Only have one day to explore? Don't worry, Belfast packs a remarkable amount of craic, culture and character into a short stay. Here's your perfect one-day itinerary to soak up the best of Belfast.
St George's Market & City Centre
There's no better introduction to Belfast than St George's Market on a weekend morning. This Victorian covered market is full of life, local cheeses, freshly baked bread, coffee, oysters and craic. Pick up a filled Belfast bap for your breakfast - you won't be disappointed!
If your visit doesn't fall over the weekend or you prefer a sit-down brunch, don't worry as there are plenty of options! From a hearty Ulster fry to Instagram-worthy smashed avocado on sourdough, there’s something for every appetite.
From the market, walk up into city centre and visit Belfast City Hall, whose Baroque grandeur anchors the heart of the city. Call into the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, just opposite City Hall, where staff can help you book tours, pick up maps and plan the rest of your day!
Titanic Belfast
A 30 minute walk or 15 minutes on the Glider from the city centre takes you to Titanic Belfast, the award-winning visitor experience built on the very slipway where the RMS Titanic was constructed. Belfast is proud of its shipbuilding heritage and this landmark does it full justice with immersive galleries and dramatic architecture.
Even a couple of hours here will leave a lasting impression. Before you leave, walk the original slipways and look up at Samson and Goliath, the twin cranes that have watched over Belfast for decades. They are, unofficially, the city's most recognisable symbols.
Getting There: The Glider (route G2) runs directly from the city centre to Titanic Quarter - a quick, easy and very Belfast way to make the journey.
Black Taxi Tour
Few experiences in Belfast are as thought-provoking as Black Taxi Tours. These intimate tours take you through the city's divided history, past the famous political murals of the Falls and Shankill Roads, guided by people with personal connections to the Troubles. It's a powerful and essential part of understanding Belfast's complex story.
Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens
Spend a gentle afternoon in south Belfast's cultural and academic heart. The Ulster Museum is free to enter and houses an extraordinary collection spanning art, history and natural sciences including, famously, an Egyptian mummy. Next door, the Botanic Gardens are a green oasis in the city, beloved by students from nearby Queen's University.
Crown Liquor Saloon
Before dinner, stop in at the Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street. This National Trust-owned Victorian gin palace of extraordinary beauty, all tiled floors, carved wooden snugs and etched glass. Order a pint of something cold and settle into a snug.
Dinner in a City That Knows How to Eat
Belfast's restaurant scene is exciting, diverse and has something to suit every taste and occasion.
For something relaxed and sociable, 2Taps is a Cathedral Quarter favourite serving vibrant tapas - ideal for sharing after a long day on your feet, with a drinks list to match. For a taste of genuine Irish home cooking, Holohan's Pantry is beloved by locals. The boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake served here with wonderfully inventive fillings, is not to be missed. For a truly special evening, The Waterman from award-winning chef Niall McKenna is well worth booking — a destination restaurant that showcases exactly what Belfast's food scene is capable of.
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End the Night in Cathedral Quarter
Begin at the iconic Duke of York on Commercial Court. This narrow laneway bar, covered in vintage advertising signs and colourful umbrellas, is where you'll get the photo of the trip and a memorable pint of Guinness. Move on to The Dirty Onion next door, one of Belfast's oldest buildings, hosting live traditional music sessions most evenings.
