How To Spend 3 Days in Belfast

More and more women are traveling to Belfast solo, and I was one of them! I had only planned on visiting Belfast for one day, but I loved it so much I stayed for three! Belfast itself is pretty small, so if you don’t have a lot of time, you could do Belfast in one day. But preferably, you want to have a little more time. This is how to spend 3 days in Belfast solo!

This post will give you information on what to do, where to stay, and the restaurants you must check out in Belfast. Enjoy exclusive travel tips written by a solo traveler for a solo traveler!

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How To Spend 3 Days In Belfast Solo

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There are a few different ways to get to Belfast City Centre. If you are coming direct from the United States, you will likely fly into Belfast International Airport. Below is the list of how to reach Belfast City Centre from various starting points:

• Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Centre by bus or taxi is approximately 30-minutes traffic, depending. Take the Airport Express 300, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays and weekends. You will find the bus stop is located opposite the terminal exits. The timetable Cost of the ticket is £8(single) £11.50 (return).
• Belfast City Airport to Belfast City Centre is very convenient via public transportation. Take Airport Express 600 Service from the airport to the city center. The journey only takes about 10 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes. Here is the timetable.
• Belfast Main Train Station to Belfast City Centre is reachable by foot in only about 10 minutes. If you are not traveling with many bags, I suggest walking.

Once you have arrived, it is time to plan how to spend 3 days in Belfast! And if you are still unsure about coming to Belfast, I have listed some reasons below why you should highly consider it!

Reasons to Visit Belfast

Belfast ranks high on my list for solo travelers for many reasons.

#1. Belfast is reasonably priced. For a solo traveler, you do need to be budget-conscious. Northern Ireland is on the pound, so the exchange isn’t always the best, but in general, it’s less expensive than other UK cities.

#2. So much to do! Many day tours available will take you from Belfast, further north! If you are traveling as a solo female, making connections throughout your travels enriches the whole journey experience. Joining a day tour is the easiest way to have a chat and make new friends on the way. You will have several choices from Belfast.

#3. Safety, it’s safe. For a solo female traveling, this is the most critical factor in booking a trip. If you don’t feel comfortable walking around alone, then what’s the point? I felt protected and welcomed in Belfast.

For all you fact lovers, here some fun facts about Belfast!

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Waterproof Travel Gear

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What to Do Solo in Northern Ireland

One of the best parts about traveling solo is being in charge of your itinerary. There are many things to do in Belfast to keep you busy!

Below is a list of all the best things to do in Northern Ireland alone! Save time for a day trip to Giant’s Causeway; details towards the end of the post.

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Self-Guided Tour of the Titanic Museum

For a truly memorable day, visit the Titanic museum! This impressive museum opened its doors in 2012 at the Harland & Wolff shipyard.

The Titanic Museum sits in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter in the same spot where the RMS Titanic was built. Relive the stories of the Titanic that hit an iceberg and sank during her maiden voyage in 1912.

Inside the museum, you can enjoy the visuals of presentations via video and sound. Outside you can visit the yard where the ship was constructed. Plan to spend at least 3 – 4 hours here if you are interested in learning all that you can.

Take a Tour of Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol Prison is another top attraction and a stop on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. The prison closed as a prison in 1996 but opened to the public. They offer a variety of tours such as daily guided, historic evening, paranormal, and ghost walk. If you have the time, it’s worth a visit.

Check Out The Belfast Food Market

The United Kingdom’s largest indoor food market is a great place to hit, especially for lunch. It’s located in the center of Belfast and is a great place to spend a day in Belfast.

The Variety Market

Dating back to the year 1604, Fridays are called The Variety Market. Stroll around the 200 market stalls and shop for fruit, vegetables, antiques, books, clothes, and crafts.

Saturday City Food and Craft Market

If you visit on Saturday, you can experience a variety of local and specialty foods. Saturdays is also a host to many vendors of handmade crafts, plants, flowers, and local photography. This market is a place where you can relax and enjoy some music and food.

Craft & Antique Market For Sunday

The market is packed with local artists and vendors if your visit falls on a Sunday. Often you can enjoy live music and local foods, and chocolates.

There is something for everyone at this wonderful food market. Be sure to squeeze in some time in your 3 days in Belfast. Have a look at the website for opening times.

Take A Tour of Belfast Castle

The Belfast Castle dates back to the 12th Century. Built originally by the Normans. The Castle itself is perched up on the hill of Cavehill Country Park overlooking Belfast.

This impressive castle is open to tourists to tour the inside and grounds. Also, you will find the on-site cafe great for coffee and other refreshments. The easiest way to reach the castle is by using the Hop-on, Hop-Off tour bus.

Get Some Photos At Albert Memorial Clock

Albert Memorial Clock stands in near the docks in Queen’s square and looks like a mini Big Ben. The memorial was constructed between 1865 and 1869 and, in history, was a meeting place for sailors and prostitutes. Now it’s a lovely square to visit and a perfect spot for those Instagram-worthy photos.

Visit The Belfast Zoo

If you are a zoo lover, then the Belfast Zoo is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Zoo is located a bit far away from the center of town, but easy to reach by local bus. The website link has all the information on the opening times, costs, and directions.

