The best things to do in Belfast could include learning about shipbuilding, turbulent politics or checking out a vibrant city with great restaurants, tourist attractions and nightlife. In truth, the capital of Northern Ireland retains all 3 of these alter egos in its charming streets and in the hearts and minds of the friendly locals.

One thing which is rather surprising to many visitors is that parts of the city are separated by large walls. These were erected back in the 1970s when the city was a very different place. Thankfully, these days Belfast is a thriving, multicultural city and this recent history is a fascinating addition to your trip.

What are the best things to do in Belfast?

  • 1

    Titanic Belfast

    The story of world’s most famous shipwreck

    Titanic Belfast
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    Titanic Belfast is a fascinating museum dedicated to the ill-fated vessel which was the largest ocean liner of its time. She was built in Belfast in the early-20th century and captivated people across the world, both for her size and her promise of luxury. She sunk on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic, and over 1,500 people perished in the icy waters.

    This self-guided museum tells the stories of those on board in dramatic detail at this museum in the docklands of Belfast, close to where the ship was originally built. This fascinating museum offers 9 interactive galleries to re-tell the iconic story. It’s one of the best things to do in Belfast and highly recommended.

    Konum: 1 Olympic Wy, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK

    Açık olduğu saatler: Hours vary by season

    Telefon: +44 (0)28 9076 6386

    Harita
  • 2

    Belfast City Hall

    A magnificent building and the Titanic Memorial Gardens

    Belfast City Hall
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    Belfast’s City Hall is the city’s most impressive landmark, and it’s a great place for you to start your day. In the warmer months, you can find cafés and restaurants in Donegall Square in front of the civic building. During the festive season, the whole area is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a Christmas market and decorations.

    As well as enjoying the grand building’s exterior, you can visit the museum inside City Hall and there are regular tours of the hallowed halls, all for free. The tour lasts 1 hour and you can just turn up and register at reception.

    Konum: Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, UK

    Açık olduğu saatler: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

    Telefon: +44 (0)28 9032 0202

    Harita
  • 3

    Cathedral Quarter

    Old streets and beautiful buildings

    Cathedral Quarter
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    Walking the streets is a great way to soak up the real spirit of a city, and in Belfast, that means heading for the Cathedral Quarter. This upbeat neighbourhood is a cultural and nightlife zone around Saint Anne’s Cathedral, a Romanesque church known for its needlelike steel spire.

    Other landmarks in the area include the Albert Memorial Clock, the Grand Opera House and several museums, including the powerful Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum. If you get thirsty after all that walking, you should seek out The Duke of York pub on the narrow, cobblestoned Commercial Court.

    Harita
  • 4

    St George’s Market

    Famed for its fresh fish and weekend craft market

    St George’s Market
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    The Victorian market of St George’s Market is a cherished relic of times gone by. On Fridays, you can explore 200 market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, antiques, books, clothes, hot food, cakes, buns and crafts. The fresh fish section is especially praised, so why not try some Irish oysters?

    The Saturday market offers local, continental and specialty foods and handmade crafts, flowers, plants, local photography, pottery, glass and metal work. The Sunday market is a mix of the Friday and Saturday markets with emphasis on local arts and crafts. It’s most fun on Saturdays and Sundays thanks to live musicians and a festive vibe.

    Konum: 12 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ, UK

    Açık olduğu saatler: Friday from 6 am to 3 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed from Tuesdays to Thursdays)

    Telefon: +44 (0)28 9043 5704

    Harita

    fotoğraf: Paul Wilkinson (CC BY 2.0) değiştirildi

  • 5

    Belfast Castle

    One of Belfast's most famous landmarks

    Belfast Castle
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    Belfast Castle is one of the most important Northern Ireland landmarks. Sitting 400 ft above sea level on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, this Victorian structure offers unobstructed views of the city and Belfast Lough.

    It dates back between 1867 and 1870, atop a fortress that once stood in the same spot in the 12th century. The grounds surrounding Belfast Castle are home to different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls and sparrowhawks. You can find an Adventure Playground, archeological sites, and ample walking trails. Feeling hungry? Castle Tavern serves a range of pub food and Irish ales.

