belfast city hall free tour

• Your council
• Bins and environment
• Things to do
• Your community
• Births, deaths and ceremonies
• A-Z of services
• Accessibility statement

Guided tours of City Hall

Guided tour times, guided tours for commercial tour operators, accessibility on our tours, guided tour highlights, guided tours for community or school groups.

We offer daily guided tours of City Hall. Tours are free. Our public tours are in English. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Our public tour times are shown in the table. 

Tour times may differ during public holidays .

To reduce disruption to our public tours and guest enjoyment, we are unable to provide translations during the tour. To enquire about a translation tour, email  [email protected] .

Tour tickets

You can get free tour tickets at City Hall Reception desk on the day of the tour.

Group guided tours

A group of 10 or more people must contact [email protected] to organise a private tour rather than joining a public tour which has limited places. Visitors must come to City Hall reception 15 minutes before the tour time.

Public tours are free but donations are welcomed and will be used for the development of our tour service. Donation boxes are located at City Reception areas.

A guided tour of City Hall lasts around one hour. The tour allows you an extraordinary glimpse into areas not usually accessible to the public within the beautiful Baroque Revival building. Ascending the Grand Staircase, an experienced guide will lead you through rooms beginning in the Italian and Greek marble clad Rotunda. They will highlight the John Luke mural and the ‘Whispering gallery’ high up in the central dome.

Lord Mayors' portraits

As your guide navigates you through the corridors of City Hall, they will draw your attention to the tradition of hanging a portrait of the former Lord Mayor each year in City Hall. Each painting which is entirely different to its predecessor will come alive as your guide reveals the secrets hidden in their imagery. You can also see one portrait which has become a poignant relic of City Hall’s damage during the Blitz of 1941 hanging unrestored as a quiet memorial to the many citizens who lost their lives.

Robing Room

In the ‘Robing Room’ your guide will explain the significance each item of civic regalia on display including the magnificent jewels of the Lady Mayoress of Belfast, worn since 1897 and which are encrusted with diamonds, rubies, opals, turquoise and emeralds.

Council Chamber

For many the highlight of the guided tour of City Hall will be your opportunity to sit where the 60 elected members of Belfast’s City Council meet for their monthly council meeting. You can examine fascinating artefacts including the two royal thrones used by George V and Queen Mary during the state opening of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, held in the room in June 1921.

City Hall rooms

City Hall hosts over 500 events on an annual basis meaning the function rooms are rarely vacant. When possible, your guide will grant you a glimpse behind the scenes of this busy working public building and into these magnificent rooms. Admire their extraordinary plasterwork, hand carved woodwork and hand woven silk and wool carpets as you pass through these spaces in the footsteps of royalty, presidents and figures of Belfast’s illustrious past.

Private tours are available to commercial tour operators at a charge. Tours for commercial tour operators must be booked at least seven days in advance and outside public tour times. Private groups can provide a translator to assist in the delivery of a tour alongside one of our tour guides. To enquire about a translation tour, email [email protected]

For information about charges, availability and to book, email [email protected]

Private tours are available free to school and community groups. A group must have between 10 and 25 people. A private tour must be booked at least seven days in advance and outside public tour times.

To enquire about availability and to book, email [email protected]

Our guided tours are accessible to visitors with disabilities. If you have specific enquiry about the needs of a visitor or group of guests, contact us. 

• Plan your visit and read our City Hall accessibility information

Contact City Hall

For more information and advice, get in touch.

[email protected]

028 9027 0456

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast, BT1 5GS,

It looks like you're using IE11...

This browser offers limited functionality on our website. We recommend you use the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.

A Guide to Visiting The Iconic Belfast City Hall

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2023

As one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic buildings, a visit to Belfast City Hall is a must when exploring the city.

The civic building of Belfast City Council was constructed in 1906 and still dominates the city’s skyline to this day,

With incredible history to uncover and beautiful architecture to admire, it’s for good reason that a visit here is one of the most popular things to do in Belfast .

Below, you’ll find info on everything from the Belfast City Hall tour and how much it costs to what to visit nearby.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Belfast City Hall

Photo by Alexey Fedorenko (Shutterstock)

Although a visit to Belfast City Hall is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Belfast City Hall is located right in the heart of the city in Donegall Square. It’s a 5-minute walk from St George’s Market and a 25-minute walk from both Crumlin Road Gaol and the Botanic Gardens .

2. Opening hours and admission

City Hall is open daily from 7am to 7pm during the winter months and from 7am to 9pm in the summer months. It’s completely free to enter the City Hall and there are even free public tours available as well.

3. The tour

The Belfast City Hall tours take about an hour and are led by an experienced guide who explains the interesting history of the building and grounds. There is also an audio guide that you can use for the visitor exhibition. Tours are free but donations are welcome.

4. The Bobbin Coffee Shop

Located inside Belfast City Hall, this café provides training and work experience for people with a learning disability or autism and all profits go to NOW Group, a social enterprise supporting employment for disabled people. The café has some great food on the menu with breakfast and lunch options ranging from sweet to savoury.

History of Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall was commissioned to celebrate Belfast’s status as a city granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. It was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas in the Baroque Revival style and built out of Portland stone.

To match the city’s new status, it cost an extraordinary £369,000 which is the equivalent to around £128 million today. The magnificent building finally opened its doors in August 1906. 

Interior of the hall

The building includes some stunning features including the Grand Staircase, Banquet Hall and Reception Room. Although much remains from the original foundations, the Banquet Hall was partially destroyed during the Belfast blitz in May 1941 and had to be rebuilt.

Public memorials in the grounds

The grounds of the City Hall have been used to commemorate important people and events throughout the history since it was open. The first statues were unveiled in 1903, including the memorial to Sir Edward Harland, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast and the statue of Queen Victoria, both of which were sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock.

Belfast Coat of Arms

The City Hall bears the Belfast Coat of Arms which dates back to 30 June 1890 when the Ulster King of Arms made a Grant of Arms to the city. Surprisingly, the exact meaning of the symbols remain unknown, although many of the images were used in the 17th century by merchants in the port city.

Things to do at Belfast City Hall

There’s plenty to do here, from the popular Belfast City Hall tours (not running in 2021) to the memorials and statues dotted around the building.

There’s also several yearly events that take place here, like the  very popular Belfast Christmas Markets  and the Lightening event.

1. Take a guided tour (not running in 2021)

The official Belfast City Hall tours are the best way to uncover the history of the city’s iconic building. The free tours are led by expert guides who take you through the main parts of the grounds to give you a complete look into the history and features of the building.

The best part is that you gain access to some of the areas not accessible to the general public. You can admire the Council Chamber and various historic portraits hanging on the walls. The almost hour-long tour also includes a look outside at the memorials and gardens.

Tours are run on a first-in, best dressed basis, so you must arrive around 15 minutes early to register your spot at the visitor exhibition. There are three tours per day throughout the year, with additional times available in summer.

2. See the Memorials and statues

Photo left: Kevin George. Photo right: Stephen Barnes (Shutterstock)

On the beautiful lawns surrounding the City Hall, you can spot plenty of memorials and statues dedicated to the people associated with Belfast’s history.

You can wander through the gardens to admire them, with notable ones including the cenotaph built to remember those who died in WWI and the Titanic Memorial Gardens which lists all victims of the maritime disaster.

There are also various statues around the lawn including of Queen Victoria, R.J McMordie and Lord Differin.

3. Admire the stained glass windows

One of the most memorable features of the City Hall are the stained glass windows around the building. Many of them are original from 1906, while others have been added to mark historic events.

Some of the oldest windows can be found in the Grand Staircase, East Staircase, Principal Rooms and Chamber, while the newer ones can be found along the north west and north east corridors from reception.

They all depict particular events and important people, showing the long history of Belfast. 

4. Plan your visit around the lighting

Photo by Rob44 (Shutterstock)

You can see the City Hall in lights at different times of the year. The building is illuminated in white most of the time, but for special occasions the colours can be changed.

There’s a full list of the lighting schedule on their website but you can catch it in rainbow colours for Belfast Pride in August, green for World Environment Day in June, Red for May Day and green for St Patricks Day, among many others.

Things to do near Belfast City Hall

One of the beauties of Belfast City Hall is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Belfast .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from City Hall (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. The Grand Opera House (5-minute walk)

Photos via Grand Opera House Belfast

If you’d like to continue admiring Belfast’s impressive buildings, your next stop should be the Grand Opera House . Since opening in December 1895, it has been the premier theatre for all performances from comedy to opera and musicals. You can jump on a theatre tour to learn more about the history or just attend one of the many events held here.

2. St George’s Market (25-minute walk)

Photos via St George’s Market Belfast on Facebook

As the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, St George’s Market is a must visit. Located in May Street, it was built over phases from 1890 until 1896. It’s one of the oldest attractions in the city and often considered one of the best markets in Ireland. It’s bustling from Friday until Sunday with fresh produce and artisan products for sale to locals and visitors alike.

3. Food and drink

Photo left via Curated Kitchen & Coffee. Photo right via Coppi Restaurant

If you hop into our Belfast restaurants guide, you’ll discover endless places to eat. From bottomless brunch and tasty breakfasts to vegan food and more, there’s loads of top spots for a bite. There’s also some great pubs in Belfast (and cocktail bars !).

4. Explore the city’s top attractions

Photo by Henryk Sadura (via Shutterstock)

You can easily spend days in Belfast ticking off one attraction after the other. The city is full of exciting and interesting things to see and do, from museums to historical buildings. Here are our favourites:

• Black Mountain
• Black Taxi Tours
• Belfast Peace Walls
• Belfast murals
• Lady Dixon Park

FAQs about the Belfast City Hall tours

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from how much the Belfast City Hall tours cost to what hotels are near Belfast City Hall.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How long did it take to build Belfast City Hall?

It took 8 years to construct the building and the project was led by an architect by the name of Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas.

Why was the City Hall in Belfast built?

The building was commissioned to celebrate Belfast achieving ‘city status’ way back in 1906.

How much is the tour of Belfast City Hall?

