One Day in Belfast: Murals, Peace Wall, and City Highlights

Belfast is a city shaped by contrast—industrial heritage and political turbulence on one side, creativity and resilience on the other. We spent one day exploring its streets by open-top bus, taking in the murals, Peace Wall, and architecture that tell its own story.

Morning Coffee and a Bird’s-Eye View

Our day began with coffee and cake at Costa, just across from City Hall. From there, we boarded the hop-on, hop-off open-top bus—a smart way to see the city’s sites and hear the story of Belfast.

The helpfulness and friendliness people was a tribute to the people of Belfast. One young lad went out of his way to walk us to our bus stop and we did not need to ask for help navigating the city as various people senced the we were "lost" and offered their help.

A Brief History of Belfast

To understand Belfast today, here’s what you need to know:

• It was once a booming industrial center known for shipbuilding and linen.
• The Troubles (late 1960s to 1990s) brought decades of violent conflict.
• The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 began a new era.

Belfast doesn’t hide its history. It invites you to see it up close.

The Murals of Belfast: Art and Politics

West Belfast is home to one of the most striking public art scenes in Europe. Along Falls Road and Shankill Road, the murals are not just decorative—they’re political, historical, and deeply personal.

You’ll see tributes to activists, remembrances of conflict, and symbols of identity. No filter. No rewriting of history.

The Peace Wall: Belfast’s Dividing Line

One of the most impactful parts of our tour was stopping at the Peace Wall.

• Built to separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods during the height of the Troubles.
• Still standing today—up to 25 feet tall in parts and stretching for miles. The wall was made higher in places to prevent missiles being thrown over the wall and you can see the original wall, an additional layer then finally a wire fence on top.
• Covered in thousands of handwritten messages from visitors around the world.

You can walk a section of the wall, and you’re encouraged to leave your own message. Seeing layers of graffiti, signatures, hopes, and confessions scrawled across it is humbling. It’s a rare and powerful space that invites reflection.

Belfast’s Architecture: Industrial Past Meets Modern Rebuild

The city’s architecture captures its mix of tradition and transition.

• City Hall – Classic Edwardian and right at the city’s heart.
• Albert Memorial Clock – A Victorian clock tower with a slight lean.
• Queen’s University – Red-brick and stately with Gothic charm.

You’ll also spot remnants of the city’s industrial backbone: red-brick terraces, shipyard cranes, and stark modern additions that signal Belfast’s evolution.

Pints at the Morning Star Pub

We ended the afternoon at The Morning Star, one of Belfast’s oldest pubs. Tucked into a narrow alley, it’s full of character and a great place have a pint.

We ordered a pint of Guinness and a Smithwick's. It is obligatory to have a Guinness when visiting Ireland but my go to beer is a Irish Red Ale and particularly Smithwick's.

People watching is a fun pastime and provides an interesting window into local culture.

Why Belfast Belongs on Your Itinerary

If you're looking for a destination steeped in history and authenticity, Belfast delivers.

Walk the streets, read the walls and talk to people. Belfast rewards the curious.

Next: Our Titanic Belfast Experience

We saved this one for a dedicated post—Titanic Belfast deserves it. Coming soon.

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com

Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda

Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

Find Rentals
→ Economybookings

Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City

Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups

Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor

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