Belfast is full of surprises. It’s not just a gritty industrial town with a troubled past of religious strife, as you might expect.
The city has undergone a remarkable transformation!
Today, it’s a cool, tourist-ready hub. There are historic pubs, trendy cookeries, and a thriving street art scene with color on every corner.
Set along the picturesque River Lagan, Belfast combines its rich history with a fresh, modern energy that’s hard to resist. It’s a must visit for a unique urban experience!
Overview Of One Day In Belfast
Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see in 1 day:
- Titanic Belfast
- Belfast City Hall
- St. George’s Market
- Cathedral Quarter
- St. Anne’s Cathedral
- Albert Memorial Clock Tower
- Victoria Square
- Peace Wall & political murals
Mini History Of Belfast
Belfast is synonymous with the “Troubles,” a seminal 30 year period in Belfast’s history.
It’s a time when Northern Ireland’s streets crackled with tension and the air was thick with a bitter mix of fear, anger, and an unyielding hope for something better.
From 1969 until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, this small corner of the world became a battleground of sorts. Neighbors turned against neighbors, and walls — both literal and metaphorical — rose between communities.
At its heart, the Troubles was a conflict of identity.
On one side, you had the Unionists and Loyalists, mostly Protestant. They wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.
On the other, the Nationalists and Republicans, largely Catholic, dreamt of a united Ireland, free from British rule.
It wasn’t just politics. It was centuries of history, religion, and a deep-seated sense of belonging all colliding head-on.
The violence that followed was as tragic as it was complex. Bombs in city centers, assassinations, and street clashes became the grim soundtrack of everyday life.
Belfast, Derry, and other towns bore the brunt of the conflict, with barricades and checkpoints becoming part of the landscape.
But amid the darkness, there were glimmers of resilience — people who, despite everything, kept going, who found ways to live, love, and laugh, even when the world around them seemed to be falling apart.
The Troubles may have left deep scars, but the spirit of Northern Ireland is something fierce.
The peace that followed in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement didn’t erase the past. But it opened a door to a future where old enemies could find common ground.
Today, as you walk through Belfast and see the murals that tell both sides of the story, you’re reminded of just how far this place has come.
As my guide said, “if these factions can make peace, anyone can.”
>>> Click here to book a Belfast history walking tour
One Day In Belfast Itinerary
Titanic Belfast
Start your day at the Titanic Belfast museum, the city’s #1 attraction. It opens at 10:00 am.
If you’ve seen the movie and read the books, this is your chance to relive the whole she-bang of the unsinkable ship.
To avoid disappointment, I suggest pre-booking an entrance ticket in high season. The ticket is a replica of a first class ticket on the Titanic, and thus a souvenir in and of itself.
The interactive museum is clad in silver aluminum panels and looks like the hull of a ship. It tells the story of the RMS Titanic, from its construction to its ill-fated maiden voyage.
There are 10 galleries on a one way route, each dedicated to part of the Titanic story.
The first galleries give the background to Belfast at the turn of the century and its shipbuilding industry, conveniently ignoring the Troubles.”
Then, there’s the Launch Gallery, the enormous slipway from which the Titanic was launched.
The Sinking gallery tells the story of the tragedy to the sound of Morse Code. Real survivors recount their memories and it’s very touching.
You finish with the Aftermath, with footage from the ship’s watery grave.
Overall, It’s an interesting museum experience, sort of like a theme park ride. Just don’t expect to see too many actual historic artifacts on display.
River Lagan
After visiting the Titanic Belfast, take a stroll along the River Lagan towards the city center. You’ll pass by the Lagan Weir and the Big Fish sculpture, which is a popular photo spot.
Belfast City Hall
In the city center, you can visit Belfast City Hall, which has pride of place.
Dating from 1888, the Baroque Revival style building was modeled after St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
It’s surrounded by a bevy of statues. In front, Queen Victoria looks down from her plinth with a rather dour “I am not amused” face.
You can take a free guided tour of the building, which gives you insight into the city’s history and architecture.
Pro Tips: Click here to check the tour times. You can sign up for tours at reception or book over the phone.
The tour take you up a rather grand staircase to the glamorous rotunda, outfitted with stained glass and marble. You’ll explore several rooms and end in the Great Hall.
The highlight is the Council Chamber. This is where city council members meet to discuss political issues. It’s a sumptuous room paneled in hand carved Austrian oak.
You can also just tour the ground floor exhibition for free on your own. It’s essentially a social history of Belfast.
Throughout 20 rooms, you’ll fine exhibits on the Troubles, the potato famine, the Titanic, local men fighting in the Spanish civil war, etc.
Don’t miss the Titanic Memorial Garden outside.
It’s a dedicated space that honors the memory of the 1,512 people who lost their lives in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.
The centerpiece of the garden is the original Titanic Memorial, unveiled in 1920. This limestone and bronze sculpture features a female figure representing “Death or Fate,” with two sea nymphs at her feet.
In 2012, to mark the centenary of the Titanic disaster, a new memorial wall was added to the garden. It’s engraved with the names of all 1,512 people who perished in the sinking.
St. George’s Market
If you visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, head to St. George’s Market. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from City Hall.
St. George’s is a historic Victorian style covered market and food hall. It offers up local produce, all manner of food stuff, crafts, and live music.
At the Saturday food and craft market, you’ll find some of Ireland’s top food producers.
Grab lunch here or proceed on to the Cathedral Quarter for a snack and a stroll.
Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is my favorite part of Belfast. It’s known for its buzzy atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafes to choose from.
Many of the cobbled lanes are pedestrianized. Take some time to wander the streets, where you’ll find street art murals, galleries, and unique shops.
Visit St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral.
Built in an imposing Hiberno-Romanesque style, building started in 1899. But the cathedral wasn’t finished until 1981.
