When thinking about Belfast in Northern Ireland, individuals typically imagine The Troubles of the 20th century where faiths sustained physical violence and also separated the city (rather essentially). The long wall surfaces dividing the locations of Shankhill Road and also Falls Road are still standing today. However, Belfast is a lot greater than a city dealing with spiritual distinctions. There are lots of points to do in Belfast that established it besides its unpleasant past and also produce an outstanding city to see.
So, stockpile on your British extra pounds and also find out exactly how to transform from kilometers to miles, we’re taking you on a trip of all the very best areas to see in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Top Things to do in Belfast
Located simply 2 hrs north of Dublin, Belfast is simply a jump avoid and also a dive from Ireland’s even more popular city however it really feels globes away. Belfast is the funding city of Northern Ireland which belongs to the United Kingdom (not the Republic of Ireland). While Dublin seems like a city produced travelers, Belfast has a much more genuine ambiance where individuals rush to function midtown and also clubs are loaded with citizens rather than day trips being available in on a bus. Read a lot more: 16 Fun Facts About Ireland To Prepare for your trip
If you are seeking the essential Irish experience, see to it to see Belfast and also alloted at the very least 2 days to genuinely discover it. If you are asking yourself why? We’re mosting likely to share several of the very best points to do in Belfast to peak your passion and also appeal you to the north of the Emerald Isle.
1. Titanic Belfast
Without an uncertainty, among one of the most prominent points to do in Belfast is to see Titanic Belfast. This unbelievable interactive gallery is devoted to the unfortunate Titanic trip. The unfortunate RMS Titanic was constructed right below in the shipyards of Belfast. This significant gallery takes you with the trip of developing the Titanic to the rescue of survivors off the shore of Canada. Read a lot more regarding an additional Titanic Museum in Canada: The Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Titanic Belfast residences multimedia shows that share first-hand account tales repeating speakers as you go through its galleries showcasing reproductions of spaces on the Titanic and also antiques recovered from the website.
There’s a Disney-like flight in the center of the self-guided excursion where you get on a trip as your trip to the base of the ship moving with the bowels of the magnificent ship. We have actually gone to Titanic Belfast 3 times and also we constantly discover something brand-new.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pmWebsite: Titanic Belfast Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK
2. SS Nomadic
Once you round off in Titanic Belfast, your ticket consists of a self-guided excursion of the SS Nomadic, the last staying White Star Line ship on the planet. It’s a fascinating quit to see direct what it resembled to tip aboard the Titanic. The SS Nomadic was utilized to transport guests to the Titanic and also was constructed with the very same surfaces as the Titanic herself.
It was typically described as the mini Titanic as it was constructed along with the ship and also is precisely one-third its dimension. Its most popular trip was taking very first and also second-class guests from Cherbourg, France to the much deeper waters to board the Titanic. It did not adhere to the Titanic’s destiny nevertheless and also offered for an additional half a century seeing lots of popular guests stroll its halls consisting of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and also Richard Burton.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pmWebsite: Explore SS NomadicAddress: Hamilton Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
3. Titanic’s Dock and also Pumphouse
When checking out Belfast, you’ll most likely invest an excellent piece of your time in the Titanic Quarter. The Titanic Quarter facilities around the previous Harland & Wolff shipyard and also it’s worth investing a couple of hrs around absorbing its abundant background. You don’t always require to go within Titanic Belfast for the Titanic Experience.
See where the enormous ship beinged in completely dry dock prior to introducing. This is where the Titanic was built and also you can stroll its whole impact. Visitors can come down 44 feet (13 meters). Located best following door is the pumphouse that was utilized to drain pipes water from the dock that was after that referred to as the Thompson Dry Dock today there are exhibitions and also equipment utilized when developing the Titanic on screen.
Address: NI Science Park, Queens Rd, Queen’s Island, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
4. Titanic Hotel
Even if you are not remaining in the Titanic Hotel, it’s worth going within for a beverage or to get some lunch. Half resort, fifty percent gallery, this historical resort lies straight nearby from Titanic Belfast. Located in the previous head office of Harland & Wolff, the home builders of the Titanic there are historical photos, classic posters, and also souvenirs from the prime times of the White Star Lines.
