24 Hours in Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, has gone through a rebirth in the last few years. Once a place of turmoil, today this lovely Victorian city offers a variety of places and activities that everyone can enjoy. From museums and places of historical importance, different outdoor and indoor activities, to the best Irish pubs that will satisfy all your cravings. We have prepared you a 24-hour guide so you can get the most out of one day in Belfast!
08:00 – When in Belfast, do as Belfast. Start your day with the Ulster fry, some bacon, eggs, sausages and soda bread will sure give you enough energy for all that sightseeing. Head over to the Stranmillis Road where you will find Maggie Mays cafe and try their ‘Perfect Hangover Cure’. If you are feeling confident try the Northern Ireland’s biggest Breakfast, served in the Newton Cafe Brunch Bar. “The Goliath XXL” consists of a 34-piece fry, the owners state that only one person so far managed to eat it all. It’s worth a try, don’t you think?
09:30 – With the full bellies it is time to check out the city. Grab your backpacks (don’t forget the umbrella!) and start your adventure. If you started your day at Maggie Mays in the Queen’s Quarter, then just cross the street to get to the Ulster Museum. Here you can learn about the city’s history, you could spend half of the day here but the most important things to see are the Armada Room and the Troubles exhibition located on the ground floor.
11:00 – You’re lucky because the one of the most famous attractions in Belfast is right next to the Ulster Museum! The Botanic Gardens are an important part of city’s Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. The Gardens opened in 1828 and became a public park in 1895. Take your time walking and enjoying all of the exotic tree species and plant collections. Make sure that you visit the Palm House in the north section of the Gardens. This Victorian greenhouse made from curved iron and glass is really a sight to see.
12:30 – Time to head north. We recommend getting a Black Cab Tour of West Belfast so you can see the memorials of Belfast Troubles firsthand. Ask the driver to drop you off at the City Hall. Belfast’s classical Renaissance-style City Hall offers free public tours and private group tours everyday. East from the City Hall is The Titanic Memorial Garden where you can see the Belfast List with the names of 1,512 people who perished on RMS Titanic. North from the City Hall is the Linen Hall Library. Even if you aren’t a bookworm Belfast’s oldest library housed in a Victorian linen building will take your breath away.
14:00 – Lunch time! Lucky you ended near the City Hall because most of the popular places to eat are there. Treat yourself with some of the best Irish and British meals at the Howard Street restaurant that also offers vegetarian friendly, vegan, and gluten free options. You won’t make a mistake if you decide to visit The Ginger Bistro since it is recognised as one of Belfast’s finest, multi-award winning restaurants. The St James restaurant may not be the best place for vegans, but it’s famous for serving great steaks and fish – a great place to celebrate special occasions. Made in Belfast serves great local food and amazing cocktails. If you want something different go to the Holohan’s At The Barge, a little restaurant located on the upper deck of a Dutch barge. Here you can get some of the best local food while enjoying the view of the River Lagan.
15:30 – After lunch, head east if you want to check out the St George Market, the last Victorian covered market in Belfast that hosts special Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets. If you wish to go shopping try the Victoria Square and CastleCourt shopping centres. For more sightseeing go north and follow the river so you can see The Big Fish statue celebrating the cleaning up of the River Lagan. If you turn left along the river you will find yourself in the Titanic Quarter. The centerpiece of this once-industrial area is the Titanic Belfast that shows Belfast’s industrial heritage and tells the story of the famous Titanic, built right here in 1912.
17:00 – A few kilometers north from the city centre is the Cave Hill, and on its slopes you will find one of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Belfast Castle. Due to its picturesque location and the amazing architecture the Castle is popular all year round. The Castle grounds also have many different events and attractions to check out. If you are travelling with kids the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground is a great place to go, and if you feel like walking and enjoying breathtaking views go to the Cave Hill Country Park.
19:00 – Head back to the city center to bring your sightseeing to an end. Pay a visit to the neo-Romanesque St Anne’s Cathedral, the main church of the (Anglican) Church of Ireland. Just a 5 minute walk from the Cathedral you can see the Albert Memorial Clock, also called Belfast’s leaning tower of Pisa.
20:00 – How could you leave Belfast without drinking a pint in some of the most famous pubs of Northern Ireland? If you wish to visit Belfast’s oldest traditional pub head to the Kelly’s Cellars, best known for its delicious food and traditional music. For some jazz and art deco visit the Berts Jazz Bar where the live music starts every evening at 9pm and lasts until midnight. The Crown Liquor Saloon is the most famous pub in Belfast. Here you can drink your beer and enjoy the ornate Victorian decor and atmosphere lit by genuine gas mantles. For the best traditional Belfast welcome visit the Duke of York Bar or some of its sister pubs in the cobblestone alley in the historic Half Bap area. If you just can’t decide where to go you can always go on a traditional Irish Pub Crawl! Best thing to do is contact Taste and Tour for an amazing night and a full Belfast experience.