The tour is free, but note that it isn’t running (at the time of typing) in 2021.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• GAME OF THRONES TOUR

THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Belfast bus tours.

Belfast City Hall

Inside Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall Tours

Belfast City Council

City Hall Exhibition

Belfast city hall exhibition.

Belfast City Hall’s east wing on the ground floor has been completely overhauled to offer the new tourist attraction, which has its own dedicated reception. It offers a journey from the city’s present to the past, showing the diversity and vibrancy of Belfast City Hall across all six themed zones below.

CITY HALL EXHIBITION ZONES

• Edward Carson - Signing Ulster Covenant
• The City - Governance and Growth - Council Chambers
• City Speech and City Streets
• The City at Work and Play
• The Reflection Space
• The City Commemorates ( World Wars )
• The Cities Celebrates - past & present

The exhibition stretches over 16 separate rooms, all presented within the original stunning architecture of City Hall - Finished off in the highest class of marble and craftmanship - designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas in the 1890s. The exhibition is free for individuals. We have headphones for hire for a small concession £3.50 you can be fully guided by the audio tour, in a range of languages. You can also buy a commemorative booklet for just £1. After soaking up the history and displays in the various rooms, you can take time out for refreshments or lunch in the coffee shop, The Bobbin. Being in Belfast you will also have an array of eateries on the door step of the City Hall and will be spoiled for choice. For Sightseeing in Belfast and getting around from attractions we recommend the daily Belfast Hop on Hop off tour it has over 19 stops to visit, the City Hall is one of many places to be explored.

PUBLIC TOUR TIMES ?

1st october - 31st may.

• Monday - Fri 11am-2pm-3pm
• Sat-Sun 12-2pm-3pm

1st June - 30th September

• Sat-Sun 12-2pm-3pm-4pm

HOW TO BOOK TOUR ?

You can book in person at the new visitor exhibition and reception desk in City Hall. Call us on 028 9027 0456 or email [email protected] Visitor exhibition time slots are offered every 15 minutes and maximum of 30 people on each slot.

CITY HALL OPENING TIMES

Opening hours.

• Monday-Fri 9.30am - 5pm - last admission 4.30pm
• Sat-Sun -10am - 5pm - last admission 4.30pm

BELFAST CITY HALL FACTS

The Belfast City Hall site was once the home of the White Linen Hall, an important international Linen Exchange. The street that runs from the back door of City Hall is Linen Hall Street - formely the Linen Quarter. Plans for Belfast City Hall began in 1888 when Belfast was awarded city status by Queen Victoria. This was in recognition of Belfast's rapid expansion and thriving shipbuilding and engineering industries, linen, rope-making. During this period in history Belfast briefly overtook Dublin as the most populated city in Ireland. Belfast Corporation, now the council, used their profits from the gas industry to pay for the construction of the Belfast City Hall. Local firms WH Stephens and H&J Martin were them main companies involved in the construction. Construction began in 1898 under the watchful eye of architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas. The total cost was £369,000 to construct and work was fully complete 8 years later in 1906. The city hall in Durban, South Africa is almost an exact replica of Belfast's City Hall. Inspired by the Belfast design Stanley G. Hudson built the City hall in Durban in 1910, The Port of Liverpool Building, designed by Arnold Thornley and completed in 1913, is another very close relative. August 1st 2006 the City Hall celebrated its centenary year with a "Century of Memories" exhibition and family picnic day. Since 1906, the flag has been flown every day of the year from the front of the City hall. On 3 December 2012, the City Council voted to limit the days that the Union Flag flies from City Hall to no more than 18 designated days. This was opposed by the unionist Councillors, but supported by the council's nationalist representatives and the Alliance party. The unionists had enjoyed a majority on the council until the Northern Ireland local elections of 2011. On the night of the vote, unionist and loyalist protesters tried to storm the City Hall. They held protests throughout Northern Ireland, some of which became violent. For more information on the City Hall please refer to Wikipedia > Things to do in Belfast >

Are you sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops... no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com. Simply tap the heart to add items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share board

Share a link to your My Ireland board and inspire friends, fellow travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Sign in Sign up Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby
• Find travel inspiration based on your location
• Get local weather forecasts and essential information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser.
• 2 Select Location settings.
• 3 Choose Allow.
• 1 Open the My Ireland website.

• 2 Select the icon below.

• 3 Select Website Settings.

• 4 Change Location status to Allow.

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are travelling to Ireland and we'll show you tailored reccomendations during of your trip.

• Recommended events during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very seriously and only ever process your data with your permission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data, please read our privacy policy.

Remove data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile, please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. Just a reminder – if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t undo it in the future.

Delete your account

• No. Keep my account
• Yes. Delete my account

Belfast City Hall

• #NorthernIrelandEmbraceAGiantSpirit

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including regular tailored updates on holiday ideas and insider tips.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

If you find yourself wandering the buzzy streets of Belfast city, one building will stand out among the rest: the City Hall.

Located on Donegall Square, the striking City Hall – with its copper-domed roof, stained glass windows and elegant Portland stone – is the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. Designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and completed in 1906, the magnificent structure showcases an exquisite blend of Baroque architectural style, beautifully complemented by the surrounding grounds, filled with manicured lawns and memorials, including the Titanic Memorial Garden, the Cenotaph and the Garden of Remembrance.

