A serious port metropolis within the early nineteenth century, and the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Belfast grew to change into a pleasant metropolis crammed with historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence.
These passing centuries have left Belfast with a wealthy array of landmarks and monuments, so it’s no shock that the capital metropolis of Northern Eire has been charming guests for years.
Right here, there are historic maritime landmarks, lush botanic gardens, world-class museums, a beautiful fort, and even a former jail relationship again to 1845.
No matter your pursuits are, you’re certain to seek out one thing to quell them in Belfast.
Right here’s a information to the highest 20 issues to do in Belfast, together with historic websites, family-friendly points of interest, and superb nature-based areas.
20 Prime Issues to do in Belfast, Northern Eire
Stroll Round The Belfast Metropolis Centre
Strolling across the Belfast Metropolis Centre is an unparalleled manner of experiencing the native heritage and tradition. Right here, you’ll come throughout a few of Belfast’s most well-known vacationer points of interest, together with the Linen Corridor Library (town’s oldest library), and the neo-Gothic Albert Memorial Clock, constructed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort.
Remember to additionally take a look at St. Anne’s Cathedral, also referred to as Belfast Cathedral. Erected originally of the Twentieth century on the location of the outdated St. Anne’s Parish Church, the cathedral is probably the most vital place of worship in Belfast. Inside, you’ll discover a spectacular pipe organ — the second largest in Northern Eire.
Go On A Guided Tour of the Belfast Metropolis Corridor
The Belfast Metropolis Corridor is certainly one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings. Commissioned to interchange the Previous City Corridor after Queen Victoria gave Belfast “Metropolis Standing “ in 1888, the edifice was superbly designed in Baroque Revival type by architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas.
A guided tour is a good way to discover the attract of this Grade A-listed constructing. Inside, you’ll get the prospect to find areas not normally accessible to most people such because the Irish-oak-panelled Council Chamber and the Italian and Greek marble-clad Rotunda.
The inside of the Belfast Metropolis Corridor, which is presently dwelling to the Belfast Metropolis Council, can also be embellished with dreamy stained glass home windows that includes amongst others the Belfast Coat of Arms, portraits of Queen Victoria and William III, and shields of the Provinces of Eire.
On the east facet of the Belfast Metropolis Corridor lies the Titanic Memorial Gardens, constructed to commemorate the 1,512 individuals who died on RMS Titanic in 1912. The backyard contains a plinth inscribed with the names of the victims, and it’s punctuated by swish flowers that are available full bloom through the springtime.
Deal with: Donegall Sq. N, Belfast BT1 5GS, United Kingdom
Discover The Cathedral Quarter On Foot
Whether or not you’re staying two nights or every week in Belfast, make certain to idly wander via the Cathedral Quarter. Positioned in central Belfast, round St. Anne’s Cathedral, this historic space is usually thought-about the beating coronary heart of town due to its vibrant environment.
The Cathedral Quarter consists of a maze of cobblestoned streets and warehouses that at the moment are dotted with fashionable bars, beer gardens, cafes, and eating places. Everytime you really feel like stretching your legs, head over to the Duke of York — arguably top-of-the-line bars in Belfast —, or McHugh’s, a conventional Irish pub set inside a historic constructing relationship again to 1711.
An array of colourful murals additionally make the Cathedral Quarter a superb vacation spot for a avenue artwork strolling tour. On Talbot Road, for example, yow will discover a mural by Dan Kitchener in addition to a picture of a boy and a dove by MTO. On Hill Road, you’ll see the “Duel of Belfast” mural by Conor Harrington and “Skateboarder Jay Adams” by Psychonautes.
Go to The Crumlin Street Gaol
Courting again to 1845, the Crumlin Street Gaol is the one remaining Victorian-era jail in Northern Eire. For 150 years, it served as a totally operational jail the place murderers, suffragettes, and republican prisoners, together with ladies and youngsters, had been held.
