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Discover Belfast in a Day: Top Tips for Your Short Visit

Discover Belfast in 1 Day: The Perfect Plan for Every Traveler


Belfast is a city that wears its history like a badge of honor – from the legendary Titanic Quarter to streets splashed with bold murals, Victorian architecture mingles with buzzing markets, and there’s always a tune in the air! Hop-on hop-off tours are the ultimate travel hack for exploring Belfast in 1 day without the hassle. With stops at iconic landmarks and hidden gems, you’re in charge of your itinerary. Want more time at Titanic Belfast? Done. Curious about the murals? Hop off and get exploring. In this guide, you’ll discover different ways to explore Belfast with just 1 day in the city!

Travel logistics: The simplified way to travel

Why a hop-on hop-off pass is a must-have

  • Variety of operators and routes: Explore over 15 of Belfast's top attractions with operators like City Sightseeing and City Tours, providing a well-rounded city experience with comprehensive routes in Belfast.
  • Flexibility at your pace: With buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes, you’re free to hop on and off without a rigid itinerary, allowing you to explore on your terms.
  • Engaging experience: Enjoy detailed audio commentary in six languages, offering rich insights into Belfast’s history and culture.
  • Flexibility: Customize your journey by choosing how long you spend at each stop, ensuring you see what matters most to you.

Recommended tickets: 

City Sightseeing: Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing: Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Game of Thrones & Giant’s Causeway Day Tour

City Tours: Belfast Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour


Find the perfect itinerary for you

Every traveler has their own story to tell, whether you're flying solo or with a whole crew in tow, and your trip deserves an itinerary that matches your vibe. Whatever your travel style – adventurous, laid-back, or somewhere in between – there’s a perfect plan ready to suit your pace and passions. 

  • Itinerary for history lovers
  • Itinerary for solo travelers
  • Itinerary for families

Itinerary for history lovers

Want to uncover what Belfast’s walls whisper about its rich past? If you’re a history enthusiast, 1 day in this dynamic city will take you on a journey from ancient tales to the poignant stories of resilience and growth.

Morning (7am – 11am)

Double-decker bus in Belfast with Ulster Fry tour advertisement.

Breakfast

Start your day at Maggie Mays Belfast Café near City Hall. Indulge in an Ulster Fry – a hearty Northern Irish breakfast with soda bread, black pudding, and fried eggs.

Belfast City Hall with red hop-on hop-off tour bus in front, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall boasts stunning Baroque architecture, a copper dome, stained glass, and a Titanic Memorial, echoing Belfast’s rich maritime legacy.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Belfast City Hall Stop #1

City Tours Belfast: Donegall Square Stop #1

Highlights:

Marvel at Edwardian Baroque architecture with ornate columns, a stately dome, and carvings that showcase great craftsmanship.

Visit the Titanic Memorial Garden, which honors lives lost in World Wars with poignant plaques reflecting Belfast’s enduring legacy.

Discover an exhibition detailing Belfast’s growth from industrial powerhouse to cultural hub, offering insights into its dynamic evolution.

Pro tip: Discover hidden gardens around City Hall, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: A 15-minute bus ride to Titanic Belfast.

Noon (12pm – 3pm)

Titanic Pub & Kitchen Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Lunch

The Titanic Pub & Kitchen, with its cozy ambiance, offers a variety of hearty dishes, from traditional pub fare to more modern options, all served in a relaxed setting. 

Titanic Belfast Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Titanic Belfast

This world-renowned museum takes you through the life and legacy of the RMS Titanic, from its construction to its ill-fated maiden voyage.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

City Tours Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

Highlights:

Dive into interactive galleries showcasing Belfast's rich shipbuilding history and its pivotal role in maritime innovation.

Step aboard a life-size replica of Titanic’s iconic Grand Staircase, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the legendary ship.

Admire Titanic Belfast’s stunning iceberg-inspired architecture, a striking visual landmark, and an ideal spot for a photo opportunity.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the outdoor decks with incredible views of the Titanic Slipways and the Titanic Dock.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: A 20-minute bus ride to Peace Walls & Murals.

