The Ultimate Guide to Belfast: What Are the Highlights?

Belfast is a captivating city with a rich history and culture that tourists from around the world are eager to explore. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors visit Belfast, intrigued by its unique atmosphere and exciting attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, you won’t be disappointed by what this incredible city has to offer. So, what are some of the highlights that visitors can look forward to when they visit Belfast?

Titanic Belfast

One unmissable attraction in Belfast that simply must be included on any tourist’s itinerary is Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is an interactive museum located near the dockyards where the infamous Titanic was built in the early 20th century. It attracts over one million visitors each year – making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Titanic Belfast is made up of nine interactive galleries, all taking you through the history of the Titanic from its conception to its demise. There’s also a 4D cinema where you can experience a virtual tour of the ship and audio-visual experiences taking you on an emotional journey from birth to death. Titanic Belfast not only gives you an insight into the ship’s remarkable story but also into life during the early 20th century.

City Hall

The stunning 19th-century City Hall is another must-visit attraction in the heart of Belfast and is just moments away from the bustling town centre. It stands proudly on Donegall Square and is one of Belfast’s main landmarks, with its grand exterior and gleaming green copper dome. A visit to City Hall will allow you to explore beautiful works of art and history within its walls, including a 400-year timeline of Belfast and inscribed names on the Grand Hall of Memory dedicated to soldiers who died in World War I. A guided tour of City Hall is an experience like no other and will allow you to explore all corners of this beautiful monument to Belfast City.

St George’s Market

No trip to Belfast would be complete without visiting the bustling St George’s market nearby. An icon of Belfast’s culture for over 200 years, it is one of the oldest continuously running markets in Ireland, welcoming people from every corner of the UK and beyond. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday you will find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to delicious street food, which make up just some of the main attractions found here. St George’s Market is also an arts and crafts market, where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Giant’s Causeway

No visit to Northern Ireland is complete without a trip to the ancient Giant’s Causeway – an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape made up of 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stones located on the north coast of Ireland. Legend has it that an ancient giant built the causeway as a bridge to Scotland so he could battle a rival giant on the other side of the sea! Whether this tale is true or not, a trip here will be sure to leave you mesmerised by its natural beauty. Giant’s Causeway is also known for its spectacular coastal views, where you can see ruins of an old mill, the remains of a volcano and occasionally spot some dolphins or whales in the ocean.

Ulster Museum

Another must-visit attraction in Belfast is the prestigious Ulster Museum. Situated in Belmont House in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, this museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into local culture and history through its range of eye-catching exhibitions. Inside you can find everything from rocks and fossils to artefacts from Ireland’s earliest inhabitants, as well as scientific instruments and art by internationally acclaimed artists. Just being inside this grand building takes you on a journey through history – from its roots in the 18th century to the present day.

Personal Opinion

Belfast is a captivating city with so much to offer tourists from around the world. Whether it’s a stroll along the waterfront, discovering local attractions such as Titanic Belfast or admiring the stunning City Hall, every moment spent exploring this beautiful city will be completely unforgettable. For those visiting with kids, there are plenty of fun activities too – with visits to St George’s Market or Giant’s Causeway sure to delight them! So why not plan your holiday today and discover what all of Belfast has to offer?