Commercial partnership. This article contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, Pixidia earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway make a perfect 2-day itinerary from the UK. Direct flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Belfast take around 1 hour 20 minutes (easyJet, British Airways). Day 1 focuses entirely on Belfast: Troubles murals, the Titanic Quarter, local gastronomy. Day 2: a full-day excursion along the Antrim Coast — Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. All 10 experiences selected here are rated 5.0/5. I recommend starting with the private Game of Thrones tour if you’re a fan of the series.
Belfast is a city that holds two stories at once, and you can’t understand one without the other. There’s the Titanic, launched from these shipyards in 1911, and the Troubles — the sectarian conflict that tore communities apart until 1998. The result is a city that rebuilt everything without erasing anything. The murals on Falls Road and Shankill Road are still standing. The Peace Wall, with its 99 crossing points, is still there. And it’s precisely that tension between past and renewal that makes Belfast unforgettable.
My selection covers both days at a dense pace: Day 1 stays in the city (political murals, a food tour at St George’s Market, McConnell’s whisky tasting inside the old Crumlin Road Gaol), and Day 2 heads north along the Antrim Coast to reach the Giant’s Causeway — 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns shaped 60 million years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. For Game of Thrones fans, the Antrim Coast is a playground unto itself: Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad), Dunluce Castle (House Greyjoy), Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands). I’ve selected 10 guided experiences, all rated 5.0/5, ranging from £22 per person to private group formats. There’s something for every travel style.
Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway: the Pixidia angle
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. Home to around 350,000 people, it has undergone a remarkable urban transformation since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The Titanic Quarter — where the Titanic and her sister ships were built between 1909 and 1912 by Harland and Wolff — is now a cultural hub attracting over one million visitors a year to the Titanic Belfast museum. The Cathedral Quarter is the heart of Belfast’s food scene and craft beer bars. Belfast (Q9049) is reachable from London in under 90 minutes by air.
Some 90 km to the north-east, the Giant’s Causeway (Q106187) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 (WHC ref. 369). Its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns are the result of rapid cooling of Palaeogene lava flows some 50 to 60 million years ago. Irish legend credits Fionn Mac Cumhaill with building a causeway to Scotland. The formation has appeared in Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy album (1973) and the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Best time to visit: spring (April–May) to beat summer crowds, or winter to see the columns battered by Atlantic swells.
The 10 best experiences in Belfast and on the Antrim Coast
1. Party bike tour of the Cathedral Quarter
An offbeat way to kick off your Belfast stay: a 16-seat pedal-powered party bike through the Cathedral Quarter. Starting from Surf Shack on Royal Avenue, it’s one of the most effective ways to break the ice with fellow travellers on your first morning — or evening — in the city.
- 16-seat group bike, pedalling together
- Explore the Cathedral Quarter and city centre
- Fun and sociable — great for evenings
2. McConnell’s whisky tasting — a distillery inside a gaol
McConnell’s Distillery (founded 1776, relaunched 2024) chose the old Crumlin Road Gaol as its home. You walk from the cells to the bar in a few corridors — leaving with five different expressions tasted and a welcome drink included. The setting is spectacular, the guides know their craft, and Northern Irish whisky genuinely deserves to be taken seriously.
- 5 McConnell’s whisky tastings (est. 1776)
- Distillery tour inside the old Crumlin Road Gaol
- Welcome drink included
3. Political murals tour — private transfer from your hotel
This tour covers both sides of the conflict — Falls Road (republican) and Shankill Road (loyalist) — with a guide who understands the nuance between commemoration and propaganda. The Peace Wall and its historic checkpoints are included. Private transfer from your hotel means no taxi to hunt down, no meeting point to find alone in unfamiliar territory.
- Falls Road (republican) and Shankill Road (loyalist) murals
- Peace Wall and historic Troubles checkpoints
- Private transfer included, hotel pick-up
4. Black Cab express — 1 hour of murals and history
The Black Cab is as iconic to Belfast as the red bus is to London. In one hour from Leonardo’s Bar in the city centre, this private air-conditioned tour covers murals from both communities and the Peace Wall with a certified guide. The ideal format for a busy morning on Day 1 before heading to the Titanic Quarter.
- 1 hour in Belfast’s iconic Black Cab
- Murals from both communities and the Peace Wall
- Certified guide, air-conditioned vehicle
5. Belfast Food Tour — 5 to 6 tastings with drinks included
Starting at the Oxford Street entrance to St George’s Market — one of the oldest in Northern Ireland (restored 1604) — this three-hour tour takes in 5 to 6 landmark establishments on Belfast’s food scene: local craft beer, cider, Northern Irish spirits and regional specialities. A smart way to fold lunch into an active cultural experience rather than sitting down at a random restaurant.
- Tastings at 5–6 landmark establishments
- Drinks included (craft beer, cider, spirits)
- Northern Irish food scene in 3 hours
6. Belfast murals — private tour « Tourism not Terrorism »
TaxiToursNI’s private experience is called « Tourism not Terrorism » — that title says everything about the guide’s approach. Stop wherever you like for photos, ask the questions you wouldn’t dare in a group. Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wi-Fi, hotel pick-up included. For a family or couple who want to understand the Troubles without keeping up with a group, this is the right format.
- Private tour of Belfast’s most photographed murals
- Full flexibility for stops and photos
- Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wi-Fi
7. Falls Road walking tour with republican ex-prisoners
Your guides were themselves imprisoned during the Troubles. This is not a reenactment or a history lesson — it’s first-hand testimony on the Falls Road, with the republican murals as backdrop. A depth of insight you simply cannot find elsewhere. Group pricing: share the cost between family or friends travelling together.
