Walking Tours of Every Quarter
In Belfast
In addition to the tours listed below Belfast Walking Tours also offer other location specific tours such as Legal & Markets Quarter, Smithfield & Library Quarter and lesser known parts of Belfast such as Sailortown and Folkstown.
Titanic Quarter Tour
Titanic Quarter is steeped in memories of a bygone industrial age and 'the ship of dreams', the RMS Titanic. Our tour is a voyage of discovery about Belfast's rich maritime history. It is a step back in time to the days of the shipping magnates and artisans who designed and built the largest ships in the world but also how this area has been transformed from the graveyard of the shipyards into a major tourist attraction, as part of one of Europe's largest waterfront regeneration schemes. The tour starts at one of Belfast's new visitor attractions "the Big Fish" and follows along a stunning scenic route around the River Lagan known as the 'Maritime Mile'. Attractions include the Lagan Weir bridge, SSE Arena, the RMS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line vessel, Titanic Museum and Titanic Hotel, the building which was once the nerve centre of the shipyard.
Why not even combine our walking tour with a whiskey tasting tour at the fantastic Titanic Distillers.
Linen Quarter Tour
Linen Quarter was once the centre of the world’s No1 Linen industry. While those days are long-gone we still revel in those linen mills and the yarns they still spin. There are plenty of yarns on this tour, as the area is incredibly rich in history with famous inventors, scientists, centuries old pubs and churches, monuments, street art and public art. There is so much stunning architecture to see (with their own incredible stories) from the Grand Opera House with its Moorish eclectic oriental style design, the elegant Victorian time capsule of the Crown Liquor Saloon to the world famous Europa Hotel, a symbol of resilience of Belfast and its people. Let us stitch these threads of Belfast’s history together for you on this fun and informative tour.
Cathedral Quarter Tour
Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, is the birthplace and historic heart of the city. The area is steeped in history but with a modern vibrant cultural scene while retaining much of its character and charm with centuries old buildings and taverns. The footprint of these streets has changed little over the last 250 years with remnants and echoes of a Belfast long since past.
Discover the history of its imposing architecture such as St Anne’s Cathedral, prestigious buildings like the 5 star Merchant Hotel, the Assembly and Exchange building (1769), one of the most historically significant buildings in Ireland. Former whiskey warehouses have been transformed into bars and restaurants and quirky museums reflecting our musical and whiskey heritage and the history of migration from these shores. These buildings are not just bricks and mortar they connect the visitor to some of the fascinating citizens and events from the past and the entrepreneurs who are developing the Belfast of the future.
Queen’s Quarter Tour
Our Queen’s Quarter tour explores the academic heartbeat of Belfast. It is a conservation zone in one of Belfast’s most affluent neighbourhoods with stunning architecture and beautiful public gardens.
For many people the first and lasting image of Queens University is the long west façade of the Lanyon building which is modeled on Magdalen College, Oxford in Tudor-revival style.
The highlights of this tour include a walk around the stunning Botanic Gardens which was established in 1829. The majestic Palm House (built 1839) is a marvel of Victorian architecture and predates the great glasshouses at Kew Gardens and Glasnevin. The Tropical Ravine is also a true relic of Victorian Belfast and the Victorians fascination with horticulture. Other attractions on this tour include the stories of Methody College, Frair's Bush Graveyard, the McClay Library, the Galileo and Eco sculptures, Lord Kelvin statue, Elmwood & Whitla Halls.
Buddy Tours
Our bespoke 'Buddy' tour is tailored to you or your groups particular interests. A 'World host' qualified experienced guide can be available either for a half day or full day. Get your bearings around the city while discovering the best restaurants, bars, markets, shops and free visitor attractions. Get the best views of Belfast from Cavehill, the mountain that inspired the book 'Gulliver's Travels'
A taxi option is also available (for up to 3 people, if you want to travel further afield - subject to availability) for airport runs or visits to beautiful Causeway Coast and Giants Causeway. Enquire with Paul +447845536119.
Why not incorporate one of our city tours with a special event such as a tasting experience at Titanic Distillers, a visit to Crumlin Road Jail, Titanic Belfast, W5, Hydrobike on the River Lagan, visit Belfast Castle, Ulster Folk Museum..After all that go for a well earned drink in one of Belfast's centuries old taverns
Historic Pub Tour
Belfast has many centuries old taverns and our historic pub tour is a perfect blend of history and hospitality in equal measure. This tour takes you on a journey back in time with fascinating insights into the city's economic, social, cultural and often troubled political evolution. Our pubs are survivors of a bygone age and some of these pubs have been serving liquor since Belfast was a village and each have their own fascinating stories to tell. They are historically and often architecturally significant but retain a unique charm with a warm and welcoming aura. This tour also includes some of Belfast's vibrant new pubs which have transformed many of the city's older buildings while retaining their authentic Victorian character.
This tour can also be combined with some of the city’s world class street art.
Art In The Heart of the City
Have your cameras at the ready as you discover the rich canvas of world class street art that is Belfast city. This street art tour will give you a whole different perspective on Belfast with its amazing selection of contemporary art and public art which often links into the history and heritage of the city
This tour can also be combined with our Historical Pub tour.
The Buildings of Belfast – Architectural Heritage
Belfast has many different styles of architecture which are full of history. Its buildings have had fascinating lives. They are story books of how Belfast developed from a town of relative insignificance into a large affluent industrial city and also about the people and significant events that shaped Belfast's destiny. On this tour you will get the 'heads up' and find out so much about the city and its hidden history.