The Perfect 3 Days in Belfast Itinerary

This is my tried-and-tested 3 days in Belfast itinerary that takes in the best of the city and beyond.

Over the last 5 years, thousands of people have used this itinerary for 72 hours in Belfast and it has received (thankfully…) very positive feedback.

It takes you to the main things to do in Belfast over 2 days and then, on day 3, you have 2 options to choose from.

This 3 day Belfast itinerary includes:

• A logical route with the top attractions, great food and mighty pubs
• Info on public transport (when needed) so you don’t have to figure it out

3 days in Belfast itinerary

Take 20 seconds to review the map above; it shows the route you’ll follow during your 3 days in Belfast.

Please note that booking a tour through the links below may earn us a commission, which helps support The Irish Road Trip (thank you!).

First, decide how you’ll get around during your 3 days in Belfast

Before reviewing the itinerary, it’s well worth considering how you’ll get around.

Here are 2 options worth considering:

• 1: Grab a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus (it’s €29 for a 48 hour pass)
• 2: Use a combination of tours, buses and taxis/Ubers

Day 1: Murals, history and music sessions

Day one of this 3 day Belfast itinerary starts with the outstanding Black Cab Tour, followed by a journey through the lower half of the city.

If you haven’t yet decided on your accommodation, my guide on where to stay in Belfast weighs up the pros and cons of the different areas.

1. The unmissable Black Taxi Tour

You’re going to start your 72 hours in Belfast with one of the Black Cab tours (there are several providers, but I usually push people towards the Political Taxi Tour).

During this 1-hour tour, a local taxi driver will share insights into the city’s past.

You’ll learn about the Troubles, discover dark stories from the city’s history, and see the murals on The Falls Road and The Shankill Road, two communities still separated by the Peace Wall.

The drivers strive to provide an unbiased account, allowing you to form your own opinions about the city’s divisions. If you do one thing during your 3 days in Belfast, make it this tour.

2. Admire the Grand Opera House

Your Black Cab will drop you on Great Victoria St. From there, it’s a 2-minute saunter to the stunning Grand Opera House.

Opened in 1895, the Opera House has withstood many challenges, including World War II and The Troubles.

Designed by architect Frank Matcham, it stands as one of the city’s most remarkable structures.

Tours are very limited, so I’d suggest admiring it from the outside before moving on to the next stop.

3. Explore the historic Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall, which opened in 1906, is a 5-minute stroll from the Opera House and it’s well worth exploring.

You’ll climb the magnificent Grand Staircase, discover the stories behind the portraits of Belfast’s Lord Mayors and see the jewels of the Lady Mayoress of Belfast.

The tour lasts 1-hour and costs £6. It runs:

• Monday to Friday: 11am, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm

4. Enjoy a very tasty lunch at Holohan’s

Time for lunch. On the way to the final stops of the first of your first 3 days in Belfast, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland.

Holohan’s, a 20-minute walk from City Hall, promises a memorable dining experience!

While there’s a variety of traditional Irish dishes on the lunch menu, like the Seafood Chowder, it’s the boxtys (Irish potato pancakes) that you need to consider.

You can try them with a range of toppings, from roast chicken and braised beef to vegetarian-friendly options.

5. Stroll around the fantastic Ulster Museum

From Holohan’s Pantry, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the impressive (and free-to-visit!) Ulster Museum.

Here, you’ll embark on a journey to discover Northern Ireland’s treasures from both recent and ancient history.

Visitors can admire artworks, learn about the area’s history, and come face-to-face with mummies, dinosaurs, meteorites, and much more.

There are also exhibits on ancient Ireland, the Troubles, and a wide range of fascinating topics.

Many people spending 3 days in Belfast miss the Ulster Museum, but those who visit are almost always pleasantly surprised!

6. See the Botanic Gardens

The last main stop on this weekend in Belfast itinerary is the brilliant Botanic Gardens.

You’ll find the located right next to the Ulster Museum and they’re another free attraction!

Established in 1828 and opened in 1895, Belfast’s Botanic Gardens allow those in the city to escape the hustle and bustle for a bit.

Here, you’ll find historic structures such as the Palm House and Tropical Ravine House, designed by renowned architects, showcasing the city’s Victorian prosperity.

7. Relax and then head for food and live tunes

As promised, the first of your 3 days in Belfast saw you explore at a relaxed yet steady pace.

Head back to wherever you’re staying (see my guide to the best hotels in Belfast) and relax for a while.

When you’re feeling reenergised, head in to the Cathedral Quarter for the evening.

