Best attractions in Belfast: Top 20
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It is a well-known fact that it is the port with the dock where the legendary Titanic was once built, which brought the city world fame. The main attractions of Belfast introduce the history of old and modern Northern Ireland. From the list of historical and cultural sites, it’s hard to choose what to see in Belfast, as there are many. Let us tell you about the most interesting of them.
What to see in Belfast first
Are you visiting for a short period of time and planning to visit the best attractions in Belfast in a short period of time? You’ll probably be interested in the sites from the list below.
1. City Hall
This monumental building in the center is impossible to pass by. Many bus routes intersect here, so it’s easy to get anywhere in the city. The neighbourhood is home to Belfast hotels with excellent English service. The Town Hall Courtyard often hosts community events, including charity fairs and outdoor film screenings, and offers free tours.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
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2. Stormont Parliament Building
This building is a model of English restraint and primness - austere architecture, concise façade, restrained lines. The Stormont grounds are closed to the public, so qualified guides in Belfast will tell general facts about the British administration that meets here.
Official website: https://www.niassembly.gov.uk
3. Belfast Castle
The castle is located within the city limits, on an elevated site, surrounded by a small garden and is open to tourists. Admission is free. The interior of the rooms is discreet, but still helps to imbue the true English atmosphere.On the first floor restaurant, there are often wedding ceremonies, on such days to get into the castle is impossible. But a walk through the garden, set with decorative figurines, will leave pleasant impressions of the walk.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
4. Albert Memorial Clock
Belfast’s iconic landmark is the clock built into the Albert Tower. Its construction was initiated by Queen Victoria, dedicating the tower to Prince Albert, her husband.The clock mimics the design of London’s Big Ben. Interesting fact: Over the years, due to the not entirely stable foundations, the tower has tilted slightly, resembling now the famous tower in Pisa.
5. Queens University
Opened in the mid-19th century, the university is the city’s first public educational institution. Near the main entrance are two colleges affiliated with the university.It offers a wide range of degrees, but preference is given to the teaching field. The institution is associated with a self-contained campus consisting of many buildings.The scale of the university can be judged by the number of employees, approaching 4 thousand.
Official website: https://www.qub.ac.uk
6. Crumlin Road Prison
For nearly a century and a half, since the mid-nineteenth century, the prison has served its intended purpose. It housed prisoners, whose destiny was the death penalty. After it was shut down, the building became a museum, and it is believed that this interesting place is haunted. The visitors see dark corridors, solitary cells and the room for criminals awaiting execution.
Official site: https://crumlinroadgaol.com
7. Grand Opera
The opera, built in the early twentieth century, earned top recommendations from travelers. The creator of the project valued the oriental direction in architecture, hence the originality and uniqueness of the construction, uncharacteristic for England. In the middle of last century the building was given to the cinema, opera performances were given in 1980, after the reconstruction of the stage. After the second reconstruction at the beginning of this century, the capacity of the theater was increased by opening a small hall.
Official site: https://www.goh.co.uk
8. Lyric Theatre
If you list the main attractions in Belfast briefly, this recently built building also makes the list because of its postmodern style with the inclusion of futuristic elements. Until 2011, this was the old theater. Already a year after its opening, the theater was honored with a visit from the Queen of England.The interior is held in restrained tones, in the same postmodern style.
Official website: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk
9. St. Anne’s Cathedral
When choosing what to see in Belfast, don’t overlook this cathedral. The history of the long erection of the structure is interesting. Only the windows are left of the original design, everything else has been reconstructed. The baptistery dome with rare mosaics, the chapels, the stained glass compositions, and the organ are all amazingly beautiful. Unusually executed floor: of multicolored marble, laid in a labyrinth.The northern facade is decorated with a monumental Celtic cross.
Official website: https://www.belfastcathedral.org
10. St. Malachy’s Church
The transept of the parish church is crowned by 2 twin towers. If you don’t know where to go in Belfast, take the time to visit here. The high marble altar was originally made of sturdy Irish oak, only to be replaced by stone. An interesting fact you might hear on a tour in Belfast: St. Malachy famously prophesied 112 popes to the Catholic Church, describing each one, and then, according to his prediction, the end of the world would come. Needless to say, these prophecies are of a dubious nature.
