In partnership with Tourism Ireland
Planning your next winter break in Belfast? Here are the best things to see, do and experience in one of Northern Ireland’s most unforgettable cities.
When it comes to a winter city break, you can’t beat Belfast. It’s just a short hop across the Irish Sea and offers a rich range of authentic experiences – from live music in cosy pubs and tucking into local produce, to heading out of the city to explore natural wonders.
There’s so much to do in Belfast, it’s hard to squeeze everything into 48 hours. But if you’ve only got a weekend to spare, here’s how to get the very most out of every moment.
Day one: arrive and enjoy some culture (hours 1-6)
Evening
It’s likely you’re flying in late afternoon after a week of work. Once you arrive, kick off your 48 hours in Belfast by getting to know the Cathedral Quarter‘s lively pubs and stylish restaurants. Drop your bags at your hotel, freshen up and venture out to explore Belfast’s eclectic nightlife scene.
Start your evening with a bite to eat. Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has lots of international flavours to choose from, and some excellent spots serving up local flavours. The famous Mourne Seafood Bar is the go-to for fresh shellfish, hand-selected from the restaurant’s proprietary shellfish beds.
It’s also home to Ginger Bistro, recognised as one of the best restaurants in the city. All ingredients are hand-picked for quality, and most come from farms in Northern Ireland. The seasonal set menu lets you mix and match from a selection of traditional favourites with a modern twist.
After dinner, head upstairs to Tetto, the rooftop bar of the Bullitt Hotel. Sip creative cocktails as you admire the panoramic view of Belfast. Book ahead if you’re arriving on a Friday or Saturday – weekend DJ sets makes this a popular place to be.
After dinner, head down to street level, There are plenty of bars in the Cathedral Quarter, from traditional pubs to trendy bars. If it’s live music you’re after – and why wouldn’t it be? Belfast is a UNESCO city of music, after all – just follow your ears.
You’re likely to get a good show at the Dirty Onion and Yardbird. This is Belfast’s oldest building, which plays host to Irish music every night of the week. The Crown Liquor Saloon is the oldest pub in town, and owned by the National Trust. While it used to be a Victorian gin palace, these days it’s ideal for sampling a pint of local beer or whiskey.
Another local favourite is The John Hewitt, where spontaneous music sessions have a habit of breaking out. You’ll find live music of all genres here – from jazz to folk and even Cajun. Other live music spots to seek our are Fibber Magee’s, where you can pull up a stool by the roaring log fire while listening to the fiddles, pipes and bodhráns. Or the charming Duke of York, tucked into a narrow cobbled street. This traditional pub’s walls are adorned with old Belfast memorabilia, and it’s renowned for its live performances and good craic.
Day two: explore the city (hours 6-30)
Morning
Start your day with breakfast and a browse of the product at St George’s Market. The city’s last surviving Victorian covered market is only open on the weekends. On Saturday morning you’ll find lots of local producers selling fresh fruit and veg, as well as delicious coffee and pastries. Grab a table and enjoy, all with a backdrop of more live music.
After your morning wander, it’s around ten minutes’ walk to Titanic Belfast. This must-visit museum tells the story of the doomed ocean liner, which was designed and built in the nearby dock.
Titanic Belfast is more than a museum – it’s an experience. Each of the nine galleries is packed with interactive exhibits where you can discover the sights, sounds, stories – and smells! – of the famous ship.
Afternoon
Belfast has a unique heritage and history. One of the best ways to learn more about the city’s roots is on a traditional Belfast Black Cab Tour. A local driver will show you Belfast’s famous murals, explaining their historical meanings and significance.
While you’re on that side of town, continue your history lesson at Crumlin Road Gaol, which housed its first prisoners in 1846. Over the years it was home to murderers, suffragettes and other criminals. It saw its share of riots, escapes and hunger strikes before its big iron gates slammed shut for the last time in 1996.
On a tour, you’ll walk through the underground tunnel that connects the gaol with the courthouse across the road, experience prison life in the C-wing and visit the Condemned Man’s Cell where 17 men were executed.
Evening
After delving into history, get back into the lighter side of life at Taste and Tour’s Sensorium experience. This isn’t your average cocktail bar. This 2.5 hour-long experience teaches you why you like certain flavours, and dislike others.
After delving into your 32 senses, the evening ends at the ‘Spirit of You’ Rooftop Garden. Here, a master mixologist will whip up two bespoke cocktails based on your own unique tastes.
Day three: get out of the city (hours 30-48ish)
Morning
It may be the day you’re leaving, but there are still plenty of hours left to do some more exploring – you’re not flying until the evening. So after your whirlwind day in the city, see out the last of your time in Belfast with a road trip adventure. Check out of your hotel, grab your hire car and see more of what Northern Ireland has to offer. Pop your bags in the boot and set off for stop number one: the Giant’s Causeway.
This natural wonder is made up of tens of thousands of basalt columns lining the coast. Legend has it that an ancient giant named Finn McCool built the causeway so he could cross the Irish Sea and fight his enemy, the Scottish giant Benandonner. In reality, it was more likely the result of a volcanic fissure eruption (but the giant story is much more fun).
If you fancy stretching your legs before the next leg of the road trip, there’s a three-mile, out-and-back trail that takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Afternoon
Hop back in the car for a two-hour drive south to Banbridge, where you’ll find the Game of Thrones® Studio Tour and discover how the Seven Kingdoms were brought to life here.
As well as seeing concept drawings, real costumes and genuine props, you can also wander through actual filming sets. Come face-to-face with monsters beyond the Wall, step into Winterfell’s Great Hall and check out the famous map table at Dragonstone.
Before you go, head to the green screen for an unforgettable souvenir. You can join epic battles, try on Kingsguard armour and even sit on the Iron Throne, all thanks to a sprinkling of movie magic.
Evening
We hate it to say it, but your 48 hours in Belfast are coming to an end. You’ve got just enough time to drive an hour north to Belfast Airport to drop off your car and hop on a flight home. Just remember to select ‘return car to a different location’ when you search for car hire, and specify Belfast Airport as your drop-off point.
Are you ready for 48 hours in Belfast?
Live music, rich history, hiking along the coast and taking a trip to Westeros… you can do all this with just 48 hours in Belfast. And that’s just scratching the surface! With so much going on in this amazing city, you’ll need to schedule in a few more weekends to tick everything off your list.
Get more out of your winter weekends with a short break to Belfast. Book your flights below and get ready for adventure.
Want to read more?
- Discover Northern Ireland: our guide to the best things to see, do and eat. Extend your mini-break with our top tips for a bigger adventure
- 14 hidden gems in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry you’ll love. See even more of Northern Ireland with these quirky attractions
- The best Christmas markets in the UK 2023. Find out why Belfast’s Christmas Market is a must-do during your winter break to the city
