How to spend one day-or two!- enjoying some of the best historical attractions in Belfast
Planning a day in Belfast and love a bit of history? This is the post for you. Belfast itinerary inspiration covering some of the best historic attractions in the Northern Irish capital. Off we go, starting with…
One Day in Belfast: The Titanic/ Maritime Inspired Day
The Titanic Hotel
In the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, the iconic Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices is now a luxury hotel, authentic Titanic experience and a great place to start your day.
The Titanic Hotel is home to a heritage trail showcasing original features and historic photographs alongside contemporary artworks. Don’t miss the preserved telephone exchange. This small curvy space was where the call was received that confirmed the sinking of the Titanic. Shivers!
After a wander, take a coffee break in the Drawing Office II, now a relaxed but beautiful bar-lounge. Look out for the Villeroy & Boch tiles at the bar; exact replicas of those used for the Titanic’s swimming pool and First Class bathrooms. Things of beauty!
Enjoy coffee & cake or a cream tea by indulging in the Morning Treats menu, served from 9am-12pm. Scones are served freshly baked and warm with jam, cream and butter alongside your choice of hot drink. Delightful!
Expect to pay about £16 for a cream tea for two, no need to book.
Find A Full Guide to Visiting The Titanic Hotel Here.
Titanic Belfast- The Ultimate Titanic Experience.
Having visited the place where the Titanic was designed, time to explore the Titanic’s story and where she fits into Belfast’s history at Titanic Belfast, directly opposite the hotel.
A self guided tour takes visitors through a series of interactive galleries using a unique blend of museum-style story telling and multi-sensory experiences to tell the Titanic story from the streets of booming 1900’s Belfast through to the aftermath of the sinking.
Highlights include recreated cabins, an immersive motion ride through the sights and sounds of the Harland & Wolff shipyard and an original wooden sun lounger from the Titanic, complete with the White Star Line logo.
Find My Full Guide to Visiting Titanic Belfast Here
Tour The SS Nomadic
A short stroll along the docks towards the city, you’ll find the SS Nomadic. Entrance to the Nomadic is included with the Titanic Belfast ticket.
Famous for being tender to RMS Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world, Nomadic also has a fascinating story of her own, including war time service. She’s also welcomed aboard some famous folk over the years, including Marie Curie and Elizabeth Taylor.
A unique piece of maritime history and beautiful ship full of classic White Star Line design details. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to explore fully.
Explore the Maritime Mile
The Maritime Mile stretched from Thompson Dock, just past the Titanic Hotel, all the way to the edge of the city centre. It’s a well signed route, easy to walk or cycle.
You’ll find lots of art installations -including the famous ‘Big Fish’ and Sammy the Seal- a riverside garden, marina and great riverside views.
Personal Recommendation: The Maritime Mile is where you’ll find Native Coffee, a fantastic river side cafe. One of my favourite places in Belfast for a wee wander with coffee & cake.
Optional Extra: The Sinclair Seamans’s Church & Sailor Town
Follow the Maritime Mile to the end and you’ll end up in Sailor Town- the heart of the old docklands community. It’s now keeper of some maritime themed street art and the unique Seaman’s Church.
The exterior of the church looks like any other, but inside is maritime everything, There’s old ships bells ( which you might well be invited to ring-I was!), lifeboat shaped collection boxes and a maritime mosaics in the floor.
A real Belfast treasure, but currently only open to view on Wednesday afternoons.
Read The Full Post About The Sinclair Seaman’s Church Here.
One Day in Belfast: The City & History Day
Fancy a day that takes in a bit more of the city? Try this one; a good old mooch round Belfast using the cheat code that is the hop on, hop off bus tour. I’m not always a fan of a ho-ho tour bus but I genuinely enjoyed the Belfast City Sightseeing bus.
In fact, I regularly spent my own money on the tour when hosting family and friends, so I’ve no hesitation in recommending it here. The route covers all the key things to do in Belfast, is great value and the drivers are genuinely hilarious.
Here’s how I’d shape up a Belfast day using the bus tour to explore the city.
Start at Donegall Square, Belfast City Centre
Donegall Square in the heart of Belfast is a great place to start. Easy to find using the beautiful City Hall as a landmark, departure point for the bus tours and home to a historic hidden gem: The Linen Hall Library.
Located opposite the City Hall, the Linen Hall is Belfast’s oldest library. It isn’t very big so you won’t need long, but it is lovely. Often overlooked by visitors but worth a visit. Free entry, donations appreciated.
Linen Hall Library: Details Here.
If you’re after breakfast of brunch, there’s plenty of options round here. Try The Ivy, The Bobbin Cafe located inside the City Hall or good old M&S Cafe on Donegall Place.
From here, cross to Belfast City Hall. If you think the outside is beautiful, wait until you get in. Sweeping staircases, three different types of marble and a collection of stained glass windows dedicated to the history of Belfast.
On a practical note, Belfast City Hall also has toilets and water refill stations if you need either before boarding the bus tour.
Belfast City Sightseeing Tour
Board the bus to start your tour outside Belfast City Hall. You can prebook tickets online, or buy on the day. Tickets allow for unlimited travel between 19 stops across the city, with services running regularly every 20-30 minutes.
