If you’re craving a city break with history, humour and heart, Belfast is calling your name. This city has risen from the ashes of its past and transformed into one of Europe’s most unexpectedly cool capitals. Here’s how to spend a weekend getting to know the Northern Irish gem that gave us Titanic, Van Morrison and possibly the world’s best pub banter.
Where To Stay:
Book Belfast in one go—flight and stay sorted in minutes. On the Beach and EasyJet keeps it easy!
Hotels:
The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast, OnTheBeach – Right in the Cathedral Quarter! Clean, comfy, cool. Bars next door, beds like clouds—what more do you need?
Titanic Hotel Belfast, OnTheBeach – Stay inside history—literally! This posh hotel’s in the old Titanic HQ. Stylish, swanky, and full of ship-building drama.
Leonardo Hotel Belfast, EasyJet – City-centre gem with super soft beds and zero fuss. Great for crashing after exploring.
Crowne Plaza Belfast, EasyJet – Classy vibes in a quiet green spot. Spa, pool, good food—feels fancy but won’t break the bank.
Titanic Tales & Time Travel
Start in the Titanic Quarter. It’s where the ill-fated ship was built, and the Titanic Belfast museum is as dramatic as the story itself – think interactive exhibits, ride-through history and even the original slipways. It’s not just a museum, it’s a cinematic experience. The Titanic Experience, GetYourGuide
History buffs, keep your walking shoes on. Head to the Crumlin Road Gaol for tales of rebellion, escape and execution. It’s spooky, yes, but fascinating. Plus, it’s one of the best-preserved Victorian-era prisons in Europe. There’s even a tunnel connecting the jail to the courthouse!
Murals, Music & Murmurings of the Past
No visit to Belfast is complete without a Black Taxi Tour. It’s your crash course in the Troubles, told by locals who lived through them. You’ll visit famous murals, peace walls and political hotspots – and get the kind of insight no guidebook can offer. Belfast Black Taxi Tours on Viator
When you’re ready for a lighter vibe, wander the Cathedral Quarter. This is where Belfast gets its groove back. Cobblestone alleys, live music, indie galleries and a pub on every corner (or so it seems). It’s the kind of place where you pop in for “one drink” and leave three hours later with a new favourite band.
Pints, Plates & Plenty of Craic
Speaking of pubs, Belfast does them properly. The Crown Liquor Saloon is the grand dame of drinking dens – think gas lamps, snugs, and ornate Victorian tiles. It’s a beauty, even before your first pint of Guinness.
Hungry? Belfast’s food scene is punching above its weight. St George’s Market is great for grazing everything from local cheese to international street food. For a full meal, try one of the city’s modern bistros dishing up Northern Irish ingredients with flair.
Mountains, Murals & Maritime Memories
Need a breath of fresh air? Cave Hill is calling. Just a short drive from the city centre, it’s said to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. The views from the top? Totally worth the uphill struggle.
Or head to the dockside for maritime history, riverside walks, and some of the city’s coolest architecture (hi, Titanic Belfast again).
Recommended Tours in Belfast:
Causeway Coast Road Trip from Belfast
Nothing beats a day cruising the Causeway Coastal Route—stopping for castles, cliffs, and a bit of whiskey. This tour packs in the best of Northern Ireland: Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the legendary Giant’s Causeway (yes, it’s just as magical in real life). Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Guided Trip, GetYourGuide
Ulster Transport Museum
If you like your museums with a side of steam engines, spaceships, and Titanic stories—this is your spot. Just outside Belfast, the Ulster Transport Museum has everything from Ireland’s largest railway collection to the iconic DeLorean. Don’t miss the ‘Our Place in Space’ trail either—like a stroll through the solar system. Ulster Transport Museum Entry Ticket, GetYourGuide
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Calling all Thrones fans: this is your pilgrimage. Step inside the real Great Hall at Winterfell and explore the behind-the-scenes magic of the show. This studio tour near Belfast gets you up close with costumes, props, and set secrets—without needing to dodge dragons. Game of Thrones Studio Tour on Viator
Whiskey Goals at McConnell’s Distillery
Belfast’s got a fresh claim to fame—McConnell’s Distillery. Join a guided tour, sip your way through tastings of award-winning Irish whiskey, and learn how this historic brand is back in business (with style). You’ll see barrels aging, stills steaming, and secrets being spilled—then swing by the gift shop or settle in for a dram at the bar. McConnell’s Distillery Tour on Viator
Bike Around Belfast
Hop on a bike and roll through Belfast’s history, street art and quirkiest corners. This guided cycling tour covers everything from the famous Peace Wall to Titanic Quarter, with plenty of stops for stories and photo ops. Belfast Bike Tours on Viator
Street Art & Murals Walking Tour
If Belfast’s murals could talk, they’d tell you everything—especially about The Troubles. This walking tour takes you through powerful political art, from past to present, and even shows how the city is now creating brighter, more hopeful murals through local projects. Street Art & Murals Walking Tour on Viator
Troubles History Walking Tour
Want to understand Belfast’s complex past? This award-winning tour takes you to the heart of the city’s history, from scares to peace deals. Guided by people who actually lived through The Troubles, it’s raw, real, and refreshingly unbiased. You’ll hear personal stories, see historic sites, and leave with a much deeper appreciation for how far Belfast has come. A History of Terror Walking Tour, GetYourGuide
Beer Bikes in Belfast
Belfast’s got a pedal-powered pub crawl, and yes—it’s as fun as it sounds. Gather your mates, hop on the famous Beer Bike, and cycle your way through the city centre. Sip prosecco, beer, or whatever you fancy as you cruise past City Hall, Corn Market and some legendary pubs. Beer Bike Tour, GetYourGuide
Quick Tips
Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
Best Time to Go: Spring and summer for mild weather and pub gardens
Top Souvenir: Anything linen or a bottle of Bushmills whiskey
Book Attractions Early: Especially Titanic museum, it sells out fast!
Take cash for black cab tours: They’re old school and proud of it (card machines? Never heard of ’em).
Layer up: Belfast weather changes moods constantly!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Consider this to see the major sights of Belfast. Hop-On Hop-Off Belfast Open Top Bus Tour, GetYourGuide
Eat ALL the tray bakes: Fifteen slices later, you’ll understand why locals worship the bakery counter.
It’s gritty. It’s gorgeous. It’s filled with soul, stories and really solid breakfasts. Belfast won’t charm you in the way that Paris or Rome does – it’ll hit you straight in the heart. Book the flight, pack a raincoat and prepare to fall in love with this unexpected city that’s full of surprises.
Leave a reply