- Guides: republican ex-prisoners, direct testimony
- Walking tour of Falls Road
- Unique historical perspective, unavailable elsewhere
8. Game of Thrones — private Audi A6 tour with a cast member
Richard Dormer appeared in Game of Thrones — and he takes you personally to the filming locations in an Audi A6. Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad), Dunluce Castle (House Greyjoy), Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands): the settings are authentic and the on-set anecdotes are available nowhere else. With 125 reviews and a 5.0/5 rating, this is the most acclaimed experience in my Belfast selection. Group pricing — split between GoT fans for an unforgettable day out.
- Exclusive tour with Richard Dormer, Game of Thrones actor
- Audi A6 luxury vehicle, Belfast hotel pick-up
- Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland
9. Giant’s Causeway — private day trip from Belfast
The private format for Day 2: depart from your Belfast hotel at whatever time suits you, with a flexible schedule to match your priorities. Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO WHC 369) are all included. Optional stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge depending on your preferences. Group pricing: split between four people for a very reasonable per-person cost.
- Giant’s Causeway exclusive private trip from Belfast
- Antrim Coast, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges
- Fully flexible schedule
10. Giant’s Causeway and north coast — group excursion
The group alternative for Day 2, with air-conditioned transport, bottled water and transfers all included. The itinerary covers the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle — the three must-sees on the north Antrim Coast. Departure from Belfast city centre, confirmed at booking. For solo travellers or couples who’d rather not pay a full group rate, this is the most accessible option in the selection.
- Giant’s Causeway + north Antrim Coast
- Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges
- Air-conditioned coach, water and transfers included
Planning your Belfast trip
Stay connected in the UK from the moment you land at Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS). No roaming charges.
Get my UK eSIMNomad Insurance: global coverage from $56/4 weeks. 10% off via our link.
From $56 / 4 weeksDirect routes from Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) to Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS). Around 1h20 with easyJet and British Airways.
See London–Belfast flightsThe group coach option is the most accessible way to cover the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges in a single day from Belfast.
Check availabilityPractical tips for your Belfast stay
Currency: Belfast is in Northern Ireland, part of the UK — the currency is pound sterling (GBP), not euros. UK and international debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere. There is no need to exchange cash in advance.
Getting around: the city centre is compact — you can walk between City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter and the Titanic Quarter (roughly 2 km). For Falls Road and Shankill Road, take a Metro Belfast bus (around £2 per journey) or a Black Cab. Black Cabs are affordable for short hops and genuinely part of the local experience.
Weather: pack a waterproof in every season. Rain is unpredictable. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of light and smaller crowds. Morning slots at the Giant’s Causeway (before 10am) are far more enjoyable — guided tours typically depart around 8:30am.
Local tip: St George’s Market (open Friday–Sunday) is free to enter and perfect for a local breakfast before your Day 1 murals tour — smoked salmon, Ulster Fry, Strangford Lough oysters. Budget £3–£8 per dish depending on the stall.
Language: English is the everyday language in Belfast. All guides in this selection operate in English. Some operators may offer additional documentation in other languages on request.
Frequently asked questions — Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway
What is the top-rated experience in Belfast on Viator?
All experiences in this selection are rated 5.0/5. The one with the most reviews (125) is the private Game of Thrones tour in an Audi A6 with a cast member. It’s also the most memorable option for Game of Thrones fans visiting Northern Ireland.
Can you visit the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast in a day?
Yes, easily. The Giant’s Causeway is about 90 km from Belfast (around 1h30 by car). Guided excursions typically depart at 8:30–9:00am and return by 5:00–6:30pm, leaving at least 2 hours on site. Both the private tour and the group option include stops along the Antrim Coast (Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle).
What currency do you need in Belfast?
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The currency is pound sterling (GBP), not euros. UK and international cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere. Euros are generally not accepted, even near the border with the Republic of Ireland.
How do you get to Belfast from London?
Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) to Belfast City (BHD) with British Airways and easyJet, or to Belfast International (BFS). Flight time is around 1 hour 20 minutes. Belfast City Airport is closer to the centre (5 km). Alternative: fly London–Dublin then take the GoBus to Belfast in around 2 hours.
What is the best time of year to visit Belfast?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of weather and crowd levels. Summer (June–August) is brightest but hotel prices peak and the Giant’s Causeway gets busy at weekends. Winter is rainy but the Causeway is spectacular in Atlantic storms, with very affordable accommodation rates.
Sources
- Giant’s Causeway — Wikipedia EN — accessed 2026-05-17
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention — Giant’s Causeway (WHC 369) — accessed 2026-05-17
- Belfast — Wikipedia EN — accessed 2026-05-17
- Titanic Belfast — official website — accessed 2026-05-17
- Discover Northern Ireland — Game of Thrones filming locations — accessed 2026-05-17
- Belfast Q9049 — Wikidata — accessed 2026-05-17
- Giant’s Causeway Q106187 — Wikidata — accessed 2026-05-17
- Belfast weather — Climates to Travel — accessed 2026-05-17
- Weekend itinerary Belfast — The Irish Road Trip — accessed 2026-05-17
- Viator API — Belfast search (destinationId 738) — 2026-05-17
Ready to explore Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway?
Book your experiences in advance — morning slots at the Giant’s Causeway and private formats fill up quickly in peak season (June–August).
See tour #1 — Game of Thrones