Belfast 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring Belfast

This itinerary balances historical exploration with the vibrant side of Belfast, catering to a variety of interests.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: The Merchant Hotel (renowned for its opulent décor and fine dining) or Hastings Europa Hotel (historic landmark with a central location).
  • Mid-Range: The Fitzwilliam Hotel (stylish and centrally located), or the Bullitt Hotel (modern, quirky hotel in the city centre).
  • Budget: Hostels like The Thirsty Goat Backpackers or The Europa Hostel offer clean and comfortable accommodation for those looking to save.

Day 1: Titanic & History

  • Morning: Begin your journey at the iconic Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated to the RMS Titanic, exploring its history and legacy.
    • Things to Know: Built on the former shipyard where the Titanic was constructed, this museum offers interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and immersive experiences.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Irish fare at The Crown Liquor Saloon in the heart of Belfast. This stunning Victorian pub is a historical landmark in itself!
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the story of the Titanic, walking through the Titanic Quarter and visiting the SS Nomadic, a preserved ship that was used to ferry passengers from smaller ships to the Titanic during her time as a tender ship.

Day 2: Political Landscape & Cultural Delights

  • Morning: Explore Belfast’s complex history with a visit to the Peace Walls, a stark reminder of the city’s past and ongoing journey towards peace and reconciliation. Learn about the Troubles and the efforts for peacebuilding.

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at St. George’s Market, a bustling Victorian market with a variety of food stalls offering local delicacies, fresh seafood, and international cuisine.

  • Afternoon:

    • For the history buff: Visit the Crumlin Road Gaol for a chilling glimpse into Belfast’s former prison life.
    • For the foodie: Take a culinary walking tour through the city, exploring local markets and food producers.
    • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional “Belfast Fry” at The Morning Star, a popular spot known for its delicious and hearty breakfast (or dinner) options.

  • Evening: Head to the Cathedral Quarter for live music and entertainment. This historic district is home to many pubs with nightly music sessions, showcasing both local and international talent.

Day 3: Exploring Nature & Local History

  • Morning: Discover Belfast’s botanical beauty at the Belfast Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a stroll through the Victorian Palm House, Rose Garden, or the serene Tropical Ravine House.

  • Lunch: Savor the flavors of the world at The Food Yard, a vibrant street food market with diverse culinary options.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of Northern Ireland by exploring the Ulster Museum.

  • Dinner: Experience the local cuisine and culture at Tedfords Kitchen, housed in a beautiful Victorian building.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation: Belfast is easily walkable, but consider using public transport (buses, trains) or taxis for longer distances. The city also has a good bus network.

  • Things to do:

    • Take a Black Taxi Tour: Explore the political murals of the city’s past and present.
    • Visit the Botanic Gardens: Wander through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
    • Experience the Troubles history at the Crumlin Road Gaol: This historical prison now offers tours and insights into the period of conflict in Northern Ireland.
    • Explore the Titanic Museum’s exhibits:

  • Walk along the Falls Road: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene and visit local shops and cafes.

  • Enjoy a traditional pub session: Experience the warmth and hospitality of local pubs while listening to live music and learning about the history of the area.

  • Where to eat:

    • The Crown Liquor Saloon (Titanic Quarter): This iconic Victorian pub offers classic pub fare with a touch of class.
    • Mourne Seafood Bar (various locations): Indulge in delicious fresh seafood dishes.
    • Food & Drink Tours: Explore the history of the city through its food and drink scene.

Things to see:

  • Titanic Belfast: This museum is dedicated to the history of the ship and the Titanic experience, with interactive exhibits detailing the ship’s construction, life on board, and ultimate fate.

    • Titanic Quarter: Enjoy a walk through this revitalized waterfront area, exploring the modern architecture and taking in the views.

  • Crumlin Road Gaol: This attraction offers a glimpse into the lives of the prisoners who were held within its walls, with tours detailing its history and the stories behind its past.

  • The Ulster Museum: Explore Northern Ireland’s history through artifacts and exhibits spanning from ancient artifacts to modern art.

  • Belfast Cathedral (St Anne’s Cathedral): Known for its stunning architecture and stained glass windows, St Anne’s is a beautiful example of a building that has adapted to changing times.

