VISITING BELFAST: EPIC BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

Visiting Belfast: The Basics

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and one of the most underrated city breaks in the UK. It’s compact, incredibly walkable, and packed with history, culture, and one of the best food and bar scenes I’ve encountered anywhere in the British Isles.

It’s also a city that wears its complex past openly — the murals, the Peace Wall, the political taxi tours — and that honesty makes it one of the most thought-provoking places I’ve visited. Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave with a genuine understanding of a city that has worked incredibly hard to reinvent itself.

Nowadays Belfast is my second home, as I own short term accommodation properties in the city. I’m constantly advising and engaging tourists so I do dare say I know a lot. So if you are visiting do me a favour and stay in one of them… wink, wink!

VISITING BELFAST: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Belfast City is quite small and fully walkable, there’s buses of course, but frankly you don’t even need them. However, I do encourage you to get a rental car so you can independently visit the rest of Northern Ireland which is also very small so you can use Belfast as your base. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.

Tours / There are countless tours on Belfast but these are the most popular ones, and the Giants Causeway one is obligatory if you should you not rent a car:
Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
Belfast: Political Taxi Tour
The Titanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit
Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour
Belfast: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Stay / We own various properties in Belfast so you can find one that suits your needs here. Our properties have 5 star reviews across the board and are perfect for families and groups of 4/5 people, while still affordable and walking distance from the city centre. If you are looking for something smaller or we don’t have availability (which is more frequent than not) then check out these hotels:

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast $$$
The Merchant Hotel $$$
AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast $$
Bullitt Hotel $$
Malone Lodge Hotel $$
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre $

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:
Brunch/Breakfast: Neighbourhood
Coffee: Established Coffee
Dinner: Jumon & OX Belfast

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Luggage storage / You might need to store your luggage before checking in to your hotel, you can use this website which has spots all across the city!

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience

The Titanic Belfast museum is, without exaggeration, one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. Built on the exact slipway where the Titanic was constructed, it takes you through the full story of the ship — from Belfast’s industrial history to the night of the sinking and beyond. The building itself is stunning, designed to resemble the prow of a ship.

Book in advance — this sells out, especially on weekends. Book your Titanic Belfast tickets via GetYourGuide and include the SS Nomadic visit while you’re there.

Hop-on; hop-off Belfast’s main sites

A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:

Spot the Samson & Goliath Cranes

These two giant yellow cranes are Belfast’s most iconic skyline feature — you can see them from almost everywhere in the city. They’re a symbol of the city’s shipbuilding heritage and make for great photos, especially from the Titanic Quarter waterfront.

Drink in The Crown Bar

The Crown Liquor Saloon is one of the most beautiful Victorian pubs in the world. Built in 1885, it’s owned by the National Trust and has ornate tilework, carved woodwork, and private snugs that feel like stepping into another century. Go for lunch or an early evening drink — it gets busy later in the evening.

Take a Political Taxi Tour

This is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in any city. A local taxi driver takes you through the murals and Peace Wall, explaining the history of the Troubles from a personal perspective. It’s fascinating, sobering, and utterly unmissable.

Book a Belfast Political Taxi Tour — or you can also do the Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour if you’d prefer to explore on foot.

Explore the Street Murals & Peace Wall

Even outside of a guided tour, it’s worth walking the Falls Road and Shankill Road to see the murals yourself. The Peace Wall — the series of barriers separating Nationalist and Unionist communities — is covered in messages from visitors around the world. Bring a pen and add yours.

Relax at the grounds of Belfast City Hall

The grounds of this iconic Belfast landmark are the perfect spot to take a pause from sightseeing or shopping with an ice cream or coffee in hand. Don’t forget to relax! Also there is a tour of the city hall which used to be free and now costs a very small fee which is great to understand the city a bit better. Plus you get to dress up and pretend you are a mayor!

Spot the Samson & Goliath Cranes

Samson and Goliath are two large shipbuilding cranes owned by Harland and Wolff, and they are situated within the Titanic Quarter in the Harland & Wolff shipyard. They were built in 1969 and 1974 at a time when Harland & Wolff was still one of the largest shipbuilders in the world and were named after the Biblical figures of the same name. Although you can’t get too close to the cranes as they are in an active and private industrial area, they are súper easy to spot. The two yellow cranes with the H&W logo dominate the skyline and can be seen from many parts of the city.

Have a pint of Guinness at The Crown Bar

The Crown Liquor Saloon is one of the most beautiful Victorian pubs in the world. Built in 1885, it’s owned by the National Trust and has ornate tilework, carved woodwork, and private snugs that feel like stepping into another century. Go for lunch or an early evening drink — it gets busy later in the evening.

Follow the Game of Thrones Glass Trail

Belfast and Northern Ireland were the main filming locations for Game of Thrones, and the city celebrates this with a stunning stained glass trail. Twelve individual windows depicting scenes from the show are displayed across Belfast — it’s free to follow and makes for a brilliant few hours of exploration. You could also choose to get a guide to improve your experience – for almost no money. There’s also a Game of Thrones filming locations tour from Belfast that visits the actual sites across Northern Ireland.