Guided tours are a great way to learn about the building’s construction, admire its vast collection of art and explore its opulent interiors such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall. Afterwards, if the weather is nice, join the locals relaxing on the lawns outside and soak up some of Belfast city’s unbeatable atmosphere.

You might also like

Belfast City Hall, Belfast

Need to know

Belfast City Hall is open Monday to Friday (9.30 am to 5 pm) and over the weekend (10 am to 5 pm).

Guided tours run at various intervals during the day and tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on group tours, accessibility and transport please visit belfastcity.gov.uk/visitcityhall or email [email protected]

Things to see and do nearby

The Cathedral Quarter

See Belfast's cultural hub and the city's most creative quarter.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Step off the Belfast city streets, and be transported into 150 years of history…

Ulster Museum

St. George's Market

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Belfast Castle Estate

Crown Liquor Saloon

Queen's University Belfast

Grand Opera House

Step off the Belfast city streets, and be transported into 150 years of history…

Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! Come face to face with dinosaurs and for a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Zones of art, history and science where you can try on costumes from the past, explore the tree of life and create your own art to take home.

St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.

You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.

The fine façade of the Main Building, designed by Charles Lanyon, conceals a quiet, restful quadrangle. This was the original Queen's College: the University has expanded throughout the immediate area, including all the houses on University Square.

Built in 1911, Nomadic provides the story of Titanic's little sister, the only tangible surviving link with the world's most famous ship and the last White Star Line vessel in the world.

Since opening its doors on 23 December 1895, the Grand Opera House has delivered an unrivalled programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music.

• Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall tours & tickets

• Lowest price
• Highest price

Best of Belfast walking tour with local guide

Book your Best of Belfast walking tour with local guide and explore the city's most iconic attractions and dive into their history as you walk around.

Explore the best of Belfast on a self-guided audio tour

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through Belfast, visit the must-sees such as Belfast Castle, the Belfast City Hall and listen to interesting stories told by a local

City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour of Belfast

Book your hop-on hop-off bus tour of Belfast, explore the 23 stops available on the tour, and see the most important points of interest in the city

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +1  zh

The History of the Troubles walking tour of Belfast

Join the tour, visit Belfast and get one of the most unbiased, engaging and accessible insights into the Troubles conflict.

Belfast Guided Walking Tour with Expert Guide

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Belfast together with an expert local guide and discover the history and art of this fascinating city.

Top attractions in Belfast

You might also like

Belfast Old Town private guided tour

Enjoy a private tour in Belfast and discover with a guide its most important attractions as the Big Fish and the Titanic Quarter.

Game of Thrones tour with Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

Buy your Game of Thrones Tour with Giant's Causeway now to dive into fantasy and join your favorite characters in iconic locations.

Signature Tour: Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock

Experience Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock's Signature during this fully guided tour, and explore how the building become home to the first working distillery in Belfast.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Explore the Seven Kingdoms, walk through the sets of Winterfell and King's Landing and admire the collection of props and costumes.

Giants Causeway and the best of northern Ireland from Belfast

Marvel at Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site, and see memorable sites such as the Dark Hedges and the Dunluce castle.

Giant's Causeway Tour from Belfast

Book a full-day tour to Giant's Causeway riding in a luxury coach. Along the way, stop at famous sights including Carrickfergus Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle.

Belfast Political Taxi Tour

Book a political taxi tour of Belfast to explore the tumultuous past of the city with a private cab driver. Learn about the political conflict and see important locations.

Exploring Belfast's Titanic Quarter on a self-guided audio tour

Book your tickets for a self-guided audio tour in Belfast and discover the city and the Titanic quarter

Game of Thrones Tour from Belfast

Book a Game of Thrones tour in Belfast, and embark on an epic adventure across iconic locations from the renowned series!

Street art, music and pub experience through Belfast

Discover Bristol on a street art, music and pub experience as your guide orientates you around the city center. Learn of the city's history and things to do on your stay.

Belfast 24 and 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus

Explore Belfast from an open-top bus and admire the city for 1 or 2 days. Hop-on and hop-off at 19 locations to discover each of them at your own leisure.

Line of Duty walking tour

Don't miss out on this Line of Duty walking tour to visit filming locations and learn behind the scene gossip about the BBC crime-busting drama.

Game of Thrones Studio tour with return transfer from Belfast

Immerse yourself in the Game of Thrones world, step inside the Seven Kingdoms and discover the filmmaking techniques and secrets.

The inside story

Statues, monuments and memorials – along with the breathtaking Renaissance-style architecture and its iconic green domes – makes Belfast City Hall a top attraction to tick off your list when visiting the city. Built in 1906 by Alfred Brumwell Thomas, the City Hall is situated right in the heart of Belfast and will take you on a journey discovering the city’s history.

Inside the City Hall, admire the opulence of the Grand Staircase, Banquet Hall, lavish corridors with marble and Reception Room. Don’t miss the beautiful stained glass windows that tell stories of the past. There is a free exhibition which allows visitors to enjoy a self-guided journey of Belfast’s history, from the past to the present day. You'll also be able to find a cafe onsite for refreshments.

