Belfast Open Top Bus Tour

I’d heard so much about Belfast before my trip – the history, the murals, the Titanic story, and the warm local character – so I decided the best way to see it all in one day was to hop on the city’s Belfast open-top bus tour. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my visit, giving me a mix of history, humour, and some seriously stunning views.

I started my day at Belfast City Hall, right in the heart of the city. The bus was waiting outside, bright and red against the morning sky. Sitting up top in the open air felt like the perfect choice – the best views with the added bonus of fresh air and a sense of freedom.

As the bus pulled away, our guide welcomed us with that typical Belfast wit, cracking jokes while pointing out the history around every corner. Within minutes I was learning fascinating details about landmarks I would have walked past without noticing.

We headed west into the Falls Road and Shankill areas, places I’d only ever heard of in news reports. Seeing them in person was a completely different experience. The political murals are striking – huge paintings that tell the story of Belfast’s past, struggles, and hopes for peace.

Our guide shared personal stories that made the history feel very real, but never heavy. I appreciated how it was balanced – both sides of the city’s story, told with sensitivity and humour.

After circling back through the city centre, the bus brought us down to the Titanic Quarter. I hopped off here to visit the Titanic Belfast museum – it’s an absolute must if you’re in the city. The building itself is spectacular, shaped like a giant ship’s hull, and inside the exhibitions bring the story of the Titanic to life in a way that’s both moving and unforgettable.

I grabbed a quick bite to eat nearby before catching the next bus – the beauty of the hop-on, hop-off system is that you never feel rushed.

Back on board, we continued past Stormont, an impressive building standing proudly with its long avenue. Then came glimpses of Belfast Castle up on Cave Hill, framed by the green hills beyond. The guide sprinkled in plenty of local humour – at one point, he joked that you’d need “legs of steel” to walk up to Cave Hill, and I believed him after seeing the incline!

We also passed St Anne’s Cathedral and the buzzing Cathedral Quarter. I made a mental note to return later in the evening when the pubs would be alive with music.

The bus dropped me back at City Hall, right where I’d started. By then, I felt like I really understood the city – its past, its energy, and its people. I finished the evening with a pint of Guinness in a cosy pub, tapping my foot to live traditional music, reflecting on a day that gave me a real sense of Belfast’s character.