Last Updated: June 1, 2022
Is Belfast Safe?
Planning a trip to Belfast but you’re not sure if the city is safe? You’re definitely in the right place then because this detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about tourist safety in Belfast.
The city has truly come a long way in the last two decades and it’s become as safe as any other big city in Europe. Visiting Northern Ireland is fun, exciting, and perfectly safe if you just stick to a few safety tips below!
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History Of The Troubles
The Troubles was a series of conflicts in Northern Ireland that lasted for some 30 years. It started in the 1960s and ended in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
This was a conflict between the unionists and loyalists – those who wanted a united Ireland, and those who preferred the independence of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. This was a big issue in the late 20th century, and the conflict was even described as a violent civil war.
Terror threats were frequent, there was a lot of violence, and it was just not a good time for the citizens of Northern Ireland. However, the country has truly come a long way since then, and although there are still some people on opposing sides of the spectrum, instances of violence and terror are rare enough that the city is generally deemed safe for tourists.
Belfast At Night, Is It Safe To Go Out?
Belfast is one of the safest places in entire Europe so it’s perfectly safe to go out at night, even if you are all alone. Of course, you should still take all the necessary precautions, but you’ll be glad to know that the city is generally very safe. You’re free to go out and explore all the popular tourist attractions in the city – Belfast will welcome you with open arms!
The city centre is one of the safest areas in the city. It’s home to most of the centrally located Belfast tourist attractions, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and the spectacular Belfast city hall. It’s equally safe during the day and night, but it’s smart to avoid unlit alleys at night, especially if you’re on your own.
In addition to the Belfast city centre, South Belfast is also a safe neighborhood. It is the richest area of the city, and it’s mostly trouble-free except for the occasional rows at clubs and bars at Bradbury Place. There’s also quite a bit of student life in this neighborhood, which is the main reason for the occasional altercations and loud parties.
It’s worth noting that Belfast has a very low crime rate and most crimes that do happen are fueled by alcohol. While it might be perfectly safe to go out at night in the city, it’s better to avoid bars because they’re technically the least safe parts of the city.
Solo Travel, Is It Safe?
Yes! Northern Ireland has a very low crime rate in general and Belfast is one of the safest places on the north coast, and it’s definitely safer than Dublin. It’s perfectly safe for solo travelers including women, as long as you still exercise all the precautions you would in any other city.
Don’t walk alone at night in streets where there’s no lighting, keep your valuables inside your bag and pockets, and do not wear flashy jewelry or designer labels. Try to stay inconspicuous, blend in with the locals, and try to be aware of your surroundings as much as possible.
Also, don’t ever get too drunk if you’re on your own in Belfast – although you will likely be fine, chances are you could stumble upon someone who wants to scam you and you won’t stand a chance. It’s also never a good idea to get really drunk when you’re alone in a foreign city, so there’s that.
Public Transport In Belfast
Buses are the main form of public transport in Belfast and they are safe for tourists. They’re locally known as the Translink Metro, but don’t let the name fool you – there’s no subway service in the city, and the name just refers to buses that drive around the town.
It’s worth noting that there were some safety concerns in recent years when two buses burned down in a loyalist neighborhood. But this incident was quickly resolved and the buses continued operating on their normal schedule.
Other ways of getting around Belfast include walking, taxis, and Uber. Both local taxi services and Uber are equally popular in the city, so go with whatever is most convenient for you.
Also, it’s important to note that there is public transport from the Belfast International Airport to the city. The bus service runs seven days a week, and during the busiest times of day, there’s an airport express bus every 15 minutes. The ride from the airport into the city is just £8 for a one-way ticket.
There are even bus lines that transport passengers between Belfast and Dublin airport, and they’re just as affordable.
On top of all that, there’s also a bike-sharing system in Belfast with 30 points throughout the city where you can rent bikes. Cycling is a popular way of getting around the city, plus it’s more affordable than taxis. It’s about 6 pounds to register for three days, and it’s a pound per hour on the bike.
Tap Water in Belfast, Is It Safe To Drink?
Yes, the tap water in Belfast is generally safe to drink. The standards for safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland are pretty high, so you can safely drink the tap water in Belfast without worrying that there will be repercussions for your health.
Locals do it all the time, and it’s much better for the environment than buying plastic water bottles every few days.
Areas To Avoid In Belfast
Belfast is generally a safe city, but there are still some areas that tourists should avoid. The main areas of Belfast to avoid are Falls Road and Shankill in West Belfast, New Lodge, Ardoyne, and Tiger’s Bay in North Belfast, and Short Strand in East Belfast.
It’s worth noting that even these areas aren’t that dangerous during the day, but it’s better not to venture there at night. It’s mostly because the places aren’t very well lit at night, or it’s because of the general population of that specific neighborhood.
In any case, these areas of Belfast aren’t home to major tourist attractions or sights so famous that you have to venture there at night, so it’s likely that you won’t even have a reason to go there anyway.
Top Safety Tips When Visiting Belfast
Although Belfast is generally a safe place to visit, there are a few things you can do to avoid having any issues in Belfast. Here are a few things to keep in mind while traveling in Northern Ireland!
Don’t Talk Politics
Staying safe in Belfast isn’t just about avoiding certain parts of the city, but also avoiding certain topics of conversation. Don’t get into political conversations about Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, even if you’re pretty sure that the person you’re talking to shares your views.
Just avoid that topic of the conversation altogether, and if someone asks your personal views, say you don’t really care about politics. That way you can enjoy the hospitality of the locals and the beauty of the city, without getting into any unfortunate incidents.
If you’re not sure why you should avoid talking politics in Belfast, it’s a good idea to read up on the recent conflicts between loyalists and unionists. It’s been a topic of divide among the citizens of Northern Ireland for decades, and one snarky comment to the wrong person could easily land you in trouble.
No Team Jerseys
It’s no secret that the citizens of the United Kingdom are passionate about football, so it’s best to avoid wearing any football jerseys entirely. It’s kind of similar to the situation with politics, in the sense that it’s best to stay neutral and avoid stating your team preference, especially if you don’t know who the person you’re talking to supports.
The political divide among the people of Northern Ireland translates to football as well – some are avid supporters of UK teams, while others worship Irish teams. There’s even more division down the line, so it’s best to avoid picking a side if possible.
Use Your Common Sense
Staying safe in Belfast really is as easy as using your common sense. It’s about avoiding the troublesome neighborhoods, not getting blackout drunk if you’re on your own in an unknown city, and not venturing into dark alleys. Just use your common sense and don’t do things that you wouldn’t do anywhere else, and you’ll be fine.
Don’t Wear Flashy Jewelry
This is a rule you should follow whenever you are traveling, it’s not specific to just Belfast. Try to blend in with the locals to a degree, and avoid wearing expensive designer labels. Expensive clothes that stand out from the crowds make you an easier target for thieves and pickpockets, and this can be an issue in any city in the world.
So, wear boring outfits that blend in, leave the expensive jewelry at home, and don’t flash any designer labels. The less noticeable you are, the less likely it is you’ll be targeted by thieves.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
