Simply awe-inspiring

Titanic, the tragic Ship of Dreams is at the centre of Belfast's history and was conceived and created in the city, so make a date with Titanic Belfast. Named the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, its shimmering exterior contains nine galleries spread across six floors mirroring the height of Titanic, as well as interactive exhibitions, an underwater cinema and gantry rides. Outside, walk the Titanic Slipways and Shipyard, go on a Titanic Discovery Walking or Boat Tour. This is maritime history at its most intriguing.

If you have more time

Jump onto The Wee Tram Tour, a tour that loops around the Titanic Quarter in trams that are replicas of the ones used to transport the builders of the Titanic!

A true taste of Belfast

Feeling hungry? St George's Market, established at the turn of the 19th century, is a buzzing gathering of over 150 traders. Open from Friday until Sunday each week, the market offers a selection of artisanal oils, hand-crafted sweets, rare teas and coffees, as well as antiques, clothing, jewellery and art, making it a cornucopia of treats. Oh and music fans; did you know that St George's Market often rocks with live music from local bands?

Sample some local seafod

Seafood dominates the menu at Deanes Love Fish with rock oysters, marinated sardines and fritto misto on the menu from 12-10pm Monday to Saturday.

Splendour at the heart of Belfast

An iconic fixture of the Belfast skyline, City Hall is the copper-domed marvel that dominates its surroundings with its Baroque style and glittering white walls – tours are free and well worth it for history buffs. Check out the Good Food & Wine Company in the Queen's Arcade across the road – it specialises in Northern Ireland favourites like Yellowman toffee and crisp shortbread.

Later on

Dine out in the delectable Stix & Stones for tasty treats such as Portavogie mussels or salt-aged rib eye steaks – yum.

What's rare is wonderful

Nothing beats the beauty of a morning stroll among the blossoms. Completed in 1852, the Botanic Gardens in south Belfast are a horticultural masterpiece. Containing some of the oldest plants on the island, the gardens and Palm House conservatory are a pleasure to explore. And you certainly can't come to this part of town without taking in the stunning red-brick architecture and magnolia trees of Queen's University.

If you have more time

Lunch at Molly's Yard is a delight – try Molly’s seafood chowder with Hilden Stout wheaten bread or Molly’s burger mór on pesto toast to keep hunger at bay!

The weird and the glorious

Have you ever wanted to meet Ireland's only dinosaur? Or get up close and personal with an Egyptian mummy? With free entry, the Ulster Museum comes with a host of weird and wonderful oddities, offering snapshots of history, from international to local. Take a break at the Girona Restaurant at the Museum, and grab a coffee and a freshly baked scone, to get yourself ready for your next stop!

Your own personalised tour

Pick up a Black Taxi Tour of the city’s murals. With local knowledge and buckets of charm from the driver, it’s an experience that’s really unique to this quirky capital. With an unflinching look at Belfast's past and a celebration of its modern achievements, all tours are jam-packed with local insights and knowledgeable titbits that you can take with you as you explore the city further.

Paranormal activities

Underground tunnels, execution chambers, and rooms dedicated to flogging – there's a reason that Crumlin Road Gaol is one of the most haunted sites on the island of Ireland. Closed since 1996 for prisoners, it now hosts visitors seeking a paranormal journey through 150 years of history.

A slice of heaven on the Antrim coast

Head slightly outside Belfast, and discover Cave Hill Country Park – a park with views overlooking the city, waves crashing against the coastline, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its most famous feature is the craggy crenellation known as Napoleon's Nose, which is said to have inspired Jonathan Swift's Sleeping Giant in Gulliver's Travels. See for yourself, before exploring the intriguingly named Devil's Punchbowl, McArt's Fort and Carr's Glen.

Later on

Dine in the Cellar Restaurant inside Belfast Castle as the sun sets over the hills surrounding this gem of a city.