One Day in Belfast: A Complete Guide to a Perfect Day
If you’re visiting Ireland, I highly recommend setting aside at least one day to explore Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. Located about 170 kilometres north of Dublin, Belfast is easily accessible by train or as part of a day tour—both excellent options that I’ve personally tried and enjoyed.
What makes this itinerary valuable is its focus on maximizing your time in this interesting city, rich with fascinating history and culture.
Whether you’re interested in historic landmarks, unique museums, or lively local markets, this guide will help you make the most of your brief but memorable visit to Belfast.
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Is One Day in Belfast Enough?
One day in Belfast will give you a good overview of the city, especially if your time in Ireland is limited. While you could certainly spend more than a single day exploring this fascinating city, a well-planned itinerary can ensure you hit the highlights.
We found one day to be the perfect amount of time to see the must-visit attractions in the city of Belfast.
One thing I noticed is that many attractions close early—often before 4 p.m.—so it can be challenging to see everything, especially if you prefer to take your time or join a guided tour. Therefore, you’ll need to carefully pick and choose the top sights you want to visit.
If you have the flexibility to stay longer, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deeper into Belfast’s rich offerings, and you definitely won’t regret it!
Belfast Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Belfast
If you have one day in Belfast and are wondering what to do, the city offers plenty to see and experience. Highlights include visiting the Titanic Museum, exploring the political murals, and seeing the Peace Wall.
Keep reading to learn how to spend a perfect day in Belfast.
Ride the Hop On, Hop Off Bus
I’m so glad we decided to start our day by taking the sight-seeing Hop On, Hop Off bus. While Belfast isn’t that large, the attractions are quite spread out. It is not as walkable as Dublin. I found the transportation in Belfast a bit confusing, so the Hop On, Hop Off bus was an excellent way to get around and see the city and main attractions.
With 19 stops in total, the bus takes you through the Titanic Quarter, past many of the political murals of Shankhill Road and Falls Road, and by the Peace Wall. Our bus even stopped for a brief photo opportunity at the Peace Walls.
The view from the open-top bus was perfect for seeing the political murals and the Peace Wall from up high, giving us a unique perspective on these significant landmarks.
The live commentary on the bus was both informative and quite humorous and we learned a lot about Belfast’s history and culture. We chose to stay on the bus for the entire tour, which was approximately 1.5 hours in total.
Overall, the Hop On, Hop Off bus was the perfect way to get an overview of the city and a great start to our day in Belfast.
Stop by St. George’s Market
If you are visiting on the weekend, one of the top things to do in Belfast is a visit to St. George’s Market. As one of the largest indoor markets in the UK, it offers a mix of food vendors and various stalls selling antiques, artwork, and collectibles.
St. George’s Market is conveniently located close to the train station, making it an easy stop as you walk into the city centre. It’s also one of the stops on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Since the market is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and closes fairly early, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date hours to make the most of your visit.
Take a Black Taxi Tour
I think the Black Taxi Tour is one of the best and most unique guided tours I’ve ever experienced.
Tour guides take you through West Belfast, offering an in-depth look at the city’s complex history, particularly focusing on the political and cultural conflicts known as The Troubles. The passionate taxi drivers, who lived through the era, provide an authentic and personal perspective on this small group tour.
You will be driven to significant neighbourhoods, iconic murals, and the Peace Walls that vividly depict the stories of this turbulent period. We gained a new appreciation for Belfast’s struggle for peace while at the same time experiencing a truly unique aspect of the city. The drivers’ firsthand accounts and deep knowledge made the history come alive in a way that no book or traditional tour could.
If you don’t take the Hop On, Hop Off Bus, I believe you must take the Black Cab Tour. It’s an essential part of understanding Belfast and offers a profound glimpse into the city’s past and its ongoing journey towards peace.
Sign the Peace Walls
The Peace Walls, erected in the 1970s at the beginning of the civil unrest, were built to separate the Catholic and Protestant communities. These high concrete barriers, some up to 8 meters tall, were constructed to prevent violence and protect residents from attacks. It’s incredible to see these walls still intact today, complete with gates that close the roads off nightly.
