City break inspiration: How a local would spend 48 hours in Belfast

Motion blurred shot of pedestrians on Belfast high street

Yes, 48 hours in Belfast is plenty of time to explore the city! And the best way to make the most of your time? Ask a local for their recommendations.

What do you look for in a city break? Maybe you’re all about trying new dishes and stopping off for a wee tipple every couple hours, all in the name of exploring the local food and drink scene, of course.

Perhaps you’re committed to soaking up the culture and history, so you can go home and impress others with your worldliness.

Or you could just like escaping reality for a short while, letting the buzz and atmosphere of somewhere new erase all your normal everyday stresses.

The best city break destinations offer all of the above – and we’ve got a suggestion if you’re trying to plan your next getaway: Belfast.

Build your ideal city break in Belfast

Panoramic view of Belfast from Cave Hill — Could Belfast be your next city break destination?

First off, Glasgow to Belfast is not too long a journey – that means you can feel like you’ve had a proper getaway, without all the jetlag that comes with an international holiday.

But the best thing is, Belfast really does have something for everyone. In fact, choosing what to do might be the only tricky part.

So, to help, we asked Belfast local Eve McStravick, who works for HANNON Coach, for her recommendations for spending 48 hours in Belfast. Here are her top tips.

What to do for 48 hours in Belfast

Getting from Glasgow to Belfast

For a short trip, how you travel will make a difference – you want to get from A to B with minimal stress, so you’re in the mood to hit the ground running once you arrive.

When travelling from Glasgow to Belfast, HANNON Coach is an ideal option. The direct-through coach and sail service will take you from Buchanan Bus Station into the heart of Belfast, and the ferry is all taken care of too, as HANNON Coach pre-books its passengers in. You won’t have to worry about anything from the moment you step on board!

Day one in Belfast (arrival day)

View of Titanic Belfast across the river in the morning sun — View of Titanic Belfast, an unmissable attraction in the city.

With HANNON Coach, you can leave Glasgow at 08:30 and arrive at Europa Buscentre at around 14:30. Once you’ve checked into your hotel and dropped off your bags, you’ll have a few hours in the afternoon to find your bearings.

That’s the perfect amount of time to squeeze in one of Eve’s must-visit spots, before you head out for dinner and drinks: Titanic Belfast. Through interactive galleries, you’ll learn more about the history of this tragic voyage and its roots in Belfast, where the ship was designed, built and launched.

Reminder: you’ll need to book tickets for Titanic Belfast online in advance.

Day two in Belfast

Close up of a glass of stout beer on a bar — Enjoy dinner and drinks at Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Day two will give you a whole 24 hours in Belfast to play with. This is plenty of time to really immerse yourself in the city.

There’s lots to do! Eve recommends: “Go shopping at Victoria Square, right in the heart of Belfast city centre, with its mixture of designer and high-street stores. Bags go free with HANNON Coach so there’s no need to worry about luggage, either!

“You should also visit Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, which is home to the best bars and restaurants, and fantastic nightlife. House of Zen is one of my favourite restaurants, but Pizza Punks is also lovely with great cocktails too!”

Make sure to check out viewing platform The Dome at Victoria Square, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Day three in Belfast (departure day)

Local market stall displaying freshly made bread. — Sample local produce at St George’s Market.

With HANNON Coach, you can depart from Europa Buscentre at 14:30. When it comes to spending the last morning away in any city, there’s really only one thing for it – brunch! There are lots of great eateries to choose from.

Eve also recommends a visit to St George’s Market if you’re in Belfast for a weekend (it’s only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday). One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, it’s a great way to sample local produce, enjoy live music from local bands and discover local arts and crafts specialists.

Make sure you give yourself time to sit back with a coffee, soaking up the sounds, smells and lively atmosphere. Eve adds: “I’m always tempted to pick up a box of homemade buns from St George’s Market!”

Other things to do in Belfast

Palm House in Belfast Botanic Gardens. — The Botanic Gardens in Belfast.

There are lots of other things to do during 48 hours in Belfast, including:

Take your camera and enjoy the stunning views from Cave Hill Country Park, which offers a playground, a visitor centre, walking trails and archaeological sites, including caves and Belfast Castle.
Did you know Crumlin Road Gaol is said to be haunted? Find out more with a visit!
Check out Belfast City Hall and the memorials in its grounds.
Learn more about Belfast’s history with a guided taxi tour.
Visit the Botanic Gardens with its striking glasshouse and impressive collection of beautiful plant life, including some of the oldest seed plants around in The Tropical Ravine.