Belfast wasn’t always high on my list—but after a single day exploring its quirky streets, lively markets, and easy-to-navigate transit system, I walked away wishing I had more time. Docked here on May 4, 2025, aboard the Norwegian Pearl, I spent a full afternoon discovering just how much this Northern Irish city offers in one compact, well-paced visit.
From strolling through the iconic St. George’s Market to sipping a pint upstairs at Stock Kitchen & Bar, and catching a ride on the city’s futuristic purple Glider bus, this stop was one of those surprise highlights—a perfect blend of ease, charm, and local color.
Belfast is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself. Once known for shipbuilding—including the famed RMS Titanic—and more recently for its role in Northern Ireland’s complex political history, today’s Belfast feels alive with creativity, warmth, and renewal. It's a city where centuries-old markets sit beside sleek new developments, and where every street seems to carry a story. With just one day in port, it was more than enough to fall for Belfast’s gritty charm and friendly vibe. Here's how my day unfolded, step by step.
By 10:00 AM, I had stepped off the Norwegian Pearl and onto a conveniently located shuttle bus just outside the cruise terminal. The cost was $10 USD per person for the round-trip, offering a direct and comfortable ride into the city and back. The bus pulled away from the port at 10:20 AM, and just ten minutes later, I was dropped near the Lagan Weir Footbridge, within easy walking distance of Donegall Square and the grand Belfast City Hall—an ideal starting point for exploring the city. For you hikers, you could walk into town, it’s listed at 3 miles and will take 57 minutes.
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| Shuttle bus |
From the shuttle dropoff location, I decided to stretch my legs and make the just-over-a-mile walk to St. George’s Market, one of Belfast's oldest attractions housing over 300 traders, crafters, musicians and food vendors.
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| Drop off area in city center next to Lagan Weir Footbridge |
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| Crossing the Lagan Weir Footbridge |
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| Street art at the end of the footbridge |
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| View from footbridge |
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| Street art |
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| Street art |
As it happened, the 2025 Belfast City Marathon was in full swing with 17,500 participants, adding an unexpected layer of energy and excitement to the streets.
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| Start of the Marathon |
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| One of the numerous water stations |
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| Remnants of the marathon |
The route to St. George's Market took me past a vibrant mix of sleek modern storefronts and timeworn brick buildings, offering a glimpse into Belfast’s character—equal parts hardworking and artsy, with a dash of unpredictable charm.
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| Entrance to the St George Market |
Inside the market, the air was filled with the aroma of sizzling food and fresh baked goods. Live musicians performed upbeat Irish folk tunes while shoppers browsed everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade soaps. It was one of the most vibrant markets I’ve visited—and a great way to see locals and travelers mingle in a shared space.
Needing a break at this point, I headed upstairs to Stock Kitchen & Bar, located inside the St George’s Market. It proved to be a very peaceful perch overlooking the market below. I settled into a cozy table. With live music floating up from the ground floor and the soft clink of glassware around me, it was the perfect place to recharge before continuing my Belfast exploration.
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| Balcony at Stock Kithen & Bar overlooking St George's Market |
I made my way back toward City Hall to catch the G1 Glider, Belfast’s
sleek, purple-colored rapid transit
system. These articulated buses travel along
dedicated lanes, making them one of the fastest and most efficient ways to
explore the city. I was able to purchase two
all-day passes for a total of $13.31 USD, paying at the tram stop ticket machine using my tap-enabled
card—quick, cashless, and easy. You can find full
fare and ticketing details, including day‑link travelcards, on the TransLink
website.
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| Glider tram stop |
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| G1 Glider |
I rode the Glider for three stops heading east, watching everyday Belfast life pass by through the large windows. I then crossed the street and hopped on a westbound Glider to return back to the downtown area. The ride was clean, efficient, and made me feel like a local—even if just for a moment.
I exited at the "Waterfront" tram stop, then walked back to the nearby Lagan Wier Footbridge, crossing the river to where the shuttle bus was waiting. I boarded at 3:45 PM, and by 3:54 PM I was back at the cruise terminal—plenty of time to freshen up before Happy Hour and dinner.
Belfast turned out to be one of those surprising cities that lingers in your mind long after you leave. It may not have the glitz of other European ports, but it more than makes up for it in personality, history, and soul.
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