We love Belfast as a city getaway from Dublin. Travel times vary by service and traffic, so check the current rail timetable or driving route before you go. If you have more time, the Antrim Coast makes a memorable second part of the trip.
But first of all, what to see, do and eat in Belfast?
Belfast Black Cab tours
The legendary Belfast Black Cab tour is a must do when visiting the city. We’ve taken this tour quite a number of times with visitors from home. In your own private taxi an experienced local driver will take you through the historical sites, such as the Shankill Road and Falls Road neighborhoods, the political murals, and the peace wall. There’s a lot to see and you can either choose what you want to see or leave it to the driver. Drivers are funny, engaging, and very knowledgeable, and it’s pretty remarkable to hear the stories from people who grew up in Belfast during the conflict.
St George’s Market
East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ
St George’s Market was built between 1890 and 1896 and is one of the city’s oldest attractions. It runs Friday through Sunday, with food and craft traders, live music and plenty to browse. Belfast City Council's market page has the current hours and notes a quieter hour each morning.
The Friday Variety Market usually runs 8am to 2pm, with fresh food, fish, books and crafts.
The Saturday City Food and Craft Market is open 9am to 3pm. The market stalls specialize in artisan food.
The Sunday Market usually runs 10am to 3pm and mixes food with crafts and antiques.
The Botanic Gardens and University Quarter
First opened in 1827, the gardens are popular among locals and visitors as the gardens are an ideal place to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the very center of the city. Near the gardens is the Queen’s Quarter, named after Queen’s University. Walk around and enjoy the lively quarter. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.
Titanic Belfast
1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP Titanic Belfast website
No trip to Belfast is complete for us without visiting Titanic Belfast. The interactive exhibition takes visitors from the ship's design and construction to its sinking. Don't miss the restored SS Nomadic, the tender that carried passengers to Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line vessel. It was my favourite part of the experience. Titanic Belfast says admission is included with a Titanic Experience ticket; check opening times and any temporary closures.
Belfast City Hall
Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS
City Hall opened in 1906 and is worth seeing inside as well as from the square. Guided tours run daily, but adult tickets are now charged and are issued at reception on the day; children need a free ticket. Check the council's schedule before visiting. The seasonal Christmas market outside City Hall is another reason to stop by if your dates coincide.
Crumlin Road Gaol
53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST website
Explore the Victorian Crumlin Road Gaol and learn about the people imprisoned during its 150 years of operation. Current tours cover the cells, execution chamber and tunnel beneath the road; choose a guided or self-guided visit when booking.
Well worth a visit. For ultimate spooky chills, try to get one of the late tours.
A bit outside Belfast
Old Bushmill Distillery
2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH website
The famous distillery is about an hour north of Belfast. At Bushmills visitors can have a look inside one of Ireland’s oldest distilleries and observe the craft and skills of making Irish whiskey. As huge fans of Irish whiskey we’ve visited quite a few distilleries throughout our years in Ireland. While it’s interesting to visit the bigger distilleries, in our experience it’s more interesting to visit the small distilleries. But if you are interested in whiskey and have time to spare then definitely do pop by the distillery.
Game of Thrones
The HBO series Game of Thrones was filmed in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Fans can visit filming locations on a tour or plan their own route.
Giant’s Causeway
Formed 50-60 million years ago, the dramatic landscape of the stunning rock formations is commonly called the 8th wonder of the world. It’s the only Unesco world heritage site in Northern Ireland. Make a trip out of it and drive along the coast line. Our road trip in Ireland guide has more scenic drives worth detouring for.
Where to dine and drink in Belfast
The Ginger Bistro
68-72 Great Victoria St., Belfast website
Award-winning restaurant with a relaxed and cozy environment and simply good food. Their sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce is out of this world. Still one of the best puddings we’ve ever had. Make sure to book ahead.
OX
1 Oxford Street, Belfast BT1 3LA OX website
OX gave us a fantastic, down-to-earth fine-dining experience. It remains in the 2026 Michelin star list, and its current menu offers seasonal tasting courses and optional drinks pairings. Reserve ahead and check the menu for your dates.
Home Restaurant
22 Wellington Place, Belfast BT1 6GE website
Vibrant and busy restaurant with a good choice of dishes that include a vast number of vegetarian options. Also good for lunch. Home remains listed by the Michelin Guide, though awards and menus can change.
Molly’s Yard
1 College Green Mews, Belfast BT7 1LW website
This lovely little restaurant sits in a restored Victorian stables courtyard. We remember its cosy atmosphere and good food; check the current menu before you visit.
The Merchant hotel
16 Skipper Street, Belfast BT1 2DZ Merchant Hotel cocktail bar
The five Red Star Merchant Hotel is situated in the heart of the city center’s historic Cathedral Quarter. Head for cocktails at the award-winning cocktail bar. A bit of a splurge, but drinks are lovely and the surroundings are stunning.