The Perfect One-Day Belfast Itinerary: Black Cabs, Titanic Tales & Irish Pub Charm

Belfast, Northern Ireland’s buzzing capital, is a city with soul. In just one day, you can dive deep into its rich history, soak up its creative spirit, and end the night sipping pints in atmospheric pubs that echo with music and stories.

Whether you’re here on a quick trip or squeezing in a day before heading along the Causeway Coast, this is your perfect 24-hour Belfast itinerary.

Before your trip to Belfast:

Make sure you have the Northern Ireland visa
Watch the movie Belfast to better understand “the troubles”
Familiarize yourself with the song “Belle of Belfast City” by the Irish Rovers. You’ll hear it played live all over the city & you’ll want to be able to sing along during a late night pub session when the whole bar is singing in unision “She is handsome, she is pretty! She is the belle of Belfast city!”

9:00 AM – A Black Taxi Tour: Belfast’s History from the Backseat

Start your day by stepping into one of Belfast’s iconic black taxis for a political and cultural tour like no other. These local drivers are not just drivers—they’re storytellers, historians, and lifelong residents who give you a raw, emotional, and eye-opening account of The Troubles and Belfast’s journey since.

The murals of the Falls and Shankill Roads, the Peace Walls, and the tales of resilience and hope are powerful and unforgettable. It’s an intimate introduction to a complex city—and one that stays with you.

You can book the tour here.

11:00 AM – City Stroll & Coffee Fix

After the cab tour, take a little time to explore the heart of Belfast on foot.

Wander past the grand Belfast City Hall, check out the quirky Cathedral Quarter, and pop into one of the independent cafés nearby for a caffeine boost—Established Coffee is a local favorite.

12:30 PM – Award-Winning Lunch at Sawers

By now, you’ll be ready for some serious local flavor, and there’s no better spot than Sawers Deli—a Belfast institution. Tucked away just off the main shopping district, this place is packed with character and cheese (seriously, it’s a cheese-lover’s paradise).

Grab one of their award-winning deli platters, seafood chowder, or gourmet sandwiches. Everything here is delicious, fresh, and bursting with Northern Irish charm.

I highly recommend the goat cheese sandwich, it’s phenomenal!

2:00 PM – Set Sail at Titanic Belfast

No trip to the city is complete without a visit to Titanic Belfast. This iconic, iceberg-shaped museum is built on the very site where the RMS Titanic was constructed. It’s more than just a museum—it’s an experience.

Walk through nine interactive galleries, feel the scale of the shipyards, ride through the building of the ship, and dive into the myths and memories surrounding the most famous ship ever built. Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours—it’s that good.

You can buy tickets here.

4:30 PM – Check into your hotel

If you’re staying the night in Belfast, I like to stay at Leonardo Hotel Belfast. It’s walking distance to everything except the Titanic. (But you can easily Uber over there or drive yourself if you have a car!) The breakfast is great and it’s right near the main square.

Pro-tip for this hotel: Half the hotel has been renovated with AC. When you book, you’ll need to request to be on the side of the hotel that has air conditioning if that’s important to you! (It’s very common for hotels in Ireland to not have any air conditioning. With Ireland’s cool temperatures, you don’t need it most of the year anyway.)

6pm Irish Pub Crawl: Raise a Glass in the Heart of Belfast

The best way to close out your Belfast adventure? A proper Irish pub crawl. The city’s pub scene is legendary—full of character, music, and some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. Here’s your route:

First Stop: Kelly’s Cellars

One of Belfast’s oldest pubs, Kelly’s is full of old-world charm, low ceilings, and hearty craic. Live traditional music? Check. Guinness poured to perfection? Double check.

Enjoy the live music, explore the historic interior and have a pre-dinner Guinness.

Next Up: White’s Tavern

A short stroll away, this is another one of Belfast’s historic pubs. Think stone walls, glowing fires, and cozy vibes. Grab a pint of local craft beer or a whiskey, and settle in. This is a great place to have your dinner!

Then: The Thirsty Goat

A bit more modern, but full of life. Outdoor beer garden, upbeat crowd, and usually some live music. This is where you start to feel the weekend energy, even if it’s a Tuesday.

Finale: The Duke of York

Tucked down a cobbled alleyway lit by fairy lights and lined with murals, The Duke of York is a Belfast icon. Inside, it’s an eclectic mix of mirrors, memorabilia, and banter. Outside, it’s Instagram heaven. End your night here and soak it all in.

Screenshot or save this little pub pocket itinerary below for reference! All of these pubs are within walking distance of one another.

One Day, A Thousand Stories

Belfast is a city of contrasts: raw yet beautiful, heavy with history yet full of light. One day is just a glimpse—but what a glimpse it is. From black taxi tours to Titanic tales, and pubs that feel like home, this is a day you’ll never forget.

So go ahead—plan it, live it, and raise a toast to Belfast. Sláinte!

If this sounds like fun, join for one of my Ireland group trips!