Belfast is an affordable city known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Belfast?
You should plan to spend around $220 (£170) per day on your vacation in Belfast. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $113 (£88) on meals
- $19 (£14) on local transportation
- $177 (£137) on hotels
A one week trip to Belfast for two people costs, on average, $3,074 (£2,380). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,537
£1,190
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,074
£2,380
-
One Month
Per person
$6,588
£5,100
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,074
£2,380
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,149
£4,760
-
One Month
For a couple
$13,176
£10,200
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Belfast cost?
A one week trip to Belfast usually costs around $1,537 (£1,190) for one person and $3,074 (£2,380) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Belfast on average costs around $3,074 (£2,380) for one person and $6,149 (£4,760) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Belfast will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Belfast on average costs around $6,588 (£5,100) for one person and $13,176 (£10,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Belfast expensive to visit?
Belfast is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Belfast can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $94 (£72) per day, mid-range travelers spend $222 (£170) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $484 (£371) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Belfast.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Belfast is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Killarney or Varenna.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Belfast Expensive?
Belfast, England
How much money do I need for a trip to Belfast?
The average Belfast trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Belfast travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Belfast cost?
Belfast on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
(£27)
|
$88
(£68)
|
$217
(£168)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(£6.39)
|
$19
(£14)
|
$33
(£26)
|
|
Food 2
|
$48
(£37)
|
$113
(£88)
|
$232
(£179)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(£7.93)
|
$23
(£18)
|
$45
(£35)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(£2-5)
|
$5-15
(£4-12)
|
$10-29
(£8-23)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Belfast is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $94 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Belfast has plenty of hostels, including Global Village, Vagabonds, and Botanical Backpackers. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Belfast will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $222 per person, per day.
Belfast boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Dukes At Queens is an excellent family-friendly option, while Benedicts Hotel is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Belfast here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $484 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Belfast political tour Original Drivers 2 hour private adventure - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Belfast
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Belfast can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Belfast in the off-season is $108, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $202. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Belfast to range from $69 to $360. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Belfast for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $177 (£137). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $88 (£68) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Belfast include:
- Maryville House starting at $68
- Ravenhill House starting at $116
- Benedicts Hotel starting at $99
- Ten Square Hotel starting at $96
- Europa Hotel Belfast starting at $119
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Belfast
Belfast does not has a good public transit system. There is a bus service in the city.
In some areas, Belfast is relatively walkable, allowing you to enjoy the sights with ease.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (£14) per person, per day, on local transportation in Belfast. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Belfast is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
£14
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast for $52 details
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballycastle for $174 details
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer for $23 details
How much does it cost to go to Belfast? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Belfast will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Belfast
In Belfast, the food choices are somewhat restricted and the quality isn't the highest. It's wise to avoid overspending on dining out since there are other activities that deserve your attention. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Belfast can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Belfast is $113 (£88) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$113
£88
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Belfast is around $114 (£88) per person, with previous travelers spending from $49 to $234. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Belfast are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $34
- Lunch: $17 to $46
- Dinner: $34 to $80
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $17
There are a wide variety of restaurant options in Belfast. Budget options are relatively easy to find, particularly at lunch time, when prices are generally lower. There are some good and affordable Indian and Italian places, as well as sandwich places where you can grab a quick and cheap meal. If you're interested in splurging on a nice meal then there are some great fine dining restaurants around town as well. This includes one Michelin Star restaurant, Restaurant Michael Deane on Howard Street.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Belfast, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Taste & Tour: The original Belfast Food Tour™️ with drinks for $103 details
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour for $95 details
- The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks for $114 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Belfast
It's clear why Belfast attracts visitors, considering its nightlife and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Belfast typically cost an average of $23 (£18) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
£18
If you're just arriving in Belfast, head over to the Belfast Welcome Centre at 47 Donegall Place, north of City Hall. They can answer your questions and set you up with maps and a day's itinerary. Belfast has some truly interesting sights including cathedrals, art galleries, and museums. Popular sights are the City Hall, Ormeau Baths Gallery, Saint Anne's Cathedral, the Belfast Central Library and the Titanic Boat Tour, among others.
There are a handful of different tours that are worth doing in Belfast. In addition to the Black Taxi Tours, you can also do a tour of the Belfast Murals. These murals, that depict the political state of the city, can be explored independently, just head to The Falls Road or Shankill.
If you're interested in doing some shopping, you absolutely must head over to St. George's Market. It's located on May Street near Belfast Central Station. It's the largest indoor market in Northern Ireland and is a great way to pick up some interesting souvenirs at a great price. It's also fun to simply wander through the market as it gives you glimpse into what daily life is like in Belfast. There's also a farmers market here on Saturdays between 9:00 and 3:00.
A nice way to explore destinations in Belfast is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Belfast Political & Murals Tour for $71 details
- Belfast iconic mural taxi tour private 2hr adventure for $102 details
- Museum Ticket for $7 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Belfast are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Belfast
For nightlife, Belfast offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $10 (£7.86) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Belfast per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
£7.86
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Belfast. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- McConnell's Distillery Experience with Tasting for $26 details
- Titanic Museum and Whiskey Distillery Exploration with Tasting for $123 details
- Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast for $71 details
Traveling in Belfast
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
Neighborhoods & Around
Belfast's center is around the City Hall, which is at the head of the main shopping area from Donegall Square to Royal Avenue. There are many old pubs along Donegall Place and High Street. If you go south from the City Hall then you'll reach Great Victoria Street. This is the area that is called the Golden Mile. This is where you'll find the Grand Opera House, Crown Liquor Saloon, Robinson's Bar and a lot of restaurants and bars. Queen's University neighborhood is where you'll find the Botanical Gardens, the Ulster Museum, and Stranmillis Village. East is on the waterfront with Waterfront Hall and the Lagan Lookout. The most obvious remains of the religious divide are to the west and north of the city. There are streets that are Protestant and those that are Catholic, each marked with flags and murals. You can take a guided tour of the area or visit on your own, just use common sense when you're in the neighborhood.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.