The Drawing Offices and also six crucial heritage spaces within the resort are open to public trips (based on accessibility) giving a chance to check out the artefacts, reconstruction jobs, and also interior design of this vital maritime heritage structure. Tours can be reserved to see the art deco themed spaces, and also previous workplaces consisting of Lord Pirries Office and also the Corridor of Power.
5. Titanic Studios
One of Europe’s biggest movie studio lies in the Titanic Quarter. Game of Thrones was shot right within these wall surfaces. While it is still a functioning workshop and also there aren’t any kind of trips however you can most likely to an additional workshop excursion simply half an hour outside the city. But if you take a walk by, you simply might see your much-loved Hollywood or UK film celebrity.
6. Linen Mill Studio Tours
Linen Mill Studios is an unbelievable interactive gallery devoted to Game of Thrones. During its recording, lots of essential scenes were shot right in these workshops in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. This is among the very best galleries we’ve ever before gone to and also Game of Thrones followers will certainly wish to invest at the very least a couple of hrs participating in the exhibitions.
Walk with genuine collections and also stand side-by-side with John Snow and also Arya Stark as you appreciate leisures of renowned collections such as the Night’s Watch and also Kings Landing. You can remain on the Iron Throne, produce your very own sigil and also attempt your hand at capture activity. It’s genuinely a motion picture enthusiast’s desire. Read a lot more: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
Opening Hours: August 9:30am- 7:30pm / Nov – Dec 10:00 am to 5:30 pm / All various other months 10:00am to 6:30 pmWebsite: Game of Thrones Studio TourAddress: 245 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge BT32 3SG, UK
7. HMS Caroline
The HMS Caroline is a brought back battleship from World War I. It is a drifting gallery that you can do self-guided trips on find out about its background and also what life resembled aboard the last staying British WW1 light cruiser still afloat. It is likewise the single survivor of the Battle of Jutland. It has actually been shut considering that 2020 however is set up to resume later on this summertime.
Opening Hours: ShutAddress: Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
8. Samson & Goliath Cranes
You can’t aid however observe both gigantic yellow cranes looming over the Titanic Quarter. The cranes have actually ended up being a sign of Belfast hailing to a time when it was house to the biggest shipbuilders on the planet.
They are not in procedure any longer, however they are secured and also will certainly stay a component of Belfast’s heritage for many years to find. When in procedure, they might raise 840 tonnes. Goliath stands at 96 meters high while Samson is 106 metres high.
9. Glass of Thrones
Taking a walk along the beachfront from the Titanic Quarter to midtown isn’t your typical beachfront stroll. There are plenty fo quits and also destinations along the road, most significantly the Glass of Thrones. Paying homage to Game of Thrones, there are 6 discolored glass shows real estate scenes from the prominent HBO Series. Check out: Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Each discolored glass shows a various residence or crucial minute in the Game of Thrones standing for the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers, and also the Iron Throne. Keep an eye out for them as you stroll the Maritime Mile from HMS Caroline to previous Titanic Studios to the A/C Hotel throughout the river.
Address for screen near HMS Caroline 11 Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9AD, UK
All Glass of Thrones Locations
The 6 discolored glass shows line the beachfront routes. Many individuals stroll in the contrary instructions beginning at air conditioner Belfast and also finishing at HMS Caroline. Here is a checklist of all the home windows.
Glass 1: Stark at A/C Belfast Glass 2: Baretheon at Lagan Weir Glass 3: Targaryeon at Odyssey Glass 4: White Walkers at SS Nomadic Glass 5: The Iron Throne at Titanic Slipway Glass 6: Lannister at HMS Caroline
10. Titanic Walkway
Located within the Maritime Mile is the Titanic Walkway that extends from Victoria Wharf which links the Titanic Slipways and also Alexandra Dock. The Mew Lighthouse is included at the end of the jetty with a modern-day setup real estate the 130-year-old lighthouse that in its time was just one of the biggest optics ever before made.