• Food recommendations: The Mourne Seafood Bar (fish), Coppi (Italian) and Bank Square Brasserie (for a mix of everything)
• Pub recommendations: There are some great pubs with live music in Belfast – Maddens (finest Guinness in the city) and McHughs (trad pub with live sessions) are both great

Day 2: Belfast’s top attractions

Day 3 on this 72 hours in Belfast itinerary takes in the top half of the city.

Today, you can look forward to seeing Belfast’s top attractions, like Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol and more.

1.Step back in time at St Anne’s Cathedral

Day 2 beings with the tour of St. Anne’s Cathedral. This Church of Ireland cathedral is located on Donegall Street.

Boasting Romanesque Revival architecture, the cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1899, and it was built around an older church dating back to 1776.

You can visit the cathedral from 10:30, so you can sleep in on the morning of day 2 if you want! Admission is about £2.50, and you’ll get to see:

• Cross of Nails: Made from medieval nails, it symbolizes suffering and hope and was accepted in 1958
• The Chapel: Consecrated in 1981, it contains historical artifacts and memorials for soldiers
• The Baptistry: It features a mosaic roof made with 150,000 glass pieces
• Lord Carson’s Tomb: The only tomb in the cathedral commemorates an influential Unionist politician

2. The explore the Cathedral Quarter with a very good coffee

You’ll find some of the finest coffee in Belfast City a 2-minute saunter from the cathedral at Neighbourhood Cafe.

Grab a cup to-go and then follow this route I’ve laid out on Google Maps.

It takes in some of the better-known Belfast street art, like “The Son of Protogoras” along with the magnificent Merchant Hotel and the lively Commercial Court.

3. The Crumlin Road Gaol tour

It’s around a 20-minute walk to Crumlin Road Gaol from the Cathedral Quarter. It isn’t an overly interesting one, but it’s not worth getting a taxi (unless you/a member of your party needs it).

Crumlin Road Gaol, the only remaining Victorian-era prison in Northern Ireland, has been in operation for 150 years and has housed a diverse array of inmates (book tickets in advance!).

Constructed between 1843 and 1846, it replaced the old county jail in Carrickfergus. On the tour, you’ll walk through the tunnel that connects the gaol to the courthouse and hear tales from its dark history.

Allow for 1.5 hours at the Gaol and, when the tour finished, head into Cuffs Bar & Grill for some lunch.

4. Use the G2 Glider to get across to the Titanic Quarter

When you leave the Gaol, take the 20-minute walk to this bus stop on Custom House Square and buy tickets for the G2 Glider.

It runs every 15 minutes and it’ll take you to the heart of the Titanic Quarter (you can walk if you like – it’d take 45 minutes).

Your first stop is the excellent Titanic Museum (buy your ticket in advance) where you’ll take the tour.

Before visiting the museum, I had very little interest in the Titanic, but you can’t help but be captivated by the story here.

The visit takes about 1.5 hours. After, head to the SS Nomadic, a 3-minute walk away and included in your ticket. This boat was used to transport passengers from the mainland to the Titanic.

5. An evening in Belfast

Take the G2 Glider from here in the Titanic Quarter back to the city centre.

Take some time to chill for a bit and then, when you’re ready, head back out.

Here are some recommendations for the second evening of your 3 days in Belfast:

• Great pubs in Belfast: Whites Tavern, the Sunflower, the Duke of York and Kelly’s Cellars
• The best places to eat in Belfast: James St, Darcy’s and The Ginger Bistro

Day 3: You have several options

If you’re spending 72 hours in Belfast, I’d recommend spending day 3 getting out of the city (you won’t need a car, don’t worry!).

Here are 2 options worth considering:

Option 1: The Causeway Coastal Route

The 185km/115-mile Antrim Coast Road is one of the best road-trip-routes in Ireland.

Over the course of the spin, you’ll visit the likes of Carrick-a-rede, Dunluce Castle, the Giants Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

• If you have a car: Follow my one day Antrim Coast itinerary
• If you don’t have a car: Take this 9.5-hour tour from the city

Option 2: A castles and hike combo

Another option is to take the bus from the city centre up towards Belfast Castle

Get the Translink Metro Bus Route 1 departing from Upper Queen Street or Victoria Square in the centre of Belfast, and hop off at Strathmore Park stop.

From there, the route to the Castle is clearly signposted. Take the tour of the castle and then tackle the tough Cave Hill Hike after (it starts from beside the castle).

Have any questions about planning your 3 day Belfast itinerary? Ask away in the comments below!