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The 11 Best Drinking Tours in Belfast
Belfast isn’t just a city of remarkable history and lively culture—it’s also a fantastic place to explore Ireland’s famed pub scene. Whether you prefer pedaling through the city on a beer bike, sampling craft beers and street food, or enjoying local pubs with live music, Belfast has a tour for you. We’ve found some of the best options for a fun, authentic experience that combines sightseeing, socializing, and tasting.
Among our favorites is the Belfast Beer Bike tours, which offers a unique way to see the city's sights while enjoying your favorite drinks. If you’re into a lively night out, the Belfast Pub Crawl delivers history, local pubs, and Irish music rolled into one. And for those who love to blend culture with cuisine, the Guided Food Walking Tour combines street art, food, and drink in a memorable route. Whichever you choose, Belfast’s drinking tours promise good company, great drinks, and a taste of the local scene.
Quick Overview of Belfast Drinking Tours
Our list includes pedal-powered beer tours like the Belfast Beer Bike tours and Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour, which turn sightseeing into a playful activity. For a more traditional pub experience, the Belfast Pub Crawl and Historic Pub Tour explore legendary bars, sharing stories and sampling Irish specialties. Food and drink lovers will appreciate the Guided Food Walking Tour with street art, oysters, and whiskey. And if you're looking for a lively, energetic experience, the Pub Golf on a Party Bike offers a fun twist with neon lights and a friendly competition. Below, we break down each tour to help you decide what fits your style.
1. Belfast Beer Bike Tours
This 1-hour pedal-powered tour replaces traditional city buses with a lively, mobile pub. It’s perfect for groups wanting a flexible, social way to explore Belfast’s sights, including the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast City Hall. The bring-your-own-drinks policy means you can select your favorite tipples—beer, cider, or even soft drinks—and enjoy them as you pedal through the city streets. The guide keeps everyone on track, and you can even choose your own music to set the mood.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on group participation and flexibility. The minimum group size is eight, ideal for friends or larger parties. Reviews rave about the fun atmosphere, with one mentioning, “We drank, laughed, and sang Christmas songs while peddling around Belfast.” It’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with socializing, especially if you’re in Belfast with a big group looking for something different.
Bottom Line: If you want an active, customizable experience with a focus on fun and friends, this tour offers unbeatable value for just over $27 per person.
2. Belfast Pub Crawl
For a 3.5-hour journey through Belfast’s legendary pub scene, the Belfast Pub Crawl is hard to beat. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit historic pubs like McHugh’s (dating back to 1711), Kelly’s Cellars (from 1720), and White’s Tavern (first licensed in 1630). Along the way, enjoy live music, Irish dancers, and stories about Belfast’s colorful drinking past. The tour also includes one free drink, with plenty of opportunities to purchase more.
The pub crawl is praised for its well-chosen venues, lively atmosphere, and engaging guides. Several reviews mention the quality of the entertainment and the authenticity of the pubs, with one noting, “Great fun, with a knowledgeable guide and excellent local drinks.” It’s perfect for travelers who want to soak up Belfast’s bar culture while making new friends in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Budget-friendly at around $22, this tour delivers a lively evening filled with music, history, and Irish hospitality.
3. Belfast: City Centre Beer Bike Tour
The Belfast City Centre Beer Bike Tour uses a 16-person pedal bike to explore the heart of Belfast. Over about an hour, you’ll cycle through key sights in the city center while enjoying your own drinks. The tour emphasizes social fun, with groups of 7 to 16 people sharing the pedal effort and stories along the way.
What’s unique here is the blend of sightseeing with active participation. The guide shares Belfast’s history in a casual tone, making the experience both informative and entertaining. Tour reviews highlight the “brilliant and fun” atmosphere, with praise for the guides’ attentiveness. For around $30, it’s a good option for active travelers who want to combine city highlights with a drink.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those looking for a lively but relaxed way to see Belfast while enjoying a drink or two.
4. Belfast: Guided Food Walking Tour with Street Art and Pubs
This 3-hour food tour combines Belfast’s culinary delights with its vibrant street art and pub culture. Starting with hot chocolate, a cannolo, and a shot of chocolate liquor, you’ll then taste freshly caught oysters and sample local whiskeys. The tour visits traditional pubs and features secret dishes that showcase Northern Irish cuisine.
What sets this tour apart is the balance of food, drink, and culture. The guide’s local insights and the chance to see street art add depth to the experience. Reviewers love Trevor’s friendly, knowledgeable style and the variety of samples. It’s ideal for food lovers who want an immersive taste of Belfast’s flavors and stories.
Bottom Line: For around $115, this tour offers a well-rounded experience for those interested in Belfast’s food scene and street art.
5. Belfast: Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks
This 3.5-hour pub crawl takes you through the city’s most popular pubs, with a mix of live Irish music and Irish dancers, making it a lively night out. Led by a friendly guide, the itinerary includes stops at the Albert Memorial Clock and local favorite bars, with two included drinks and free time to order more.
Guests highlight the engaging guides and the authentic pub experience. The tour’s pace allows for relaxed socializing and an appreciation of Belfast’s vibrant pub scene. If you enjoy music, dancing, and meeting fellow travelers, this tour makes for a memorable night.
