Belfast 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Belfast: A Historic and Vibrant Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the history and culture of Belfast, with options for those who want to delve deeper into specific interests.

Day 1: Political History and Street Art

  • Morning: Start your day at the Titanic Quarter, exploring the iconic Titanic Belfast museum. Immerse yourself in the story of the RMS Titanic, from its construction to its tragic fate. Allow at least 3 hours to experience all the exhibits, interactive displays, and the SS Nomadic ship tour.

    • Things to know:
      • The Titanic Belfast is a large museum with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories about the Titanic’s history. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
      • Be prepared for some crowds at the Titanic Quarter, especially during peak season.

  • Afternoon: Take a walk through the Titanic Quarter and admire the vibrant murals that depict the history of the area, its people, and the political events surrounding the “Troubles”.

    • Tip: Check out the “Peace Walls” while you’re in the area, they are a fascinating reminder of Belfast’s past.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Mourne Seafood Bar (where to eat). They serve fresh, local seafood and have a lively atmosphere.

    • Alternative: For a more traditional Irish experience, try The Crown Liquor Saloon, a beautiful Victorian pub known for its ornate decor and rich history.

Day 2: Culture and Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Ulster Museum, home to an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens.

    • Explore: The museum’s “Treasure Room” with its ancient gold artifacts and the “Belfast Story” exhibition for a fascinating journey through the city’s past.
    • Tip: Allow time to wander through the beautiful Botanic Gardens surrounding the Ulster Museum after you finish your visit.

  • Afternoon: Discover the Ulster Museum, a treasure trove of art, history, and science exhibits.

    • Explore: The museum’s diverse collections, including Irish history, archaeology, and art.
    • Alternative: If the weather is nice, enjoy a walk along the Titanic Trail, a scenic walking route through Belfast’s historic shipbuilding areas.

  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with its charming pubs and lively music scene.

    • Enjoy: A traditional Irish dinner and live music at one of the many restaurants or pubs in the area.

Things to Do:

  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Explore the Ulster Museum, a fascinating institution showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons.
    • Afternoon: Take a walk through the Cathedral Quarter, admiring its intricate street art and exploring the historic architecture of the area.

  • Day 2:

    • Lunch: Indulge in a delicious meal at The Crown Liquor Saloon (or any other pub that catches your eye). Enjoy the ambiance, the local music, and a pint of Guinness while you’re there!
    • Dinner: Choose from a variety of cuisines at one of Belfast’s diverse restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Consider:

    • Luxury: The Merchant Hotel, Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, Culloden Estate & Spa

    • Boutique: The Europa Hotel (Belfast’s famous “jewel” hotel), Bullitt Hotel, The Maldron Hotel

    • Budget-friendly:

      • Hostel options like the Vagabond Backpackers or The Linen Loft Hostel

  • Alternative:

For a different experience, explore the vibrant Cathedral Quarter for its charming pubs and restaurants.

Where to Eat (Beyond the Tourist Area):

  • St. George’s Market: This bustling market (open Friday-Sunday) offers a wide range of local food vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, and international cuisine.
  • The Dirty Onion: A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, this pub has a cozy atmosphere and serves delicious traditional food alongside local beers and ciders.

Things to know:

  • Belfast is known for its “food stalls”. Be sure to check out the different offerings and choose one that suits your taste and budget.

  • Culture & History:

    • The Europa Hotel, located in the city center, is a great place to stay if you want to be right near the action.

  • Consider:

The location of the Titanic Belfast (visit this iconic museum) as a good starting point for exploring the area’s history and vibrant architecture.

  • Explore the City: The historic Cathedral Quarter has a lot to offer, from traditional pubs and restaurants to museums and galleries.

Food & Drink:

  • Traditional Irish Fare:

    • The Crown Tavern (traditional pub)

offers classic dishes like fish and chips, stews, and pies.

  • Irish Pubs:

Enjoy hearty meals and a traditional atmosphere at pubs like:

* **The Duke of York**, known for its delicious food and extensive whiskey menu.
* **The Crown Liquor Saloon** (a historic pub)
  • Alternative:

Explore the culinary scene beyond the typical Irish fare:

  • Mourne Seafood Bar offers a modern take on Irish classics with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
  • The Muddlers Club, a fine-dining restaurant in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, is renowned for its innovative and seasonal menus.

Mural Locations: The Titanic Quarter

  • Discover the “Peace Walls”:

Visit the murals in the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas to understand the complex history of the city.

  • Experience the Titanic’s Legacy: Explore the historical significance of the Ulster Museum’s exhibits on the Titanic.
  • Beyond the Iconic Ship: The Cathedral Quarter, while famous for its historical murals, also offers a variety of restaurants and pubs to enjoy:
    • A vibrant range of pubs are available in the area,

from traditional Irish pubs like “The Dirty Onion” to modern bars. * General tips:

  • Visit during the summer months (June-August) for warmer weather and longer daylight hours, allowing you to explore the city’s cultural attractions, enjoy outdoor dining, and experience the lively atmosphere of its festivals.

  • Explore the “Titanic Quarter”:

This area offers a range of experiences beyond just the ship. Look for historical plaques and explore the unique architecture and vibrant public art installations.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine:

Venture into the culinary history of Belfast,

discovering traditional dishes like Ulster Fry (a hearty breakfast) or Irish Stew at “The Duke of York” while exploring the city’s modern dining scene.

  • Experience a variety of restaurants:

The Dirty Onion is a great place to experience the “Mellow Mushroom” pizza chain, which has several locations in the city.

  • Enjoy traditional meals:

The Duke of York, a popular option for lunch and dinner, offers dishes like:

  • Traditional pubs (like the “The Crown Liquor Saloon”) are known for their cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and live music:

    • Local beers: Explore the history of brewing in Belfast and sample local brews at a variety of pubs and breweries.

  • Seafood options: Try traditional fish & chips or a delicious seafood chowder.

Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary offerings.

Other “Food & Drink” ideas:

  • The Duke of Orleans, a historic pub with a lively atmosphere, is a great place to try local beers and enjoy live music.
  • Explore the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former Victorian prison that serves as a historical landmark and reminds you of Belfast’s past.

Remember:

  • Enjoying the “traditional” experience of a full-fledged pub crawl requires responsible consumption and awareness. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and enjoy the experience safely!
  • Embrace the city’s rich culinary scene.

Belfast has a lot to offer besides just the ship, from traditional Irish pubs to modern restaurants.

Enjoy your time in Belfast!