Itineraries for Your Trip to Belfast
1 Day in Belfast for First Timers
It’s easy to fall in love with Belfast—it’s friendly, unpretentious, and full of the kind of creative zest that springs from places that have suffered real hardship. Growing up in England, all I’d heard about Belfast was news about The Troubles, but it was the city’s eclectic music scene—which later earned it the title of UNESCO City of Music—that drew me to finally experience Northern Ireland’s capital for myself. It quickly became one of my favorite spots in the United Kingdom.
With just one day in Belfast, take the opportunity to let locals show you their city—not the one you’ve read about—and spend time visiting one or two attractions rather than trying to squeeze it all in. Here’s how.
Dress in layers if you want to keep up with Belfast’s unpredictable weather.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum.
While you might be tempted to rush into sightseeing, you’ll get more out of your first time in Belfast if you understand the city’s divided history first. A black cab tour is the classic way to explore the West Belfast neighborhoods at the center of the Northern Irish conflict, which started in the 1960s and continued until 1998. Hop out to see the Belfast Peace Wall and visit the moving murals and memorials of Falls Road and Shankill as you hear first-hand accounts from a local cabbie.
After lunch (if you’re visiting from Friday through Sunday, we recommend St. George’s Market), head for the Titanic Quarter, named after the world-famous ship that was built in Belfast’s historic shipyard. It’s a short bus or taxi ride to the Titanic Belfast, but we suggest strolling along the waterfront instead (about a 20-minute walk). The award-winning museum is one of the must-see attractions in Belfast, so plan a few hours to explore all six floors of exhibitions and visit the SS Nomadic, tender ship to the Titanic, and now a floating museum—admission is included with your museum ticket.
Belfast’s nightlife isn’t just about drinking and dancing—the city also has a legendary cultural scene with live music every night of the week. Round out your 1-day Belfast itinerary by walking over to the Cathedral Quarter, where you’ll find art galleries, traditional pubs, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Take a peek at landmarks, including St. Anne’s Cathedral and the Albert Memorial Clock, visit the eerie Crumlin Road Gaol (now a concert venue), then end the night with a pint of Guinness (the Irish stout is equally popular in Northern Ireland) at Kelly's Cellars or the Crown Liquor Saloon.
