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Belfast, Northern Ireland

City Hall, Belfast

Introduction

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.

Where You're Docked

Large cruise ships dock at Stormont Dock in Belfast Harbour three miles north of the city centre. Smaller ships may get closer to town at Pollock Dock. Shuttle service may be provided to City Hall beside the visitor information centre. Cruise schedules at https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/port/cruise-schedule and https://cruise-belfast.co.uk/cruise-lines/schedule/

A new cruise terminal opened in 2019 accommodating larger ships. If shuttles are not provided, you can walk to the main road and take bus 94 to city hall. Tickets can be purchased online, by app, or exact change onboard. Fares are £2.10 single trip or £4.20 for a day ticket.

 https://www.translink.co.uk/

Money and Tipping

Northern Ireland's currency is the British Pound (GBP) though banks here issue their own notes at a 1:1 rate. English Sterling notes are usually mixed with the local notes. Ask for change in English notes since they will be easier to change outside of Northern Ireland. Banks should exchange with no commission. A small tip (10-15%) is appreciated when dining in restaurants.

Local Transportation

Bus are available though most sights in the city center can be reached by walking. City Sightseeing runs Hop on, hop off (HOHO) buses run from City Hall. http://belfastcitysightseeing.com/

Hotels

Search hotels in Belfast here

Sights

If you don't want to spend the day in a big city, head out to Giant's Causeway to see unique hexagonal rock formations. It's approximately 50 miles north of Belfast and takes an hour to get there by bus. There is a shuttle service to head downhill to the shore from the visitor's centre. It is recommended to walk along the cliffs and then down to the shore to do a big loop around the area. Visitor guide here http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/

Belfast sites

• Mural Tour - Enquire at the visitors centre if interested.
• Belfast Castle - Free admission. Take any bus 1 (1A - 1G) from the city centre.
• Titanic Belfast Exhibit - A new and popular tourist attraction located at the port. Though it is visible from the cruise terminal, it is a bit far to get to on foot since you have to go all the way around the end of the harbour. https://titanicbelfast.com/

Shopping & Restaurants

Donegal Place and the surrounding streets are pedestrian malls. Royal Ave heading north leads to Castle Court Centre Mall. Victoria Square Mall is also nearby to the east with a public viewing area at the top. St. George's Market, on May Street, is a farmer's market. Smithfield Market behind the Castle Court shopping centre has more independent shops.

Have a drink at the Crown Liquor Saloon considered the most beautiful pub in Northern Ireland. It is across from the Europa Hotel which has the distinction of being the most bombed hotel in the world.

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi for customers.

Maps

PDF tourist map available from here https://visitbelfast.com/plan/pages/map-of-belfast-and-northern-ireland

Weather

Belfast Weather Forecast

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