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My husband and I spent 2 days in Belfast as part of our UK + Denmark + Germany trip in July 2019. Even though we didn’t get the best weather, we still had a great time and wished we had stayed longer! Belfast is a great base for exploring Northern Ireland’s stunning coast and Game of Thrones filming sites, but the city itself also has fascinating history and unique charm. Here are our top 5 favorite things to do during our short visit to Belfast:
1. Day Trip to Giant’s Causeway
Why Visit:
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonder. It’s an area of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity (or as legend goes, by the giant Finn McCool).
Highlights:
- Walk on the basalt flats that lead right into the Atlantic Ocean.
- There are also numerous cliff trails nearby that looked amazing, but we didn’t have time to hike them.
How to Go:
The Giant’s Causeway is about a 1.5-hour drive from Belfast. We visited as part of a day tour which was a great way to see things on a short time period, but I’d love to go back on my own next time to explore the trails more freely.
2. Titanic Belfast Museum
Why Visit:
This world-class museum tells the story of the Titanic, which was built and launched in Belfast. The building’s striking design mirrors the ship’s hulls and stands right where the Titanic was constructed.
Highlights:
- Interactive Galleries → follow the Titanic’s journey from concept and shipyard to its tragic voyage. Don’t miss the Shipyard Ride, a surprisingly fun indoor ride that brings the building process to life.
- Original Slipways → stand where the Titanic and her sister ship Olympic stood before launch.
- Titanic Quarter → explore the surrounding waterfront area, home to the iconic Harland & Wolff cranes (Samson & Goliath).
How to Go:
We bought tickets online in advance since they are cheaper and often sell out during weekends, holidays, and summer months.
3. Explore Belfast’s History
Why Visit:
Belfast’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Once divided by The Troubles, the city now showcases its past through art, storytelling, and guided tours that bring Northern Ireland’s complex history to life.
Highlights:
- Political Mural Tours → join a local guide to learn about Belfast’s political history, see the famous murals, and visit the Peace Walls that once divided communities. We didn’t have time for this on our trip, but it’s top of our list for next time.
- Crumlin Road Gaol → a 19th-century prison-turned-museum that vividly shows what life was like during Belfast’s turbulent years. We didn’t make it there either, but it’s one of the city’s highest-rated attractions.
- Local Perspectives → even themed tours (like our Game of Thrones tour) often include fascinating stories about how the city changed over the decades.
How to Go:
You can book political tours directly from Black Taxi Tours or on Viator. You can also learn some of the same history through conversations with local guides on other tours. For Crumlin Road Gaol you can book tours online in advance since they can sell out.
4. Day Trip to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Why Visit:
Originally built by salmon fishermen, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a 20-meter (66-ft) bridge suspended nearly 30 meters (100 ft) above the Atlantic and offers some of the best coastal views in the country.
Highlights:
- Walk across the famous rope bridge as waves crash below.
- Check out nearby Ballintoy Harbour (~5 minutes drive), another Game of Thrones filming site (Iron Islands).
How to Go:
We combined this stop with Giant’s Causeway on the same day tour. If you’re visiting on your own, book in advance through the National Trust Carrick-a-Rede since entry is timed and limited for safety.
5. Day Trip to The Dark Hedges
Why Visit:
The Dark Hedges is one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed spots — an eerie avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century that became world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
Highlights:
- Walk the short, hauntingly beautiful lane that feels straight out of a fairytale.
How to Go:
The Dark Hedges is about 20 minutes drive from Giant’s Causeway and we also visited as part of the same day tour.
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