21 Must Visit Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Belfast
Belfast is the national capital city of Northern Ireland. The name of the city means mouth of the sandbank ford, which is a reference to the confluence of rivers Lagan and Farset. The country where this city stands was granted city status in 1888 by Queen Victoria. It then flourished greatly in the 19th century as a port and held great significance during the Industrial Revolution. You will get to notice these elements of the city’s history at many of the places to visit in Belfast.
The city is also well known for its ship manufacturing history and is the birthplace of the famous Titanic ship. The well-known mighty ship that sank on its maiden voyage was built on the coast of this very city. In the itinerary section below, check Belfast tourist attractions of Day 2 and you will find several places associated with the Titanic. If you are further interested in the naval and ship-building history of the city, you can visit museums and recreated ships during Belfast sightseeing. You find several such places in the section after the itinerary.
Belfast has also faced darker times of social, political, and religious conflict and civil unrest. These darker parts of the city’s history are depicted in the form of murals and street art on many walls, which were once built due to the conflicts that they depict. If you want to get a deeper perspective on the history of Belfast, you should begin your exploration with Belfast City Museum. This will help you get an insightful perspective on the rest of the Belfast attractions you visit.
The city is also well known for its culture, nightlife, and Belfast beaches. Even in terms of outdoor adventure and nature exploration, there are numerous fun things to do in Belfast. The city and its locations have been depicted in several popular media, including the famous TV show Game of Thrones. People love to explore these places which are scattered in and around the city. The Game of Thrones tour is in fact among the top things to do in Belfast.
Table of Contents
3 Days Trip Itinerary To See The Best Tourist Attractions of Belfast
This section explores some of the best places to visit in Belfast in a span of 3 days.
Day 1
1. Queen’s University
This is one of the lesser known Belfast tourist attractions, but is an important part of the city’s history and culture. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture which blends old styles with new. You will need about an hour to explore this university.
2. Belfast Botanic Gardens & Palm House
The botanical gardens houses several species of plants and trees. It is among the top things to do in Belfast for families. The garden will require an hour to explore these gardens.
3. Ulster Museum
This museum has a plethora of exhibits from different periods of time. In the same venue you can also explore contemporary fine arts and applied arts. It is one of the most interesting Belfast attractions as you get to explore so much in a single venue. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.
4. Falls Road
This wall is a remnant of the 20th century division between protestants and catholics in the country. The wall is now known for social and political themed murals. It is an integral part of Belfast sightseeing. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes for Falls Road.
5. Shankill Road
The murals in this road again tells the story of political and religious conflicts and the subsequent healing of the city. The murals and street art are among the most interesting things to see in Belfast and you can find plenty of these on this road. This street will require 30 to 45 minutes of your time.
6. Crumlin Road Gaol / HMP Belfast
This 19th century prison is a place with a painful history. It is among the most significant historically significant places to go in Belfast. It will take you about an hour to explore this prison and its history.
Day 2
1. Belfast Castle
Sitting atop the Cave Hill, this castle has been around since the 12th century and is surrounded by a few superstitions and local legends. It is among the most popular places to see in Belfast for its history, legends, architecture and location. You will need about an hour to explore it.
2. St. Anne’s Cathedral
This cathedral is known for its romanesque style of architecture and is considered one of the most important parts of the city’s heritage. It is hence among culturally significant places to visit in Belfast. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this cathedral.
3. Northern Ireland War Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to those who fought for Ireland in the second world war. You can take a couple of minutes to pay your respects and learn about their stories.
4. Albert Memorial Clock Tower
This clock was designed by Fred Heatley and is dedicated to Prince Albert. It is one of the most iconic landmarks to witness among Belfast tourist attractions. Though you won’t need more than a couple of minutes to admire it and click pictures.
5. Victoria Square Shopping Centre
Shopping is among top things to do in Belfast and this is the top place to do it. This huge complex is popular for leisure, entertainment, dining, and nightlife as well. You will need about an hour for this Victoria Square.
