United Kingdom : Safety by City
- Aberdeen
- Bath
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Canterbury
- Cardiff
- Coventry
- Dundee
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow
- Inverness
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Northern Ireland
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Peterborough
- Salford
- Scotland
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Surrey
- York
Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and the second-largest city on the island of Ireland.
Birthplace of the Titanic, this country has much to explore, from history to architecture and a ton of culture.
Home to traditional pubs as well as the most cutting-edge foods, this is a city of contrasts.
The big question is, “How safe is it to visit Belfast?”
Let’s find out.
Warnings & Dangers in Belfast
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
The overall risk in Belfast is medium at best. Few areas are safe at night. It is essential to avoid many subjects of discussion because tempers can rise quickly.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
If you stick to the larger taxi services and public buses and trains, the safety risk is low. However, be wary of people who are offering taxi services that are not recognized. All the buses and trains are completely safe as long as you exercise basic watchfulness.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
As with any large city, the pickpocket risk is high in Belfast. Not only is the individual criminal something to watch out for, but there are organized criminal rings that employ the distraction method. Be wary of any such distractions and watch your surroundings. Keep all your valuables out of sight and in a bag you can keep close, such as a fanny pack or body bag.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The risk of natural disasters in Belfast is very low. There are only very minor earthquakes. The main risks are landslides and flooding. The wind can be a bit strong in the winter, but it rarely reaches the intensity of a hurricane. There is a slight chance of a tsunami if there is an earthquake at sea, but that isn't normally an issue, as the earthquakes in this area are mild.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The mugging risk is low to medium in Belfast. As long as you keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables hidden and use a fanny pack or body bag, you are not likely to be mugged unless you are wandering around at night.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
The terrorism threat in Belfast is considered substantial, which is medium. For the current risk level, you can visit here. There seems to be more risk of terrorism from within the country than from outside.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
The risk of scams in Belfast is high. The greatest scam is people asking for money for services and not providing them, or selling cheaply made merchandise that is claimed to be of higher quality.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
The risk for women travelers in Belfast is on par with other countries, so it is a medium risk. By following common sense practices and not wandering into pubs alone, a woman traveler is as safe as any other in the city. Take time to research options used by women travelers previously, such as the safest hotels, to help plan your trip.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
According to Ireland's water provider, the tap water in Belfast is perfectly safe. In areas that have older pipes, however, there may be a higher risk of lead exposure. Whenever possible, use cold tap water for drinking or cooking, as it has less likelihood of coming into contact with older pipes.
Safest Places to Visit in Belfast
The City Centre
This is home to most of the popular things to see and do in Belfast.
There are restaurants to meet every taste, pubs, a lot of street art, and plenty of culture.
Nights might get a bit rowdy, but the overall safety level is high.
South Belfast
This is one of the most relaxed areas of the city.
It is near the University, and you can often find a mixed age group of people just enjoying the day.
The train station area requires some diligence with regard to personal items.
West Belfast
This area has a multitude of murals to enjoy and is home to the famous Peace Wall.
There are areas, however, that are best avoided at night.
Taking a bus tour of this area will allow you to enjoy the numerous sites and stay safe.
There are several bus tour options available within the city.
Places to Avoid in Belfast
East Belfast
This is an area that is best avoided, especially at night.
This is the only area of the city that has seen a rise in crime this past year.
If you wish to visit the nearby Titanic Quarter, do so during the day.
The Falls Road and The Shankhill Road
Both of these are in West Belfast and can get a bit dangerous at night.
Tiger’s Bay
While not extremely dangerous during the day, this area has seen its share of trouble over the years once the sun goes down.
It is best to avoid this area, especially at night.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Belfast
- Avoid talking about politics. While tension has decreased in the past thirty years, there is still a strong divide regarding politics. It is especially important to stay away from discussions of this nature.
- Don’t wander at night. While the city, especially in the center, is fairly safe during the day, there can be a lot of unrest during the night hours. It is best to stay near your hotel during the night.
- Use common sense. The same rules you would use when traveling anywhere apply here. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or show that you are in possession of a lot of money. Stick to a planned schedule and path, and make sure your belongings are always safely secured.
- Team jerseys can cause friction, avoid them when possible. The only thing that might rival the hat of politics in Belfast is the discussion of sports teams. It is best to avoid wearing anything that might show a preference, just in case.
- Stick to tourist areas. The city itself is fairly safe during the day, but some areas are best avoided. Rather than risk wandering into one of these places, it is best to stay in the populated tourist areas while in the city.
- Use official taxis and public transport. Rather than wandering around on foot, plan your destination and travel by a well-established method to avoid getting lost. Numerous “fake” taxi services will charge you outlandish prices.
- Use safer ATMs. Whenever possible, use indoor ATMs as they are safer, and you have a greater chance of securing your money when inside. Indoor ATMs are also less likely to fall prey to security hacks like code devices.
- Avoid public wi-fi. While it can be tempting, remember that there are computer crimes everywhere. It is safer to use a network you are familiar with. If the Wi-Fi is in a spot such as the airport, it is safer. Many hotels also offer free Wi-Fi, but make sure to investigate their safety protocols before using it.
- Secure important information. Whenever possible, place originals in a hotel safe and carry only copies of important papers such as your ID. When not in use, make sure all valuables are locked up.