Nature lovers will be impressed by the City Hall’s gardens with its selection of plants and flowers. Here is where you can find a selection of memorials and statues dedicated to events and people associated with Belfast’s history – such as the famous Titanic Memorial and Queen Victoria statue. The City Hall really comes alive in winter as it hosts a Christmas Market. It will definitely get you feeling festive with its stalls, food and drink, and activities to enjoy.

How to get there

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Belfast Free Walking Tour

• 9.50 / 10 2,351 reviews | 20,511 travellers The tour was very good. Our guide Íñigo has made the tour very pleasant and fun and with a lot of knowledge of the history and the city of Belfast. I recommend the tour so that you have a very good idea of a small part of this great city. 10 Diana Maria

Enjoy a walk through the historic centre of Belfast with this guided tour that will reveal all the hidden gems of the Northern Irish capital.

We'll begin our tour in front of Belfast City Hall , one of the city's most iconic buildings . Construction on this  Edwardian-style civic building began at the end of the 19th century when Queen Victoria awarded Belfast "city status".

The next stop on our free tour is the Albert Memorial Clock . This clock tower will inevitably remind us of London's Big Ben, although as we look around we'll notice the differences between the two. After learning about the history of this monument we'll head to Belfast Harbour , located at the mouth of the River Lagan - home to the old shipyards where one of the most famous transatlantic ships in the history of sailing was built: the RMS Titanic.

Following this, we'll visit the Big Fish sculpture , created by local artist John Kindness. The sculpture hides many meanings which we'll tell you all about. After that, the last part of the tour will be spent discovering the  St Anne's Cathedral area. This is a very special cathedral, as it represents a symbol of peace for both Catholics and Protestants.

The free tour will then end at our original starting point.

Important information

• It's not possible to do this free tour if you're a group of more than 6 people. If you're a larger group, you must book our private tour of Belfast.
• Maximum of 3 minors per responsible adult.
• We won't be entering any of the monuments, we'll just admire them from the outside.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Guide specialised in the history of Belfast.

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. Accessible toilets.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• The activity helps to promote peace.
• The activity promotes local production.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Belfast Walking Tours Show more

Corporate name: Irish Tourism NI Ltd

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Belfast City Hall

You may also be interested in

Belfast Political Tour

Giant's Causeway Tour

Game of Thrones & Giant's Causeway Tour

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

Day Tours From Belfast

Yellow umbrella tours, discover hidden ireland.

Belfast Free Walking Tour

Belfast       dublin       galway       cork, free walking tour.

Tour Gratis de los misterios y leyendas

Rhythms and Tales of Belfast

Conflicting Stories Walking Tour

Tour Político de los Murales

Tour gratis en espanol.

TOUR GRATIS

Giants causeway day tour.

Belfast Free Tour is a proud local, independent free tour provider. We have been running our free tours in Belfast since 2017

We are thrilled to support our independent, international partners as a member of the  Free Tour Community . Check out the link to find more of the best free tours around the World .

Free Tours Worldwide

• Want to become a guide?

Share my guruwalk

The original free walking tour of belfast.

It all started with the exciting idea of sharing the stories of this interesting city. After several conversations in the Kelly's Cellar pub, the Free Tour of Belfast in Spanish was born. We are delighted to welcome you to this city. We invite you to join us in exploring “the wee city”. What better way to understand the history, the people and the stories that helped shape this city, from the early days of the Norman Conquest, through the arrival of the English and the industrialization revolution to Belfast today with one of our passionate Guides.

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

The best opportunity to discover Belfast, with the best guides in the city. In this Free walking tour of Belfast you will get to know famous and essential places such as:  • The Docklands & The Lagan River  • Cathedral Quarter  • Albert Clock  • The Big Fish  • Belfast City Hall  • City Laneways

What will we visit on this tour?

In front of City Hall Gates holding a big bright yellow umbrella

• 1 Outside visit Europe Hotel
• 2 Outside visit The Crown Liquor Saloon
• 3 Outside visit Grand Central Hotel Belfast Show 13 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Ulster Hall
• 5 Outside visit Custom House Square
• 6 Outside visit The Jailhouse
• 7 Outside visit Albert Memorial Clock
• 8 Outside visit Big Fish - Charles St South, Charles Street South
• 9 Outside visit Assembly Buildings Conference Center
• 10 Outside visit Parish Church of St George
• 11 Outside visit Grand Opera House
• 12 Outside visit Linen Quarter BID
• 13 Outside visit McHughs Bar and Restaurant
• 14 Outside visit City Hall
• 15 Outside visit Joy's Entry
• 16 Outside visit Cathedral Quarter

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (993)

Very informative guide. Really enjoyed the tour

Brian's knowledge and passion about Belfast was infectious and we particularly enjoyed his dry humour. A very interesting insight into Irish history and some of the highlights of Belfast, and a great recommendation for the best pint of Guinness! Thank you

