Belfast hasn’t been immune to the world’s post-pandemic inflation spikes; however, it still remains a relatively affordable travel destination by western European standards.
Trendsetting restaurants don’t require breaking the bank. Moreover, markets and thrift stores offer cheaper shopping alternatives. The city’s compact dimensions invite walking and cycling over public transport, and sightseeing tours can come cheap if you know where to look. Therefore, here are the top tips every budget-conscious traveler can use to save some cash while visiting Belfast.
House Shares and Hostel Dorms Are Cheaper Than City Center Hotels
Hotels in central Belfast typically start at around £100 per night, especially in busier seasons, so you can cut back on costs by considering alternative options. The best-priced Airbnb apartments and rental rooms might put you outside the city center; however, given Belfast’s manageable size, this shouldn’t impact the quality of your trip. On the up-and-coming Ormeau Rd or in the suburbs of south Belfast, both of which have walking and public transportation routes into the city, Airbnbs are often priced at £50–90 per night (especially if you’re happy to share a house with your host).
Belfast’s most popular hostels are within a mile or so radius of the city center and are as cheap as £10 per night for shared dorms. Popular hostels like Lagan Backpackers and Botanical Backpackers are highly rated.
Save Cash by Picking Your Airport and Airline Wisely
Given it’s located on an island, flying remains the cheapest way to get to Belfast. Boat journeys are available from Great Britain, but only really make sense if you’re bringing a car, in which case one-way tickets usually cost over £100.
Belfast has two airports: one just outside the city center, the other 15 miles to the west in Aldergrove. The former, George Best Belfast City Airport, is more convenient for inbound travelers but has a focus on pricier premium airlines. The latter, Belfast International Airport, welcomes flights from farther afield and offers a diverse range of air carriers. If booked well in advance, return flights from UK cities with easyJet should cost less than £100. Jet2 and Wizz offer competitive prices from European cities, and there are seasonal direct flights with Virgin Atlantic from Orlando, Florida.
Use Bikes, Transport Cards, and Day Tickets for Getting Around
The Belfast Bikes sharing service offers cheap two-wheeled transport around Belfast’s central districts: 30 minutes for £1, 3-day usage for £6, or £25 for a yearly membership.
If you do require public transport, you’ll save money by purchasing travel cards and multiple-journey tickets. The 3 Day Flexi Ticket can be used on Translink trains between two stations—ideal for those staying outside Belfast. Belfast Visitor Passes are available at the Belfast Visitor Welcome Centre on Donegall Square North or via booking online. These give tourists unlimited travel privileges on most Metro, NI Railways, Ulsterbus, and Glider services, with one-day (£6), two-day (£11), and three-day (£14.50) options.
Or Explore the City on Foot
There’s no better way to cut back on transport costs than by avoiding them altogether. Belfast is built on a fairly flat river basin, making it ideal for a day on foot without too much exertion.
The River Lagan scythes through the city and serves as a guide for walkers: promenades and cycle paths meander alongside its lower reaches, providing foot traffic from the city center towards south Belfast. If you keep the Lagan in your sights, you’ll be treated to some of Belfast’s most arresting scenery, including the Titanic Quarter and verdant parklands connected to the Lagan Towpath.
Save on Late Night Taxi Fares by Staying Near Nightlife Hubs
The base rate of Belfast’s private taxi services has seen a recent increase, which means there are ways to avoid the extra expense. If partying late into the night is part of your visit, you can avoid costly taxis by staying at a budget hotel within walking distance of the city’s nightlife hubs. The ETAP Hotel Belfast and the Holiday Inn typically offer competitive pricing.
Make Use of Happy Hours
Happy hours aren’t particularly common in Belfast, but several bars in the city lure in visitors with unique deals. For example, at Franklins Sports Bar, all beers are £2 until the first goal is scored on the big screen. The Perch Rooftop Bar offers a happy hour deal from 5 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Bargain Hunt at the Markets
From vintage clothing to unique local crafts, items shaded by nostalgia have seen a boom in popularity recently. If you have a keen eye for a bargain, Belfast’s markets and thrifty haunts are worth a visit. Set within a red-brick Victorian building, St George’s Market (open Friday through Sunday) combines a vintage feast of artwork and trinkets with new-wave food stalls.
Make Use of Affordable City Tours
Belfast’s turbulent history adds layers of complexity to the city, making guided tours a valuable experience. The Belfast Free Walking Tour—offered at specific times on weekends—allows you to visit historic sites like the Titanic Quarter and City Hall.
Cheap Things to Do in Belfast for Around £10
There are still activities for less than £10 available in Belfast, such as visiting St Anne’s Cathedral for a fiver (£5) or the renovated Crumlin Road Gaol, which offers tours for £10.80 if booked online.
Guide to Average Daily Costs
Hostel room: £10–15 per night
Basic room for two: £100–150 per night
Self-catering apartment or Airbnb: £50–100 per night
Public transportation ticket: £6 for one day, £11 for two days, £14.50 for three days
Coffee: £2–3
Sandwich: £5–7
Dinner for two: £40–100
Beer/pint at the bar: £4.50
