Looking for a cultural getaway in the UK, or maybe a staycation with a difference. A 48 hour break in Belfast might be just what you’re looking for.  

Northern Ireland’s capital is a great place to enjoy the craic, soak up the city atmosphere and even get out and explore the beautiful countryside. 

You can certainly expect a memorable visit to Belfast, exploring shopping centres, traditional pubs, and restaurants to suit every budget. In fact, it’s the city that inspired the literature classics of Gulliver’s Travels and The Chronicles of Narnia, and more recently, Game of Thrones…

This walkable city is great for exploring on foot, allowing you to make the most of a short break. After experiencing a 48-hour taste of this capital city, you’ll want to submerge yourself in the friendly atmosphere for longer, but here’s how you can take advantage of your time in Belfast as a city break…

Getting around

It’s recommended to get around Belfast by walking on foot since it’s a compact capital. Not only will you be exercising, but you’ll also be able to absorb the city at your own pace, taking in the welcoming atmosphere and touristy sights, allowing you to explore each of the quarters properly.

Travelling by bus or train is another option if you want to go further afield. Translink is Northern Ireland’s provider of public transport, and can get you most of the places you might want to visit in the Province.

Taxis can be pre-booked for your convenience with some even having accessible mobile apps. Value Cabs is one of the most popular services – they even provide private sightseeing tours!

Accommodation options

Where you should stay in Belfast depends on your budget, although there are plenty of options within the city centre. The central location means that you’ll have great access to activities, landmarks, and eateries on foot or by a short bus ride.

If you don’t mind spending a little more on quality, then The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast can offer you a sense of contemporary luxury in the heart of the capital. Located next to the Grand Opera House on Victoria Street, you can experience one of the boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and an LCD TV.

The Ten Square hotel is a more affordable option in the city. In an excellent location, being a 5-minute drive from attractions such as the Titanic Quarter and Belfast Cathedral, and only a 13-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport.

However, if you want to keep your budget low, the Premier Inn located in the city centre on Alfred Street offers spectacular value for a low price. As always, Premier Inn is a great option to keep your costs down.

There are other options for keeping your budget low too. Vagabonds hostel, located in the Queens Quarter has been rated well and is less than 1km from the botanic gardens. Belfast International Youth Hostel is even closer to the centre and includes free cancellation. And you can always scan Airbnb or Trivago for the best prices for your budget.

What to do in Belfast

There’s so much you can pack into your 48 hour city break in Belfast – you’re spoilt for choice with options ranging from historical landmarks to memorable museums and attractions!

Hop on hop off bus: a great way to see a lot of Belfast in a condensed amount of time is by experiencing a hop on hop off bus tour. Going around on the tour bus will take up less time than walking, allowing you time to do other things in your short stay. You can expect to see the top must-see sights on one of these tour buses and all the interesting historical and cultural information coupled with them. The stops can include the Titanic dock, Albert Clock, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast City Hall, and St George’s Market. 

Titanic Museum: Belfast is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic, which famously hit an iceberg and sank in 1912. So, why not discover this major historical event in more detail? The Titanic Museum offers an enriching experience on the construction, launch, and maiden voyage, being a world-leading attraction for visitors around the world.

Giant’s Causeway & Game of Thrones day tour: This is exceptional for any Game of Thrones fan, taking guests through different film locations, including key scenes and information about popular characters. The tour is also quite scenic, allowing you to explore the colossal rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Botanic gardens: Take in the beauty and relaxation that nature has to offer with the outstanding scenery of the botanic gardens located in the Queens Quarter. Entry is free and you can easily pass a few hours here.

Belfast Castle: Tourists can explore this historic location free of charge, although there is a cellar restaurant, castle tavern, and afternoon tea experiences to look out for. In a prominent location, you can enjoy the stunning views reaching across the city.

Where to eat

As expected, there is a vast array of restaurants and cafes to satisfy your appetite, whatever your tastes and budget.

Darcy’s Belfast (££-£££) will allow you to experience local tastes of Ireland as well as European cuisine. It is located on Bradbury Place and has been consistently highly rated.

Ginger Bistro (££-£££) also offers both European and traditional Irish dishes, including vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

If you’re looking for a budget option, Bites of India (£) is a great go-to place, serving up classic Indian dishes as well as a range of outstanding reviews.

Pizza Punks Belfast (££-£££) is a great place to satisfy your Italian tastes and can often be a safe option if you’re travelling with fussy children.

Seeking out cafes for lunch or simply a refreshment break can be easy in Belfast as they’re dotted about everywhere. Maggie Mays Belfast Café (£) on Castle Street is a good option to take, allowing you to stick to your low budget whilst giving you a friendly atmosphere and excellent service.

 Kelly’s Cellars (££) does serve lunch, although mainly acts as a bar. This is a great place to wind down with friends or partners at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Featuring live music and serving alcohol, you can’t visit Belfast without experiencing an Irish pub!

Getting to Belfast

Belfast is an easy getaway from most major (and some minor) airports in the UK. A visit for 48 hours in Belfast is very accessible from cities as far flung as Exeter, London, Sheffield or Edinburgh.

There are also air connections to mainland Europe, the Irish Republic and even the USA.

You can also arrive in Belfast by sea from Liverpool, Stranraer in Scotland and the Isle of Man.