Address: Titanic Quarter, The Maritime Mile, Belfast BT3 9FH, UK
11. Belfast City Hall
It’s worth taking a walk around Belfast City Hall to see its charming style and also premises of the public structures of Belfast City Council. There are a lot of display screens and also memorials around City Hall consisting of the Titanic Memorial Gardens. Make certain to see it at sunset to see it illuminated with vibrant lights.
You can likewise publication trips of Belfast City Hall, they occur each day and also are complimentary. The knowledgeable overview will certainly take you on an hour-long excursion with the structure. No appointments are required, trips are readily available on an initial preceded offered basis.
12. Victoria Square Shopping Center
We came across this Belfast tourist attraction by crash. Wanting to take a faster way back to our resort, we observed Victoria Square amongst the strolling roads of midtown Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, Victoria Square was a charming mall with name-brand shops in a protected gallery.
When we went into the contemporary shopping mall we observed a modern dome in its facility. We’d currently been strolling a great deal that day and also mored than happy to see a lift to the top. We appeared to a breathtaking sight of the city of Belfast.
13. Victoria Square search
There are internal tourist guide to provide support on the views, however fortunately for us, there was a regional male with his little girl up there with us that explained Belfast destinations such as Belfast City Hall, and also The Titanic Quarter, and also Cave Hill. It’s complimentary to get in and also among the important things to do in Belfast that we extremely suggest.
From the Victoria Square search, we had a breathtaking sight of Belfast city and also the bordering location. You can stroll up or take the lift to the top of the search.
14. Black Taxi Tour
During our very first journey to Belfast, we took a Black Taxi political excursion with Shankhill Roads and also Falls Road. This was an interesting excursion with the Catholic and also Protestant areas of Belfast that is still separated today. The 25-foot-high wall surfaces split the locations where solid lines are attracted in between Loyalists and also nationalists.
The gateways are still secured today and also considering that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement arrangement, there have actually been a lot more wall surfaces constructed to split regions. The wall surfaces are called Peace Walls which are made to maintain the tranquility in your area. There is a rare tranquility in between both areas in Northern Ireland, and also they still really feel the department however these wall surfaces maintain that sensation of security. Book your excursion at TouringBelfast.com
15. Taxi Tour Today
We took an additional excursion this summertime and also observed a distinction from our Black Taxi Tour a couple of years back. Today, our drive didn’t concentrate as much on the political excursion as he did on discussing favorable messages. While the murals are still standing, there appeared to be less than we bear in mind.
Our chauffeur claimed that they are attempting to produce brand-new good example and also construct the neighborhood. It was great to take 2 various trips, as the Black Taxi trips don’t just concentrate on national politics. We experienced all the quarters of Belfast obtaining an introduction of the city which assisted us obtain our bearings and also browse where to go following on our very own.
16. Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail)
One of the areas you’ll drive by throughout your taxi trips is the Crumlin Road Gaol, however see to it to return and also see it effectively. Gaol is words for prison in Gaelic. This was a functioning prison up till 1996 and also both republican and also loyalist detainees were held right here consisting of females and also youngsters.
Here, we found out where the expression, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Road Gaol lies straight throughout from the Crumlin Road Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they were removed to a below ground passage linked straight to the prison. Your check out consists of a stroll to this passage. You’ll likewise see the jail cells and also implementation cells where most of the 17 guys were performed.
17. Street Murals and also Political Murals
One of the very best methods to see the political murals is to take a black taxi political excursion, however we have actually likewise discovered them on our very own. During our very first see to Belfast greater than a years back, the Shankhill and also Falls Roads murals were all political murals, however they are currently intermixed with road art and also favorable messages of looking onward while still commemorating the past and also those that offered their lives for their reason.
The murals play a fundamental part in Belfast society showing historical occasions from Shankhill roadway to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens and also the wall surfaces along Falls Road. We entered our rental cars and truck and also drove around the areas searching for murals and also memorials. One of the simplest methods to discover murals we didn’t understand of was to search for the black taxis. They were quite very easy to discover.
