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 .

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

https://visitbelfast.com/article/free-things-to-do-in-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

There is plenty to do in Belfast and beyond without spending a penny! Discover free things to see and do across Belfast!

Visiting Belfast on a budget? Here are the top fun things to do for free. From museums to parks, discover the best of Belfast and beyond without having to spend a penny!

Ulster Museum

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland’s treasure house of the past and the present, the Ulster Museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences and entry is completely free to all visitors.

Discover Ulster Scots

Discover your Ulster-Scots roots at this free genealogy research point. The centre is open daily to visitors and offers a range of free literature and information displays. Find out which heritage trails will lead you down the path to your ancestors and how the Ulster-Scots emigrated around the world to become some of the most important world leaders and entrepreneurs in history.

Belfast's Maritime Mile

Belfast has a world-famous maritime history. As the home of Harland & Wolff, once the greatest ship builders in the world, the city was the birthplace of many iconic vessels including the renowned RMS Titanic. Today, the dockside offers plenty of sights, attractions and opportunities to delve into the history of the city. From award-winning exhibitions to historic docks, walk the Maritime Mile – developed by Maritime Belfast Trust – and uncover the stories of Belfast’s maritime past.

Just a short drive away from Belfast city centre, Colin Glen is the home to Ireland’s only official Gruffalo trail! Search for the famous characters as you walk through the woods.

Northern Ireland War Memorial

A must see for anyone with an interest in Northern Ireland’s role in the Second World War, this free museum in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter tells the story of the Belfast Blitz in 1941, the Ulster Home Guard, the role played by women in the war and the presence of US Forces. A memorial screen recalls the names of over 1000 people who lost their lives in the Belfast Blitz.

Belfast Free Walking Tour

Take a walking tour and explore the history of the city and its people for free! Belfast Free Walking Tours run every day at 11am and 2.30pm leaving from Belfast City Hall. This local, independent free tour company offers a glimpse into Belfast’s history, languages, culture, legends, folklore and more.

Titanic Trail

Immerse yourself in Belfast’s maritime history on the Titanic Trail: a free, self-guided walk from the Titanic Memorial Gardens at Belfast City Hall to the Titanic Quarter. You’ll journey past Titanic’s tender ship the SS Nomadic; the breathtaking Titanic Belfast visitor attraction building; the slipways where Titanic stood before embarking and WW2 battle-ship HMS Caroline. Pick up a map in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, or download it here . The Titanic Trail is marked in orange on page two.

MAC Art Gallery in Foyer

Wander into the MAC and discover work by local artists in the art gallery in the foyer. Displays include a sculptural piece by Irish artist Mark Garry consisting of 400 metal wires that create a spectrum of colour. The installation reflects the futility of violence as well as the hopes and aspirations of the young people.

Linen Hall Library

Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland. It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collection, ranging from comprehensive holdings of Early Belfast and Ulster printed books to the 250,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection, the definitive archive of the recent ‘Troubles’. Admission to the library is free, but donations from visitors are appreciated to support the library’s work.

Belfast Print Workshop

Belfast Print Workshop print studio located in the Cathedral Quarter Est.1977 welcoming artists in the practice and promotion of printmaking for over 45 years. Their vision is to provide and sustain a safe and neutral working environment for anyone wishing to participate and learn about printmaking processes, and to promote this across local, national and international levels. There is free admission to visit the studio workshop and gallery.

Glass of Thrones Trail

To celebrate 10 years of filming in Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland created six giant, stained glass windows depicting some of the most iconic scenes from Game of Thrones. Find all six of Belfast’s Game of Thrones® stained glass windows and follow the trail from the city centre to the very place the show was filmed at Titanic Studios.

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. You can take a free tour inside, with tours running on a first come first served basis. Or simply stroll in the manicured grounds, see the Titanic Memorial Garden and take in the building’s exquisite architecture, which is often illuminated in different colours after dark.

The most interesting thing about this fish are its beautiful blue scales, which are made up of ceramic tiles describing different scenes from the city’s history. Stop by this piece of public art for a selfie and closer inspection of the tiled exterior, which tells the story of Belfast.

Belfast Exposed

Belfast Exposed’s vision is to enrich people’s lives through the power of photography. Belfast Exposed provides a range of services including four public galleries exhibition work by both internationally renowned and local photographers, images from the Archive, and their ‘Futures’ project – a special programme for emerging artists.

CS Lewis Square

Rediscover The Chronicles of Narnia with a walk through CS Lewis Square, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author, CS Lewis. CS Lewis Square is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are fully illuminated.

