Is Belfast Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Belfast, United Kingdom
Safety Index:
56
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
100
* Rated 100 / 100 based on 4 user reviews.

Belfast is the capital and also the largest city of Northern Ireland, as well as the second-largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

During the wars with Ireland, Belfast became a notorious city due to the frequency of gun and bomb attacks in the city center.

However today, and ever since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, most of the politically triggered crimes and violence have vanished and now, that history is what makes this city an intriguing destination for travelers from around the world.

As for safety, Belfast has a reputation of a dangerous city, but that’s often exaggerated.

Warnings & Dangers in Belfast

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Even though the city used to be notorious for being the center of politically motivated crimes, it is now a very safe place to visit. You shouldn't have any problems while staying here.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation is mostly safe and reliable in Belfast, though traffic is known to be rather difficult and overcrowded. Take precaution measures when driving in rural areas, because road safety is low there and always look out for pickpockets.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Since Belfast is the largest city in a country that is, in itself, a popular tourist destination, it is expected that pickpockets operate in the larger cities. Petty theft is the most common form of crime in Ireland, but following basic precautions, rules should take care of this issue.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are almost no threats of natural disasters in Belfast, apart from occasional flooding during spring.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Although there are areas that should be avoided at night, especially around streets with pubs and bars, Belfast is relatively safe when it comes to mugging or kidnapping, though precaution is still advised. Be wary of overly friendly people willing to give you directions, since they may lead you into a secluded area and steal from you.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Belfast since it's a part of the United Kingdom, which has been targeted for years. The plans of attacks can change at any time so be aware of your surroundings the entire time.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There is no risk of getting scammed in Belfast, but still be careful when receiving change, check it twice, negotiate everything in advance and be wary of people offering you unwanted help, directions, etc.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Even though Belfast is pretty safe for women traveling solo, sexually motivated assaults are on the rise in the main cities and it is advised that unaccompanied women take extra precaution measures, especially after dark.

So... How Safe Is Belfast Really?

Even though it’s known for not being safe, a recent study shows that Northern Ireland (and with it, Belfast too) has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

In any case, as a tourist, you shouldn’t concern yourself with the troubles that sometimes occur in Belfast because they’re mostly politically motivated and don’t affect visitors.

In comparison to other European capitals, crime is very low and the crime that does happen is mostly fueled by alcohol, so you should avoid roaming along Belfast’s streets late at night.

As for petty crime, it’s rather rare: while pickpockets do operate, like in any tourist destination, they usually rally in larger cities, and around crowded places such as railway and train stations or popular tourist landmarks.

Take care of your belongings when in larger cities, keep your valuables in a safe place in your accommodation and never leave anything of value in plain sight.

The biggest threat in this city is terrorist attacks, as well as clashes between Ireland and Northern Ireland citizens, groups, extremists, etc.

With the increased attacks in the last two years, tourists are strongly advised to be alert of their surroundings.

Probably the most important thing is not to make any overtly political statements about Northern Ireland, even if you think that your comments will be welcomed by the people to whom you’re making them.

How Does Belfast Compare?

CitySafety Index
Belfast56
London68
Northern Ireland56
Edinburgh70
Scotland71
Glasgow55
Liverpool56
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)61
Niagara Falls (Canada)87
Calgary (Canada)82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)60
Vancouver (Canada)82
Cordoba (Argentina)61

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

If you wish to travel to Belfast you will need to acquire a UK Visa. Some countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days, like the countries of the US. However, if you're planning on traveling to Belfast, contact your local Irish embassy for further and in-depth information. Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months from the date of your departure.

Currency

Currency

The British pound is the official currency in Belfast, although the euro is also accepted in many places. Belfast is pretty expensive as the rest of north-western Europe, so plan on spending around 150 euro per day, including accommodation.

Weather

Weather

Belfast has a temperate maritime climate, thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the Gulf Stream. Northern Ireland receives a lot of precipitation every year, which makes it so popularly green all over. Winters in Belfast are characterized by clouds and rain with the occasional sunny spell.

Airports

Airports

Belfast International Airport is an airport located some 21.3 km northwest of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast International is Northern Ireland's busiest airport and the second busiest airport on the island of Ireland after Dublin Airport.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Belfast, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Belfast Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 4° C
Feb 4° C
Mar 6° C
Apr 8° C
May 11° C
Jun 13° C
Jul 15° C
Aug 15° C
Sep 12° C
Oct 9° C
Nov 7° C
Dec 5° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
6691115171918161397
Low
°C
22346911117543
High
°F
434348525963666461554845
Low
°F
363637394348525245413937

United Kingdom - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Aberdeen63
Bath81
Belfast56
Birmingham44
Bradford42
Brighton67
Bristol58
Cambridge78
Canterbury79
Cardiff64
Coventry41
Dundee60
Edinburgh70
Exeter77
Glasgow55
Inverness73
Leeds56
Leicester43
Liverpool56
London68
Manchester44
Newcastle upon Tyne72
Northern Ireland56
Nottingham56
Oxford66
Peterborough70
Salford43
Scotland71
Sheffield74
Southampton65
Surrey77
York83

Where to Next?

4 Reviews on Belfast

  1. Great

    Great weather, nice people, great food, easy to use transport and cheap.

  2. c
    corey taylor says:

    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

    1. 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!

  3. 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.

Belfast Rated 5 / 5 based on 4 user reviews.

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