Belfast Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide for Belfast, featuring information on places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and nearby destinations and excursions.
- Food and Drink Scene of Belfast
- Where to Stay in Belfast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Belfast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Belfast
- Best Time to Visit Belfast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Belfast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Belfast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Belfast
- Where to Go Next from Belfast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
| Day 1 | Explore the town and visit the Belfast Museum |
| Day 2 | Take a guided tour of the Kusile Power Station |
| Day 3 | Experience the Middelburg Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Go fly fishing in the clear streams of Belfast |
| Day 5 | Take a day trip to the Machadodorp Museum |
| Day 6 | Participate in some outdoor adventures, such as zip-lining or quad biking |
| Day 7 | Relax at the Witbank Dam |
Food and Drink Scene of Belfast
Must-Try Dishes
- Braaivleis: A traditional South African barbeque that is a must-try in Belfast.
- Biltong: This is a local snack that is made by drying meat and is available in many different varieties.
Local Beverages
- Amarula: This is a sweet cream liqueur made from the fruit of the African Marula tree.
- Rooibos Tea: This refreshing tea is indigenous to South Africa and is a must-try for visitors to Belfast.
Where to Stay in Belfast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Dublin Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms and is situated in the heart of Belfast.
- The Mpumalanga Guesthouse: This guesthouse is one of the best in the area and offers excellent service and amenities.
- The Stone House: This hotel is located just outside of Belfast and is perfect for those who want to be close to nature.
What to Buy in Belfast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade Crafts: There are plenty of local artisans who sell handmade crafts, such as pottery, woodwork, and textiles.
- Biltong and Droëwors: These are popular South African snacks and make for great souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of Belfast
Belfast is a melting pot of different cultures, and visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of customs and traditions during their stay. It is common for locals to speak a mixture of Afrikaans and English, and visitors are encouraged to try and learn some basic Afrikaans phrases.
Best Time to Visit Belfast
The best time to visit Belfast is during the autumn and spring months (April to May and September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Do’s and Don’ts of Belfast
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Try to learn a few basic Afrikaans phrases.
- Tread lightly and be mindful of the environment.
Don’t:
- Display any form of public affection.
- Dress inappropriately when visiting local places of worship.
- Disrespect locals or their customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Belfast
Belfast is generally a safe destination, but visitors are advised to take necessary precautions at all times. It is important to be mindful of your surroundings and to avoid displaying any items of value in public.
Health in Belfast
Visitors are advised to be up to date with their routine vaccinations and to take necessary precautions against insect bites.
Getting to Belfast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Belfast
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: This is the closest international airport to Belfast.
Bus Stations Near Belfast
- Belfast Bus Station: This is the primary bus station in Belfast.
Other Options
- Private Car: Visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi to travel to Belfast.
How to Get Around in Belfast
The best way to get around Belfast is by car or taxi.
Where to Go Next from Belfast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- The Kruger National Park: This world-renowned game reserve is just two hours’ drive from Belfast and is a must-visit destination for animal lovers.
- The Drakensberg Mountains: This majestic mountain range is located just outside of Belfast and is perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
Belfast might be a small town, but it has plenty to offer visitors in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s museums and historical sites, or you’re more interested in outdoor adventures and scenic views, Belfast is a destination that won’t disappoint.
