Wheelchair Accessible Belfast | Where to Stay and What to Do

Carrie-Ann Lightley

Mar 166 min read

Belfast is a city full of history, culture, and charm, with plenty to offer wheelchair users looking for an accessible city break. From its fascinating maritime heritage to its rich political history, Belfast welcomes visitors with excellent accessibility across attractions, transport, and accommodation. My recent visit gave me the chance to explore the city in depth, and I was pleased to find a range of wheelchair accessible places to stay, eat, and explore.

Person in a wheelchair smiles in front of a grand, historic building with columns and statues. Gray sky, cobblestone and tiled pavement.

Disclaimer: My trip was hosted by Visit Belfast, who covered the cost of my accommodation, transport, attraction visits and meals. All views are entirely my own, as always.

Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Belfast

I stayed at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, and I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings I have ever stayed in! The hotel is housed in the former Drawing Offices of Harland and Wolff, the very place where the plans for Titanic were created.

Cozy hotel room with a neatly made bed, two chairs by large windows, warm lighting, and a geometric patterned carpet. Urban view outside.

There are six accessible bedrooms, all featuring gorgeous wet room showers with fold-down seats, grab bars, emergency pull cords, and plenty of space.

Bathroom with black-and-white patterned floor, white subway tiles, and a toilet. A sink with a mirror and a light fixture is visible.

Bathroom with patterned black-and-white tile floor, white subway tile walls, shower with curtain, and window with city view.

One issue I noted was the lighting in the corridors leading to rooms. While designed to evoke the feeling of being on a ship, the low lighting may be challenging for anyone with sight loss. I’ve fed this back to the hotel in the hope they can make some adjustments.

Dimly lit hallway with wooden door labeled 218. Geometric floor tiles and a green light at the end create a mysterious ambiance.

Art lovers will be delighted to find over 500 artworks and photographs throughout the building, including vintage posters and rare historical photos, making it feel like stepping back in time to the Golden Age of Ocean Travel.

Spacious atrium with arched ceilings, a central bar, blue couches, and wooden floors. Calm atmosphere with people seated and chatting.

The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, with major attractions, restaurants, and public spaces just metres away. To top it off, the staff were incredible – welcoming, friendly, and always happy to assist. This was genuinely one of my favourite hotel stays in a long time, and I can’t wait to return!

Learn more about the world's most authentic Titanic Hotel.

Getting Around Belfast by Wheelchair

Belfast’s public transport includes accessible options such as the G2 Glider service, which runs between the city centre and the Titanic Quarter with level boarding and designated wheelchair spaces. Value Cabs also provide accessible taxis, which I used for transfers between the airport, hotel, and various locations around the city.

Woman in glasses and beanie smiles on a city bus. Wearing a purple vest and orange sweater. Signs above read Victoria Square, Central Library.

Find all the information you need on accessible ways to get around Belfast.

Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Belfast

Titanic Belfast

No visit to Belfast is complete without experiencing Titanic Belfast, a world-class museum dedicated to the city’s most famous ship. The exhibition spans nine interactive galleries, bringing the story of the Titanic to life through artefacts, immersive displays, and personal stories. Accessibility is excellent, with step-free access throughout, lifts to all floors, and wheelchair accessible toilets.

Modern building with angular design lit in purple hues at dusk, surrounded by wet grass and a rope barrier, cloudy sky overhead.

A highlight of the experience is the Shipyard Ride, a unique attraction designed to take visitors through the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Belfast’s shipbuilding era. This ride is wheelchair accessible, with dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and an immersive journey that provides a real sense of the Titanic’s construction.

A person in a wheelchair smiles inside a vehicle with industrial decor and rope. Black-and-white photo in the background; dim blue lighting.

The museum offers additional accessibility features, including parking, hearing loop systems, and a companion ticket policy. Staff are trained to assist disabled visitors, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.

People explore a dimly lit museum with projected ship blueprints on the floor. Exhibits line the walls, featuring historic images and text.

More information on accessibility at Titanic Belfast.

Belfast Black Taxi Tour

A Black Taxi Tour is the best way to learn about Belfast’s political history. My tour was with Belfast Lad Tours, and while the vehicle was not wheelchair accessible, I was able to transfer from my wheelchair to the car with assistance. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, blending humour, personal stories, and historical detail to bring the city’s past to life.

Colorful mural on a wall featuring a smiling man's portrait with blue chains and text about roles and revenge. A rainy street is in the foreground.

The tour took me through key locations such as the Peace Walls, the Falls and Shankill Road murals, and sites of historical significance from The Troubles. It was an emotional and eye-opening experience, offering a deep understanding of Belfast’s complex history.

Man kneeling beside a woman in a wheelchair in front of a silver van. They're smiling, set against a building backdrop on a rainy day.

For those who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle, Taxi Tours Belfast provides guided tours in accessible taxis, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy Belfast’s rich history without barriers.

Discover BelfastLad's guided tours across Northern Irelan d.

