Making the most of Belfast
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Belfast uses three different harbour locations; consult the map for details.
D1 Belfast Cruise Terminal handles visiting cruise calls. Opened in 2019, it can receive ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers and crew, and provides a modern visitor information centre, gift shop, extensive seating, free Wi-Fi, coach parking, and room for shuttles and taxis. Stormont Wharf accommodates smaller vessels, while Pollock Dock is reserved for turnaround ships beginning or ending a Belfast cruise.
Shuttles usually travel between the harbour and a city-centre stop near the tourist office every 15 minutes.
The shuttle is often announced only on the preceding evening, so excursion sales are not affected. Payment at the cruise terminal is CASH ONLY: £10, $10 or €10.
A one-way taxi fare is just £7 for the whole vehicle, making it better value when several people travel together.
Carry a printed or saved map with you.
Central Belfast is compact enough to explore comfortably on foot.
Start at the centrally situated Belfast Welcome Center, or Tourist Office, at 9 Donegall Sq North opposite City Hall. Its team supplies maps, reserves tours, suggests itineraries and attractions, and operates a convenient left-luggage service. More details are available at gotobelfast.com.
Anyone planning to visit Titanic Belfast should purchase tickets online in advance. Although the museum is only a few years old, demand remains strong enough for sessions to sell out.
Getting around
At the cruise berth, taxis offer 90 minute tours of the world-famous Catholic and Protestant murals illustrating Belfast’s colourful history. A personal guide provides local context, and the highly rated trip costs £35 per taxi.
When time is short, an open-top Belfast Sightseeing bus is recommended at roughly £19 per person for a 2-hour circuit. The route covers central and suburban landmarks, including Falls Road murals painted on terraced-house ends during the Troubles, Harland and Wolff’s shipyard where Titanic was built, and Queens University. Friendly, knowledgeable live guides speak English only, with no recorded earphone commentary.
Nearby places
Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attraction is the Giants Causeway. Many regard it as the world’s eighth wonder, and it merits the journey required to reach it.
Food and shopping
St. George’s Market on May Street, near Belfast Central Station, is Northern Ireland’s largest covered market and a major attraction for both residents and visitors. Farmers markets take place on Saturdays, with variety markets on Fridays and Sundays. Stalls sell an intriguing selection of food, clothing and crafts, including genuine bargains, while the building offers a window into Belfast life past and present.
Money
The local currency is UK pound sterling.
Staying connected
English is spoken throughout Belfast, while Irish, or Gaeilge, is also used.
Free Wi-Fi is provided at Belfast Welcome Center and the newer terminal.
Opening Hours and
City-centre shops generally open Mon-Sat from 9.30am-5.30pm, extending to 9pm on Thurs. Some large retailers trade on Sun from 1-5pm. Neighbourhood shops and petrol-station convenience stores often keep much longer hours, in many cases opening 24 hours.