As you enter, you’ll see the black and white marble floor laid out in a maze pattern. Tours leave three times per day at 10:00 am, noon, 2:00 pm ,and 4:00 pm.
And be sure to wander down Commerical Court. The flower-filled area is known for its lively nightlife, with many pubs, restaurants, and music venues.
At the east end of High Street is the Albert Memorial Clock Tower.
This spike-y monument was built in honor of Queen’s Victoria’s dearly depart husband, Albert.
It’s Belfast’s own leaning tower.
It doesn’t bend as much as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But you can see that it lurches a bit to the south.
Victoria Square
If you want to shop until you drop, head to the Victoria Square area.
It boasts a variety of high-end and high-street retailers, including major international brands, fashion stores, and specialty shops.
If shopping is not your cup of tea, you can instead head up to the dome viewing gallery for 360 panoramic views of Belfast.
Be sure to check out Bittles Bar on the northern side of the square.
It’s a cramped and staunchly tradition pub in a striking triangular red brick building. The interior is covered with paintings of Ireland’s literary heroes.
Peace Wall & Murals
In the late afternoon, take a short drive or taxi to the Peace Wall and surrounding areas in West Belfast to see the famous political murals that chart the 30 year history of the Troubles.
I recommend booking a personalized black taxi tour to see it all. You’ll get a deep insight into this important part of Belfast’s past.
The locals refer to these tours as the “gloom and doom” tour and the “bombs and bullets” tour.
The murals you’ll see are mainly folk art. They depict various aspects of Belfast’s history, particularly the Troubles.
On Falls Road, you’ll find murals that reflect the Nationalist and Republican side of the conflict. They commemorate figures from Irish history, including those who fought for Irish independence.
You’ll also see tributes to the jailed hunger strikers, such as Bobby Sands, whose sacrifice during the Troubles became a rallying cry for the Republican cause.
The solidarity walls express solidarity with other oppressed peoples around the world. For example, you’ll see Palestine and Israeli themes.
In contrast, over on the Shankill Road, the murals tend to reflect the Unionist and Loyalist perspective.
Here, you’ll see images of the British crown, the Red Hand of Ulster, tributes to the Ulster Volunteer Force, and images of the British monarchs.
In between these two areas is the Peace Wall.
It’s a physical and symbolic barrier that divides the city along sectarian lines. It’s a unique attraction, the only place in Europe divided this way.
If you’re inclined, you can sign the peace wall like others before you.
>>> Click here to book a black taxi murals tour
Traditional Pub
In the early evening, for cocktails, head to one of Belfast’s traditional pubs. The most famous is the Crown Liquor Saloon.
This pub, with its flamboyant Victorian-era decor, is simply stunning. You can cozy up in one of the many “snugs” and sample the beers and drinks.
Another historic pub, the oldest in Belfast, is White’s Tavern. Dating from 1630, it’s a cozy bar just off High Street with fireplaces and traditional Irish live music.
The Duke of York is yet another history packed pub, which feels like a living museum. It’s in the Cathedral Quarter on the umbrella-canopied Commerical Court.
If you settle in at the Crown Liquor Saloon, you can walk down the street and take a look at the Grand Opera House. It’s another famous Victorian landmark, which opened in 1895.
Although it was bombed by the IRA, the interior has been restored to its original opulence. You may also be able to score an hour long backstage tour.
If you’re in the city center, Kelly’s Cellars is another amazing pub option. It has a rich history dating back over 300 years.
The pub is famously associated with the United Irishmen, a revolutionary group that sought to unite Irish people across religious and political lines.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided pub crawl so you don’t have to choose just one pub.
Dinner
You’re spoiled for choice when choosing a restaurant for dinner in Belfast.
Belfast is surrounded by lush farming country. You’ll have a bounty of locally sourced meat, seafood, and fresh produce.
I liked Muddlers Club, with its contemporary styling and seasonal vegetable-forward plates. And Yugo for Asian fusion is delicious, and boasts an exposed brick industrial setting. Both are in the Cathedral Quarter.
If you want a Michelin experience, check out Epic and Ox. Both have fine cuisine in a theater-like setting.
Tips For Spending 1 Day in Belfast
How To Get To Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Located about 20 miles northwest of Belfast, BFS is the main airport serving the city.
Belfast is well connected to many UK and European cities, as well as some international destinations. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or private transfer into the city center.
By Train:
There is a direct train service, the Enterprise, which runs between Dublin Connolly Station and Belfast Lanyon Place. The journey takes around 2 hours.
By Car:
Belfast is well-connected by road. If you’re driving from Dublin, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the M1/A1 motorway.
By Guided Tour:
If you’re short on time, you can also visit on a guided day tour from Dublin. It will be a long day. Tours leave bright and early from Parnell Square in north Dublin.
You can also book an even longer guided tour that includes Dunluce Castle (just a quick look) and Giant’s Causeway.
How To Get Around Belfast
Belfast is an eminently walkable city, and that’s how I got around.
You can also take the hop on hop off bus, rent bikes, or go on a bike tour. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to take advantage of the city’s extensive bike paths, some of which are traffic free.
Where To Stay In Belfast
Titanic fanatics can live out their fantasies in the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which opened in 2017 in the old Harland & Wolff offices.
The Bullitt Hotel, named for Steve McQueen’s famous film, offers comfortable rooms, artist’s lectures, and a rooftop bar.
If luxury is what you want, the creme de la creme is The Merchant Hotel. It’s a 5 star luxury hotel with lavish Victorian interiors.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Belfast itinerary. You may find these other Northern Ireland travel guides useful:
- 3 days in Northern Ireland itinerary
- guide to Giant’s Causeway
- guide to Dunluce Castle
- guide to GOT filming locations
- 10 days in Ireland Itinerary
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