Belfast City Hall

Located in the heart of the city, Belfast City Hall is one of the most iconic landmarks in Belfast. It offers free guided tours, which take visitors through the stunning architecture, history, and governance of Belfast. The tour includes stops at the Grand Staircase, the Great Hall, and the Council Chamber, where visitors can learn about the city’s political and civic heritage.

Historic building with green domes and detailed architecture under a cloudy sky. Pigeons walk on a wet stone path beside a green lawn.

The City Hall Visitor Exhibition is another highlight, featuring interactive displays that provide an in-depth look at Belfast’s history, from its early origins to modern-day developments. This exhibition is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, lifts to all floors, and Changing Places toilets.

Woman with pink tights stands in ornate room with checkered floor, beside a statue and columns. Stained glass windows in background.

Outside, the City Hall Gardens are a peaceful space filled with statues and memorials, including the Titanic Memorial Garden, which commemorates those who lost their lives in the Titanic disaster. The pathways are wide and step-free, making them easy to navigate for wheelchair users.

The Bobbin Coffee Shop, located inside City Hall, is run by Loaf Catering, a social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities. It’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee or a light meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Woman in white sweater smiling at a cafe table with a sandwich and soup. Wooden floor, mural background, other patrons in view.

Learn more about accessibility at Belfast City Hall.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast’s most intriguing historic sites. The guided tour takes visitors through key areas of the former prison, including the underground tunnel, execution cell, and Governor’s office. The building is mostly wheelchair accessible, with lifts providing access to different levels and step-free routes where possible. However, the underground tunnel is not wheelchair accessible, so a video has been installed outside to provide visitors with a visual tour of what lies beyond the steps.

Dimly lit corridor with arched windows, metallic ceiling, and people walking towards a brightly lit area. "Follow This Way" sign on the floor.

For access to C-Wing, visitors can use the lift in the basement. To do so, they must use the assistance call point beside the last drop-in area to alert a staff member. The staff will guide visitors to the lift and unlock the door in the Governor’s Corridor. Once inside C-Wing, there are no additional stairs or steps, but due to the design of the cells, only narrow manual wheelchairs can fit through the doorways, which are approximately 58cm wide.

Dimly lit cell with a projection of a woman behind bars, dark walls, red floor. Historical text visible on the left panel. Mood is somber.

The visitor centre includes wheelchair accessible toilets, and accessible parking is available near the entrance. Staff are on hand to assist visitors with mobility requirements, ensuring a smooth experience throughout the tour. For those with hearing impairments, Crumlin Road Gaol offers hearing loops and other assistive listening devices upon request.

Person in a wheelchair smiling in a vast, empty courtyard of a historic building with a tall chimney. Overcast sky, muted colors.

Check out accessibility at Crumlin Road Gaol.

Where to Eat in Belfast

Belfast has a fantastic food scene, with many wheelchair accessible restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.

Titanic Hotel Belfast – The Wolff Grill – This award-winning restaurant offers a fine dining experience with locally sourced produce. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with spacious seating arrangements and accessible toilets nearby. Expect a menu featuring high-quality seafood, steaks, and classic Irish dishes.
Titanic Hotel Belfast – Drawing Office Two – A more relaxed setting, this bar and restaurant serves light bites, afternoon tea, and classic cocktails in the stunning historic surroundings of the former shipyard offices. The venue has step-free access and an accessible toilet.
The Bobbin Coffee Shop (inside City Hall) – A relaxed café with step-free access and a fantastic social mission.
Fish City – A seafood restaurant known for its fresh, sustainable fish and excellent accessibility.
James St South – A contemporary restaurant offering modern Irish cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
2Taps Wine Bar – A vibrant spot for tapas, offering a relaxed atmosphere with accessible seating and step-free entry.
Home Restaurant – A cosy eatery known for its locally sourced comfort food, offering great accessibility and a welcoming vibe.

Cobblestone alley with colorful hanging umbrellas, lined with potted plants. Neon sign reads "Have you ever seen the rain?" Peaceful vibe.

Shopping in Belfast

Belfast offers a range of shopping experiences, from large modern shopping centres to charming historic arcades, all with good wheelchair accessibility.

Victoria Square – One of Belfast’s premier shopping destinations, Victoria Square features a mix of high-street and designer brands, a large food court, and even a glass dome offering panoramic city views. The centre is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to all floors and step-free entrances.
CastleCourt – A large indoor shopping centre offering a variety of retailers, cafés, and a dedicated food court. CastleCourt has step-free access, spacious aisles, and accessible toilets.
Queen’s Arcade – A beautiful historic shopping arcade housing a selection of boutique stores and luxury brands. Though smaller than the larger malls, Queen’s Arcade offers step-free access and a charming atmosphere for a relaxed shopping experience.
St. George’s Market – If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience, Belfast’s famous market is a must-visit. Open on weekends, it offers local crafts, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. The market is mostly step-free, but it can get busy, so visiting during quieter hours may be more comfortable for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts

Belfast is an incredible city that balancees history with modern accessibility. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent wheelchair accessible attractions, and great food, it’s a fantastic destination for disabled travellers. Whether you’re exploring the Titanic Quarter, diving into the city’s political past, or enjoying some local cuisine, Belfast has something for everyone.