The Crumlin Street Gaol closed its doorways as a working jail in 1996, and after in depth renovations, it turned one of many high Belfast Points of interest. At the moment, you possibly can discover this former jail as a part of the “Crumlin Street Gaol Expertise”. Throughout the tour, you’ll go to the underground tunnel that related the gaol to the Crumlin Street Courthouse, discover all of the wings the place the prisoners lived, and at last see the Condemned Man’s Cell the place 17 males had been executed.
Deal with: 53-55 Crumlin Rd, Belfast BT14 6ST
Study About The World’s Most Well-known Ship At The Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic customer attraction. Positioned on the head of the slipways the place the RMS Titanic was launched, this immersive museum permits guests to discover 9 interactive galleries and be taught concerning the world’s most well-known ocean liner.
The attraction lies within the coronary heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, a vibrant district overlooking the River Lagan. The world, by the best way, is a superb place for these looking for to dive deeper into town’s maritime historical past.
Adjoining to Titanic Belfast you’ll discover the Titanic Lodge Belfast, which is ready inside n the previous headquarters of Harland & Wolff, builders of Titanic. Only a 2-minute stroll from the lodge lies the SS Nomadic, the final remaining White Star Line ship on the earth also referred to as Titanic’s little sister.
Additionally primarily based within the Titanic Quarter is HMS Caroline, one of many final surviving vessels to have seen service in each world wars. Commissioned in 1914, this First World Struggle-era warship is now restored as a must-see floating museum.
Deal with: Titanic Queen’s Street, The Titanic Quarter, 1 Olympic Wy, Belfast BT3 9EP
See A Dinosaur’s Skeleton At The Ulster Museum
Nestled in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens the Ulster Museum holds a valuable assortment spanning artwork, pure science, and historical past.
The artwork zone of the museum (George and Angela Moore Gallery) is especially dwelling to artworks from the 18th century in addition to the up to date interval, whereas the historical past galleries harbor archeological treasures present in Eire, together with spectacular Bronze Age gold jewellery. Right here, you’ll additionally discover objects regarding the political, social, and financial historical past of Eire relationship from 1500 to the current day
Remember to additionally take a look at the Ulster Museum’s pure science collections, which have been constructed because the late 1700s. This dazzling assortment encompasses meteorites, bugs, vegetation, and animal specimens, discovered round Northern Eire and around the globe.
Ulster People & Transport Museum
Need to be taught extra about Northern Eire’s historical past? Then head over to the Ulster People Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum. Each museums are situated in Cultra, an prosperous residential neighborhood in Belfast, and take guests on a captivating journey via time.
The open-air People Museum illustrates the life-style and traditions of the folks in Northern Eire, previous and current. Over 170 acres of the museum are dedicated to depicting the agricultural lifestyle within the early Twentieth century and permit guests to walk via a recreation of the interval’s countryside full with farms, cottages, crops, and livestock. The museum additionally recreates a typical Twentieth-century city referred to as “Ballycultra”.
Simply an 11 minutes stroll from the Ulster People Museum lies the Ulster Transport Museum, which tells the story of transport and social change in Northern Eire. The museum has an exhibition totally devoted to the Titanic, in addition to a gallery crammed with historic autos, together with a 1911 Ford Mannequin T, one of many earliest examples of motor automobiles.
Deal with: 153 Bangor Rd, Holywood BT18 0EU
Uncover The Tropical Crops At Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm Home
Belfast’s Botanic Gardens is a lush backyard in the midst of town. Established in 1828, this 28-acre public park is dwelling to a stunning rose backyard, lengthy herbaceous borders, and a group of uncommon oaks that features the unique together with the hornbeam-leafed oak.
The crown jewel of the botanic gardens is certainly the Palm Home, which is dotted with a beautiful array of tropical vegetation.
Deal with: School Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1LP
Marvel At Queen’s College Structure
Queen’s College is likely one of the nice architectural belongings of Belfast and one of many high vacationer points of interest within the metropolis. Located near the Botanic Gardens, the college consists of a sequence of Tudor-style buildings, a few of them designed by the celebrated architect Sir Charles Lanyon. In actual fact, the college’s Gothic and Tudor-style façade is an icon in Belfast’s skyline.