  • The Crumlin Road Gaol: This historic building offers a unique insight into the history of the Troubles and the changes Belfast has undergone since then.

  • Belfast:

    • Crumlin Road Gaol: Explore the historical Victorian architecture of this building, which served as a prison for over 100 years.
    • The Crumlin Road Gaol: The “Gaol” (jail) itself is a symbol of Belfast’s past and its resilience.

  • Experience:

    • Take a tour focused on the history of the Peace Walls, those towering barriers that once divided communities.

Food & Drink Experiences:

* **The Crown Liquor Saloon:** Enjoy a traditional "Belfast Fry" and soak up the atmosphere of this Victorian gem.
* **The Crumlin Road Gaol:**  Explore the historical significance of this landmark while learning about its past as a prison and its future as a place for peace and understanding.
* **Local Food Tours:** Immerse yourself in local culinary traditions by sampling traditional Irish dishes from the "Food & Drink" section of the city's history.

Tips:

  • Book your tours in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Visit Belfast on a weekday if you want to experience the city at its most vibrant, as many of the historical sites are closed on Sundays.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the city and exploring the historic sites.

  • Dress for the weather: Belfast’s weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for rain and wind.

  • Explore the local history:

Visit the Peace Walls museum to understand the complex history of these iconic structures and the city itself, and how they were used as a symbol of peace and reconciliation during the Troubles.

  • Travel with an open mind: The Peace Walls are a powerful reminder of the city’s past struggles.

The Crumlin Road Gaol stands as a testament to the city’s history and its transformation from a place of punishment to one of remembrance and reflection.

Food & Drink Recommendations:

  • The Crown Liquor Saloon (Crumin Road) - a must-visit: Enjoy the traditional Irish pub experience in a beautiful historical setting.
  • St. George’s Market (various vendors) - a haven for foodies: Visit this vibrant market for its diverse culinary offerings and the opportunity to try some local delicacies.

Enjoy a variety of traditional Irish dishes, such as fish and chips, Ulster fry, or soda bread.

  • Take a black cab tour: These are a unique way to experience the city and its history.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife: Explore Belfast’s vibrant pub scene in the evening.

Remember:

  • Respect the community: The “Troubles” were a complex and difficult period for Northern Ireland. Be mindful of this and avoid making insensitive comments or jokes about the conflict.
  • Learn from the past: The city has a rich history with many cultural and historical sites to explore.
  • Be aware of your surroundings:

While Belfast is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft, especially in crowded areas.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

  • Explore the city:

Walk around the city and enjoy its many attractions.

  • Experience the local culture: Explore the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Embrace the nightlife:

Visit the Botanic Gardens on a sunny day to capture the beauty of the gardens and enjoy a picnic in the park.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: Belfast is known for its friendly people, lively music scene and vibrant pubs.

  • Embrace the history:

Explore the city’s rich past:

  • The Titanic Quarter, with its museums, tours, and historical landmarks, is a great place to start.

  • Visit the Black Taxi Tours for a unique perspective on the city’s history.

  • Take a trip to the Crumlin Road Gaol: The historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

  • Explore the murals, which are often political in nature and tell the story of the city’s journey through conflict.

  • Enjoy a pint at the pub - a classic Belfast experience:

Remember the history of the city and its connection to the “Titanic” and explore the city’s museums: The Ulster Museum is home to many exhibits on Irish history, culture and art.

Remember:

  • Pack for all weather: Be prepared for rain and wind.
  • Dress comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!

For the food & drink enthusiast:

  • Explore Belfast’s diverse culinary scene: Try traditional dishes at the Crown Liquor Saloon, but remember to be respectful and avoid insensitive topics.

Enjoy local pubs:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Belfast’s pubs and don’t miss out on the opportunity to try a variety of local brews.

  • Dress for the occasion: While Belfast is a generally casual city, it’s still good to dress appropriately for the situation.

  • Bring an umbrella: Be prepared for the unpredictable weather in Belfast.

  • Explore Northern Irish history: Learn about the past and the impact of the “Troubles” on the city.