How to Spend 48 Hours in Belfast

Belfast is a city of vibrant street art and lively pubs, all unfolding amid the lingering echoes of a complex and storied past. I spent two days getting to explore the city and was in awe by the history it openly shares, including it being the birthplace of the Titanic. But Belfast isn’t stuck in the past, it is a lively city filled with with music, creative expression, friendly locals, and good food.

Day 1 – Street Art, Black Taxi & Titanic

Street Art Tour

Kick off your Belfast adventure with a splash of color and a whole lot of history. Belfast’s street art scene is expressive, bold, and political. Majority of the art pieces have a powerful story behind them and they do not shy away from telling you exactly how this city has felt throughout the years. You’ll spot everything from fun-cutesy paintings to some powerful murals with messages that hit harder than your morning espresso. For the full experience, I highly recommend joining a street art tour. It’s the best way to uncover the powerful stories and rich history hidden in every mural.

Black Taxi Tour

Next up: hop into one of the city’s iconic Black Taxi Tours. These taxi rides are filled with history lessons with local guides who have lived through The Troubles and know each street and story. You will drive along the Peace Walls, that still divide the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods and dive deep into the history. By the end, you won’t just have seen the walls, but you will understand the weight they carry.

Titanic Museum

Did you know that the Titanic was built in Belfast? A MUST do in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast museum. This isn’t like a typical museum, it’s interactive, creative, and even have a ride inside! It is an immersive experience that takes you through the entire life of the Titanic, from the building of the ship to the infamous iceberg.

Day 2

Giants Causeway & Bushmills Distillery

Get ready for a day that will feel like straight out of a fantasy novel. On day 2, head up to the epic northern coastline, where your jaw will drop.

You’ll start with taking a scenic drive along the coastal route, leading you up to the legendary Giant’s Causeway. Among the cliffs, you’ll find stunning hexagonal columns stacked like stepping stones that were formed millions of years ago by cooling and contracting lava from volcanic eruptions (or, if you believe the local legend, built by the Irish giant Finn McCool). It is breathtaking, windy, and definitely worth the trip.

If you’re a Game of Thrones, plan to stop at some filming locations in the area: Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle, and The Dark Hedges (a.k.a. the Kingsroad).

Tips for visiting the Giant’s Causeway

• Arrive Early (or Late) for Fewer Crowds
  The Giant’s Causeway is one of Belfast’s top attractions, which means a lot of tour buses come through here. Try to arrive first thing in the morning or closer to sunset for a quieter, more intimate experience.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes
  You will be doing a lot of walking and the stones can get slippery, so comfortable shoes with a good grip are a must.
• Pack a jacket
  The weather is unpredictable and can flip from sunshine to rain quickly. You may want to pack a waterproof jacket, to prepare for a change in weather.
• Bring a Snack
  You may get hungry with all of that walking!

Next, make your way to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It’s a short detour but a fun adrenaline rush, walking across bridge suspended above the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge connects the mainland to a tiny island that offers unreal views.

After all that walking and adventure, slow down in the afternoon and stop for a sip. Head over to the village of Bushmills and take a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, where they have been crafting whiskey since 1608. You’re get an inside look into the age-old methods and enjoy tastings that might convert you into a whiskey fan, if you aren’t one already.

After a long day, you definitely have deserved to grab a hearty meal and pint at a local pub. Try some Irish staples like Guinness stew, fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a hearty meat pie.

Other Things to Do in Belfast (If You Have Extra Time)

• Explore Belfast Castle – A peaceful escape from the city buzz and a great photo spot
• See a Show at the Grand Opera House – Check the schedule in advance to see what’s happening during your visit
• Take a Walk on Cave Hill – The view is worth the climb. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland!
• Visit the Botanic Gardens