Evening (4pm – 7pm)

Solidarity Wall in Belfast featuring colorful murals promoting peace and unity.

Peace Walls & Murals

The Peace Walls have separated neighborhoods since sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland and feature towering murals that reflect stories of division. 

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Belfast Peace Wall Stop #15

City Tours Belfast: Peace Wall Stop #15

Highlights:

Discover vivid murals in Belfast, like the famous "Hunger Strike" mural depicting Bobby Sands, a poignant symbol of the city’s political struggle and resilience.

Uncover Belfast’s turbulent history through its Peace Walls, where messages of protest and reconciliation paint a powerful narrative of change.

Take a guided tour and learn more about the history of each mural, how the walls came to be, and the current efforts to bridge divides within the city.

Pro tip: Leave a message on the wall, as thousands of visitors do, by writing your thoughts on a piece of the wall’s ever-changing canvas.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: A 20-minute bus ride to Cathedral Quarter.

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Cathedral Quarter Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Cathedral Quarter

Belfast’s nightlife hub, this area is brimming with history, vibrant pubs, and a lively atmosphere.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19

City Tours Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Stop #19

Highlights:

Experience Belfast’s rich cultural heritage in historic pubs, where locals and visitors gather for a pint and stories of the city’s past.

Explore Belfast's artsy Cathedral Quarter, where quirky galleries, vibrant street art, and live music venues bring the neighborhood to life.

Visit the Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast’s iconic Victorian gem, known for its mosaic-tiled interior and its status as a beloved local drinking haunt.

Pro tip: Head to the Duke of York pub for a pint and check out its walls covered in history and memorabilia.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Itinerary for solo travelers

If you’re traveling solo, Belfast is a dream destination for independent explorers. With stunning views, intriguing spots, and a welcoming vibe, you’re sure to make unforgettable memories in just 1 day.

Morning (7am – 11am)

Flat white coffee and avocado toast on a table with Hop On Hop Off Belfast bus in the background.

Breakfast

Begin your day at General Merchants Café on Ormeau Road. Enjoy a delicious flat white and avocado toast or a traditional Irish breakfast to fuel your adventures.

Ulster Museum Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Ulster Museum

Discover Northern Ireland’s rich history, art, and natural wonders at the Ulster Museum, with fascinating exhibits from ancient to modern times.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Queen’s University Stop #10

City Tours Belfast: Queen’s University Stop #10

Highlights:

Step back in time at the Ulster Museum, home to Egyptian mummies and ancient artifacts that bring ancient civilizations to life with detailed exhibits.

Discover vibrant art collections from classical masterpieces to modern works, offering a visual journey through centuries of creativity.

Explore natural history as you check out impressive dinosaur fossils and interactive displays offering a glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past.

Pro tip: Take a peek at the marble and oil paintings in the art collection; they feature works by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Picasso.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: A 15-minute bus ride to Queen’s University.

Queen’s University Belfast Hop On Hop Off

Queen’s University Belfast

A prestigious institution known for its stunning architecture, vibrant student life, and rich history.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Queen’s University Stop #10

City Tours Belfast: Queen’s University Stop #10

Highlights:

Admire the Lanyon Building’s red-brick façade and ornate arches, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, standing at the entrance of the university.

Wander through the university’s peaceful, tree-lined paths, where historic buildings and ivy-covered walls create a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.

Step into the Queen’s Film Theatre, a cozy, art-deco gem, and enjoy indie films and creative screenings in a space brimming with local cultural energy.

Pro tip: The campus is especially charming during spring and autumn, so keep your camera handy.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: A 10-minute bus ride to St. George’s Market.

Noon (12pm – 3pm)

St. George’s Market Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Lunch

Savor local delicacies at St. George’s Market, from fresh oysters to artisan baked goods. This vibrant market is a haven for foodies and offers a chance to connect with locals.

St. Anne’s Cathedral Hop On Hop Off Belfast

St. Anne’s Cathedral

St. Anne’s Cathedral is a stunning architectural gem in Belfast, blending history, artistry, and spirituality.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19

City Tours Belfast: St Anne's Cathedral Stop #19

Highlights:

Admire St. Anne’s Cathedral’s mosaics and stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and vibrant colors that come alive in the sunlight.