Shop till you drop and admire Belfast from above at Victoria Square

Belfast is known to be great for shopping, and this is the place to do it. In Victoria Square you’ll find four levels of shops, food and drink venues plus 360 views from Belfast at The Dome. So many people come over from Southern Ireland to Belfast just for shopping!

Hop On the Sightseeing Bus

If it’s your first time in Belfast, the hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to get your bearings and tick off the main landmarks efficiently. Book the Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

Visit Belfast Castle

Built in 1870 in Scottish Baronial style, Belfast Castle sits on the slopes of Cave Hill overlooking the city. The views are spectacular, the grounds are lovely for a walk, and entry to the castle itself is free. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

Browse St George’s Market

One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, St George’s Market is a Victorian covered market open Friday through Sunday. Friday is the Variety Market, Saturday is the City Food and Garden Market, and Sunday is the City Market — all worth a wander. Great for local food, crafts, and people-watching.

Tour the Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House (1895) is one of Belfast’s most beautiful buildings — a Victorian fantasy of ornate detail. Free guided tours run regularly and give you behind-the-scenes access to the auditorium and history of the building.

Go Underground at Crumlin Road Gaol

Opened in 1843, Crumlin Road Gaol is Belfast’s most notorious prison — and one of its most fascinating attractions. The self-guided tours take you through the history of the jail and its prisoners. It’s atmospheric, well-presented, and a genuine window into Belfast’s past.

Wander Botanic Gardens & the Ulster Museum

The Botanic Gardens in Queen’s Quarter are free and beautiful, particularly in summer. Right next door, the Ulster Museum is one of the best free museums in Northern Ireland — art, history, natural sciences, and a fascinating Egyptian mummy collection. Allow two hours minimum.

Photograph Commercial Court

This tiny alleyway in the Cathedral Quarter is one of Belfast’s most Instagrammable spots — draped in flowers, fairy lights, and colourful bunting year-round. Easy to find, free to visit, and great for photos.

Have drinks in Belfast’s best beer gardens

Belfast City Center has so many cool spots where you to enjoy a drink or two! Here are my recommendations in order of preference: The Dirty Onion, The Bone Yard, CARGO, Babel Rooftop Bar & Garden, Cutters Wharf, The Perch, Kelly’s Cellars and Granny Annie’s. Save them in Google Maps!

Try an Ulster Fry

Nope, no English Breakfasts in Northern Ireland! You need to try an Ulster Fry when in Belfast. It will certainly give you energy for the day ahead. IT IS HEAVY. Care to try potato bread? Mmm, yes! Here’s a recommended spot.

Say hi to The Big Fish

In Belfast’s Maritime Mile you’ll find a ceramic fish with blue scales called The Salmon of Knowledge. Personally I didn’t find it particularly interesting, but legend has it that if you kiss it you’ll gain all its wisdom. We all have a kiss to spare don’t we?

Take a day trip to the Giants Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route

You can’t visit Northern Ireland and not see Giants Causeway. Belfast city is lovely but there is more to see outside it! Pack more in by taking this Giants Causeway tour by City Tours Belfast, and seeing other sites such as the majestic Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and many more! If you are a Game of Thrones fan you can take a slightly more GOT focused version. The tour is well worth it, you just forget about planning and just enjoy. Don’t want to get your hopes up but I even saw jumping dolphins on my tour! Book it here.

Get down to Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle is an 18th century Georgian house build for the Hill family which now is an official government residence in Northern Ireland and is managed by the Historic Royal Palaces. It is currently used as the residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the official residence of the British Monarch and other member of the British royal family when visiting the region. In other words, this is where Queen Elizabeth crashes when she visits Nothern Ireland. Book it here.

Attend a Candlelight Concert

Enjoy a host of concerts illuminated by candlelight and performed by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in Belfast. The concerts cover the best musician of all times, movies, and more! Book it here.

WHERE TO STAY IN BELFAST

Belfast is compact enough that you can stay almost anywhere in the city centre and walk to the main sights. The Cathedral Quarter is the best base for first-timers — buzzing nightlife, great restaurants, and close to the main attractions.

We manage various properties in Belfast so you can find one that suits your needs here. Our StayByNumbers properties have 5 star reviews across the board and are perfect for families and groups of 4/5 people, while still affordable and walking distance from the city centre. Note we also have a property in Hillsborough should you wish to stay there for a few nights and enjoy the castle and countryside, as well as one in Lisburn for stays longer than 90 days.

If you are looking for something smaller or we don’t have availability then check out these hotels:

Luxury (£££)

• The Fitzwilliam Hotel — Sleek, contemporary luxury in the heart of the city centre. Excellent service and a superb restaurant. Check availability
• The Merchant Hotel — Belfast’s grandest hotel, set in a stunning Victorian building in the Cathedral Quarter. The cocktail bar is world-class. Check availability

Mid-Range (££)

• AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast — Stylish, modern, and very well-located. Great value for a design-led stay. Check availability
• Bullitt Hotel — Funky boutique hotel in the city centre, great atmosphere and a rooftop bar. Check availability
• Malone Lodge Hotel — More residential, leafy area south of the centre — good if you want something quieter. Check availability

Budget (£)

• Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre — Reliable, well-located, and good value. Check availability

Browse all Belfast hotels on Booking.com — prices are competitive compared to other UK cities.