Some of my favourite places on the tour route are:
St George’s Market: A Victorian covered market, beautiful old building and now a great place to shop, eat & drink. You’ll find the best crepes here. Look out for the blue plaque detailing a dark chapter in the market’s history.
Titanic Quarter: For everything mentioned in the first section on this post.
Queens University/ Queens Quarter: To visit Belfast’s historic Botanic Gardens, complete with a heritage Palm House designed by Charles Lanyon. The Queens University red brick campus is a lovely place for a wander, too.
St Anne’s & The Cathedral Quarter: Some of Belfast’s oldest streets and alleys gathered round the magnificent St Anne’s Cathedral. Now a social and vibrant neighbourhood home to history, street art and a busy social scene. This is where you’ll find Commercial Court, better known as the famous ‘ Umbrella Street’.
Full Guide to the Cathedral Quarter Here.
Bonus Tip: If you’re in the Cathedral Quarter, consider a visit to the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum. This small but wonderful museum tells the story of life on the Home Front, the Belfast Blitz, American soldiers in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Home Guard.
Crumlin Road Gaol: Belfast’s infamous 19th century Grade A listed prison, now open to the public to explore. In use for 150 years, Crumlin Gaol has housed murderers, suffragettes and political prisoners.
A tour takes you through the life of the prison and includes the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road ,the hanging cell, hospital and graveyard. If you’ve only one day in Belfast, this is something really worth making time for.
Where to Stay in Belfast
This section contains affiliate links, if you book through one of my links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Luxury Option
It’s got to be the Titanic Hotel. Located in the original Harland & Wolff headquarters, this is where history and hospitality come together. Great location, great service the place for an unforgettable stay.
Also, a great cocktail menu in Drawing Office Two, with drinks themed around the hotel’s history and location. Try a ‘Goliath’s Glory’ , named after one of the famous cranes. Delicious!
View and book the Titanic Hotel Here.
Budget Option
Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter is a great budget friendly option in a prime location. There’s a range of rooms available- some of which have marina views- and with the famous Premier Inn unlimited buffet breakfast on offer, this makes a great Belfast base.
View and book Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter here.
Have a little bit longer than a day or two in Northern Ireland or interested in what you can get up to beyond Belfast? You might enjoy reading one of these posts next:
Discover Northern Ireland’s Amazing Sperrin Giants Trail
Discover Strangford Lough: Strangford, Portaferry & Beyond
How to Visit the Beautiful Silent Valley Reservoir, Northern Ireland
Helen x
Great guide Helen, I knew there would be Titanic memorabilia, but didn’t realize there were so many museums and hotels with artifacts and recreations. Looks alike a great way to delve into Titanic’s history. Maggie
Think Belfast, think Titanic! It’s a great destination for anyone interested in that time. Alongside lots of other things to see and do, of course.
My godness. That looks like one action-packed day. I’d like to take up all your suggestions. But perhaps taking at least three days to do so (It’s me age you know!)
I’m glad you found some inspiration in the post. All timings adjustable!
Wow! You opened my eyes to a new place to visit. A trip to Belfast never crossed my mind…until now. Looks wonderful.
Great suggestions
Belfast looks beautiful! I’ve been to Dublin and other parts of Ireland. Great photography!
Thank you! Belfast is great for photographs, so many interesting corners. I’m yet to get to Dublin, it’s a city I’d love to visit.
Looks great, we have wanted to visit for a long time now and this has just bumped it back up the list 🙂
Definitely worth a visit, it’s a great city break destination.
Great post Helen. I’m yet to visit Sailors Town and the Seaman”s Church there. Hopefully next time!
Good reason for a return visit!
Still so much left to see! I would love to have visited the Seaman’s church but we weren’t in the area on the right day, and there was a funeral going on so we didn’t want to hang around the outside either. I never thought of the jail.
I remember you saying about the funeral when I made the original post, I laughed but then we almost joined a funeral in Le Havre. Oops!
We went into a chapel in Rome and wondered why everyone looked so solemn – then we noticed the open coffin! As we crept out in embarrassment we spotted the lid propped up by the door which was presumably meant as a signal but we totally missed it.
You’ve definitely sold the idea of a city break in Belfast some time. And I’m not averse to a ho-ho bus tour when time is short 🙂
Belfast is a great city break destination, I think you’d enjoy it.
Belfast is such a beautiful city, and there’s so much to see and do. Next time I have to remember to stop by Belfast’s ‘sailors church’ located on the Maritime Mile, as I still haven’t been there. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Very interesting guide Helen. I am waiting that my son is a bit older to organise a trip to Belfast so we can do the museums with him.
It’s a great city to have on the travel plans, one to look forward too.
I love the two itineraries and will hopefully get to Belfast one day. 🙂
I think you’d enjoy Belfast, especially the Botanic garden and old glass house.
Thanks for the tour. I would enjoy this city.
On a related note: my wife and I recently watched a wacky series on Netflix. It’s called How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.
Neil S.
Belfast is a great city. I’ve heard about that series, I must look it up. It’s always fun watching shows set in places you know!