Deal with: College Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
Verify Out The Views From The Belfast Fortress
Perched atop the slopes of Cavehill Nation Park, 400 ft above sea degree, the Belfast Fortress was constructed within the 1860s however now serves as a venue for conferences, features, and weddings.
Due to its wonderful location, the fort is definitely visited for its surrounding woodland and parkland, which might be explored via a range lush of routes. From up there, guests might be rewarded with heartwarming views of Belfast.
Deal with: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT5 5GR
Go Mountaineering In The Cave Hill Nation Park
Cave Hill Nation Park, the place Belfast Fortress is situated, is a bucket-list attraction for outside adventurers. This sprawling park treats daring adventurers to an array of pure options reminiscent of eco trails, scenic woodland areas, and species-rich grassland.
The park’s beautiful nature superbly frames a variety of archaeological websites, together with otherwordly caves, and a century-old fort.
Deal with: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT5 5GR
See The Nice Corridor At The Stormont Parliament Buildings
The seat of the Northern Eire Meeting, the Stormont Parliament Buildings leaves guests in awe with its magnificence. In-built 1921, this Neoclassical-style constructing was designed by architect Sir Arnold Thornely, who was knighted by King George and boasts good symmetry and symbolism.
A forty five-minute guided tour is a good way to discover the Stormont Parliament Buildings, and marvel at its show-stopping options. Highlights embrace the Nice Corridor, richly embellished with a blue, purple, and gold painted ceiling, the historic Senate Chamber, and the MLAs’ seats within the Meeting Chamber.
Deal with: Stormont Property, Belfast
Tour The Magnificent Grand Opera Home
Even in case you don’t plan on watching a live performance, visiting the Grand Opera Home is a should. Typically thought to be Northern Eire’s most iconic theatre, the opera opened in 1895 and was artfully designed by Frank Matcham, probably the most prolific theatre architect of the interval.
A tour of this Grade A-listed constructing will provide you with the chance to see the theater’s spectacular Victorian auditorium and be taught concerning the gods, elephants, and stars that adorn the opera’s inside. You’ll additionally be capable to be taught concerning the well-known artists that when carried out on the Grand Opera Home, together with Charlie Chaplin, and Luciano Pavarotti.
Deal with: 2-4 Nice Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7HR
Go For A Stroll In Sir Thomas and Woman Dixon Park
Want a break from the bustling streets of Belfast? Then go for a stroll at Sir Thomas and Woman Dixon Park, an city oasis that covers nearly 130 acres crammed with rolling meadows, woodland, gardens, and worldwide camellia trials.
Sir Thomas and Woman Dixon Park are additionally well-known for being dwelling to the Metropolis of Belfast Worldwide Rose Backyard, which holds the colourful Summer season Rose Honest in July every year.
Deal with: Belfast BT17 9LA
Hit The Nature Trails Of Large’s Causeway
Large’s Causeway is a wonderland designed by mom nature. Northern Eire’s solely UNESCO World Heritage web site, this breathtaking location lies on the foot of the basalt cliffs alongside the ocean coast on the sting of the Antrim plateau.
Right here, nature lovers might be rewarded with beautiful views of over 40,000 basalt columns, shaped some 60 million years in the past, descending gently into the ocean.
Large’s Causeway might be explored via a community of 4 strolling trails, which leads guests to find scenic geological formations and exquisite native seabirds.
Take The Children To The Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo is the last word family-friendly vacation spot in Belfast. Set on 55 acres with views over Belfast Lough, the zoo is dwelling to over 140 species of animals, most of that are endangered or extinct. Prepare for some wild encounters with Andean bears, Barbary lions, Chilean flamingos, and extra lovable creatures.
Curious truth: This enjoyable household vacation spot was opened in 1934 and is likely one of the oldest vacationer points of interest in Northern Eire.
Deal with: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT36 7PN
Verify Out The Belfast Peace Partitions
The Belfast Peace Partitions are a sequence of separation boundaries in Northern Eire that separate republican and nationalist Catholic neighborhoods from predominantly loyalist and unionist Protestant neighborhoods.
