This jam-packed itinerary has been designed to make the most of a two day trip to Belfast and includes world-class visitor attractions, beautiful gardens, a Royal Palace and a host of authentic, local food and drink options.
Day 1 – Morning
Titanic Belfast
A visit to Titanic Belfast is the ideal way to start a day of sightseeing in Belfast. In this state-of-the-art interactive exhibition, visitors uncover the true story of the RMS Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.
Titanic Belfast is situated within the heart of Titanic Quarter, just a short walk from Belfast’s city centre.
Car parking is available as well as free wifi, ATM and dining and shopping facilities.
You can book tickets online at www.titanicbelfast.com
Ulster Folk Museum
Step back in time and experience what life was like in Ulster over 100 years ago. This museum has recreated a bustling town filled with authentic period buildings, including an old-time picture house, post office, corner shop and a blacksmith hard at work.
Visitors are advised to pre-book their tickets online.
https://www.nmni.com/home.aspx
Day 1 – Afternoon
Botanic Gardens & Tropical Ravine
Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage and home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. The Palm House contains a range of tropical plants, hanging baskets, seasonal displays and birds of paradise, and is one of the earliest examples of a glasshouse made from curved iron and glass. The Tropical Ravine contains some of the oldest seed plants around today, as well as banana, cinnamon, bromeliad and orchid plants. It was built in 1889 by the park’s head gardener, Charles McKimm, and his staff.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/tropical-ravine
Crumlin Road Gaol
Experience all aspects of Crumlin Road Gaol, from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the hanging cell, Governor’s office, hospital and graveyard. Crumlin Road Gaol first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison. Pay a fleeting visit to the Condemned Man’s Cell where 17 men spent their last days before being executed. You will also visit the gravesite within the Gaol where the remains of 15 of the executed men still remain today.
https://www.crumlinroadgaol.com
Day 2 – Morning
Breakfast at St George’s Market
A must-see if you are in Belfast on Friday, Saturday or Sunday is St George’s Market, Belfast’s oldest attraction and one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. Home to some of the finest fresh produce, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights, it has become one of the city’s most popular places to visit.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/markets/st-george-s-market
Belfast City Hall
Take a guided 1 hour tour of Belfast City Hall and uncover the history of Belfast whilst exploring some of the finest features in the City Hall. You can also visit the Titanic Memorial Garden, built to honour and remember all those who perished on that fateful night.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tours
Day 2 – Afternoon
HMS Caroline
Step onboard HMS Caroline, the last remaining ship of the Battle of Jutland (WWI). Explore the impressively recreated cabins that have been restored as if the crew left the ship yesterday, listen in on the everyday sounds in the Captain’s and Senior Officers’ cabins and enjoy interactive exhibits throughout the ship.
https://www.nmrn.org.uk/hms-caroline
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Hillsborough Castle is one of the most beautiful and interesting historic properties in Northern Ireland. It’s the official residence of the royal family when they’re in Northern Ireland and has also been home to the Secretary of State since the 1970s. The Castle is set in 100 acres of breath-taking gardens.
Sky high cocktails
The Observatory at the Grand Central hotel is an awe-inspiring cocktail lounge on the 23rd floor. With spectacular, unique views of Belfast and beyond, a visit to the tallest bar in all of Ireland makes for an extraordinary experience and an ideal way to conclude your time in Belfast.
Top Places for Lunch in Belfast
Little Wing, 10 Ann Street
Head to Little Wings for delicious, traditional Naples style pizzas made with fresh ingredients and cooked in a wood fired oven. Their lunch deal includes a 6 inch pizza with a salad for £5.50.
Sawers, 5 – 6 Fountain Centre, College Street.
Sawers is Belfast’s much-loved deli, stocking a huge range of local gourmet produce. They also serve a mouthwatering lunch menu to eat in or take away, featuring salads, wraps, bagels and hot dishes like curry and lasagna.
Clements
Clements cafés are dotted in various locations around the city, so you’re never far from their delicious local produce which includes homemade soups, sandwiches, paninis, ciabattas, focaccias and traybakes.
Havana Bank Sq, 56 – 58 Berry Street
Serving locally sourced food seven days a week, with lunch from 12-3pm, Havana is the perfect place for a tasty afternoon bite. Located at entrance to the Gaeltacht Quarter, they host an Irish language lunch on the first Tuesday of every month.
Sagart Kitchen and Bar, 18a Chapel Lane
This intimate restaurant’s ‘Saint vs Sinner’ menu features healthy options and indulgent dishes, as well as a wide range of vegan options. Sample a rhubarb mojito or Beetarita from their ‘sinfully good’ cocktail list.
Fish City, 33 Ann Street
Serving classic fish and chips as well as other seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes, Fish City is an award-winning restaurant with a casual vibe and trendy, nautical interior. Sit in or get take out.
EDO, 3 Capital House, Unit 2 Upper Queen Street
Open for lunch from 12-3pm, ED? offers a relaxed dining experience with tapas style sharing dishes, robust meat and fish dishes and charcoal oven cooked steaks. Full size mains are available too.
Avoca, 41 Arthur Street
Visit the café upstairs in Avoca for delicious hot food, salads, traybakes and baked goods made with the best local and seasonal produce. Unwind in the spacious interior with eclectic vintage style.
Café Parisien, Cleaver House, Donegall Square North
From dawn to dusk, Café Parisien is the place to relish in the moment and let your palette be revived with authentic French cuisine. Inspired by its Titanic namesake, Café Parisien offers all-day dining, seven days a week.
