In recent years, Belfast has emerged as one of Europe's most mesmerising urban revelations. Cradled by emerald hills but with a centre as flat as a silver penny, Northern Ireland’s capital resists simple definition – a city where centuries of maritime heritage and folklore intertwine with cutting-edge gastronomy and a cultural renaissance. The city's spirit is perhaps best captured in its historic pubs, music halls, distilleries and culinary gems. From the storied halls of the Titanic Quarter to dining at its MICHELIN-Star restaurants, here’s your blueprint for Belfast in 48 hours.
The grand Belfast Castle, perched above the city. © haoliang/iStock
Where to Stay in Belfast
Before you get started on your 48-hour adventure, it’s worth picking a good base for your visit. The Fitzwilliam Hotel strikes the ideal balance between luxury and location, sitting right beside the Grand Opera House. Its dramatic lobby welcomes you with an open fire, while upper floors command city views that remind you why you are here. The cocktail bar provides a perfect nightcap spot after a day's exploring.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel has a central location that's ideal for exploring the city. © The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Alternatively, The Merchant Hotel brings the boutique experience to new heights with its gorgeous exterior and all-round opulence. Rooms feature plush wool carpets and custom furnishings, while bathrooms provide suitable luxury with rain showers and deep-soaking tubs. This is Belfast's grand dame of hotels, and it knows it.
Five miles from the bustle, The Culloden Estate and Spa offers a different perspective if you’re willing to travel in for your days of sightseeing and dining. Set in 12 acres of gardens, this top-notch retreat pairs palatial spa facilities with impeccable service. While not at the heart of things, the tranquil setting and country house charm make a convincing case.
It may require a little more travelling, but staying outside the city certainly has its benefits. © The Culloden Estate and Spa
Day One
Morning
Start Day One under the soaring Victorian roof of St George's Market, a Belfast institution since 1604. This architectural masterpiece, completed in the 1890s, is the city's last remaining covered market and remains gloriously unchanged. While weekend traders display everything from vintage finds to handmade crafts, it is the food that draws in locals and visitors alike. Take a seat at one of the communal tables with an Ulster Fry – the city's hearty answer to a cooked breakfast – and watch the morning unfold as the crowds flock in.From here, delve into Belfast's complex history with a Black Taxi Tour. These intimate journeys through the city's political murals and Peace Walls are led by drivers who lived through The Troubles, offering raw, personal perspectives that no history book can match. The walls, still standing, tell a powerful story of a city gradually healing.
Lunch
For lunch, you have a choice between two Bib Gourmand recipients. EDŌ brings vibrant Mediterranean sharing plates to the heart of Belfast with a menu made for sharing and exploring. Just around the corner, Home honours its name with impressive yet unpretentious cooking, proving that local, high-quality ingredients shine brightest when treated with care and skill. Both restaurants embody the city's flourishing culinary spirit, where casual yet quality has found itself a natural home.
One of the colourful sharing plate dishes at EDŌ. © Ellie McDowell
Afternoon
After lunch, head to the Titanic Quarter, a tribute to Belfast’s seafaring past. At its centre is Titanic Belfast, a striking building designed to evoke the hull of a ship. Inside, nine immersive galleries chart the rise and fall of the legendary liner, diving deep into its beginnings, the ill-fated voyage and its enduring legacy alongside a broader look at the city’s shipbuilding history.As evening comes, make your way into the Cathedral Quarter, where Belfast shows its most compelling face. Behind every weathered brick archway and down each narrow alley, you will find a neighbourhood in constant evolution – design studios and artisan workshops sit alongside historic pubs, while hidden courtyards capture the soul of a city in perpetual motion.
The colourful Cathedral Quarter in Belfast. © sanniely/iStock
Dinner
For dinner, consider The Muddlers Club, a MICHELIN-Starred establishment offering modern cuisine in a bright and welcoming space. Led by Chef Gareth McCaughey, the passionate team deliver a philosophy of simplicity: sourcing the finest Irish ingredients, cooking them with intention and letting their natural quality take centre stage. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with all selections available by the glass. Alternatively, Waterman, a Bib Gourmand also in the Cathedral Quarter, offers a relaxed atmosphere paired with straightforward dishes that are all the more appealing for their simplicity. It’s run under the auspices of experienced restaurateur Niall McKenna MBE, who owns both this and James St in the city.
The Muddlers Club serves MICHELIN-Starred dishes in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. © Elaine Hill
Day Two
Morning
Start your second day with a climb to Belfast Castle, perched 400 feet above the city on the slopes of Cave Hill. Dating back eight centuries, this sandstone landmark stands sentinel over Belfast Lough, offering views that stretch across the city to the rolling hills beyond. Weather permitting, the surrounding Cave Hill Country Park invites a morning ramble – locals say you haven't truly seen Belfast until you’ve viewed it from here.By midday, head to Queen's Quarter, a verdant enclave of tree-lined streets and independent flair, home to the prestigious Queen’s University. Take time to wander through the Botanic Gardens, then lose yourself in the Ulster Museum's eclectic collections – from ancient Ireland to modern art, all free to explore. The adjacent Lisburn Road presents a stretch of clothes boutiques, wine bars and artisan delis, perfect for a leisurely bite.
The prestigious and historic Queen's University Belfast. © benedek/iStock
Lunch
Two standout spots vie for attention in this part of town. Deanes at Queens – one of several restaurants to have graced the city from renowned local restaurateur Michael Deane – makes the most of its glorious terrace, serving dishes that pack a flavourful punch. Its Bib Gourmand is well-earned for cooking that is refined without the hefty price tag. Or slip into Yugo, where the simple exterior masks the intricacies of the menu. Here, Asia meets Ulster on the plate, with cocktails that follow suit.
Prime cuts of meat are among the options at the accessible and well-priced Deanes at Queens. © Hype
Afternoon
Walk off lunch with a visit to the City Hall, a masterpiece of Baroque Revival architecture and a testament to the city’s civic pride. Free guided tours offer a glimpse into its opulent interior, from sweeping marble staircases to striking stained-glass windows and intricate mosaics – all crowned by the iconic copper dome that is as much a part of Belfast’s identity as its surrounding hills.
Belfast City Hall, one of the best-looking buildings in the city. © Mlenny/iStock
Dinner
As the day winds down, the Linen Quarter tempts travellers with two more MICHELIN Guide restaurants. At James St, another Niall McKenna restaurant, a relaxed yet polished vibe pairs perfectly with dry-aged steaks seared on the charcoal grill and bistro dishes that let Northern Ireland’s produce steal the show. Nearby, OX takes a more artistic approach, where every plate tells a story of local ingredients brought to life with a touch of MICHELIN-Starred brilliance. In the precision and balance of every dish, you’ll find proof that even the simplest elements of a dish can leave a lasting impression when executed this well.
Expect quality produce and refined cooking at OX, holder of One MICHELIN Star. © Elaine Hill
Two days in Belfast barely scratch the surface, but they are enough to leave you hooked. You leave with more than memories; the city imprints itself on you in ways you least expect.
Address Book
Belfast Castle, Antrim Rd, Belfast, BT15 5GRBotanic Gardens, College Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast, BT7 1LP
Cave Hill Country Park, Antrim Rd, Belfast, BT5 5GR
City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast, BT1 5GS
Peace Wall Belfast, 15 Cupar Way, Belfast, BT13 2RX
Queen’s University, University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NN
St George's Market, 12 East Bridge St, Belfast, BT1 3NQ
Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9EP
Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
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Hero Image: The River Lagan in Belfast. © Mlenny/iStock