Dome at Victoria Square

Rising high above the city’s skyline, the Dome at Victoria Square boasts 360 degree views across Belfast. Ascend to its viewing platform for free and spot the city’s landmarks including the famous Harland & Wolff Cranes, Belfast City Hall, Stormont Buildings and Cave Hill. An in-house guide is on hand to point out local attractions and points of interest, too.

Botanic Gardens

Next to Ulster Museum you’ll find the beautiful Botanic Gardens: a public park popular with locals that has been awarded a Green Flag as one of the UK’s best open spaces. Stroll along the walking routes, enjoy the horticulture or relax on the manicured lawns. With its iconic Palm House, Botanic Gardens are also an important part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage.

Tropical Ravine at Botanic Gardens

Escape to the rainforest in this two-storey labyrinth of tropical plants, flowers and trees. The Tropical Ravine at Botanic Gardens is a must-visit for botany-lovers and completely free to enter. Discover rare species and visit the lily pond and waterfall, all housed in a stunningly restored Victorian building.

Cave Hill Country Park

Visitors to Cave Hill Country Park can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside. Its most famous feature, known locally as Napoleon’s Nose, is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels.

Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast Castle is located on Cave Hill in north Belfast and both offer beautiful walks and spectacular views of the city. Stroll in the manicured gardens the 19th century Scottish Baronial style castle.

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland

The records that PRONI holds date largely from c.1600 to the present day (with the oldest dating back to 1219). PRONI is the first place of reference to trace your family tree or undertake research into local history.

Free Things to Do in Lisburn and Castlereagh

Irish linen centre and lisburn museum.

Learn about the history of Ireland’s linen industry at the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn. Wander through interactive displays, watch weaving demonstrations and enjoy temporary exhibitions on local history, art and textiles. The museum is free to enter, though donations are welcome.

Wallace Park Lisburn

Wallace Park is ideal for families, with an excellent children’s play area and a variety of gentle walks. During the summer there are a number of free entry family fun events in Wallace Park with crafts, dance, theatre, music and arts on offer. Join a Park Run or visit the outdoor gym.

Free Things to Do in Ards and North Down

North Down Museum

North Down Museum reveals the role of nearby Bangor Abbey in early Christian Ireland through fascinating displays and a mini cinema dome. Discover how the monks met their fate at the hands of the Vikings and visit the full-sized Monk’s Cell and Viking Long-house. The museum is free to enter and hosts a regular line-up of events for the whole family.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, located in the tranquil grounds of Castle Park, is popular with visitors of all ages. Dating back to the 1840s it maintains a quintessential Victorian feel and boasts beautiful horticulture, walking paths and unique sculptures celebrating Bangor’s maritime heritage. The gardens are generally open from the end of March to the end of October.

Family Fun – Belfast Plus

Discover family fun attractions in Lisburn and Castlereagh and Ards and North Down, just minutes from Belfast. See…

Day Trip to Lisburn and Castlereagh

The Lisburn and Castlereagh area lies 6-9 miles from Belfast. Discover historic villages, walks and fun activities to…

Autumn Half-Term Break

Looking for things to see and do with the kids this autumn half-term? We’ve rounded up the top…

Sensory Friendly Attractions in Belfast

Discover sensory friendly sessions and attractions in Belfast. Enjoy yourself knowing your child is in a safe and…

Easter in Belfast

This Easter enjoy wonderful walks, delicious food, family fun and time with friends. Discover what is going on…

Things to do this Spring

Enjoy fun-filled family days this spring with these top ideas of places to go in Belfast and beyond.

What’s On this Half Term

Looking for things to do with the kids this half term? We’ve rounded up the top family events…

Historic Houses and Stately Homes

From stately homes to historic houses, take in neo-classical and gothic architecture surrounded by sprawling parkland and formal…

Winter Events in Belfast

Light up the dark evenings with sensational events in Belfast and beyond. From festivals, shows, arts and crafts,…

10 Things To Do Within a Half Hour’s Drive of Belfast

Access both countryside and sea shore within a short drive from Belfast, with exciting attractions, historic houses and…

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

• 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 >

• The Gourmet Boys

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is located in the heart of Belfast city centre in Donegall Square. It’s one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings, first opening its doors on the 1st August 1906. Belfast City Hall grounds and memorials are open for the public to walk around and enjoy. If you have time there’s a coffee shop located inside Belfast City Hall called The Bobbin Café, it’s definitely worth a look inside the building while grabbing a coffee in the coffee shop. There are also free tours of the building for the public to find out about the history and see inside. The tours are led by an experienced guide and last around an hour. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis and you normally should register about 10-15 mins before the tour starts to get a spot. Tour Times

• Monday to Friday: 11am, 2pm and 3pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12pm, 2pm and 3pm

Contact Information

Donegall Square Belfast Antrim BT1 5GS

+44 28 9027 0456

[email protected]

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tours

Stay up to date by entering your email below

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

• 9.40 / 10 2,400 reviews | 20,918 travellers A complete success, María is a professional, very educational and fun. It has the salt shaker that a good guide needs to keep you attentive for the 2 hours that the tour lasts. It is a very complete and prepared tour 100% recommended 10 Raul Arribas

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

Giant's Causeway and Titanic Tour

Belfast Political Tour

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.