Explore the Spire of Hope, a modern 40-meter-high addition symbolizing Belfast’s transformation, standing next to the historic cathedral.

Climb the Cathedral Tower for panoramic views of Belfast’s skyline, hills, and Mourne Mountains, offering stunning photo opportunities on clear days.

Pro Tip: Visit during choir rehearsals to experience the serene acoustics.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: A 15-minute bus ride to Belfast Castle.

Evening (4pm – 7pm)

SS Nomadic docked in Belfast with hop-on hop-off tour bus nearby.

SS Nomadic

Known as the “Titanic’s little sister,” this historic tender ship ferried passengers to RMS Titanic and is the last remaining White Star Line vessel.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

City Tours Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

Highlights:

Step aboard the SS Nomadic and explore its restored cabins and decks, offering a glimpse into Titanic-era luxury and the life of passengers.

Discover the SS Nomadic’s fascinating role in transporting everyone from Titanic’s first-class elites to emigrants heading for new lives.

Enjoy interactive exhibits on the SS Nomadic, bringing its rich maritime history to life as you learn about its role in Titanic’s ill-fated voyage.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the photo op on the promenade deck, with Titanic Belfast as a stunning backdrop! The last entry is at 4:30pm. 

Suggested time to spend: 1–1.5 hours

Time to next stop: 7-minute walk to Titanic Quarter.

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Titanic Quarter Waterfront Walk Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Titanic Quarter Waterfront Walk

Enjoy a serene evening stroll along the Titanic Quarter, where the city lights reflect beautifully on the water.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3

City Tours Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3

Highlights:

Soak in the serene Titanic Quarter Waterfront, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Spot Harland and Wolff’s iconic Samson and Goliath cranes towering over the Titanic Quarter’s docks.

End your day at a nearby pub like The Dock Café, enjoying local music and the peaceful atmosphere of the waterfront.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for dinner, try Holohan’s at the Barge, offering a cozy riverside dining experience.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5–2 hours

Itinerary for families 

Explore Belfast in 1 day with a family-friendly hop-on hop-off adventure! Tailored for parents and kids, this itinerary packs in easy travel, fun stops, and exciting activities. Perfectly paced for little ones, it’s a stress-free way to see it all!

Morning (7am – 11am)

The Throne Cafe Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Breakfast

 The Throne Cafe offers quick, kid-friendly bites right by Belfast Zoo’s entrance, making it perfect for families fueling up before their wild adventure!

Belfast Zoo view from Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Belfast Zoo

Say hello to the animals at Belfast Zoo, home to over 100 species from around the world!

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Crumlin Road Gaol Stop #18

City Tours Belfast: Crumlin Road Gaol Stop #18

Highlights:

Wander through Belfast Zoo's lush 55-acre site on Cave Hill, spotting 120 rare species like the Sumatran tiger, Wallabies and more.

From endangered species to scenic hilltop views, Belfast Zoo offers a chance to connect with wildlife while enjoying breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Experience behind-the-scenes tours, and support conservation efforts by adopting an animal. 

Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes for the hilly terrain and bring binoculars for the stunning views of Belfast Lough.

Suggested time to spend: 2-3 hours

Time to next stop: 45 minutes by bus.

Noon (12pm – 3pm)

Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Lunch

Have lunch at The Dock Café, a quirky, family-friendly spot near W5, offering delicious sandwiches, soups, and a pay-what-you-can ethos perfect for kids and parents alike!

Belfast science and discovery center with Hop On Hop Off tour bus in foreground.

W5 Interactive Science Centre

Kick off your day with hands-on fun at this science and discovery center, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

City Tours Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5

Highlights:

Dive into W5’s 250+ interactive exhibits, from glowing circuits to spinning gyroscopes, where science and creativity blend into hands-on experiences.

Challenge yourself on W5’s climbing structure, where bright ropes and angular platforms create a jungle gym that’s as much art as it is adventure.