- Avoid drinking alone. The greatest dangers in Belfast occur at night, especially when the pubs close. Avoid entering drinking establishments alone, especially if you are unaware of the specific clientele served there. Try to find someone you trust to join you, or avoid this activity completely.
So... How Safe Is Belfast Really?
Belfast isn’t the danger zone it was just three decades ago, but there are still areas where tensions run high, and tempers are short.
Staying in the center of town or in areas that are frequented by tourists is normally safe, but it is advisable not to wander too far from these areas, especially at night.
Women can travel as safely here as anywhere else, and the risk of natural disasters is low as long as you check information regarding flooding, which is the greatest danger in this regard in Belfast.
Avoid controversial topics involving politics, religion, and sports teams, and you are good to go regarding conversation.
Residents of Belfast are normally friendly and love talking with tourists.
Use common sense, stick close to your hotel at night, and use trusted modes of transportation, and you can enjoy a safe, fun-filled visit to Belfast.
How Does Belfast Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belfast |
65 |
| Scotland |
71 |
| York |
83 |
| Brighton |
67 |
| Salford |
43 |
| Inverness |
73 |
| Canterbury |
79 |
 Zanesville | 68 |
| Hulett | 79 |
 Vatican City | 72 |
 Krakow | 75 |
 Karachi | 35 |
 Siwa Oasis | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers from the United States do not currently need a visa when visiting Belfast. You will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization. This is good for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and costs 16 pounds per person.
Currency
In Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, the currency is the pound sterling (£). Banks are the best places to get your money exchanged. Keep in mind, however, that credit cards are also widely accepted throughout the city. For a current currency exchange rate, you can visit an exchange calculator before leaving on vacation.
Weather
The weather in Belfast is naturally warm but not too hot in the summer months, but it can get muggy. In the winter, there is snow, and the temperature can dip below freezing. It is advisable to bring rain gear throughout the year as Belfast has its fair share of rain, especially in the autumn months. Make sure to bring snow boots, a warm coat, and gloves during the winter. Overall, the temperature varies mostly between 37 degrees F and 65 degrees F. On only very rare occasions does the temperature fall below 29 degrees F or get above 72 degrees F.
Airports
There are two main airports in the Belfast area: Belfast International Airport is located about 13 miles northwest of the city. This is a large airport that serves international travel clients. It also offers choices for budget flights. This airport is easily accessed by bus or rental car. George Best Belfast City Airport is a mere three miles from downtown Belfast. This airport is smaller and is more focused on UK and European travel. It has a quick security check and free Wi-Fi that is safe to use.
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance isn't required to travel to Belfast, there are numerous reasons for the traveler to obtain it. Trip cancellations, delays, changes of plans, and lost luggage are all things that are not just annoying but also costly. Travel insurance will cover the majority of these. It will also cover lost or stolen items such as your passport and other travel documents. Medical expenses are another reason to consider travel insurance. Your medical insurance will rarely cover foreign hospitals. While nobody wants to think of an accident while enjoying an adventure or an illness, it is better to be prepared.
Belfast Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| Low °C |
2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F |
45 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 57 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 59 | 54 | 48 | 45 |
| Low °F |
36 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 50 | 46 | 43 | 39 | 36 |
United Kingdom - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 63 |
| Bath | 81 |
| Belfast | 65 |
| Birmingham | 44 |
| Bradford | 42 |
| Brighton | 67 |
| Bristol | 58 |
| Cambridge | 78 |
| Canterbury | 79 |
| Cardiff | 64 |
| Coventry | 41 |
| Dundee | 60 |
| Edinburgh | 75 |
| Exeter | 77 |
| Glasgow | 60 |
| Inverness | 73 |
| Leeds | 56 |
| Leicester | 43 |
| Liverpool | 65 |
| London | 70 |
| Manchester | 60 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 72 |
| Northern Ireland | 65 |
| Nottingham | 56 |
| Oxford | 66 |
| Peterborough | 70 |
| Salford | 43 |
| Scotland | 71 |
| Sheffield | 74 |
| Southampton | 65 |
| Surrey | 77 |
| York | 83 |
Great
Great weather, nice people, great food, easy to use transport and cheap.
Wasnt bad. Met someone called starzy was a bit mad, offered me a bubbly john and we got proper chilled out all in all i would recommend, loads of fat burds
As a local who is often out in Belfast at night, I can assure you that a lot of the “risks” outlined here are exaggerated. Belfast people are very friendly, and the risk from terrorism has all but gone in the city. There is a vibrant night life, with lots of bars and restaurants, and a great buzz in the city centre at night. I feel much safer there than I do in many other cities in the UK. Come and pay us a visit!
Lovely friendly city.
Just arrived back from Belfast with family members. Taxi driver Paul was brilliant, highly recommended, gave us lots of tips where to go. Visited Titanic museum which was great and had several lovely meals in city centre. Everywhere seemed friendly and safe.
I was just in Belfast and the mix of history and modern vibes is really something, but I’m curious, did you find any spots that felt particularly welcoming for newcomers?
Walking back through the Cathedral Quarter after a late gig, past the murals and noisy pubs, I felt that mix of grit and warmth that kind of sums Belfast up for me.
I’ve walked back from the pubs around Cathedral Quarter after midnight and felt mostly fine, but I still keep an eye out around certain corners, so I’m curious if you’ll dig into those bits instead of just painting Belfast as all charm and no rough edges.