Bottom Line: At around $28, it’s a lively, music-filled evening perfect for those who want a social pub experience with a local touch.
6. Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Beer Bike Tour
The Cathedral Quarter Beer Bike offers a 1-hour pedal tour through Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter. Using pedal power with a group of 7-16 people, you can enjoy the sights while bringing your own drinks or preordering them. The route showcases the area’s stunning architecture, street art, and lively atmosphere.
Guests mention that the “routes were changed due to protests,” but still enjoyed the laughter and banter. The guides, Ruben and Owen, are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. It’s a laid-back option for those who want to explore Belfast’s cultural heart with a drink in hand.
Bottom Line: Suitable for small groups seeking a fun, active way to learn about Belfast’s history and sights.
7. Belfast : Pub Music, Street Art Experience Walking Tour
This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through Belfast’s streets, exploring its world-class street art, live music venues, and historic pubs. Led by Marti, you’ll hear stories about the city’s music scene and see murals that reflect Belfast’s past and present. The tour emphasizes local culture, with visits to bars where locals hang out.
Reviewers appreciate Marti’s knowledge and friendly approach, noting it’s a perfect introduction for first-time visitors. It’s a great blend of art, music, and pub culture—ideal for travelers who want to understand Belfast’s soul without the party-heavy atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A cultural walk for those interested in Belfast’s artistic and musical roots, priced at around $25.
8. Belfast: Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour
This 3.5-hour tour explores Belfast’s craft beer scene alongside its street food culture. Led by a resident beer geek, you’ll visit top beer bars and street food venues, sampling some of the best brews from local breweries. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want a taste of Belfast’s growing craft scene.
Guests rave about the quality of the beers and the insights from the guide, making it a more specialized experience. The tour is suited for those who enjoy pairing food and drinks and want to learn about Belfast’s brewing innovations.
Bottom Line: For $115, it’s a premium experience ideal for serious beer lovers and foodies alike.
9. Belfast: Historic Pub Tour
In just 2 hours, this Historic Pub Tour takes you to some of Belfast’s most iconic pubs, sharing stories of their roles in the city’s past. One reviewer calls it an “outstanding tour,” highlighting its focus on Belfast’s architecture and mural history alongside tastings of Guinness and local whiskeys.
Perfect for those interested in Belfast’s heritage and architecture, this tour offers a deep dive into stories behind the pubs themselves. It’s suitable for travelers looking for an intimate, history-focused experience.
Bottom Line: A concise yet rich tour, great for history buffs wanting a taste of Belfast’s pub legacy.
10. A WeeTaste of Belfast History Tour of its Historic Pubs, Shops and Scenery
Over 6-7 hours, this private, full-day tour combines historic pubs, scenic views, and shopping. Led by an expert guide, the tour includes visits to Belfast’s 100+ year old pubs and the Knockagh Monument with panoramic views. It features tastings of Irish whiskey and Guinness along the way.
This tour appeals to travelers who want a comprehensive, personalized experience, with in-depth stories and a focus on Belfast’s landmarks. Reviews praise the tour’s professional guidance and relaxed pace, making it a good choice for those with more time.
Bottom Line: A luxury, all-day experience suited for discerning travelers seeking depth and comfort.
11. Belfast: 2-Hour Pub Golf Tour on Party Bike
The playful 2-hour Pub Golf Party Bike features a neon-lit pub course with nine “watering holes.” Participants dress for social media photos, bring their own drinks, and enjoy a fun, lively atmosphere. The tour includes a dedicated lounge and options like karaoke and selfie stations.
Ideal for groups looking for a party atmosphere rather than a traditional pub experience, this tour is perfect for celebrating special occasions or just having a wild night out.
Bottom Line: It’s a high-energy, customizable experience great for groups eager to combine drinking with a bit of friendly competition.
How to Choose Your Belfast Drinking Tour
Depending on your preferences, Belfast offers a wide range of options. If you’re into active fun and want to see the city at your own pace, the Beer Bike tours or the City Centre Beer Bike are excellent choices. For those who want historical insights paired with traditional Irish pub atmosphere, the Historic Pub Tour or Pub Crawl deliver authentic stories and lively music.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Pub Crawl or Cathedral Quarter Beer Bike, while foodies might prefer the Food Walking Tour. If you’re after a lively night, the Pub Golf or Party Bike provide energetic, social experiences.
Book early during peak seasons, especially for popular tours like the Craft Beer and Street Food Tour. Consider your fitness level, group size, and whether you prefer a guided walk or a pedal-powered adventure.
Final Thoughts
Belfast’s drinking tours are as diverse as the city itself—from pedal-powered pub-hopping to immersive food and drink explorations. For a hands-on, fun way to see the sights, the Belfast Beer Bike tours and City Centre Beer Bike are hard to beat. If you want a traditional pub experience with history and live music, the Pub Crawl and Historic Pub Tour are perfect.
For those eager to learn about Belfast’s craft beer scene or street art, the guided Craft Beer and Street Food and Street Art Walking Tour will satisfy your curiosity. And if you’re celebrating or looking for a lively party, the Pub Golf Party Bike offers a memorable, energetic outing.
No matter your style, Belfast’s drinking tours promise a rich mix of fun, flavor, and local culture. To ensure you don’t miss out, plan ahead and book early—these experiences are popular for good reason.