Rugged coastlines and storied city streets make Northern Ireland a compact, unforgettable escape. Belfast, once the powerhouse of shipbuilding and linen, now thrums with galleries, live music, and a food scene that pairs Irish heritage with modern flair. Beyond the city, the basalt columns of the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway feel lifted from myth—and for Game of Thrones fans, filming lore is everywhere.

Expect friendly banter, live trad sessions, and that unmistakable Irish warmth. You’ll walk past political murals that sparked conversations across decades, then toast the evening under stained-glass ceilings in Victorian gin palaces. Weather shifts quickly here; pack layers, a rain jacket, and comfy shoes for cobbles and coastal paths.

Practical notes: Currency is GBP, contactless payments are widely accepted, and tipping 10–12% for table service is appreciated but optional. Driving is on the left; for short trips, tours and public transport are easier than hiring a car. St George’s Market is Fri–Sun, and many museums are free—another reason Belfast shines for a long weekend.

Belfast

Belfast marries grit and grace—industrial redbrick beside riverfront glass, folk songs drifting from Cathedral Quarter alleys. Top sights include Titanic Belfast, the murals of West Belfast, Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, and the city’s heart, Belfast City Hall. Evenings belong to the pubs: think polished mahogany, snugs, and storytellers.

• Don’t miss: Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic, a black taxi tour of the murals and peace lines, the Crown Liquor Saloon, St George’s Market (Fri–Sun), and a day on the Causeway Coastal Route.
• Food and drink highlights: Fresh-caught fish and chips, sea-to-plate oysters, inventive tasting menus at Michelin-starred spots, and outstanding specialty coffee culture.
• Fun fact: The RMS Titanic was built here; so were her sisters, Olympic and Britannic. Belfast’s shipyards once employed tens of thousands.

Where to stay (Cathedral Quarter for nightlife, Queen’s Quarter for greenery and museums, Titanic Quarter for waterfront views):

• Browse hotels in Belfast on Hotels.com — filter for “Cathedral Quarter” or “Queen’s Quarter.”
• Find Belfast apartments and townhouses on VRBO — great value for groups near the river or Botanic.

Coastal alternative (optional): Prefer sea air? Consider a 1-night add-on in nearby Bangor (20–30 minutes by train). Top picks: The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn (thatched romance by woodland trails), Marine Court Hotel (harbor views on the promenade), or Clandeboye Lodge Hotel (boutique calm near a country estate).

How to get to Belfast (choose what fits your route and budget):

• Flights within the UK/Europe: London–Belfast is ~1h15. Check fares and routes on Omio (flights); deals often run £30–£90 one-way.
• Long-haul flights: Compare to Belfast International (BFS) or via Dublin (DUB) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Dublin to Belfast: Train ~2h to Lanyon Place; from ~€15–€30 on Omio (trains). Express buses also run in ~2h; see Omio (buses).
• Scotland to Belfast by ferry: Cairnryan–Belfast ~2h15; browse options via Omio (ferries).

Day 1: Arrival, Titanic Belfast, and a Cathedral Quarter night

Morning: Travel to Belfast. If you arrive early, grab a flat white and a pistachio bun at Established Coffee (industrial-chic, serious about beans) or The Pocket in Queen’s Quarter (tiny, stylish, great waffles). Stroll the River Lagan towpath to stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Dive straight into the city’s defining story with the official experience at Titanic Belfast. Prebook your ticket here: Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic. Expect interactive galleries on Belfast’s shipyards, authentic artifacts, and access to SS Nomadic, the last White Star Line ship afloat (allow ~2–3 hours; adults from ~£24–£29).

Afterward, coffee with a view at The Paper Cup on the river or a pint at Hickson’s Point in the Titanic Quarter. If you love industrial heritage, detour to the vast Samson & Goliath cranes for a photo.

Evening: Dinner at Wolff Grill (Titanic Hotel; refined Irish plates—think roast hake, local lamb) or James St (wood-fired steaks, house bistro classics). Then wander into the Cathedral Quarter. Order a perfectly poured pint at the Duke of York (lantern-lit alleyways and live tunes) and finish with a nightcap at Bittles Bar (flat-iron wedge building, whiskey shelves for days).

Day 2: Murals, museums, markets, and a Victorian gin palace

Morning: Take a black taxi tour to understand The Troubles through the stories and murals of West Belfast—powerful, balanced, and personal. Book one of the city’s top-rated experiences: Belfast black taxi tours (about 2–3 hours; typically from ~£60–£80 per cab) or the Award Winning Exclusive 2 Hr Private Belfast Black Taxi Cab Tour.

