Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Belfast?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Belfast?

Most visitors spend one to three days in Belfast when visiting. The authentic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the big city activities, the nightlife, and the shops and boutiques.

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. It has a major port and historically was known for its maritime activities. It's also the birthplace of the Titanic, and you'll find many references and museums around town relating to the vessel.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Belfast? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Belfast?

Three days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Belfast. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Belfast as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 3 days in Belfast

Perhaps the most famous place in Belfast is Belfast Castle, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Belfast is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. While the city is often overlooked for more popular destinations, visitors to Belfast will enjoy affordability, accessibility, and natural beauty.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour ($93)
  • The Troubles and iconic black taxi driver private 2 hrs tour ($126)
  • Shore Excursion: Giant's Causeway Tour Including Belfast City Tour ($44)

Shopping in Belfast is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is 4 days enough time in Belfast?

Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Belfast at your own pace to discover the big city activities, grab some drinks at a bar, and find the best deals at the shops. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

How to spend 4 days in Belfast

If you have more than 4 days in Belfast, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Belfast, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast ($44)
  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Belfast: Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip ($147)

Is 5 days enough time in Belfast?

With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Belfast has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Belfast as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the big city activities, the nightlife, and the shops and boutiques at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

Belfast, England Belfast, England

How to spend 5 days in Belfast

Having 5 days in Belfast will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Belfast is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Belfast, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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