Belfast Zoo is one of the #1 tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Annually about 300,000 people visit. The zoo is 55-acre (22 ha) and contains more than 1,200 animals and 140 species.

Tour The Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Belfast are located on the opposite side of the city from the Zoo. It is located very close to Queen’s University and by the Botanic train station. A lovely area of town to check out while in Belfast.

Established in the year 1828, the Botanic Gardens were created for the public interested in horticulture and botany. The park originated with exotic tree species and various plant collections. Even today, these can be seen all around the park.

Visit the Peace Wall of Northern Ireland

The peace walls were created to lower tensions between Loyalist and Nationalist communities in Northern Ireland. There is a lot of history to cover here. For a better overview of The Troubles, consider the tour below.

Giant’s Causeway Coast & Game of Thrones Tour

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Giants Causeway & Game of Thrones Tour

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From Belfast, you can experience all Northern Ireland has to offer. The coastal route to Giant’s Causeway is one of a kind! And unless you are renting a car on your own, you will need to book a tour.

There are SEVERAL companies to choose from when booking this tour. My advice is to research precisely what you are looking for and get tickets ahead of time. You can book this tour even if you are unfamiliar with the HBO show Game of Thrones.

The tour will take you to all the significant film locations while explaining the history of the land. The guide will unveil detailed information on the filmed scenes and props for photography. It was fantastic!

The stops on this tour include:

Crossing of Carrick-A-Rede-Rope Bridge

You can cross the Carrick a rede rope bridge if you are brave enough! It is a suspended bridge across a 30-meter deep and 20-meter-wide chasm. If you are not visiting with a tour, book in advance.

Visit Unesco World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway

On this guided tour, you explore the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns at Giant’s Causeway. Along the way, the tour operator will fill you in on the history of the stones and the surrounding area.  

Take Photos at the Dark Hedges

One of the highlights of this tour was visiting the famous Dark Hedges in Ballymoney. The Stuart family planted a long landscape of mystical-looking trees in the eighteenth century.

This tour is Game of Thrones-themed, and props are made available if you want to participate.

I would highly recommend this tour as a way to spend one of your 3 days in Belfast. As a solo traveler, this is a great way to make friends.

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Dress Warm in Belfast

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Where to Spend 3 Nights in Belfast

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When traveling solo, I spend a little extra on the hotel. It can enhance your experience when you are on your own. It’s true; I am a sucker for a boutique hotels. I value quality for the money, so I recommend only the best!

Ten Square Hotel

I stayed at this lovely hotel located in the center of Belfast! Very stylish, clean, and modern rooms. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and a nice restaurant/bar on the first floor.

Bullitt Hotel

When I return to Belfast, I will stay at the hip and trendy Bullitt hotel. They have three room choices, something for every budget. Dinky Room, Comfy Room, and Roomy Room. Have a look at the website for more details.

Malmaison Hotel

This centrally located hotel offers a modern and contemporary style and high classic comfort. Modern bars and restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams can be fulfilled while staying at this luxurious hotel. Don’t forget to book afternoon tea for a true British Experience.

Titanic Hotel Belfast

If you are obsessed with the Titanic, you will be enchanted by this high-end hotel! Decorated in theme, this hotel is located on-site with the famous museum.

The Merchant Hotel

This hotel is the crown jewel in Belfast. It’s a historic palace-like building transformed into a world-class hotel, making it the most desirable place to stay. No other hotel can compete with the rooftop pool and views.

Eat Like A Queen For 3 Days in Belfast

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One of the best things about being in Belfast solo is that you don’t have to compromise! You know what I mean if you have ever traveled with someone. Making decisions on where to get a meal can sometimes be difficult. When you are on your own, the choice is all yours!!

Breakfast & Lunch

Town Sq – University District

Town Square is the solution to breakfast and lunch while visiting Belfast. This place offers quality and creativity in its menu.

French Village -University District

French Village is a cute and comfy spot to enjoy a nice breakfast or lunch. Located a bit south of the city center in the University area.

Harlem Cafe -City Center

This place has a lively and fresh interior, offering breakfast and weekend brunch! Located centrally near a live music venue, Ulster Hall.

Dinner & Drinks

Made In Belfast – City Center

Made in Belfast is a great choice for dinner! I ate there a few times, enjoying the fish dishes. Creative cocktails and indulgent desserts! Located in the center of the city.

Ox City Center

Ox served up one of the best meals on my trip. A Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown Belfast, they have a prefix for lunch and dinner and an Irish Drink Menu.

Ginger Bistro

Ginger Bistro is located in the city center. This bistro has been awarded as one of the finest restaurants in Belfast! They have an ala carte, prefix, and vegetarian menu.

The Dirty Onion – Cathedral Quarter

When you are in the mood for a casual, end-of-the-tour day, great food…go to the Dirty Onion. This place is great for drinks and fancy bar food fare. Indoor/outdoor seating, live music, and fantastic beer selections. The Cathedral Quarter is one of Belfast’s more lively and trendy areas.

How to End 3 Days in Belfast

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When the journey through the history of Northern Ireland ends, keep that party going and perhaps take a trip to Dublin! Travel solo down south and enjoy the live music of Irish folk songs and the home of the Guinness.

Here is a complete guide to a Weekend in Ireland!

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