Explore W5’s rotating exhibits and live demos, with vibrant displays of physics, robotics, and more, creating a dynamic, visually stimulating atmosphere.

Pro tip: Fuel up at the ground-floor café with snacks before tackling the second-floor activities.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: 10 minutes by bus.

Evening (4pm – 7pm)

HMS Caroline Belfast - first world war battleship

HMS Caroline

Explore this historic ship, now a museum, offering interactive exhibits about naval history.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3

City Tours Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3

Highlights:

Step aboard HMS Caroline and explore its weathered decks, where interactive exhibits showcase its rich naval history.

Walk through the ship’s storied halls, uncovering its role in both World Wars through detailed exhibits and relics that reveal the past.

Explore the ship’s bridge and engine rooms, where you can discover life at sea with authentic artifacts and a look at naval operations during wartime.

Pro tip: Reach a little earlier than 4pm as the last entry is at 3:30pm.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 – 2 hours

Time to next stop: 20 minutes by bus. 

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Victoria Square Shopping Centre Hop On Hop Off Belfast

Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Wind down with a visit to Victoria Square, an exciting family-friendly shopping center with panoramic views of the city.

Nearest stops:

City Sightseeing Belfast: Great Victoria Street Stop #7

City Tours Belfast: Great Victoria Street Stop #7

Highlights:

Shop for souvenirs in Victoria Square’s vibrant stores, then head to the rooftop for stunning panoramic views of Belfast and its colorful fountains.

Let the little ones explore the interactive displays and safe play zones, while you take in the lively atmosphere of this family-friendly shopping center.

After shopping, relax at one of the many restaurants in Victoria Square, offering a variety of dining options with cozy settings and great views.

Time to next stop: 10 minutes

Pro tip: Head to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city!

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours

Alternate stops to customize your journey

St. George’s Market

Visit one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, a vibrant market full of local produce, crafts, and live music. It’s a perfect spot for foodies and shoppers alike. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19 | City Tours Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Stop #19)

Cave Hill Country Park

Hike up Cave Hill for breathtaking views of Belfast and the surrounding landscape. The hill is also home to the famous Napoleon’s Nose rock formation and Belfast Castle. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Crumlin Road Gaol Stop #18 | City Tours Belfast: Crumlin Road Gaol Stop #18)

The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre)

Enjoy a mix of contemporary art, theatre, and performance at this modern arts hub. It’s a place where creativity thrives, with rotating exhibitions and exciting live shows. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19 | City Tours Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Stop #19)

Victoria Square

Shop ‘til you drop at Belfast’s premier shopping center, with designer stores, a rooftop viewing platform offering panoramic city views, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Great Victoria Street Stop #7 | City Tours Belfast: Great Victoria Street Stop #7)

Stormont Estate

Explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, where you can walk through parkland, admire the architecture, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19 | City Tours Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Stop #19)

Albert Memorial Clock Tower

Visit this iconic 19th-century clock tower, one of Belfast's most recognizable landmarks. Standing tall in the city center, it’s often referred to as the "Belfast Leaning Tower." (City Sightseeing Belfast: Donegall Street Stop #19 | City Tours Belfast: Cathedral Quarter Stop #19)

Titanic Slipways

Walk along the site where the Titanic was built and launched. The Slipways are now a historic area, featuring interactive exhibits and the Titanic Memorial Garden, paying tribute to the ship’s crew. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3 | City Tours Belfast: Titanic Quarter Stop #3)

Giant’s Causeway

Marvel at the legendary basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in myth and natural wonder. A must-visit for geology buffs and nature lovers. (Day trip add-on)

Game of Thrones Filming Sites

Step into Westeros with guided tours to iconic Game of Thrones filming locations, from the Dark Hedges to Castle Ward. Perfect for fans of the fantasy epic. (Day trip add-on)

Belfast Harbour Marina

Visit the bustling marina to enjoy scenic views of the water, yachts, and the surrounding waterfront. It's also a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee at a nearby café. (City Sightseeing Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5 | City Tours Belfast: Titanic Belfast Stop #5)