6. Titanic Belfast
This museum is dedicated to iconic Titanic ship and its story. The building housing this museum is also an architectural marvel to admire among things to see in Belfast. You will truly see Titanic come to life at this place and you can easily enjoy a couple of hours exploring here.
7. SS Nomadic
Closely linked with the story of Titanic is SS Nomadic which ferried passengers from the docks to the ship as Titanic was too large to be docked at the port. You can explore this restored ship and see it as it was in its glory days. It will take you an hour or so to explore it.
8. Titanic’s Dock & Pump House
Another one of Belfast’s attractions associated with the Titanic. This is where the Titanic was built. Exploring the to-scale model of the ship is among the best things to do in Belfast. You will need about an hour to explore the docks and the pump house.
Day 3
1. Stormont Parliament Buildings
This building has a deep symbolic association with the country. The six stories and six pillars of this building represent the counties of Northern Ireland. You will not need more than 30 to 45 minutes to explore this building as only a few parts of the buildings are accessible for visitors.
2. Waterfront Hall
This is the venue for several events and conferences in the city. It is famous for playing host to several famous people and brands from different fields. You will need about half an hour to explore it.
3. St. George’s Market
This indoor market will let you peak into the lives of Belfast’s residents. The market changes form each day of the week and is also a great place for souvenir shopping when food and handicrafts is the theme of the day. You will need about an hour to explore this market.
4. St. Malachy’s Church
This is the oldest catholic church in the city is greatly admired for its Tudor Revial architecture. It looks simple from outside but from inside, it is quite picturesque venue among places to see in Belfast.
5. City Hall
The city hall building is included among the most wonderful architecture buildings in the city. It also houses a memorial dedicated to the passengers of the Titanic. You will need about an hour here.
6. Grand Opera House
This theatre is among the most important cultural places to go in Belfast. It is considered to be the premier theatre of the country and still hosts several events and performances. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.
7. Crown Liquor Saloon
This victorian themed saloon is very popular for its period decor. You will feel transported back in time at this place and is among must visit places during Belfast travel. Keep an hours time to enjoy the bar.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Belfast, check out the section below.
Things to do in Belfast
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Belfast
- Titanic Belfast
- Ulster Museum
- Belfast City Museum
- Belfast Castle
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- Carrickfergus Castle
- Ulster Folk Museum
- Mount Stewart House
- Saint Anne’s Cathedral
- SS Nomadic
- Grand Opera House
- HMS Caroline
- Cavehill
- Parliament Buildings
- Albert Memorial Clock
- Ulster Hall
- National Museums Northern Ireland
- Linen Hall Library
- Golden Thread Gallery
- Irish Linen Center & Lisburn Museum
- Belfast Exposed Photography
- Scrabo Tower
- Titanics’s Dock and Pump House
- Helen’s Tower
- Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
- Ormeau Baths Gallery
- Catalyst Arts Gallery
- Irish Republican History Museum
- Crescent Arts Center
- Knockagh Monument
- Clonard Monastery
- Culturlann McAdam Fiaich
- Museum of Orange Heritage
- Fenderesky Gallery
- St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
- Island Arts Center
- St. Malachy’s Church
- Eakin Gallery
- Sentry Hill Historic House
- Patterson’s Spade Mill
- Stormont Castle
- Discover Ulster’s Scott Center
- Ballintoy Harbour
- Queen’s University
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Belfast
- Cave Hill Country Park
- Giant’s Ring
- Divis Peak
- Black Mountain
