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Layover Ideas Belfast City Airport BHD

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Belfast City Airport

Long layovers can be a drag, but not at Belfast City Airport (BHD). With a wide array of activities and tourist spots nearby, you can turn your layover into a mini vacation. Here are our top 5 layover ideas to make the most of your time at Belfast City Airport.

1. Visit the Tourist Information Center

Start your layover by visiting the Tourist Information Center located in the passenger terminal's arrivals hall. Here, you can get help with onward travel, overnight accommodations, sight-seeing tours and special event bookings for Belfast City, as well as the rest of Northern Ireland. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am-7pm, and on Sundays from 10am-5pm. For off-hours, there is a 24-hour information point offering a selection of travel brochures and other literature.

2. Explore Belfast City

Take advantage of the Airport Express 600 bus service to/from Belfast City Center. Belfast is a city rich in history and culture. Visit the Titanic Belfast, a maritime museum located on the site where the infamous ship was built, or take a stroll in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. You can also explore the Belfast Castle or the Ulster Museum.

3. Take a Tour

Book a tour of the city right from the Tourist Information Center. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or food, there's a tour for everyone. Some popular tours include the Belfast City Sightseeing tour, the Black Taxi tour, or the Belfast Food Tour.

4. Attend a Local Event

Check with the Tourist Information Center for any ongoing major events and festivals in Belfast. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your layover.

5. Visit Derry

If you have a longer layover, consider taking the Airporter express bus service to Derry. This historic city offers a variety of attractions such as the Derry City Walls, the Peace Bridge, and the Tower Museum.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If your layover at Belfast City Airport extends beyond 12 hours and up to 48 hours, you have the opportunity to explore more of what Northern Ireland has to offer. Here are some additional attractions you can visit within a reasonable distance from the airport.

1. Visit the Giant's Causeway

Take a trip to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour's drive from Belfast. This natural wonder, with its unique hexagonal rock formations, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Ireland. Be sure to also visit the interactive visitor center to learn about the myths and geology of the area.

2. Explore the Mourne Mountains

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Mourne Mountains are a must-visit. Just a two-hour drive from the airport, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views. The mountains also inspired the magical landscapes in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia.

3. Discover the Dark Hedges

Fans of Game of Thrones will want to visit the Dark Hedges, a picturesque tree-lined road that has become an iconic filming location for the series. Located about an hour's drive from Belfast, it's a perfect spot for some memorable photos.

4. Tour the Bushmills Distillery

If you're a whiskey enthusiast, consider visiting the Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed distillery. Located near the Giant's Causeway, you can take a guided tour to learn about the whiskey-making process and enjoy a tasting session.

5. Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

For those seeking a bit of adventure, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a thrilling experience. Suspended almost 100 feet above sea level, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. It's located near the Giant's Causeway, allowing you to visit both attractions in one trip.

Updated on: November 22, 2023

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