Belfast Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide to Things To Do

The vibrant city of Belfast, located on the east coast of Ireland, is a popular tourist destination for travelers looking to experience the culture, history, and beauty of Ireland. This guide will provide an in-depth exploration of some of the best things to do in Belfast, from unique tours to local attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been before, this guide will help you discover some of Belfast’s hidden gems.

Introduction to Belfast

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s largest city and was founded in 1177. Located on the east coast of Ireland, it is the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. Belfast is best known for its shipbuilding, linen industry, and political strife in the past century.

Today, Belfast has come out of its dark past and is now a thriving city filled with history, culture, art, and a thriving economy. The city is home to many world-class attractions, including the Belfast Cathedral, Belfast Castle, Ulster Museum, and Titanic Belfast. The city is also a major port of call for cruise ships and ferries traveling to and from Scotland and England.

The vibrant nightlife in Belfast is among the best in Europe. It is home to some of the most popular pubs and clubs in the country, many of which have live music on a regular basis. The city also plays host to a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Belfast International Festival and the Belfast Mela.

Belfast is a great place to visit for visitors of all ages. From family-friendly attractions to unique tours and nightlife hotspots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Things To Do in Belfast

Belfast has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, historical tours, nightlife hotspots, or something more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of things to do in Belfast.

Visit the Belfast Cathedral

The Belfast Cathedral is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Belfast. Located in the heart of the city center, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The cathedral was built in 1899 and features an impressive Gothic Revival architecture style. Inside the cathedral you will find a stunning array of stained glass windows, beautiful frescoes, and ornate sculptures. You can also take a guided tour of the cathedral and learn about its history and importance to Belfast.

Explore Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is another must-see attraction in Belfast. Located on Cave Hill overlooking the city, the castle was built in the late 19th century and was once home to the powerful Chichester family. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belfast and offers stunning views of the city from its elevated position. Inside the castle you will find a museum dedicated to the Chichester family history as well as a restaurant and gardens.

Discover Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is one of Northern Ireland’s most visited museums and offers visitors an insight into Belfast’s history. The museum features a range of exhibits on topics such as art, history, natural science, and archaeology. It also houses a vast collection of artifacts from Belfast’s past such as coins, pottery, weapons, and more. There are also interactive exhibits and educational programs available at the museum that make it an ideal attraction for families with children.

Take a Tour of Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Located at the site where the Titanic was once built, this impressive museum pays homage to the ill-fated ship and its legacy. Inside Titanic Belfast you will find interactive exhibits that bring the story of the Titanic to life. You can also explore detailed replicas of the ship and learn about its construction and engineering feats.

Book a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore Belfast is by taking a guided walking tour of the city center. Walking tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of Belfast’s most iconic sights while learning about its rich history from knowledgeable guides. Tours usually last around two hours and cover major attractions such as City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast Castle, and more.

Book a Black Cab Tour

Another great way to explore Belfast is by taking a Black Cab Tour. These tours offer an insight into Belfast’s turbulent past with knowledgeable drivers who will guide you through some of the city’s most notorious areas. The tour includes stops at key sights such as West Belfast Murals, Shankill Road, Falls Road, Peace Wall, and more. It’s a great way to learn about Belfast’s history from a local perspective.

Go Shopping in Victoria Square

Victoria Square is one of Belfast’s most popular shopping malls and offers visitors an array of retail options. The mall features over 140 stores including high-street favorites such as Zara, H&M, Apple Store, Debenhams, John Lewis and more. The mall also includes an impressive glass dome roof which offers panoramic views of the city center as well as a digital light show at night.

Experience St George’s Market

St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest markets and has been operating since 1890. It is located in the city center near City Hall and offers visitors an array of fresh produce, crafts, jewelry, clothes, antiques, and more. The market also hosts live music performances at weekends making it a great place to visit for entertainment as well as shopping.

Popular Tours

Titanic Boat Tour

One of the most popular tours in Belfast is the Titanic Boat Tour, which takes visitors on a journey back to 1912 when the ill-fated ship set sail from its birthplace on the River Lagan. The tour takes passengers on a boat along the river past some of the key sights associated with Titanic including her slipways, Harland & Wolff drawing offices, and more before arriving at Titanic Dock where passengers can get up close to her final resting place. This tour provides passengers with an insight into Titanic’s story while allowing them to experience some of her iconic sights from a unique perspective. You can book this tour here.

Political & Historical Walking Tour

For those looking for an insight into Belfast’s turbulent past then this Political & Historical Walking Tour is a must-do activity in Belfast. This tour will take visitors through some of the most important sites associated with Northern Ireland’s troubled history including City Hall, Stormont Parliament Buildings, West Belfast Murals, Shankill Road Peace Wall, and more while learning about the events that shaped Belfast’s history from knowledgeable guides. This tour is a great way to gain an understanding of one of Europe’s most complex societies while exploring some of its most historic sites. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

From historic sites to one-of-a-kind tours, there are plenty of things to do in Belfast for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or nightlife hotspots, there are plenty of attractions for everyone in this vibrant city. So make sure you take advantage of everything that this unique city has to offer during your visit!