- Barnett Demesne Trails
- Belfast Lough
- Belvoir Park Forest
- Redburn Country Park
- Minnowburn
- Comber Greenway
- Lagan Meadows
- Kiltonga Nature Reserve
- Carnmoney Hill Nature Reserve
- Dark Hedges
- Giant’s Causeway
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Belfast
- Game of Thrones Tour
- Giant Tours
- Direwolf Tours
- Botanic Gardens
- Belfast Zoo
- Titanic Quarter
- The Crown Liquor Saloon
- Waterfront Hall
- W5
- The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
- Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
- Let’s Go Hydro
- Ormeau Park
- We are Vertigo
- Streamvale Farm
- Victoria Park
- Dundonald International Ice Bowl
- Jordanstown Loughshore Park
- Lagan Valley Leisure Plex
- Hazelbank Park
- Colin Glen
- Lagan Towpath
- Wallace Park
- Musgrave Park
- The Tropical Ravine
- Woodvale Park
Shopping in Belfast
- St. George’s Market
- Victoria Square
- Castle Court Shopping Center
Beaches in Belfast
- Belfast Lough
- Helen’s Bay
- Crawfordsburn Beach
- Murlough Beach
- Ballywalter Beach
- Tyrella’s Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Belfast
- Hiking
- Adventure Park
Sightseeing in Belfast
- The MAC
- The Big Fish Statue
- CS Lewis Square
- Peace Wall Belfast
- Albert Bridge
- Samson and & Goliath Cranes
- Whites Tavern
- Great Victoria Street
- Bobby Sands Mural
- Beacon of Hope Sculpture
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Belfast
- Molly’s Yard
- The Muddler’s Club
- Hadskis
- Coppi
- Made in Belfast
- The Ginger Bistro
- Mourne Seafood Bar
- James Street South Restaurant
- Coco
- Belfast Baking Company
- The Barking Dog
- General Merchants
- Deanes at Queens
- Granny Annies
- House of Zen
- Duke of York
- Permit Room
- Ulster Fry
- James Street South
- Cafe Parisien
How to Reach Belfast?
By Air
The easiest option for Belfast travel is George Best Belfast City Airport. You can get direct flights to the city from several places in Europe including London, Southampton, Alicante, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Barcelona, and so on. You can also opt for Belfast International Airport where you get more options of incoming flights from several cities in Europe. You can get direct flights to visit Belfast from Barcelona, Alicante, London, Berlin, Geneva, Faro, Liverpool, Krakow, Newcastle, Palma, Paris, Rome, Venice, Vienna and so on.
You can get the metro, bus, and cabs to reach places to visit in Belfast from the airport.
By Road
You can get trains and buses to reach Belfast from several destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. There are also trains connecting the city with cities in the UK. You will find more options for bus transit for cities in the UK to visit Belfast.
If you plan to travel by road, pick between routes M1, M2, and M22 depending on your journey origin.
By Water
You can get boats and ferries for Belfast travel from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Liverpool and so on. There are also boat and train combined packages to reach Belfast which can be availed from cities in the UK.
Image Reference
- Queen’s University – William Murphy / Flickr
- Belfast Botanic Gardens & Palm House – Lee Osborne / PixaBay
- Ulster Museum – Reading Tom / Flickr
- Falls Road – Celeste Damiani / Flickr
- Shankill Road – thomasfyoung / Flickr
- Crumlin Road Gaol / HMP Belfast – Keith Ruffles / Wikimedia Commons
- Belfast Castle – Enda McLarnon / PixaBay
- St Anne’s Cathedral – William Murphy / Flickr
- Northern Ireland War Memorial –
- Albert Memorial Clock Tower – William Murphy / Flickr
- Victoria Square Shopping Centre – William Murphy / Flickr
- Titanic Belfast – Nico Kaiser / Flickr
- SS Nomadic – Nico Kaiser / Flickr
- Titanic’s Dock and Pump House – lizsmith / Flickr
- Stormont Parliament Buildings – Jordi Gabarró Llop / Flickr
- Waterfront Hall – William Murphy / Flickr
- St. George’s Market – Paul Wilkinson / Flickr
- St. Malachy’s Church – William Murphy / Flickr
- City Hall – Macnolete / Flickr
- Grand Opera House – Reading Tom / Flickr
- Crown Liquor Saloon – Matt Kieffer / Flickr