A lot of the partitions had been constructed through the early years of the Troubles (violent sectarian battle in Northern Eire ) in 1969, and round one-third have popped up since 1994 when the IRA declared an efficient ceasefire.
There are 99 peace partitions round Belfast, and so they’re now well-liked vacationer points of interest within the metropolis. Most of them are lined with colourful murals, in addition to signatures of well-known individuals who have visited them.
The largest Peace Wall in Belfast is the wall that runs alongside Cupar Manner and divides the East Belfast Loyalist space of Shankill Street from the Springfield/Fall Roads Catholic Space of West Belfast. This well-known wall is an imposing multi-level concrete construction that stretches for two,624.6 ft.
Get Your Coronary heart Racing At The Colin Glen Forest Park
Colin Glen Forest Park is one other must-visit attraction for households visiting Belfast. Nestled within the coronary heart of town, that is Eire’s main journey park crammed with an entire host of world-class points of interest.
Able to get your coronary heart racing? Then make sure you expertise the River Speedy, Eire’s longest Zipline, crisscrossing the glistening Colin River and the forest beneath; and Black Bull Run, Eire’s first and solely Alpine Coaster.
The park can also be dwelling to a Jurassic forest, the place youngsters can dig fossils and stroll with dinosaurs, in addition to a golf course, and scenic nature walks.
Deal with: 28 Colin Glen Street, Belfast, BT17 0LR
Get pleasure from Some Retail Remedy At The Victoria Sq. Purchasing Centre
Victoria Sq. is the go-to vacation spot for these in want of some retail remedy. The mall is dwelling to an excellent mixture of well-known shops, together with City Outfitters, Mango, Pull & Bear, Hollister, Reiss, Flannels, Frasers, and Eire’s solely Apple Retailer.
And that’s not all! The mall is topped by an iconic glass dome, which presents guests jaw-dropping 360º vires of Belfast, the river Lagan, and even the Mourne Mountains.
Deal with: 1 Victoria Sq., Belfast BT1 4QG, United Kingdom
Go On A Belfast Meals Tour
It’s fairly doable to get an summary of Belfast’s historical past and tradition by consuming your manner via town. Right here, there’s a vast number of meals and eating in each class — from conventional eateries to thrilling new eating places.
Among the native eating places you must look out for are the Barnish Café and Tearoom, well-known for his or her hearty breakfast dishes. Order the “Ulster Fry, a big plate that has sausages, streaky bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and potato bread. A typical Northern Eire meal!
Holohan’s Pantry is a family-owned restaurant serving one of the best Irish boxty (a conventional potato pancake) in Belfast. For some jet-fresh seafood, go to the Mourne Seafood Bar and order the salt and chili squid.
Don’t depart Belfast with out visiting, St. George’s Market town’s final surviving Victorian-covered market. Right here, make sure you attempt the Belfast Bap, a staple sandwich crammed with an egg, sausage, and bacon.
FAQ
Is Belfast value visiting?
Sure. Belfast is a thriving Irish metropolis crammed with fabulous sights, great eating places, and world-class museums, so it’s undoubtedly value a go to.
Is 3 days sufficient in Belfast?
Sure, 3 days offers vacationers sufficient time to discover Belfast’s high points of interest and sights.
What’s Belfast finest recognized for?
Belfast is finest recognized for its maritime historical past and for being the birthplace of the Titanic. Town can also be well-known for its stunning pure setting.
What are the highest points of interest in Belfast?
The highest Belfast points of interest are:
- Belfast Metropolis Centre;
- Belfast Metropolis Corridor;
- Cathedral Quarter;
- Crumlin Street Gaol;
- Titanic Belfast;
- Ulster People Museum;
- Ulster People & Transport Museum;
- Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm Home;
- Queen’s College;
- Belfast Fortress;
- Cave Hill Nation Park;
- Stormont Parliament Buildings;
- Grand Opera Home;
- Sir Thomas and Woman Dixon Park;
- Large’s Causeway;
- Belfast Zoo;
- Belfast Peace Wall;
- Colin Glen Forest Park;
- Victoria Sq. Purchasing Centre.
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