Top 10 Belfast Attractions

You don’t need to go far to uncover fun things to do in Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast. Across the city, you’ll find fascinating museums and glorious landmarks while you can discover the story of the ill-fated Titanic, as well as uncover some of the country’s most picturesque spots. Start planning your itinerary with our shortlist of the best things to do in Belfast.

Belfast City Hall

With its grand copper dome and imposing stone pillars, there’s no chance of missing Belfast City Hall. Finding it isn’t an issue – the only problem is knowing where to start. Bursting with thrilling stories and built upon a rich, layered history, this landmark is an absolute must for those interested in Irish culture.

Take the tour to see behind-the-scenes areas such as its function rooms and the plush Council Chamber, explore its six themed zones and learn about the history of its intricate stained-glass windows. Among its lawns, at the memorials, you can pay your respects to those who died in World War I and the tragedy of the Titanic.

St. George’s Market

Belfast’s famed St. George’s market is open Friday through Sunday, with more than 250 traders gathering every weekend to bring you the best Ireland has to offer. Sink into the colorfully chaotic atmosphere of Friday’s Variety Market, sample local produce and browse the handmade crafts at Saturday’s City, Food and Craft Market, or jive to local bands during the Sunday opening.

Peace Walls

Also known as the Belfast Peace Lines, these walls built in 1969 stretch for half a mile and separate the city’s catholic and protestant communities. They’re a reminder of the past riots and violence between the Loyalists and Nationalists. While walking along the walls, you’ll find some amazing, colorful street art, as well as messages of hope.

Titanic Belfast

The colossal Titanic Belfast museum – sitting right in the heart of the Titanic Quarter – contains floor upon floor of everything you’d ever want to know about the ship. Explore its history, from its origins to its sinking, through nine interactive galleries, a virtual ride that takes you on a tour of the ship and the museum’s award-winning walking tour where you can see the very spot the ship launched from. Get your sea legs by boarding the SS Nomadic where you can dress up like a first-class Titanic passenger. You can even book a Sunday afternoon tea in the Titanic Suite, which features a stunning replica of the ship’s grand staircase.

Botanic Gardens

One of the lushest, leafiest and downright loveliest Belfast places to visit is the Botanic Gardens. From the moment you step into this colorful expanse of rose walks and sweeping green lawns, you’ll feel as though you’re Alice in Wonderland, lost in otherworldly delights. Marvel at the birds of paradise and tropical flora growing within its Palm House and explore nature’s oddities in the Tropical Reserve.

Just off the edge of the park, you’ll find the Ulster Museum, home to dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and more. It’s the perfect day out. And, as luck would have it, its location – just off Botanic Avenue – neighbors some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes and bars to visit after your day of wild wanderings.

Belfast Cathedral

At the heart of the Belfast Cathedral Quarter is St. Anne’s Cathedral, another of the city’s striking architectural gems. Resplendent with intricate stone carvings and vibrant stained glass, its most outstanding features lie in its details. On entering, you might notice the black-and-white maze of tiles below your feet. It’s a metaphor, with the black leading to a dead end and the white leading visitors to salvation.

Don’t forget the mosaic in the baptistery, either. The Creation is made up of 150,000 meticulously placed glass pieces, slotted together like the world’s most complicated (and beautiful) finished puzzle.

Belfast Castle and Cave Hill

Escape from the heart of the city with a 15-minute drive up to Belfast Castle and Cave Hill. Named after its five caves, Cave Hill is a world of rural wonder for those who love a bit of the natural outdoors.

Take a hike with unparalleled views around its grounds, let youngsters loose in the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground and strike a pose with Napoleon’s Nose – a rocky hill which apparently was the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels. Make sure to check online to see if there are any Belfast Castle events before you go – cool activities like murder mystery nights are a regular part of its repertoire.

The Grand Opera House

The Belfast opera house is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Radiating Victorian opulence and charm, it’s the go-to building for outstanding drama, opera, musicals, family shows and more. Take in a show or simply enjoy a grand tour. They start at 10:30am every Saturday, and over the course of an hour your experienced guide will tell you all about its rich past, the architect who dreamed it up and life behind the red curtain. You might even spot your own phantom of the opera – some locals believe the building is haunted.

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Don’t be mistaken – the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is different to the Botanic Garden’s Ulster Museum. Based in the Holywood neighborhood, the Folk and Transport division mainly exhibits transport from the city’s past – including locomotives and horse-drawn carriages – alongside glimpses of what life was like in Northern Ireland a century ago. Walk through its beautiful parkland and watch costumed locals creating traditional crafts and dwelling on farms or wander the more contemporary halls inside to see historic materials such as photographs of the Titanic.

Linen Hall Library

Once world-famous for its linen production, Belfast’s old linen factories and mills are now nearly all converted into something different – including its Linen Hall Library. Dating back to 1788, this unique institution is the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in the whole of Ireland. Walk through its halls, browse its incredible collections – which include a gigantic Irish and Local Studies Collection and works by the native CS Lewis – or simply while away the hours with a cappuccino in its resident coffee shop.

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