Post-tour, refuel at John Long’s (no-frills, Belfast’s oldest fish-and-chip shop; order a cod supper) or Fish City (award-winning sustainable fish, fish tacos, chowder).

Afternoon: If it’s Fri–Sun, graze through St George’s Market: Armagh apple tarts, soda farls hot off the griddle, and live music between artisan stalls. Otherwise, head to the Ulster Museum (free, excellent Irish art and archaeology) and the glasshouse palm oasis of Botanic Gardens. Coffee stop at Kaffe O (Nordic roasts) or General Merchants (Aussie-leaning brunch plates and sharp espresso).

Evening: Pre-dinner pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon—Belfast’s famous Victorian pub with stained glass snugs and tiled mosaics. For dinner, try OX (Michelin-star modern Irish tasting menus built around local farms) or The Muddlers Club (open kitchen, punchy flavors; book ahead). Nightcap at The Spaniard (tiny, rum-forward) or catch a trad session at The Sunflower (look for the historic “security cage” at the door).

Day 3: Full-day Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast

Give today to Northern Ireland’s most spectacular coastline—no need to drive. Choose a highly rated guided coach day trip that covers the highlights and storytelling. Options include: Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast or the Giants Causeway & Castles Tour from Belfast: Guided tour (typically 8–9 hours; from ~£35–£65 per person, 9:00 AM departures common).

Expect the hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, sea-cliff views near the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (viewpoint or ticketed crossing when available), snapshots at Dunluce Castle’s dramatic ruins, and time among the beech-lined Dark Hedges. For lunch, many tours stop in or near Bushmills—try a hearty Irish stew, seafood chowder, or a toast to the coast with a local whiskey. Wear grippy shoes; the stones can be slick, and weather swings from sun to mist in minutes.

Back in Belfast, casual dinner ideas: Coppi (Venetian-style cicchetti, squid ink risotto), Yugo (Asian-Irish small plates), or Taylor & Clay Grill (wood-fired, nose-to-tail). If you’ve energy left, drift through the Cathedral Quarter for live music.

Day 4: Game of Thrones Studio Tour or a hill walk, then farewell

Morning: Fans of Westeros should book the official behind-the-scenes experience at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge with transfers from Belfast: Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast (allow ~5–6 hours door to door; from ~£65–£85).

Not a fan? Hike Cave Hill for panoramas over the city and Belfast Lough, and pop into Belfast Castle’s gardens after. Brunch picks before you go: Neighbourhood Café (sourdough toasts, seasonal scrambles) or Output Espresso on Lisburn Road (excellent filter program).

Afternoon: Departure day. If you have a sliver of time, browse local craft and linen shops around the City Centre. Then make for Belfast City Airport (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS). For UK/Europe flights compare times on Omio (flights); for long-haul, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Trains to Dublin run ~every hour; see Omio (trains).

If you have extra time: Swap Day 4 morning for the City Sightseeing bus to hop between the Botanic Quarter, City Hall, Titanic Quarter, and Crumlin Road Gaol: City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (handy with kids or luggage). Or choose a private coastal upgrade like the Giant’s Causeway, Luxury Private Tour from Belfast, 1–7 people for maximum flexibility.

Where to caffeinate and eat across the trip:

• Breakfast/coffee: Established Coffee (filter flights, buns), The Pocket (creative brunch), General Merchants (sriracha eggs, corn fritters), Neighbourhood Café (seasonal bakes), Kaffe O (Scandi roasts), Output Espresso (single-origin specialists).
• Lunch: John Long’s (classic fish & chips), Fish City (sustainably sourced), St George’s Market (Fri–Sun street food), Coppi (cicchetti boards), Yugo (bao and ramen bowls).
• Dinner: OX (tasting menu), The Muddlers Club (open-kitchen theater), James St (steaks and bistro favorites), Taylor & Clay Grill (wood-fired local produce), Coppi (Italian small plates).
• Pubs/bars: Crown Liquor Saloon (Victorian snugs), Duke of York (music-laced lanes), Bittles Bar (whiskies), The Sunflower (trad sessions), The Spaniard (cocktails).

In four days, you’ll trace Belfast’s shipbuilding genius, hear nuanced stories from those who lived its history, and stand on a coastline forged by fire and sea. Northern Ireland rewards curiosity—come hungry for tales, tunes, and second helpings.