If you don’t have a rental cars and truck, this excursion is an excellent alternative when checking out Belfast to find out the tale of “The Troubles” and also occasions in Northern Ireland’s troubled background. You’ll uncover the Belfast murals and also experience the previous dispute locations of The Falls and also Shankill Road.
18. Belfast Castle
It took us 3 sees to Belfast prior to we ultimately quit at Belfast Castle. Located in Cavehill Country Park, Belfast castle stands high over Belfast on a hillside within the premises of Cave Hill Country Park. It is complimentary to get in and also inside you can explore its spaces and also get a snack at the coffee shop.
We seemed like we had the spaces to ourselves as we went through the floorings. It didn’t take long, however it’s constantly great to go within. We likewise discovered a little the treking routes and also if you enjoy that type of point, the Belfast Zoo lies close by.
19. Cave Hill Country Park
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to genuinely check out Cave Hill Country Park, but also for exterior enthusiasts, this is among the very best points to do in Belfast. It can conveniently be incorporated with a scenic tour of Belfast Castle. check out the caverns however you can check out the background and also caverns along this historical 7.2 kilometres course (4.5 miles) in around 3 hrs.
There are a lot of points to maintain you inhabited for a mid-day at Cave Hill Country Park consisting of treking routes to historical sites, and also yards bring about Belfast Castle. Whether you remain in the state of mind for a major walking or a laid-back stroll, there’s something for everybody.
An enjoyable truth is that capital that Cave Hil Country Park is located on is thought to have actually been the motivation for Jonathan Swift’s story, Gulliver’s Travels.
20. Belfast’s Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens lie in the college area and also a browse through right here can be incorporated with a journey to the Ulster Museum. This location is almost 1 mile from the Belfast town hall and also is within strolling range from City Hall.
Established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and also Horticultural Society, the Belfast’s Botanic Gardens are a silent hideaway within the active college location of dynamic Belfast. Don’t miss out on coming by its greenhouse to see a very early instance of this iron glasshouse. The display screens are especially attractive.
21. Ulster Museum
Located within the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum is the biggest gallery in Northern Ireland. When checking out Ulster Museum, you’ll walk with background going back to the dinosaurs with to the background of Northern Ireland to today.
Ulster Museum belongs to the nationwide galleries and also galleries of Northern Ireland incorporated with the Ulster Folk and also Transport Museum and also the Ulster American Folk Art Museum which deserves quiting to see simply beyond Belfast.
22. Queen’s University
After checking out the Botanic Gardens and also Ulster Museum, take a walk over to an additional popular Belfast Landmark at Queen’s University. This location is an excellent location to socialize and also the structures of Queen’s University provide several of the best building styles in the nation. In truth, the Lanyon Building is typically seen in advertising and marketing for Northern Ireland Tourism.
As with the instance of checking out many cities, we like walking college premises. They are the heart beat of the city with stunning style and also Queen’s University in Belfast, advised us a little Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario.
23. St. Anne’s Cathedral
No see to any kind of European city would certainly be full without seeing its sanctuary, and also Belfast is no exemption. St. Anne’s Cathedral (Also referred to as the Belfast Cathedral) is appropriately situated in the Cathedral Quarter. The sanctuary started building and construction on the view of St. Anne’s church Church in 1895 after making a decision that a sanctuary was required in the city.
Fun truth, St. Anne’s Parish church was utilized up until 1903 as the structure was developed around it. It took an additional 80 years to finish. Between the World Wars, The Troubles, and also rising cost of living there were a number of hold-ups in finishing St. Anne
St. Anne’s sanctuary is much less than a kilometer from the Belfast City Centre.
24. Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)
Located straight behind St. Anne’s Cathedra, The Metropolitan Arts Centre is an area for songs, art events, and also live theater. If you are seeking points to do in Belfast during the night, look into among the efficiencies right here.