WHERE TO EAT IN BELFAST

The Belfast food scene has something for everyone — from cozy brunch cafés to fine-dining spots, modern veggie menus, and classic pubs. Below are my top picks for each meal, but if you’re looking for more options, I’ve curated Google Maps lists you can open on the go — perfect for finding great places nearby when hunger strikes.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Neighbourhood — Brunch done brilliantly. Expect queues on weekends but worth it.
• Bright’s Restaurant — The place for a proper Ulster Fry. No-frills, old-school, perfect.
• Established Coffee — Best coffee in the city, great pastries, lovely atmosphere.
• Root & Branch — A more relaxed coffee spot with excellent food.
• Harlem Cafe — A Belfast breakfast favourite worth seeking out.

Dinner

• OX Belfast — Michelin-starred, seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. Book well in advance.
• Jumon — Asian vegetarian/vegan restaurant that completely converts meat-eaters. Genuinely brilliant.
• Cutters Wharf — On the River Lagan, great for a long lunch or early dinner with a view.

On the links below I have more recommendations more recommendation on the best places to eat:

• 👉 Click here for the best LUNCH spots
• 👉 Click here for the best DINNER spots
• 👉 Click here for the best BARS
• 👉 Click here for the best COFFEE spots

HOW LONG TO STAY IN BELFAST

3–4 days is the sweet spot. I’d suggest two days exploring the city itself, one full day for Giant’s Causeway, and either a half-day for Hillsborough Castle or more time wandering the city at a slower pace.

You could do Belfast in a weekend (2 nights), but you’d need to be selective — prioritise the Titanic, a political tour, and at least one evening in the Cathedral Quarter.

HOW TO GET TO BELFAST AND AROUND

Getting to Belfast

By air: Belfast has two airports — Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). Most UK flights use City Airport, which is closer to the centre. Book a private transfer with WelcomePickups for a stress-free arrival.

By ferry: If you’re travelling from Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, Stena Line and P&O run regular ferry services into Belfast.

By train: Direct rail connections from Dublin (Enterprise service, ~2 hours).

Getting Around Belfast

The city is genuinely very walkable — most of the main attractions are within a 20–30 minute walk of each other. The Glider bus service connects East and West Belfast efficiently.

For day trips, renting a car is by far the best option. Compare Belfast car hire prices with DiscoverCars — it’s the most flexible and often the cheapest way to explore Northern Ireland at your own pace.

BEST BELFAST TOURS

If you, like me, like being shown around and being taught by those who know, then these are my top picks for tours:

BELFAST FAQ

Is Belfast worth visiting?
Absolutely! Belfast is a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning scenery. From its Titanic heritage to the vibrant arts scene in the Cathedral Quarter, there’s plenty to explore. Plus, Belfast is a fantastic gateway for day trips to Northern Ireland’s iconic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

What is the best time to visit Belfast?
The best time to visit Belfast is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is milder and more attractions, like the Botanic Gardens, are in full bloom. However, Belfast’s Christmas markets in December are also a magical experience if you don’t mind cooler temperatures.

How long should I stay in Belfast?
A two-to-three-day stay is ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions, such as Titanic Belfast, the Crumlin Road Gaol, and the Cathedral Quarter. If you’re planning day trips to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, or Game of Thrones filming locations, consider extending your stay to four or five days.

Do I need a car to get around Belfast?
No, Belfast is a compact and walkable city with excellent public transport options. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you’re planning to visit the Giant’s Causeway or other rural spots, you can join an organized tour or rent a car.

What currency is used in Belfast? Can I use euros in Belfast?
Belfast is part of Northern Ireland, so the currency used is the British Pound Sterling (£). Make sure you have cash on hand, as some smaller businesses may not accept cards.

Is Belfast safe for tourists?
Yes, Belfast is a safe city for tourists. As with any destination, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid discussing political topics unless you’re familiar with the sensitivities surrounding Northern Ireland’s history.

What food is Belfast known for?
Belfast has a fantastic food scene with a mix of traditional and modern dishes. Don’t miss trying an Ulster Fry (a hearty breakfast), soda bread, and Irish stew. For seafood lovers, Belfast’s location near the coast means fresh seafood dishes are a highlight.

Can I take a day trip from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway?
Yes, the Giant’s Causeway is about a 1.5-hour drive from Belfast and makes for an excellent day trip. You can either rent a car or join one of the many organized tours that include stops at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle.

What is the public transport like in Belfast?
Belfast’s public transport system includes buses operated by Translink. The Glider bus service is particularly useful for traveling between East and West Belfast, and there are plenty of options for getting around the city centre.

What is Belfast’s weather like?
Belfast has a mild but unpredictable climate. Rain is common year-round, so it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella. Temperatures range from around 4–8°C (39–46°F) in winter to 15–20°C (59–68°F) in summer.

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