    Konum: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR, UK

    Telefon: +44 (0)28 9077 6925

    Harita
  • 6

    CS Lewis Square

    Incredible sculptures based on CS Lewis’s literary creations

    CS Lewis Square
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    The CS Lewis Square in east Belfast allows you to marvel at and get photos with many of the characters from Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. The series of fantasy novels written by the Belfast-native CS Lewis in the 1950s are cherished and firm family favorites.

    Featuring seven bronze sculptures from the novel 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr Tumnus, the square is a stunning display of public art. The CS Lewis Square is located next to the EastSide Visitor Center, where you can find some interesting tourist information and displays. It only takes about 20 minutes by public transport to reach the square from the city centre.

    Konum: Visitor Centre, 402 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HH, UK

    Harita

    fotoğraf: Paul Bowman (CC BY 2.0) değiştirildi

  • 7

    Belfast Botanic Gardens

    Plants and flowers from every continent

    Belfast Botanic Gardens
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    Belfast Botanic Gardens are a fantastic spot for a sunny day in the city. Located next to Queen’s University, you’ll see many students relaxing on the grass and enjoying the wide range of plants and flowers. Botanic Gardens boasts tropical plants, giant bird feeders, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, flower beds and sculptures.

    Check out the Palm House with its exotic species or book a tour of the exciting Tropical Ravine to see rare and beautiful plants from across the world. You can find the Ulster Museum in the north of the garden.

    Konum: College Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1LP, UK

    Açık olduğu saatler: Hours vary by season

    Telefon: 44 (0)28 9031 4762

    Harita
  • 8

    Crumlin Road Gaol

    A grim reminder of recent troubled times

    Crumlin Road Gaol
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    Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison, housed many of the main protagonists from the infamous Northern Ireland conflict, known locally as The Troubles. The Victorian-era building closed as a jail in 1996 and has been repurposed into a museum documenting the plight of the men who were sent here.

    The guides are terrific and present facts clearly and without bias. You can also visit the section of the prison where prisoners were once hanged, so it’s not recommended for young kids.

    Konum: 53-55 Crumlin Rd, Belfast BT14 6ST, UK

    Açık olduğu saatler: April–August: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4.30 pm. September–March: Sunday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm

    Telefon: +44 (0)28 9074 1500

    Harita

    fotoğraf: William Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0) değiştirildi

  • 9

    Falls Road

    Famous murals and urban art from Belfast’s troubled past

    Falls Road
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    The best place to see important artistic expressions of Belfast’s troubled past is along the Falls Road, a short drive west of the city center. During the political troubles of the 1970s, Belfast was a different place to the thriving multicultural city we see today. These urban art pieces are pivotal remnants from Belfast’s past, when the 2 halves of the city (unionist and nationalists) were directly opposed about the sovereignty of Northern Ireland.

    You can reach Falls Road from the city center by car or by bike in 10 minutes, or in 35 minutes on foot. There are also guided tours with an experienced guide to give context to the art you see.

    Harita

    fotoğraf: Metro Centric (CC BY 2.0) değiştirildi

  • 10

    Belfast pubs

    Live music and new friends

    Belfast pubs
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    Belfast pubs are a cultural experience not to be missed. Many of the city's best local pubs have live music, great food, and a range of Irish beers and whiskeys. Many Belfast pubs are centuries old, with rich histories and even architectural features to match. Soak up the atmosphere in one of these old establishments and you’ll feel like stepping back in time.

    Belfast offers a pub for every taste, from traditional Victorian pubs with snugs and open fires to modern gastropubs serving delicious food. Head to the Cathedral Quarter for a nice selection of bars and pubs to choose from, many of which have been serving ‘a drop o’ the black stuff’ for centuries.

    Harita

    fotoğraf: Ardfern (CC BY-SA 3.0) değiştirildi

Paul Smith | Seyahat Tutkunu