One of the most prominent Peace Walls is on Cupar Way, which has divided the unionist Shankill Road and nationalist Falls Road for over 50 years. Today, tourists visit to see and sign the walls, leaving messages of peace and hope.
I highly recommend visiting this area with a tour guide, whether you’re with the Black Taxi Tours or the Sightseeing Bus, as they provide a valuable perspective on Northern Ireland’s troubled history.
There has been a promise to take down the Peace Walls eventually, so if you have the opportunity to visit them during your 1 day in Belfast, be sure to take advantage of this unique experience.
Visit Falls Road
Falls Road, known for its Nationalist and Republican roots, vividly showcases its history through stunning street art, commonly referred to as the Belfast Murals. The murals on Falls Road are renowned for their powerful depictions of both Republican and international events, often reflecting local sentiments and global issues that resonate with Irish Republicans.
One of the most striking features is the Wall of Solidarity, which displays support for worldwide causes. As you walk down Falls Road, the streets are adorned with political murals that capture historical events, including the famous mural of Bobby Sands, the IRA member who died on hunger strike in 1981.
Visit the Shankill Road Wall Murals
As one of the most well-known roads in Belfast, Shankill Road provides a fascinating contrast to the murals on Falls Road, offering insights into the diverse viewpoints within the city.
Known as a predominantly Loyalist and Unionist area, Shankill Road is famous for its striking murals created by political activists. These murals are dynamic and ever-changing, reflecting the community’s current sentiments and historical memories.
Shankhill Road was also the location of one of the worst atrocities of The Troubles. On October 23, 2993 an IRA bomb a Fizzell’s fish and chip shop killed 9 innocent people, including 2 children.
Explore the Titanic Museum Belfast Experience
The Titanic Experience is an award-winning museum located on the original construction site of the Titanic. This incredible museum tells the story of the ship through interactive exhibits that cover Belfast’s shipping industry, the construction of the Titanic, and its tragic maiden voyage.
Opened in 2012, the six-floor building houses the world’s largest Titanic exhibit, featuring nine interactive galleries and a remarkable 7.6-meter-long scale model of the Titanic.
A self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, but be aware that it can get very busy, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. If you can visit early, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, making for a more enjoyable experience.
While the tickets are not inexpensive, the Titanic Belfast Museum is well worth the cost. I also recommend purchasing the extra audio guide to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
The museum also boasts a restaurant, café, and gift shop, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop during your day in Belfast.
Stroll Through Queen’s University Belfast
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Queen’s University Belfast, founded in 1845, has beautiful gardens and historic buildings. The main Lanyon Building, opened in 1849, is a Northern Ireland landmark and has been voted one of the most beautiful university buildings in the world.
As one of the oldest and top-ranked universities globally, the campus is stunningly beautiful with remarkable architecture.
If you have some extra time in your itinerary, take a stroll through the campus to admire its scenic beauty and architectural splendour.
Visit Belfast City Hall
Located in the heart of Belfast, City Hall is an architectural gem built between 1898 and 1906.
This beautiful building features stunning stained glass windows that depict historic events of the city, stunning architecture, and the Titanic Memorial Garden.
City Hall is open to visitors, and there are limited guided tours available. These tours are free, and you can obtain tickets at the City Hall reception desk on the day of your visit. A guided tour lasts around one hour and provides a fascinating insight into the building’s history and significance.
Take a Tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol Prison
Crumlin Road Gaol is a historic prison dating back to 1845 and is Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian-era prison. After serving as a working prison for 150 years and housing over 25,000 prisoners, it closed its doors in 1996.
Visitors can choose between a self-guided tour or a guided tour to explore the cells, the punishment block, the hospital wing, and more. Guided tours don’t run every day and availability is limited, with dates released one week in advance.