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others tours from this guru, others cities to visit after belfast, where are you traveling to.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

https://visitbelfast.com/article/virtual-visit-to-belfast/

• What's On Homepage
• Art & Exhibitions
• Children’s Events
• Food & Drink
• Free Events
• History & Heritage
• Learning Experiences
• Lectures & Talks
• Markets & Fairs
• Music & Concerts
• Nature & Wildlife
• Pubs & Clubs
• Shows & Displays
• Virtual Events

• See & Do Homepage
• Arts & Entertainment
• Attractions
• Green Attractions
• Green Spaces
• Sightseeing Tours
• Information & Services
• Travel & Transport
• Competitions

• Eat & Drink Homepage
• Afternoon Tea
• Restaurants
• Food and Drink Experiences
• Pubs and Clubs
• Visit Belfast Food & Drink Voucher

• Ideas Homepage
• Belfast Plus
• Family Friendly Belfast
• Free Things To Do in Belfast
• Game of Thrones
• Titanic & Maritime
• Music in Belfast
• Embrace a Giant Spirit

• Stay Homepage
• Camping and Caravans
• Serviced Accommodation
• University Accommodation
• Green Stays

• Plan Homepage
• Getting Here
• Belfast Visitor Map
• Accessibility in Belfast
• Sustainable Belfast
• Getting Around Belfast
• Green Travel
• Belfast Visitor Pass
• Car Parking
• Brochures and Downloads
• Visitor Apps
• Neighbourhoods
• Sign Up to Mailing List
• Visit Belfast Welcome Centre

• Offers Offers
• Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods
• Game of Thrones Game of Thrones
• Search Enter your search above to discover things to do, events, offers and more... Close

Virtual Visit to Belfast

Belfast’s visitor attractions have temporarily closed their doors, but you can still experience them through 360⁰ panoramas and virtual walk-throughs! Get inspired for a future trip to Belfast with these digital glimpses into some of our top attractions.

Belfast City Hall

One of Belfast’s most iconic buildings, Belfast City Hall first opened its doors in August 1906 and is Belfast’s civic building. Take a virtual tour inside the building and see some its stunning features and architecture. Or explore the manicured gardens around City Hall, where you’ll find the Titanic Memorial Garden which has 15 bronze plaques listing the names of 1,512 people who died on RMS Titanic I 1912 and a monument in their honour.

The Dome at Victoria Square

Rising high above the city’s skyline, the Dome at Victoria Square boasts 360⁰ views across Belfast. See the whole thing on the image above! How many of Belfast’s famous landmarks can you spot?

Belfast’ iconic Big Fish can be found on the banks of the River Lagan. This 10m-lone sculpture is covered in beautiful blue ceramic tiles depicting scenes from the city’s history. Pay the Big Fish a visit on Google Street View (above) and see how many Belfast landmarks you can find in his scales!

Ulster Museum

Ulster Museum is Northern Ireland’s treasure house of the past and the present, with a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences displays. You can view the museum’s collections online on their website , or take a 360⁰ peek at the main entrance foyer via the button below and see if you can spot a couple of dinosaurs lurking in the picture!

Belfast Castle

Located on Cave Hill in the north of the city, Belfast Castle was built in the 1860s and is one of the Belfast’s most famous landmarks. The estate contains landscaped gardens and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points, which you can see on the virtual view.

Áras Uí Chonghaile (James Connolly Centre)

Áras Uí Chonghaile is a modern inspirational visitor centre in the heart of Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter, with an insightful exhibition about James Connolly, a man of formidable ideas and remarkable vision. While the centre is temporarily closed, you can get a glimpse through the video above and get inspired for a future visit to this exhibition, which is located just yards from where Connolly lived on the Falls Road.

Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast’s most famous pub, the Crown Liquor Saloon is a traditional pub from the Victorian era, which is now owned by the National Trust. The Crown remains a unique visual gem, a masterpiece in bar architecture, which is known to millions the world over. Take a look inside to admire the mosaic tiles, brocaded walls, ornate mirrors, wooden columns and more.

Queen's University

Queen’s University is one of the great architectural landmarks and must-see attractions in Belfast with over 160 years of heritage. Browse the grounds and see inside on a range of 360⁰ views via the button below. Don’t miss the Great Hall – a magnificent events space with panelled walls, artworks and a warm, historic feel.

Belfast Cathedral

Belfast Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Anne, has stood for over 100 years in an area that takes its name from it, the Cathedral Quarter. Explore the cathedral’s stunning interior on the panorama above!

Albert Clock

This 42.3m-high clock in Custom House Square was built in 1865 in memorial to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Victoria. The clock has been famously leaning almost since its construction – see if you can spot which direction in leans to the 360-view above!

Commercial Court

Commercial Court and Murals Square are next to the Duke of York and Dark Horse pubs, in Belfast’s lively Cathedral Quarter. The murals depict famous faces and landmarks from Belfast, as well as scenes from film and TV shows. The surrounding cobbled streets adorned with flowers, lights and hanging umbrellas are a must-see, too.

Ulster Transport Museum

Be transported back in time and explore one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe – with a virtual glimpse inside the Ulster Transport Museum ! The museum is home to majestic locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, steam engines and much more.

St George’s Market

St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. On the weekends, it’s a bustling hub of visitors and locals alike, international food stalls, baked goods, fruit, vegetables, seafood, arts, crafts and vintage items. Until it’s safe to visit again, get a feel for the market with a 360⁰ glimpse inside.

Museum of Orange Heritage

The Orange Heritage Museum’s ‘Heritage at Home’ showcases Orange stories from the museum’s archive. Browse the selection of stories and exhibits on their website.

Take a Virtual Troubles Tour with DC Tours

Hosted by DC Tours’ Top UK Tour Guide of 2019 Paul Donnelly, this two-hour virtual tour includes a 60 minute presentation and virtual tour of Northern Ireland to explain the history of the Troubles and the path to peace, followed by an interactive Q&A where guests can ask questions and learn first-hand about Belfast’s history. The tours are hosted on Zoom, running weekly on Saturdays and Sundays.

Irish FA Virtual Workshops

Join a virtual visit to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park! Irish FA have selected some of the most interesting stories from their 140-year history to discuss during a fun virtual workshop aimed at schools and groups.

Ards and North Down

Immerse yourself in the wonderful places and spaces in Ards and North Down – virtually! Go on a journey with 360° virtual tours of some of the area’s key landmarks, view Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum exhibitions online and discover the history of Mount Stewart from home. Or why not decorate pottery or take an online cooking class from home? Go to visitardsandnorthdown.com to start exploring.

Lisburn and Castlereagh

Discover the fascinating history of Lisburn and the surrounding area with the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum’s virtual museum . Their online exhibits include old photographs and video interviews with local experts. Or lose yourself in a virtual art exhibition on Island Arts Centre’s website , featuring art, film and music from local artists.

See more 360 panoramas from Thomas McVea, Professional 360VR photographer, at VirtualVisitTours.com .

Belfast Restaurant Takeaways and Deliveries

Savour your favourite restaurants, café and pub grub from home with many local businesses open for takeaway and…

Christmas Events in Belfast

Experience a Belfast Christmas like no other this year! With a rich line-up of events, you'll be sure…

Taste of Belfast at Home

Discover the award-winning flavours of Belfast’s restaurants at home through these online cookery demos, recipes and delivery services.

Street Art in Belfast

Delve into Belfast's vibrant street art scene on a self-guided walking tour. We've rounded up some of the…

Belfast Businesses with Online Shopping

Your guide to the Belfast businesses offering online shopping and delivery services. Buy online, support local!

Lockdown Gift Ideas

Whether it’s a quarantine birthday or you simply want to brighten someone’s day, we’ve rounded up the top…

13 Facts You Didn’t Know About Belfast

Discover fun facts about Belfast’s history, maritime heritage, culture, music scene and more with our top Belfast facts.

Belfast TV and Film

Finding you’ve got more time for TV? Good! There’s never been a better time to binge on the…

Belfast Live Music and Entertainment at Home

Missing live music? Belfast’s bars and events venues are bringing the entertainment to you, with live streams from…

Belfast Arts and Culture at Home

Many of Belfast's galleries, museums and festivals have moved online! Here are the top ways to soak up…

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Visit Belfast Newsletter

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Ask a Question

" * " indicates required fields

Choose a date

• This Weekend

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Hide this tool

Belfast WalKing TourS

Book your walking tour of Belfast today and start making memories that will last a lifetime!

High praise.

From the authors of the best selling, The Little Book of Belfast, supported by N. Ireland Arts Council – Self Praise is No Praise!

Belfast Walking Tours

Discover the vibrant city of Belfast with our award-winning walking tours. Whether you’re interested in history, politics, culture or just looking for a fun way to explore the city, our experienced guides will provide you with an in-depth and unforgettable experience. 

Our tours stand out for their commitment to quality and enthusiasm. We don’t just walk around aimlessly, we provide insightful stories and detailed information about the most fascinating sights in Belfast. Our friendly and charming guides ensure that your tour is both informative and fun. 

Don’t just take our word for it – we have a stellar reputation on major tourism social media channels with countless five-star reviews from satisfied customers. We know what we’re talking about. We love Belfast so much we wrote a book on it and we love sharing Belfast with you. Join us and discover the very best of Belfast, we can’t wait to show you around. Book your spot on one of our walking tours today!

Troubles Tour: Walls & Bridges Belfast

Hidden belfast walking tour, study, private & group tours, belfast walking tour reviews, why experience belfast, we’ve 13 years of experience providing first class tours., we’ve thousands of satisfied customers (95% of our reviews are 5 star)., we’ve written books on belfast., we use local, qualified guides, we have small group sizes., we’re factually accurate and objective., we tailor our tours to your needs., we’re good fun., we provide listening sets on all our tours..

Belfast Walking Tour

Experience belfast.

A Short History Of Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall was originally completed to celebrate Belfast’s new status as a city in 1906. Today, this beautiful building stands in the heart of Belfast City centre as a must see landmark for Northern Ireland. Up until the early 1600s, Belfast was a small settlement. Due to industrialisation, however, it expanded rapidly and a Royal Charter granted it town status in 1613. It had a relatively small town hall during this time, but the town continued to grow and by 1801 it housed over 20,000 people. In 1888, Belfast was granted city status by Queen Victoria. This fantastic development prompted the Belfast Corporation (now Belfast City Council) to commission a city hall to celebrate this new status. They launched a competition for architects to submit their ideas for designs.

