Hey Lykkers! Derry is the kind of city that quietly wins you over. It looks small on a map, and it is, but the stories packed into its streets could fill a much bigger place.

The Guildhall sits right on the banks of the River Foyle, a red sandstone landmark that acts as a natural starting point for exploring the walled city. From there, almost everything worth seeing is within walking distance, and most of it costs nothing. Here are six stops worth building your day around.

The Guildhall

Start here because it anchors the city center and costs almost nothing. The neo-Gothic building dates back to 1887, and its clock was modelled on London's Big Ben.

Inside, the stained-glass window collection is the real highlight, donated by London companies and depicting everything from fishmongers to musicians. Entry is free, and guided tours cost just US$2–3 per person depending on exchange rates (cost may vary). There is a café on the ground floor if you need a break, and the building is fully wheelchair accessible. This is also where you can pick up information for the rest of your walk.

The City Walls

Derry is the only completely intact walled city on the island of Ireland, and walking the walls is the best free activity in town. The circuit is about 1.6 kilometers, and you can walk the whole loop in around an hour if you do not stop constantly for photos. Built between 1613 and 1618, the walls still have their original cannons and watchtowers, and they give you views down into The Diamond, across to the Bogside, and over the River Foyle. There is a free app called Walk the Walls that adds historical context through video and photos, which is worth downloading before you set out. Wear comfortable shoes, because the surface is uneven in places.

Estimated Cost: free

The Bogside Artists

Below the walls, the Bogside neighborhood holds the city's most powerful street art. The "People's Gallery" consists of twelve large-scale murals created by local artists, covering the civil rights era and the Troubles. The most famous is Free Derry Corner, first painted in 1969 and preserved as a landmark. You can walk this area on your own, and it is free to view. If you want context, guided tours led by locals are available and add depth that the paintings alone cannot provide. This is not a light stop, but it is essential for understanding the city's recent history. Give yourself at least 30 to 45 minutes to walk the murals and read the plaques.

The Peace Bridge

The Peace Bridge opened in 2011, connecting the city center with the Waterside across the River Foyle. It is a pedestrian and cycle bridge with a distinctive curved design, and walking across takes only a few minutes. The point is not the crossing itself but the perspective: from the bridge, you get a 360-degree view of the river, the walls, and the surrounding hills. On the far side, Ebrington Square is a former barracks turned public space, and you can loop back through St Columb's Park if you want a longer walk. This is a free, low-effort activity that fits naturally between the Guildhall and the walls.

St Columb's Cathedral

Built in 1633, St Columb's Cathedral is the oldest surviving building in Derry and sits just inside the walls. It is free to visit when open, though a donation is suggested. The interior holds an eclectic collection that includes silver Communion plates, copies of the Book of Kells, and regimental flags dating from the 17th-century siege. The cathedral is named for the 6th-century saint who established a monastery on this site, giving the city its original name, Derry, which comes from the Irish word for oak grove. This is a quiet stop, maybe 20 to 30 minutes, and it pairs well with the wall walk since it sits right along the route. Cost: free, donation optional.

The Derry Girls Mural

For something lighter, head to Orchard Street under the city walls. The side wall of a local building holds a large mural of the Derry Girls cast, created by local arts group UV Arts. It is a selfie hotspot and a must for fans of the show. The mural is free to visit and takes only a few minutes, but it gives you a taste of the city's contemporary cultural identity. If you want more, the Tower Museum runs a Derry Girls Experience with original memorabilia from the show, and entry is US$7–8 per person (cost may vary). This is a good final stop before you find a café for the evening.

Final Thoughts

Derry rewards readers who walk. The Guildhall gives you the grand architecture and the practical starting point. The walls give you the history and the views. The Bogside gives you the weight of recent memory. The Peace Bridge and the Derry Girls mural show you a city that is both looking forward and comfortable with its own story. Almost everything here is free or nearly free, which makes Derry one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore without watching your budget. Pick three or four stops, leave room to wander, and let the city's compact scale work in your favor.