Visitor information

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is Belfast City Council's civic building. It is located in Donegall Square, in the heart of Belfast city centre. It first opened its doors on 1 August 1906.

Coronavirus update

In response to coronavirus, there will be no public tours or functions in City Hall. The exhibition is closed.

The Registration Office is currently closed to the public. Find out about registering births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships.

Bobbin Coffee Shop is closed.

​The grounds

The grounds at the front of City Hall are open. Please remember to keep a safe distance from others.

Opening hours

• Opening times and tour times may vary during public and bank holidays

Location

Belfast City Hall is in Donegall Square.

Belfast City Hall
Donegall Square
Belfast
BT1 5GS 

Directions

By Train

Translink operate regular train services to and from Belfast City Centre. For up-to-date information on timetables please visit www.translink.co.uk. Lanyon Place Station and Great Victoria Street Station are both within walking distance to City Hall.

By Bus

Translink operate a range of services to Belfast City Centre. For up-to-date information on timetables please visit www.translink.co.uk

By Air

George Best Belfast City Airport is a 10 - 15 minute drive to City Hall, with regular bus links and taxi or car hire available at the airport. For full details visit www.belfastcityairport.com.

Belfast International Airport is a 20-30 minute drive to City Hall with regular bus links and taxi or car hire available at the airport. For full details visit www.belfastairport.com.

Facilities

Toilet facilities

Toilets can be found in the east foyer of City Hall on the ground floor which include unisex, fully accessible facilities.

Gift shop

You can purchase a range of souvenir merchandise at our gift shop located at the main reception. Items available include pens, pencils, magnets, books, keyrings, toys and ceramics.

Family facilities

A family room can be found in the east foyer of City Hall on the ground floor which includes baby changing facilities.

We also welcome breastfeeding in Belfast City Hall

• Find out more about the scheme

Guide and assistance dogs facilities

A dog spend area for guide and other assistance dogs is available just inside the gates located at the south-east of the building.  The facility is available for use during City Hall opening hours.

Changing Places facility

A Changing Places facility is located just inside the main entrance to City Hall.

Access to the Changing Places facility is between 9am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday.  

During normal business hours (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm) a swipe card, needed to access the Changing Places facility, is available at the main City Hall reception desk. Outside of these hours, the access card is available from security staff based at the rear entrance to the building on Donegall Square South.

Equipment within the Changing Places facility:

• height-adjustable adult sized changing bench 
• hoist 
• centrally placed toilet with space either side 
• accessible shower 
• non-slip floor 
• privacy screen.

You can find information on other Changing Places facilities in Belfast on the Changing Places website.

BelfastWiFi

Free Wi-Fi is available at this venue.

• Read our terms and conditions

Accessibility at City Hall

Visitors can access City Hall through the front entrance on Donegall Square North and the back gate at Donegall Square South. City Hall is accessible to disabled users and visitors. Facilities include: 

• ramps at the front and rear entrances 
• wheelchair-friendly lift access to all floors 
• main passenger lift fitted with voice enunciation and embossed lift controls 
• adapted toilets 
• automatic door openers on all main access routes within the building 
• an induction loop system at our reception area and in our main rooms for those with hearing impairments 
• Changing Places facility 

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also available upon request; ask at our main reception area for more information. 

Visitors with special requirements

We recommend that visitors or groups with special requirements book in advance to visit the exhibition or for a guided tour. 

Induction loops are available at the Visitor Exhibition and Tour Reception, The Bobbin Coffee Shop and Gift Shop.

Groups can arrange for a signer to assist in the delivery of a private guided tour if required by contacting a member of the team in advance.

A dog spend area for guide and other assistance dogs is available just inside the gates located at the south-east of the building.  The facility is available for use during City Hall opening hours.

A Changing Places facility is located just inside the main entrance to City Hall. Access to the Changing Places facility is between 9am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday. 

A swipe card is needed to access the Changing Places facility. It is available at the main City Hall reception desk or from security staff based at the rear entrance to the building on Donegall Square South. For more information, visit our facilities tab.

Guided tours

The guided tour takes place on the first floor of the building, however lift access is available for guests with mobility issues. 

City Hall bye-laws

• View the bye-laws for the City Hall grounds