Or you can go within throughout your quit at the Belfast Cathedral to browse its galleries. Exhibitions are complimentary and also you can attempt your hand at developing several of your very own art at its interactive creative imagination terminals. (Donations welcome)
25. The Salmon of Knowledge (The Big Fish)
One of our much-loved points to do in Belfast is to walk along the beachfront absorbing the views from Titanic Belfast to the Belfast City Centre. From Glass of Thrones shows to the various other murals consisting of the Big Fish at Lagan Lookout.
This is an excellent location to go across the Lagan River to start your stroll in the direction of Belfast City Centre as from the fish, there are a lot of destinations. Take in the sights of the river, prior to directing Queen’s Square to see the Albert Memorial Clock.
26. Albert Memorial Clock
Pisa might be one of the most popular leaning tower on the planet, however Belfast has its very own leaning tower with the Albert Memorial Clock. The tower was improved recovered land and also evaluates a monstrous 1,000 tonnes which triggered it to sing right into the ground. Whether you are strolling or taking a scenic tour, it’s very easy to see the lean of the tower
27. Go, Pub Hopping
No journey to Belfast, (or Ireland for that issue) would certainly be full without seeing its clubs. If you are seeking points to do in Belfast during the night, go out to benches around Belfast city centre and also go club jumping. Make certain to begin at McHughs Bar situated simply a jump avoid and also a dive from Albert Memorial Clock. It go back to 1711 making it the earliest making it through club in Belfast.
28. Crown Liquor Saloon
One of Northern Ireland’s finest understood clubs is the Crown and also Liquor Saloon. It go back to 1826 and also was as soon as the mightiest of Victorian gin royal residences. It’s elaborate outside draws in consumers from around the globe and also within, it has actually been thoroughly brought back by the nationwide trust fund. It is most likely among one of the most attractive clubs you’ll ever before see.
29. St. George’s Market
Who doesn’t like a market and also St. George’s Market is among Belfast’s earliest destinations. If you occur to be in Belfast on a Friday, look into this market that has actually been working on this specific website considering that 1604. It is likewise open on Saturdays and also Sundays with turning craft, food, antique and also yard markets.
30. Parliament Buildings (Stormont)
The Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland lie on the Stormont Estate and also are typically described just as Stormont. The parliament structures are open to the general public free of charge directed trips 9:00AM to 4:00PM daily. (shut on public and also national holiday). It is a fascinating point to explore parliament structures, we have actually done so a number of times in our country’s funding of Ottawa Canada.
The Parliament Buildings lie in Stormont Park where you can delight in a getaway from the pressure of Belfast. There is a 4km lengthy forest stroll and also also a 1.6km health and fitness route with exterior fitness center tools.
31. Grand Opera House Belfast
If you wish to capture an online efficiency in Belfast, take into consideration reserving tickets to a program at the Grand Opera House Belfast. From the ballet to opera to music theater, it has all of it.
If you don’t capture a program, take into consideration taking a scenic tour of the Grand Opera House Heritage Exhibition to discover this place that has actually been a big component of the city’s background. The Grand Opera House has a 125 year background where the similarity Charlie Chaplin and also Luciano Pavarotti have actually strolled its halls.
32. Belfast Barge Museum
A wonderful enhance to your Titanic Belfast excursion is to see the Belfast Barge Museum. This irreversible exhibition showcases what is called “The Greatest Story Never Told” Learn of individuals that dealt with the River Lagan most noteabely Harland & Wolfe, (the firm that constructed The Titanic.
The Museum is complimentary to get in and also deserves offering a contribution to see its artefacts and also aesthetic display screens from this past period.
33. Where to Eat in Belfast
Dining in Northern Ireland has actually come a lengthy means infant and also we extensively appreciated our eating experiences in Belfast. These places were contemporary with sophistaced foods and also white wine pairings.
Deane’s Meat Locker – Meat enthusiasts will certainly appreciate this dining establishment however there are vegan options too. James Street & Co – great alcoholic drinks, great white wine and also smoked meals with a modern-day feelingDrawing Office – Located in the Titanic Belfast Hotel this is an excellent quit for lunch or a classy supper.