Basic information regarding personal data protection

Person responsible for the processing: CIVITATIS TOURS, S.L. (CIVITATIS). Purpose: Provision of the services requested; Sending commercial communications about CIVITATIS products and services, for which commercial profiles of our customers may be drawn up; Sending surveys in order to assess the services offered and their degree of satisfaction, as well as the publication of opinions about the service received; Compliance with accounting, legal, fiscal and administrative obligations; Publication of customer images and processing of data for statistical purposes. Rights: You have the right to access, rectify and delete data, to limit its processing, to oppose its processing and to its portability. Additional Information: You can consult additional information on Data Protection in the General Terms and Conditions .

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

• Want to become a guide?

Share my guruwalk

Belfast city free tour. top-rated.

Hello, friends! We are a team of Northern Ireland enthusiasts who do this because we love it. Our goal is to ensure you thoroughly enjoy exploring the city with us! In addition to showing you the city as if you were with a friend, we will provide you with recommendations, travel guides, and everything you need to make your experience even more enjoyable. Wondering where to eat? Need tips on affordable parking? Planning your itinerary for the Giant's Causeway? We've got you covered! From the moment you book the tour until you head home, we will ensure you immerse yourself in the unique charm of Northern Ireland. And even after the tour, we won't disappear – feel free to write to us, and we'll respond. We wish you a fantastic journey!

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Risk of cancellation This tour has a number of guru cancellations higher than the platform average. Check the terms before booking.
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

The Free Tour of Belfast is the ideal way to immerse yourself in this captivating city. Our goal is to make you feel like an old friend is guiding you through the streets.

Belfast is a city deeply influenced by its social events and, particularly, its political conflict , but there's so much more to discover: it's the city where the Titanic was constructed, where Game of Thrones was filmed, and where some of the most iconic Rock&Roll songs of the 20th century were premiered . You'll be amazed by all that this city has to offer!

Since 2005, a transformative wave, starting from City Hall, has been reshaping Belfast , building by building, transforming it into what it is today: a city full of contrasts . The once grey, industrial, and rundown city is now looking towards a promising future and is even referred to as the 'Irish Bilbao'.  

During our tour, we'll traverse through these contrasts: beginning with a 19th-century pub, exploring the most bombed building in history, and moving on to the Titanic Victims Memorial. We'llalso witness contemporary art and murals, and we will have the opportutinito to kiss A GIANT FISH. Want to Discover more? Come and join us!

What will we visit on this tour?

At the front door of the Crown Bar, which is located in front of the Europa Hotel and the bus station. We will carry a blue umbrella.

• 1 Outside visit City Hall
• 2 Outside visit Assembly Buildings
• 3 Outside visit Grand Opera House Show 14 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Europe Hotel

his is our meeting point, quite possibly the most famous pub in the city. We'd like to remind you that we will meet at the main entrance, which you'll recognize as it's located across the street from the Europa Hotel

• 6 Outside visit Grand Central Hotel Belfast
• 7 Outside visit Ulster Hall
• 8 Outside visit The Titanic Memorial Garden
• 9 Outside visit Spirit of Belfast
• 10 Outside visit Joy's Entry
• 11 Outside visit Freemasons' Hall. Arthur Square
• 12 Outside visit Commercial Court
• 13 Outside visit Duke of York
• 14 Outside visit The Dark Horse
• 15 Outside visit Albert Memorial Clock
• 16 Outside visit Custom House Square
• 17 Outside visit Salmon of Knowledge

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 (468)

Muy recomendado, nos quedamos con las ganas de hacer el tour de temas políticos. Andrés fue muy amable y divertido y nos la pasamos de maravilla

Se nota que es una persona que lleva tiempo viviendo aquí y conoce aspectos más allá de la propia historia. Recomendable

Un tour de lo más completo. Alejo fue muy amable con todas las preguntas e indicaciones que le preguntamos al finalizar el tour.

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others cities to visit after belfast, where are you traveling to.

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

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.

• 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

• 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.

Full-Day Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones Film Locations Tour

Admire the stone formations at the Giant's Causeway, visit the unofficial 8th wonder of the World, discover some of the most iconic Game of Thrones locations.

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

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options