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Bucket list experience:

Close up of a lit up cab light

London black taxi cab waits in a backstreet with it orange light on to be hailed.

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

There’s far more to Belfast than The Troubles, but that doesn’t mean the city’s chequered past should be forgotten. If you’re curious about Belfast’s political history, the best way to learn about it is on a black cab tour around the city. 

These tours are led by people who lived through The Troubles, and have a unique insight into that tumultuous period of time.  

They’ll share personal stories that can’t be found in any history book, and tell the tales behind the city’s unique political murals, as well as visiting areas of the city you might not choose to visit independently, including  the Peace Wall, separating Shanklin Road and The Falls. 

Price from: £65
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

The driver will pick you up from your hotel and then head to the Cathedral Quarter in the city centre, where the 2-hour tour will start. There is usually a set base cost, then an increase per person (up to 5). 

When to do it

Tours generally run all year, bar some public holidays. It’s best to avoid booking a tour during morning or evening rush hour, for obvious reasons.  

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Belfast Black Taxi Tour

Private Belfast Black Taxi Tour

Belfast

The tour we provide is a journey into Ireland’s past by guides who have lived and breathed the most recent conflict and can deliver a narrat...

£36 | Rating 5 / 5 [46 ratings]

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Belfast black taxi tours

Belfast black taxi tours

Belfast

Welcome to N.i.black taxi tours, the leading black taxi tour company in Belfast. Allow us to take you on a incredible journey full of histo...

£40 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [293 ratings]

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Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour ™

Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour ™

Belfast

Get a local’s insight into the Troubles that divided Belfast and how they shaped the city and its street art on this intimate street art tou...

£54 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [367 ratings]

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Cab tours belfast famous black taxi tours

Cab tours belfast famous black taxi tours

Belfast

We are the only company in Belfast that is owned by a catholic and Protestant doing what we do we give you a Non-biased tour on the past tro...

£60 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [2243 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Elegant and glamorous yet laid back, this charming hotel pairs suave, retro-feeling interiors with a central location.

Official star rating:

Grand Central Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

A smart, modern design hotel with exceptional views of the city, in a great central location.

Official star rating:

Malmaison Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Sultry, chic and quietly opulent, this boutique hotel is the perfect base for a romantic getaway.

Official star rating:

Bullitt Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

An artsy, lively hotel in the heart of the city, where vibrant style meets excellent value.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Belfast

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Northern Ireland’s capital makes for a surprisingly arty city break, with convivial and cosy pubs, elegant architecture and cutting-edge cuisine.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Crumlin Road Gaol

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Belfast’s imposing former prison offers a haunting peek into the city’s tumultuous history, from famous inmates to infamous riots.   

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

Giant’s Causeway

Bushmills, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Northern Ireland’s most famous natural landscape, this UNESCO World Heritage site is shrouded in legend and folklore.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Belfast’s Street Art

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Discover Belfast’s vibrant and fascinating street art, and the stories behind them, on tours led by local artists.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1 hour

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

External view of the castle during the daytime
Experience

Belfast Castle

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Built in 1860 and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. If you need a break from the city, go for the city views, landscaped gardens and some local history at the visitor centre.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Street view of the colourful Crown Bar decorated in full colour
Experience

Crown Bar

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

A Victorian ‘Gin Palace’, restored to its original glory by the National Trust and now a Belfast landmark. The elaborate interiors feature colourful mosaics, stained-glass windows, decorative ceilings, and snugs lit by gas lamps.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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St George’s Market

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

This historic Victorian market is filled with local crafts, the best Belfast produce and a jostling gaggle of local food-lovers.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

A row of flowers in front of a magnificent large white Victorian greenhouse
Experience

Belfast Botanic Gardens

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

A 30-minute stroll from the city, these gardens (and beautiful Victorian greenhouse) cover 28 acres, packed with unusual trees and shrubs – perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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