-vis jacket, and of course, your expert tour guide. The Belfast tour will last approximately 2 hours and covers 10 miles of the city’s landmarks and attractions.
We believe that a tour of Belfast is best on the back of two wheels, it allows you to see more and explore the city authentically. The electric bike also means that you can sit back in comfort whilst the ebike does the hard work for you.
Check out our booking page to reserve your spot for an upcoming Belfast tour! Have any questions? If so, visit our contact page to speak to a member of the Eazy Tours team.