The winner was a young Englishmen named Alfred Brumwell Thomas. His winning design was chosen because it was so unlike typical Victorian buildings at the time. Rather, it sought to bring back a classical Renaissance. By this time Belfast was the biggest city on the island of Ireland and this new design intended to make that statement.

Funding for the City Hall was raised with the profits of Belfast Gasworks, for which the Belfast Corporation was responsible. Construction began in 1898 and was completed in 1906. Belfast City Hall opened its doors on 1st August 1906. Tours of the City Hall were free as the Council decided that the citizens of Belfast had already paid for it once and it would not be fair to charge them again. They are still free to this day.

The inside of the City Hall is made from different types of marble, primarily Carrara, Pavonazzo and Brescia, to show that no expense was spared. It houses dozens of paintings, busts, statues and stained glass windows to commemorate important aspects of the country’s history, including Unionist Edward Carson and Presbyterian Mary-Anne McCracken, a humanitarian who set up schools and radically opposed slavery. Two of the most notable commemorations are the stained glass windows featured King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria, who were on the throne when the City Hall was opened, and a marble sculpture of Fredrick Richard Chichester – the last Earl of Donegall and a patron of the arts – on his death bed accompanied by his loving mother.

Although it stood strong for many years, Belfast City Hall suffered a direct hit during the Belfast Blitz of World War II. While examining the wreckage, one lone painting was discovered: a portrait of a previous Mayor of the City Hall. Rather than renovating it, the city decided to keep it as it was, not only as a reminder of the Blitz but as a tribute to the 1000 people who lost their lives as a result of the hit.

In 1959, the original Titanic memorial monument, designed by Sir Thomas Brock, was moved to the grounds of City Hall. Now known as the Titanic Memorial Garden, this area of the grounds now stands in memory of the dutiful and heroic members of Belfast who died saving the lives of hundreds of people on board the ship. A plinth in memory of citizens who died also stands in the garden. The plants within the garden are white, green, blue and silver to reflect the colours of the water and ice in which the ship sank.

In recent years, Belfast City Hall has undergone two major developments. One is the Belfast Big Screen, launched in June 2011. Erected as part of the legacy of the London Olympics, the Belfast Big Screen is located within the City Hall’s grounds and acts as a way for people to experience sporting and cultural events in an outdoor setting. It also serves to highlight important council issues throughout the city, and advertises events and the latest news for visitors.

The second major development, notably in the last year, has been the introduction of the Illuminate Project. This involves lighting the City Hall in different colours to highlight Belfast’s culture and to display worldwide solidarity. This year alone, the City Hall has been lit in green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, yellow and blue to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day, and most recently in black, yellow and red in respect for the victims of the attacks in Brussels.

Intriguing in its past, Belfast City Hall stands as a powerful monument to the history and culture of the city of Belfast. Free tours of the City Hall, which run three times a day, are highly recommended: nothing can beat seeing its grandeur in person.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

The best private trips you can book with your family.

The Best Setjetting Trips You Can Take with Culture Trip

Sleeper Trains Worth Experiencing on Your Travels

How to Make the Most of Your Holiday Time if You're in the UK

See & Do

A quintessential english countryside experience at bovey castle.

Places to Stay

Why where i stay is becoming a more important part of my travel experience.

Swapping Rush Hour for the Ultimate Slow Commute

Film & TV

Aaand action explore the uk's top film spots with google street view.

The Yorkshire Dales, But Make it Luxury

Creating Gotham in Liverpool and Glasgow for ‘The Batman’

Top TRIPS by Culture Trip in the UK

The Best Group Tours in the UK

• Post ID: 686067
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

• Destinations

Free tours in Belfast

• Northern Ireland
• Tours in Belfast

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

Open Iftar 2024 x Belfast, City Hall

Follow this organiser to stay informed on future events, events you might like, belfast city blues festival - clouds belfast city blues festival - clouds, belfast city blues festival 2024 - dom martin band belfast city blues festival 2024 - dom martin band, belfast city blues festival 2024 - the annual rory gallagher day belfast city blues festival 2024 - the annual rory gallagher day, belfast city blues festival 2024 - crow black chicken belfast city blues festival 2024 - crow black chicken, belfast city blues festival 2024 - the rob strong band belfast city blues festival 2024 - the rob strong band, fragrance masterclass pink pepper event – mb belfast city fragrance masterclass pink pepper event – mb belfast city, belfast city blues festival 2024 - the zac shultze gang belfast city blues festival 2024 - the zac shultze gang, belfast city blues festival 2024 - big love - tribute to fleetwood mac belfast city blues festival 2024 - big love - tribute to fleetwood mac, belfast city blues festival & cqaf24 present - the bonnevilles belfast city blues festival & cqaf24 present - the bonnevilles, beer bike tour around belfast city centre and cathedral quarter beer bike tour around belfast city centre and cathedral quarter.