11. Titanic Belfast Memorial Museum
When planning what to see in Belfast in 1 day, give this museum one of the first 3 places. There are 3 floors of documentation and installations, real exhibits (cabins, cutlery) and lots of interactive programs. The ticket price includes a visit to the pleasure craft. Children are given checklists at the entrance with tasks to find the right Lego item in the exhibits.
Official website: https://titanicbelfast.com
12. Ship Nomadic and Caroline
Nomadic’s functions included taking 1st,2nd class passengers to the Titanic. Its mooring place was once the French capital, where the ship was a restaurant afloat.In 2006, returned by Belfast, the Nomadic became a museum. The Caroline was the centerpiece of the English Royal Navy during the first two world wars. Today it also features exhibits.
Official website: https://www.nomadicbelfast.com
13. Ulster Museum
Tourist reviews mention the huge, nearly 8,000 sq. ft. area of the museum. Admission is free.The displays include everything from rare bugs to models of sailing cars and straw dragons.The exhibits introduce the geography and history of the area and the achievements of Irish science and art.There is a botanical garden and gift store on the grounds.
Official website: https://www.nmni.com
14. Linen Hall Library
The library, centrally located on the waterfront, can be justifiably proud of its collection. Be sure to include a visit here - you’ll be struck by the ancient wooden staircase that adorns the interior. It’s very cozy inside, and there are always lots of visitors looking around or just busy reading.
Official website: https://linenhall.com
15. Waterfront Hall
The multifunctional fairgrounds also has a fairly high tourist rating.Opened at the end of the last century, it seats more than 2,000 visitors in the large hall and 380 in the small hall. Here is a truly incessant feast of the soul: bright shows, theatrical and concert performances.There is a restaurant and several cafes open on the premises.
Official site: https://www.waterfront.co.uk
Belfast sights: what else to see in Belfast
Belfast serves as a gateway of sorts to the Northern Irish landscape. We see a huge amount of greenery while looking at Belfast attractions photos with names and descriptions. No matter how much time you set aside to see it, there are always interesting tourist suggestions for you.
16. Big Fish
This 10-meter long figure of a huge fish was created in 1999. The fish, the symbol of Belfast, is located on the seafront and is surrounded by ceramic tiles with historical facts written on them. In this original way the sculptor decided to inform Belfast residents and visitors about the history of the city. There is an opinion that a message to descendants is hidden inside the body.
17. Walls of Peace
Like many landmarks in Northern Ireland, this one recalls the troubled times the country endured as a result of the struggle between the Irish and the British. The story tells of the wars that erupted in the last century on the streets of the country, including Belfast. In order to separate the warring parties, the authorities erected a wall of peace between the quarters. Today it is decorated with themed graffiti.
18. Botanic Gardens
Include in your review a trip to this garden, spread over 11 hectares. The well-kept grounds are equipped with beautiful installations, and the vegetation in the greenhouses delights with a riot of color. Among the plants, the xanthorrhea, which is about 400 years old, stands out. Festivals and concerts are often held here.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
19. Cave Hill Country Park
There’s another option for what to visit in Belfast if you have some extra time.Some sections of this scenic park on the slope of Cave Hill are a protected area with limited access. But the rest is dotted with hiking trails that allow you to see just about anywhere. The top of the mountain serves as a great vantage point for views of Belfast.
20. St. George’s Market
What trip is complete without a visit to the local market! This bazaar is considered one of the best in Britain. It’s had a long history going back more than a century and has earned a reputation for selling the best quality local produce. On Saturdays, delicacies and souvenirs from other countries are sold, while on Sundays, artists exhibit their paintings here and artisans display their own creations.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the great pubs, see the picturesquely painted buildings, and get on themed tours. Hospitable Belfast is sure to surprise you! Read also about Dublin attractions and be inspired to travel further in Ireland.
