Things to See in Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, located on the east coast of Ireland. It has a population of over 300,000 people and is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. Belfast is known for its rich history and culture, and it is a popular destination for visitors from all around the world. The city has a vibrant nightlife and many tourist attractions, making it a great place to visit for a weekend or longer. From historical sites to modern attractions, there is something for everyone in Belfast.

History of Belfast

The city of Belfast was founded in the 11th century by Norse settlers, who named it Bealfarsdottir, meaning “river mouth of Farset”. In the 16th century, Belfast was established as a commercial port city and it quickly became a major player in the linen industry. During the 19th century, Belfast experienced rapid growth and it was one of the most important ports in the British Empire. The city was heavily bombed during World War II and suffered severe economic hardship, but it has since recovered and become an important center of culture and industry. Today, Belfast is a vibrant city with a strong economy and many attractions for visitors.

Popular Attractions

When it comes to things to see in Belfast, there are plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Belfast:

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a museum dedicated to the story of the ill-fated ship, which was built in Belfast in 1912. The museum offers nine interactive galleries that tell the story of the Titanic, from its construction to its tragic sinking. The museum also features an interactive “visitor experience’ with a replica of the ship’s grand staircase and life-sized figures of some of the passengers.

St. George’s Market

St. George’s Market is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Belfast. It has been open since 1890 and it is one of the few surviving Victorian markets in Europe. St. George’s Market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and it features a wide range of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The market is also home to many street performances, including music and comedy acts.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol is a former prison that was founded in 1845 and used until 1996. The prison has now been turned into a museum which offers guided tours that take visitors through the prison’s history and tell stories about some of its most infamous inmates. The museum also offers an interactive exhibition that explores the history of penal reform in Northern Ireland.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is Northern Ireland’s principal museum and it is located in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. The museum features exhibits on art, history, natural history, and science, as well as interactive displays that explore the culture and heritage of Northern Ireland. The museum also houses a collection of artifacts from the Titanic, which were recovered from the wreck site.

Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are located in south Belfast and they are home to a large collection of plants from around the world. The gardens feature a beautiful glasshouse, which houses tropical and temperate plants, as well as a rose garden with over 12,000 roses. The gardens are also home to many sculptures and monuments, making it a popular spot for visitors to explore.

Things to Do In Belfast

When it comes to things to do in Belfast, there are plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. From shopping to sightseeing, here are some of the most popular activities in Belfast:

Shopping

Belfast is a great city for shopping, with many shops and boutiques located throughout the city centre. Some popular shopping districts include Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Donegall Arcade, and Castle Court Shopping Centre. There are also many independent stores located throughout Belfast, including fashion boutiques, antiques shops, and art galleries.

Nightlife

Belfast is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and pubs located throughout the city centre. The Cathedral Quarter is one of the busiest areas for nightlife in Belfast, with many bars offering live music and entertainment. The city also hosts many music festivals throughout the year, including the Belfast Music Festival and Culture Night Belfast.

Sightseeing

Belfast is also home to many historical sites and attractions that are popular with visitors. The city is home to several important landmarks such as City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral, and Belfast Castle. Visitors can also explore some of the city’s old buildings such as The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum or take a tour of Parliament Buildings at Stormont Estate.

Tours

For those who want to explore more of Belfast’s sights in-depth, there are several tours available that offer visitors an insight into the city’s culture and history.

Belfast City Sightseeing Bus Tour

This bus tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of Belfast’s most popular attractions from the comfort of an open-top double decker bus. Tours depart from Donegall Square North every hour from 9am to 5pm and last approximately one hour thirty minutes. During the tour, passengers will have the chance to learn about Belfast’s past as well as visit sights such as City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral, Titanic Belfast, Stormont Estate, and more. Book a Belfast City Sightseeing Bus Tour here.

Belfast Cultural Tour

This two-hour walking tour explores some of Belfast’s most historic sites as well as providing an introduction to its culture and traditions. The tour begins at City Hall before taking visitors on a journey through some of Belfast’s oldest streets as well as some of its more modern attractions such as St Anne’s Cathedral and Titanic Belfast. Book a Belfast Cultural Tour here.

Belfast Street Art Tour

This two hour tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Belfast’s most vibrant neighbourhoods where they will be able to see some of the city’s amazing street art installations. The tour includes visits to some of Belfast’s most iconic street art spots as well as a chance to learn more about the city’s street art scene from local artists. Book a Belfast Street Art Tour here.

Conclusion

Belfast is an exciting destination with something for everyone. From historical sites to modern attractions, there are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for culture or nightlife or simply want to explore some of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, there are plenty of options for visitors to enjoy in this unique city. With a wide array of tours available that provide visitors with an insight into Belfast’s past and present, there has never been a better time to visit this amazing city than now!