We suggest starting the day in Belfast with a visit to one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, Queen’s University. From University Road, you can admire the Lanyon Building, the university’s main building. Its Victorian-style red brick façade is reminiscent of Cambridge University. Queen’s University welcomes nearly 25,000 students each year and counts among its alumni Irish actor Liam Neeson and Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland.

Adjacent to the university is the Belfast Botanic Gardens, which can be visited for free. Two heated greenhouses, home to exotic plants from around the world, are open to visitors all year round. Volunteers are sometimes present in the greenhouses to provide information about the various plants and answer visitors' questions. This is a lovely spot for a peaceful break surrounded by greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The garden is also perfect for a visit with children, even with a stroller.

For a coffee break or lunch after visiting the university and gardens, we recommend Café Maggie Mays, a charming café located at the corner of University Road and Stranmillis Road. Popular among students, it’s common to wait a little before placing an order.

Continue towards the city center. Our next stop is St. George’s Market, just a 30-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens. Housed in a Victorian building dating back to the 1890s, this indoor market is one of the city's oldest and has retained all its historic charm.

Here, you'll find a wide variety of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and street food stalls offering international cuisine and artisanal pastries. It’s not uncommon to hear live music performances by local musicians.

However, please note that the market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you’re visiting Belfast outside these days, it’s still worth seeing the beautiful façade of the market building.

Our next stop is Belfast City Hall, located in the heart of the city center. With its Baroque-style façade and a 53-meter-high dome, it is one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings.

The City Hall is open to visitors daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Guided tours are available in English only for £6 per person.

Our next stop is undoubtedly our favorite place in Belfast. We make sure to visit every time we’re in the city for a coffee break and to browse for books. 

Welcome to the Linen Hall Library! Located right across from City Hall, it is the oldest library in Belfast. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of books and documents on Irish history. The library also houses a charming café, perfect for a peaceful break. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy your latest book discovery with a coffee and a pastry.

Just a few steps from the library lies the beating heart of Belfast, Victoria Square.

This modern shopping center, located in the city center, offers a unique experience with its impressive architecture and famous glass dome. It’s a must-visit spot for shopping enthusiasts.

The dome, accessible for free via a glass elevator, features an observation platform with spectacular panoramic views of Belfast. From here, you can admire the city's rooftops, the harbor, and even the surrounding hills. We highly recommend visiting at sunset for an even more breathtaking view of the city. Admission is free.

It was impossible for us to craft an itinerary through Belfast without including a stop at an iconic pub. That’s why we suggest a slight detour in the city center to visit The Crown Liquor Saloon.

This pub is nothing less than a historic landmark over 150 years old. You’ll be amazed by its ceramic mosaic façade, colorful stained glass windows, and intricately hand-carved woodwork.

Inside, you’ll find wooden booths, known as "snugs", offering a private space and a unique atmosphere to enjoy a pint or an Irish whiskey. If you’re traveling with family, children are allowed during the day.

For those planning to visit for dinner, it is recommended to book a table in advance through their website.

To end your day in Belfast, we suggest two options:

Explore Belfast’s Murals – Discover the city's famous street art and political murals, which depict Belfast's history, culture, and identity. A walk through these murals offers a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present.

Visit the Titanic Museum – A must-see attraction dedicated to the history of the Titanic, built in Belfast. This interactive museum offers a fascinating insight into the ship's construction, voyage, and legacy.

Both experiences provide a unique way to conclude your day in Belfast!

Belfast is known for its many murals, which serve as powerful reminders of the political and religious divisions that have shaped Northern Ireland’s troubled history. Along with the city of Derry, Belfast has seen the creation of over 2,000 murals since the 1970s.

These pieces of urban art tell stories of political struggle, commemorate sporting events, or convey messages of hope and reconciliation. They reflect both a complex past and a recent, fragile division.

The most iconic murals can be found on Falls Road and Shankill Road. To explore them, you can book a guided walking tour or opt for a Black Taxi Tour, a famous Belfast and UK tradition.

Walk along the marina to reach the Titanic Museum, located just a 20-minute walk from Victoria Square.

Not sure about Belfast’s connection to the Titanic, the infamous ship that sank in 1912? Well, the Titanic was built in Belfast, at the Harland & Wolff shipyards, precisely where the museum stands today.

The museum building, with its modern, bow-shaped design, is an architectural masterpiece that reflects Belfast’s maritime history. Inside, nine interactive galleries take you through the design, construction, and tragic voyage of the Titanic. You’ll experience immersive exhibitions, historical reconstructions, and original artifacts that bring the ship’s story to life. The museum also highlights Belfast’s crucial role in the shipbuilding industry.

The museum visit costs £25 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance online through the museum’s website.