5 Days of Adventure and Culture in Belfast

Discover the city of Belfast and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

22 April 2023

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a unique blend of history, beauty and culture. As a tourist, you can explore the city's troubled past through tours of iconic landmarks such as the Titanic Belfast Museum, visit famous murals in West Belfast and soak up the local culture and cuisine in the bustling Cathedral Quarter. The city's scenic parks, lively pubs, and friendly locals make Belfast an unforgettable experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Adventures in the City

Check into the historic Europa Hotel in the city center
Start the day with a full Irish breakfast at Miel et Moi Cafe
Take a walking tour to learn about Belfast's complex history and landmarks
Visit the Titanic Belfast museum, dedicated to the famous ship built in the city
Have a traditional pub dinner at The Crown Liquor Saloon, with its ornate Victorian decor

Day 2

Nature and Culture

Drive to the Giant's Causeway, an impressive natural formation of basalt columns
Stop at the Dark Hedges, a picturesque avenue of old beech trees seen in Game of Thrones
Lunch at Bushmills Inn, a cozy country hotel serving locally sourced food
Visit the Ulster Museum to see art, science and history exhibits
Dine in the avant-garde restaurant Ox, with its tasting menus and minimalist decor

Day 3

Art and Creativity

Have breakfast at Established Coffee, a trendy spot with artisanal coffee and pastries
Discover the street art scene in the Cathedral Quarter neighborhood
Visit the MAC arts center for contemporary and experimental exhibitions and performances
Have lunch at St. George's Market, a historical indoor market with food stalls and crafts
Attend a concert, show or comedy night at the SSE Arena, a huge venue for entertainment

Day 4

Local Traditions

Take a Black Cab Tour to learn about Belfast's recent troubles and peace process
Go to the Victoria Square shopping center for souvenirs and panoramic views from the dome
Lunch at Boojum, a burrito and taco joint popular among students and locals
Visit the Ulster Folk Museum to see recreated historical houses, farms and crafts
Have a dinner of fish and chips at the Mourne Seafood Bar, a busy and friendly seafood restaurant

Day 5

Last Treats

Have a brunch of pancakes and coffee at Harlem Cafe, a bohemian retro-inspired venue
Take a day trip to nearby Game of Thrones filming locations like Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest
Stop at the seaside town of Bangor for a walk and ice cream on the pier
Return to Belfast for a farewell dinner at The Muddlers Club, a fancy fine dining restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere
End the night with a Guinness and live music at the atmospheric Duke of York pub in the cobbled lanes of the Cathedral Quarter.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Belfast, United Kingdom by plane is to fly into Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport. Both airports offer both local and international flights, including major airlines such as British Airways and Ryanair.

Car

Driving to Belfast from most parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is relatively simple, as both countries are connected by a well-maintained motorway network. In addition, several car rental agencies can be found at major airports and cities throughout the region.

Train

While there is no direct train from outside Northern Ireland to Belfast, it is possible to take a train to Dublin and then transfer to a train to Belfast from there. The Dublin-Belfast route is served by Irish Rail Corporation, with trains departing from Dublin Heuston Station.

Boat

Taking a ferry to Belfast is possible from several ports in Great Britain, such as Liverpool and Cairnryan. The two main ferry companies operating these routes are Stena Line and P&O Ferries.

Bus

There are several intercity bus companies that operate routes to Belfast, such as Bus Éireann and Ulsterbus. One of the more popular options is the Belfast Express, which runs from Dublin to Belfast and vice versa every day.