Things to do in Belfast: Titanic, murals and pubs

You are wondering What to do in Belfast Indeed, the capital of Northern Ireland has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Between the Titanic Museum, murals, Victorian pubs, and markets, it has become one of the most vibrant cities on the island. Here are our favorite sights and local travel tips.

In short: In Belfast, start by visiting Titanic Belfast, on the site where the ocean liner was built, then the City Hall and the Cathedral Quarter. Next, take a black taxi tour to learn about the history of the murals, explore the free Ulster Museum, and visit St. George's Market. Belfast is in the United Kingdom: the currency is pounds sterling. Allow two days, plus an additional day for the Giant's Causeway.

Must-see attractions

Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter

First opened in 2012, this spectacular museum stands on the very spot where the Titanic was designed and built. The exhibit recounts the city's industrial history, the construction of the ocean liner, and its sinking. Right next door, the SS Nomadic, the last White Star Line ship still afloat, can also be visited.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Things to do in Belfast: Titanic, murals and pubs "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

The town hall

Next, in the heart of the center, City Hall is a magnificent Edwardian domed building. free guided tours allow visitors to discover its state rooms. In winter, moreover, its forecourt hosts the Belfast Christmas Market.

Murals and Peace Walls

Furthermore, to understand "The Troubles," the conflict that marked the city until 1998, take a tour of the Falls Road and Shankill Road neighborhoods. The best way to do this is to take a black taxi tour: the drivers, often witnesses to the era, tell the story behind each mural.

The Cathedral Quarter and the pubs

This cobbled area is also home to bars, restaurants, and street art. Don't miss the Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian pub with superb woodwork and stained glass, run by the National Trust.

The Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens

Finally, south of the centre, the free Ulster Museum presents the history of Northern Ireland, art and natural sciences. It also borders the Botanic Gardens and their elegant Victorian greenhouse, the Palm House.

Experiences to be lived

• Stroll through St George's Market, from Friday to Sunday, for local produce and live music.
• Visit Crumlin Road Gaol, with its tunnels and cells.
• Go up Cave Hill for a view over the whole city and the port.
• Listen to traditional music in the pubs of the Cathedral Quarter.

Day trips from Belfast

Excursion	Distance	To have
Giant's Causeway	Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive	Basalt columns listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Causeway Coastal Route	One day	Coast, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Dark Hedges	Approximately 1 hour	Beech tree avenue made famous by Game of Thrones
Mourne Mountains	Approximately 1 hour	Mountains and villages by the sea

To organize these excursions, consult our guide. What to see in Northern Ireland and our article on the Ireland's most beautiful cliffs.

How to get to Belfast?

• From Dublin : approximately 2 hours 10 minutes by Enterprise train, or a little over 2 hours by car.
• By plane : the city has two airports, including the George Best Belfast City Airport, very close to the centre.
• Formalities Belfast is in the United Kingdom. An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is therefore required, even when arriving from the Republic of Ireland. Read our formalities for the United Kingdom.

How many days and when to leave?

Generally, two days are enough to explore the city at a leisurely pace. However, add another day for the Giant's Causeway and the north coast. Belfast can be visited year-round; generally, late spring and summer offer the longest days. To compare the seasons, read our guide. when to go to Ireland.

Belfast combines very well with Dublin, just two hours away by train: follow our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days, or our circuit Ireland in 10 days.

Frequently asked questions: What to do in Belfast?

Is Belfast worth a visit?

Yes. Its history, from the Titanic to the Troubles, makes it unique; moreover, it serves as an ideal base for the Giant's Causeway.

Is Belfast a safe city?

Yes, because Belfast is now a safe and welcoming city for visitors. As everywhere, however, just remain vigilant at night.

What currency should be used in Belfast?

The pound sterling, because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. In contrast, the euro is used in the Republic of Ireland, just across the border.

Is it possible to visit Belfast from Dublin in one day?

It's possible by train, but an overnight stay allows you to enjoy the pubs and then explore the north coast.

Cover photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip