Belfast is a city where history isn’t just remembered — it’s lived. From the shipyards that launched the Titanic to the cobbled lanes of the Cathedral Quarter, every corner tells a story. Here’s how we spent 24 hours in Northern Ireland’s capital, balancing heritage, great food, and a lively night out.

Morning: From Bushmills to Belfast

After a leisurely lie-in at The Bushmills Inn, we eventually made it to breakfast. The generous portions defeated us, but it set us up well for the day ahead. With bags packed, it was just over an hour’s drive to Belfast — a journey from the peaceful north coast into a city once known as the shipbuilding capital of the world.

Checking In: The Titanic Hotel

Our base was the Titanic Hotel, a destination steeped in history. The building once housed the Harland & Wolff drawing offices, where thousands of ships were designed — including the RMS Titanic.

Titanic was launched from these docks in May 1911, the largest moving object in the world at the time, built by a workforce of more than 15,000 men. Though she sank less than a year later, her story still looms large in Belfast, a city that takes pride in having built her.

Our room overlooked the famous Samson and Goliath cranes. Built in the 1970s, they were once the most powerful shipbuilding cranes on earth. Today they stand as proud symbols of Belfast’s industrial heritage — impossible to miss and unforgettable to wake up to.

📍 Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the cranes — they’re spectacular lit up at night.

Afternoon: Exploring the Cathedral Quarter

Adding a modern twist, a trail of stained-glass windows celebrates Northern Ireland’s starring role in Game of Thrones. They are scattered across the city and we passed a couple on the way to the Cathedral Quarter. We stopped for a spot of lunch in the Neighbourhood Cafe. We had soup and a cheese toastie before heading into the centre of Belfast. The sun was shining as we wandered into the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s cultural heart. Once full of warehouses, it’s now home to street art, live music, and buzzing pubs.

We passed The Cloth Ear (where we are booked in for lunch on Tuesday), admired the grand Merchant Hotel, and stopped to look at murals telling stories of Belfast’s turbulent past.

📍 Tip: Late afternoon is a great time to explore before the pubs fill up — perfect for photos without the crowds.

Evening: Cocktails and Seafood

Back at the Titanic Hotel, we stopped for cocktails. The standout was the Punch Romaine — a drink served as part of Titanic’s final first-class dinner in April 1912. Sipping it in the very building where the ship was conceived felt surreal, a little like raising a glass with history.

Dinner was at Mourne Seafood Bar, a Belfast favourite for its fresh, locally sourced fish. I had a Bloody Mary oyster, crispy lobster gyozas, and perfectly oven-baked cod. The service was as warm and polished as ever, making it one of those meals that lingers in the memory.

📍 Tip: Book ahead — this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.

Night: Kelly’s Cellars

We finished the evening at Kelly’s Cellars, Belfast’s oldest surviving pub, dating back to 1720. It’s said that Henry Joy McCracken, leader of the 1798 United Irishmen uprising, plotted rebellion here. With its low ceilings, stone floors, and buzzing atmosphere, it’s the kind of pub where history and Belfast craic meet.

Even on a Monday night, it was heaving. We squeezed in, shared a pint, and ended up chatting with a couple of Canadian students who are studying at Ulster University, enjoying their own Belfast adventure.

Adding to the atmosphere, a group of musicians had gathered in the corner, playing fiddles and guitars. They sang traditional Irish songs, the kind that seem to rise naturally out of the stone walls and wooden beams. Locals clapped along, visitors joined in on the choruses, and the whole pub seemed to move in rhythm with the music. It was one of those moments where time felt suspended, and Belfast’s spirit came alive through song.

📍 Tip: Kelly’s doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early if you want a seat.

Back at the Titanic Hotel

An Uber took us back to the Titanic Hotel, where the silhouettes of Samson and Goliath loomed over the docks outside our window. Once instruments of industry, now icons of the skyline, they were the perfect reminder that Belfast is a city shaped by its past but always looking forward.

If You Go: Quick Guide

Stay: Titanic Hotel Belfast – history, atmosphere, and great cocktails.

Eat: Mourne Seafood Bar – fresh seafood, excellent service.

Drink: Kelly’s Cellars – a Belfast institution, full of character.

Explore: Cathedral Quarter – street art, murals, and vibrant pubs.

👉 In just one day, Belfast gave us history, hospitality, and a sense of connection to the people who built ships, told stories, and kept the craic alive. It’s a city that stays with you long after you leave.