Top Things to do in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant nightlife. Often overlooked by travelers, Belfast is an underrated gem that should be high on your travel list. From its fascinating past to its bustling pub scene, there's so much to discover. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the top things to do in Belfast, making sure you experience the best this cool city has to offer. Read more about Northern Ireland here.
Experience a Black Taxi Tour
This is the most popular thing to do in Belfast and it should not be missed. A Black Taxi Tour is a unique way to see Belfast, offering a personal and insightful look into the city’s turbulent history during the Troubles. The drivers, who are locals with firsthand experience, provide a powerful narrative that brings the history to life. You'll visit significant sites such as the Peace Walls and political murals. You can book this tour and learn more about it by clicking here.
Find the Perfect Pint of Guinness
What Makes a Perfect Pint? As any self respecting Irish person would tell you, the shorter the line the better the draw. The closer the keg is, the shorter the draft line is and the better the Guinness will taste.
A perfect pint of Guinness is more than just a drink—it's an art form. Here’s how to recognize it:
The Pour: The bartender pours the Guinness at a 45-degree angle until it's three-quarters full.
The Settle: Let it sit for about two minutes to allow the nitrogen bubbles to settle, forming a creamy head.
The Top-Up: The pint is then topped off straight from the tap until it forms a perfect dome just above the rim.
Best Places for a Perfect Pint in Belfast
Whites Tavern: One of Belfast’s oldest pubs, Whites Tavern offers a cozy atmosphere and consistently excellent pints. They even have a small storefront that ONLY has Guinness on tap and serves cocktails made with Guinness (try the Espresso Martini!).
Bittles Bar:
Known for its quirky, flatiron shape and friendly vibe, Bittles Bar serves a superb pint of Guinness. This was the best tasting Guinness we had during our time in Belfast and we loved that there was an outdoor space to enjoy our beers. The locals are super friendly and may want to chat for a bit. Don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations!
Visit the Crown Liquor Saloon
The Crown Liquor Saloon is a must-stop in Belfast. This historic pub, dating back to 1826, is famous for its Victorian architecture, intricate mosaics, and stunning stained glass. Originally called the Railway Tavern, it was renovated in the 1880s by Italian craftsmen. Despite its beautiful decor, be aware that the Guinness here isn’t the best, nor is the food. However, the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit. They have private booths that can be reserved or you can pop in to see if one is open. There will be a reserved sign such as “reserved at 3pm” so if you’re there before then and the booth is empty, feel free to enjoy until 10 minutes to 3.
St. George’s Market
St. George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, offering a fantastic array of local produce, crafts, and food. Open on weekends, it’s a great place to enjoy live music, sample local delicacies, and pick up unique souvenirs. Not only do they have delicious food like the Belfast Bap, smash burger tacos and gyoza, the market also boasts hand made crafts, natural skincare and Irish antiques. We loved this market so much we went twice!
Explore the Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum, located in the Titanic Quarter, is an impressive tribute to the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which was built in Belfast. The museum’s interactive exhibits take you through the ship's construction, launch, and tragic sinking. It’s an engaging and emotional experience that’s not to be missed. You can book your ticket and learn more about the Titanic Museum here.
Enjoy Brunch at Harlem Cafe
For a delightful brunch, head to Harlem Cafe. This charming spot offers a cozy ambiance and delicious food, including a traditional Irish breakfast. It’s the perfect place to start your day before exploring more of Belfast.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Get to know Belfast’s rich history and vibrant culture with a free walking tour. Knowledgeable local guides will take you through the city's landmarks, sharing stories from Belfast’s past and present. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and learn about the city’s unique character. Highly recommend this free walking tour and taking it on your first day in Belfast. Remember to bring cash to tip your tour guide (£10-£20 per person). You can learn more and book the tour by clicking here.
Have Dinner at Thirsty Goat
The Thirsty Goat is an excellent choice for dinner, serving a range of hearty traditional dishes in a lively setting. It’s known for its great food, live music, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is more calm than the adjacent Thirsty Goat Pub but the food was the best we had in Belfast. 10/10 recommend trying the ham with champ pictured here. Champ is mashed potatoes with spring onions and WOW it is delicious!
Pub Crawl in Cathedral Quarter
This historic district is famous for its lively atmosphere, cobbled streets, and a plethora of bars, pubs, and restaurants.
Duke of York: Nestled in the historic Cathedral Quarter, the Duke of York boasts a fantastic selection of beers and a cozy, traditional vibe.
The Thirsty Goat: A great spot not only for dinner but also for a few drinks afterward.
The Dirty Onion: A unique pub housed in one of Belfast's oldest buildings, offering a range of drinks and regular live music.
Explore Belfast Castle
Make a visit to the beautiful Belfast Castle and enjoy the views of the city below. It’s free to visit the castle and you could even bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden. We visited on our way to the airport and it was a perfect ending to the trip.
Belfast Castle
BONUS
Take a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and/or Derry! If you can only do one, we recommend Giant’s Causeway. You can read more about day trip by clicking here.
Top Rated Tours in Belfast
Belfast Black Taxi Private Tour- This is a MUST when visiting Belfast.
Belfast Free Walking Tour- Take this tour on the first day of your visit to Belfast.
Where to stay in Belfast
Belfast is a smaller city and very walkable. We recommend to stay near the city center. The Europa Hotel is the most famous hotel in Belfast and a popular place to stay. Strangely enough, this hotel is the most bombed hotel in Europe. Belfast does have a thriving nightlife and it’s a popular place for stag and hen parties (bachelor and bachelorette). We recommend reading the recent reviews to ensure you’re not too close to noisy pubs.
Belfast is a city full of surprises, offering a mix of historical intrigue, cultural depth, and lively entertainment. From enjoying a perfect pint of Guinness and exploring historic pubs to immersing yourself in the city's storied past through tours and museums, there’s something for everyone. So, add Belfast to your travel list and get ready to experience one of the coolest cities in the UK. Cheers to your next adventure!
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