Belfast is a city that rewards visitors with a dynamic mix of history, modern life, and nearby natural wonders. Its compact size makes it ideal for exploring over just a couple of days, especially with well-designed tours that highlight the city’s top sights and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Ireland. Our favorite? The Belfast: 1 or 2-Day Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, which offers panoramic views and easy access to major attractions like Titanic Belfast. Riding through formerly No-Go areas and hearing passionate guides makes this an engaging way to get your bearings, whether you’re there for a quick visit or a longer stay.
If you’re craving an in-depth experience that combines the city with the dramatic coastlines, the Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour is hard to beat. It offers a full-day trip to the iconic geological wonder, along with flexible hop-on hop-off options to explore Belfast at your own pace. For those seeking a fully private experience, the 2-Day Private Northern Ireland Tour combines personalized attention with visits to murals, Game of Thrones filming sites, and the stunning coast. Lastly, the 2Day Private Tour Northern Ireland Top Sights offers a customizable, private itinerary that hits all the major highlights without the crowds.
1. Belfast: 1 or 2-Day Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
This tour is perfect for those wanting a flexible, relaxed way to see Belfast’s key sights. With the hop-on hop-off service, you can choose a 1 or 2-day ticket to explore at your own pace. The open-top bus provides 360-degree panoramic views of the city, making it easy to appreciate Belfast’s architecture, parks, and historical sites. Highlights include Donegall Square West, the Titanic Belfast museum, and vibrant city streets.
Guides are live, passionate storytellers, not just recorded voices, which makes the experience more engaging. Reviews frequently mention the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides like Brian and Dave, who are noted for their humor and depth of local insight. The tour covers once no-go areas, now accessible and full of stories and history, offering a genuine perspective on Belfast’s recent past and present. The flexible ticket options suit visitors with limited time or those wanting to deepen their understanding over two days.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable overview with interesting commentary and easy access to Belfast’s main sights. It’s great for families or first-timers who prefer a laid-back approach.
2. Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour
At number 2, the Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour combines a memorable day trip with flexible Belfast sightseeing. The first day is dedicated to discovering The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. This trip includes traveling along the Causeway Coastal Route, considered one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland, with stops at places like Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle.
The second and third days feature a hop-on hop-off bus pass, allowing you to explore Belfast’s highlights at your own pace. Passengers rave about the driver Dave’s “funny and interesting commentary,” and many appreciate the included discounts at attractions. The flexibility of a multi-day city tour combined with a full-day coastal adventure makes this a great choice for travelers wanting variety without sacrificing depth. The tour is suited for those who enjoy both scenic drives and city exploration.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for money, blending a scenic day trip with the freedom to explore Belfast at your leisure, perfect for travelers who want to combine city and coast.
3. 2-Day Private Northern Ireland Tour
For travelers seeking a personalized experience, the 2-Day Private Northern Ireland Tour is the most customizable option. It offers tailored itineraries that focus on your specific interests, whether that’s Belfast’s murals and political history or the stunning natural landscapes. The tour includes stops at the International Wall Mural, Peace Wall, and Crumlin Road Gaol, with the flexibility to spend more or less time at each.
On the second day, you’ll explore the coast of County Antrim, visiting Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming sites, which can be tailored to your preferences. This private tour is perfect for those who want in-depth storytelling from an expert guide and the convenience of door-to-door service. The guides have a deep knowledge of Northern Ireland’s history and culture, and reviews highlight the “brilliant, informative” experience provided by guides like Louis and Paul.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who value a flexible, private experience with personalized stops and storytelling, especially those with specific interests or limited mobility.
4. 2Day Private Tour Northern Ireland Top Sights Giant’s Causeway Belfast Adventure
At number 4, this private tour offers a comprehensive, customizable two-day itinerary avoiding the crowds typical of large bus tours. Starting from Belfast, the route includes stops at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges, plus the highlight—the Giant’s Causeway. Travelers benefit from private, air-conditioned transportation, which makes for a more comfortable and flexible experience.
This tour emphasizes slow-paced exploration and allows you to tailor the route based on your interests. For example, you might spend more time at the Causeway or visit additional filming locations from Game of Thrones. With a high rating of 5.0, reviews mention the driver’s “brilliant” knowledge and the ability to customize the day. The small-group format offers an intimate look at Northern Ireland’s top sights, with more time to soak in the scenery and history.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a completely private, flexible itinerary combined with the comfort of private transport, perfect for travelers who prefer an exclusive experience.
How to Choose
When selecting your Belfast 2-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you prefer a relaxed overview with lively guides, the hop-on hop-off bus is a good choice. For those eager to combine a scenic day trip with city exploration, the Giant’s Causeway full tour offers great value. Private options like the Northern Ireland private tour or the customizable private adventure are perfect if you want tailored experiences, especially for a more exclusive, comfortable journey.
Booking early is advised during peak seasons, and always check current availability and starting times. Think about your interests: do you want historical insights, natural wonders, or a bit of both? Matching your choice to your style will ensure a memorable Belfast adventure.
Belfast offers a range of options for a 2-day escape, whether you want the hassle-free guided bus, the scenic coastal trip, or a private, tailored experience. For first-time visitors, the hop-on hop-off provides a solid overview, while those seeking deeper immersion might prefer private tours focused on your personal interests. Whichever you choose, Belfast’s rich history and stunning landscapes await. Be sure to book early, and enjoy exploring this captivating city and its surroundings.