Although I didn’t get a chance to visit Crumlin Road Gaol myself, seeing it from the Hop On Hop Off bus left a strong impression, and I’ve definitely added it to my wish list for future visits.
Top Things to Do in Belfast
Spending one day in Belfast offers a rich and diverse experience, from exploring the Titanic Museum and the historic Crumlin Road Gaol to admiring the political murals on Falls Road and Shankill Road.
Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Hop On Hop Off bus for a comprehensive city tour, stroll through Queen’s University, and visit the iconic Belfast City Hall. Each of these activities provides a unique glimpse into Belfast’s vibrant history and culture, making for an unforgettable day in this captivating city.
Plan Your Day Trip to Belfast
It’s very easy to travel from Dublin to Belfast, making it an ideal day trip option. Here are some of the different ways to get to Belfast from Dublin:
Travelling From Dublin to Belfast
Belfast is about 170 km north of Dublin, and the trip takes approximately two hours, regardless of your mode of transport. Here are the main options:
Driving: The drive from Dublin to Belfast is straightforward, following major highways. This option provides flexibility and the chance to explore more of Northern Ireland at your own pace.
Guided Tour: Visiting Belfast as part of a day tour is a great option if you want to see more than just the city, such as the famous Giant’s Causeway. Tours offer a structured itinerary and insightful commentary, making for a stress-free experience.
Train: Catching the Irish Rail train from Dublin to Belfast is easy and convenient, with the journey taking just over two hours.
The train station is just a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre. To maximize your time, take an early train, enjoy a full day in Belfast, stay for dinner, and return to Dublin in the early evening.
Bus: Coach buses are the most economical way to travel between Dublin and Belfast. This option is also available from Dublin Airport, with companies like Airbus and Dublin Express providing regular and budget-friendly options.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, getting from Dublin to Belfast is simple and efficient, allowing you to enjoy one day in Belfast as part of your Ireland itinerary.
More Things to Do in Northern Ireland
There is so much more to do in Northern Ireland beyond Belfast. Some of the most popular attractions include the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dark Hedges, and various castles. These attractions showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
For those looking to explore beyond the city without a vehicle, there are many day tours available from Dublin or Belfast.
The Giant’s Causeway is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
You can join a day tour from Dublin or take a Giant’s Causeway tour from Belfast. These tours often include multiple attractions, providing a comprehensive experience of Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes and historic sites.
For Game of Thrones fans, there are also tours that take you to iconic filming locations across Northern Ireland, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters and experience the stunning landscapes featured in the series.
Tips for Visiting Belfast in 1 Day
As first-time visitors to Ireland, here are a few tips we learned on our day trip to Belfast.
- Prepare for the Weather: During our day, it poured with rain, was windy and cool, and then broke out into a beautiful sunny day. Be ready for anything!
- Book Guided Tours in Advance: Decide which tours are your priority and book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer.
- Check Attraction Hours: Make sure to check the hours of attractions before you visit, as many close early.
- Local Currency and Connectivity: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so the currency is pound sterling, and you may need a new eSim card.
- Getting Around: Belfast is not as walkable as Dublin in our experience, and public transportation is less accessible. Consider other transport options.
- Arrive Early for the Train: If you’re taking the train from Dublin to Belfast, be sure to arrive early to maximize your time in the city.
Is it Worth going to Belfast for a Day?
We were really thrilled with our decision to spend one day in Belfast as part of our trip to Ireland. As first-time visitors, we truly did not appreciate the troubled history of the capital of Northern Ireland.
From Dublin, we took both a full day guided tour to Northern Ireland that included a stop at Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway and we took the train to Belfast and back in a single day. Both were excellent options.
We were so pleased we took a day trip to visit Belfast and Northern Ireland and would encourage any visitor not to miss out on visiting this vibrant city.
Learn More About Ireland
Ready to dive deeper into your Ireland adventure? Check out our insider tips and experiences! Discover our three-day Dublin itinerary, read our review of three excellent day tours from Dublin, and an overview of the Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin.
Click on the links to explore more and make the most of your trip to Ireland!