Where to Stay in Belfast
Ten Square Hotel Belfast – We remained at the Ten Square Hotel and also can extremely suggest it. Located straight throughout from Belfast City Hall, we liked this resort. We were within strolling range of lots of destinations and also the spaces were contemporary and also elegant.
Titanic Hotel Belfast – We didn’t remain right here, however we did explore it and also if you wish to check out even more of Titanic Belfast, this is an outstanding area. It’s not situated in the city centre, so you’ll truly just be close to Titanic Quarter destinations, however this historical resort will certainly take you back in time with brought back art deco themed spaces and also the grand style from the period of the Titanic
How to Get to Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a 2 hr drive in between the cities. There are also day trips that will certainly take you from Dublin need to you just have a brief quantity of time.
You can likewise reach Belfast by bus and also train. There is a straight train that links Dublin from Dublin Connolly and also comes to Belfast Central.
International travelers will fly right into Belfast International Airport.
If you are flying from Europe or anywhere within the United Kingdom, you will certainly land at George Best Belfast City Airport which lies simply 5 mins from Belfast City Centre.
Getting Around Belfast
Belfast is tiny, or as our cab driver suched as to claim, it’s comfortable. Belfast is very easy to navigate by strolling, driving or taxi, and also you can see a great deal of the city in a brief quantity of time. We’ve gone to Belfast on 3 different celebrations and also located renting out a vehicle to be the very best means to navigate, however Black Taxi Tours and also the Hop on Hop Off busses are likewise a superb means to see the leading visitor destinations.
Belfast is a tiny city that is very easy to navigate. We located that a lot of the top Belfast destinations were within strolling range of the Belfast city centre. Belfast is separated right into 4 quarters that all satisfy at Belfast City Centre. North Belfast, East Belfast, South Belfast, and also West Belfast.
A wonderful location to begin your journey to Belfast is to quit at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre where you can enter deepness info on trips and also you can grab bus and also rail tickets.
Belfast Districts
Belfast is after that separated right into 7 areas, The popular Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Queen’s Quarter, Linen Quarter, Market Quarter, Gaeltacht Quarter, and also Smithfield and also Union Quarter
Best Day Trips from Belfast
Belfast is an excellent location to make a base in Northern Ireland and also due to the fact that a lot of the top Belfast destinations are simply a brief repel, you can see a great deal of the nation quickly.
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction and also it is simply a 90 min drive from Belfast City Hall. This phenomenal all-natural sensation was created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years back. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases greater than 40 thousand lava columns that are piled completely leading bent on the sea.
It appears each column has actually been laid there by some type of gigantic entity. In truth, there is a tale regarding the Giant’s Causeway and also exactly how it was constructed by the titan Fionn McCool.
Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges aren’t as rich and also appealing as they as soon as desired trimming in the last few years however they are still among Northern Ireland’s most photographed destinations. This attractive row of beech timberlines a the old country lane. It has actually obtained in appeal many thanks to Game of Thrones which included it in period one as Arya Stark rode far from King’s Landing along the King’s Road.
Derry
Derry wound up being among our preferred areas to see in Northern Ireland and also it can be done on a day journey from Belfast. Officially referred to as Londonderry by the British Government, Derry is a tiny city that can be discovered in a day or 2. Derry was ground no for the difficulties and also when going through the Bogside location of Derry, you’ll still see murals and also monoliths to targets of Bloody Sunday and also the dispute.
The wall surfaces of Derry are our much-loved Londonderry tourist attraction. It bordered the city centre and also is taken into consideration among the very best maintained walled city in Europe. A see to Derry is an interesting means to find out about Northern Ireland’s background.
Ulster gallery image is thanks to 27 Best Things to Do in Northern IrelandA Game of Thrones Tour of Northern IrelandThe Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and also What you Need to Know34 of the Best Things to do in Dublin, IrelandWhere to Stay in Dublin, Ireland: Best Areas and also Hotels for Every Budget23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland
