What to Do When Visiting Belfast?

Belfast is a vibrant and vibrant city located on the east coast of Northern Ireland. It is brimming with culture, history, art, and opportunities to explore the area. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide what to focus on during a visit to Belfast. Read on for our suggestions on what to do when visiting Belfast.

When it comes to uncovering the city’s captivating past, the iconic Titanic Belfast is an essential stop. Set within the grounds of the city’s iconic dockyards, Titanic Belfast showcases nine interactive gallery spaces alongside the skills and engineering used for the grand ship’s unique design. With detailed visual displays and replica parts of the ship used to display its immense size, visitors can experience a unique journey back in time to the height of Titanic’s success in 1912. For visitors looking to take a tour, a range of options are available. A self-guided audio tour is complimentary to those who purchase a ticket while a guided tour option is also available.

Those looking to explore Belfast’s natural beauty should take a trip to the nearby Cave Hill Country Park. Situated just five miles outside the center of the city, Cave Hill offers tranquil hiking trails, stunning views of Belfast city, and home to the picturesque McArt’s Fort. The Hill provides a great spot for picnicking and exploring its natural surroundings as well as cutting-edge sculptures like Fiona Hall’s Flame of Hope and the King Williams Gate.

Music lovers should not miss the opportunity to explore some of Belfast’s live venues. Popular amongst the locals, pubs like The John Hewitt offer an incredible range of live music entertainment throughout the week and specialise in traditional Irish folk music. Enjoying a pint and traditional cuisine whilst listening to some of Belfast’s best acts is a must when visiting the city. Other live venues include The Black Box Music which hosts both local and international acts across a variety of genres or Theodosia which offers regular cabaret shows and burlesque evenings.

No trip to Belfast would be complete without exploring its historic Cathedral Quarter. Spanning 1/4 of a square mile, the Cathedral Quarter is filled with unique independent shops, galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Home to a buzzing nightlife, visitors will find numerous bars and clubs such as McHugh’s Bar and Club Joshua which both offer regular gigs and stand-up comedy shows. For those looking to experience Belfast’s thriving art scene, the nearby Ulster Museum and Belfast Street Art Tours will offer plenty of inspiration!

Ultimately, Belfast is an incredibly vibrant city that offers an array of experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for an activity-packed getaway or simply in need of some relaxation time away from home, Belfast promises something for everyone. From captivating gallery spaces to pubs teeming with traditional Irish music, what can you do when visiting Belfast?

For more detailed information about what you can do when visiting Belfast, please visit Visit Belfast website. You are sure to find some great tips and suggestions that will help you explore Belfast like a local!

Insider’s Guide to Visiting Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and character. Visiting here will introduce you to a city with a proud and complex past, friendly people, fascinating museums, and some truly great food. Here’s a guide to help you plan your time in Belfast and make the most of your visit:

Must-See Attractions

When visiting Belfast, there are several must-see attractions that you should have on your list. These include:

– Titanic Belfast: Located in the Titanic Quarter, this world-class museum is dedicated to the ill-fated ship and the city’s shipbuilding heritage. The museum houses interactive exhibits and galleries that tell the story of the Titanic from her conception to her tragic end.

– St. George’s Market: One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, this Victorian market is home to over 250 local traders selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and local art. You can find the market open Fridays to Sundays each week.

– Crumlin Road Gaol: A former prison that is now a museum and a piece of Belfast’s dark past. Here, you can take a guided tour of the jail cells and hear stories behind the political prisoners once held inside this structure.

– Ulster Museum: Known for its collection of captivating artifacts, the Ulster Museum is the perfect place for history buffs. This museum holds a magnificent selection of displays on natural science, art, and social history, including Northern Ireland’s Troubles.

Eat and Drink

Belfast isn’t short of some fantastic foodie hotspots, regardless of your preferences.

– St George’s Market: a perfect place to try several different types of cuisine, including Fresh Crepes and Fish and Chips dishes.

– Established Coffee: For coffee lovers, Established Coffee was voted as the best coffee shop in Northern Ireland with its rich coffee aroma and artisanal roasting methods.

– Belfast Fish and Chips: this is the place to be in Belfast to savor their classic belly-filling meal. Fish and chips here at Belfast Fish and Chips are locally sourced and freshly made daily.

– The Spaniard: while visiting Belfast, you can also try the best cocktail in the city. A secret pub which receives a small number of patrons due to the limited seating capacity.

Cultural Experiences in Belfast

Aside from being rich in history, Belfast is also full of culture.

– The Black Box: a hub of live performances and entertainment. Here, you can witness some of the best poetry, comedy, theatre, and music performances in the city.

– Titanic Center: be wowed with live music, Titanic tea and tours and have fun with a large variety of interactive experiences. This place is the epitome of Belfast’s history and culture, so it’s a must-visit destination for any curious tourist.

– The Cathedral Quarter: Belfast also takes pride in the Cathedral Quarter, where you can witness and understand the past and present facets of Ireland’s culture. Here, you can expect to find some of the city’s unique street art and delightful pubs.

Off the Beaten Path Suggestions

If you want to explore more than the conventional, there are a few more off the beaten path places to visit in Belfast:

– Cavehill: the perfect hiking range for nature enthusiasts. At Cavehill Country Park, you can immerse yourself in Northern Ireland’s natural flora and fauna. From atop, you will witness stunning scenery from the Belfast hillsides to the north coast of Ireland.

– S.S. Nomadic: If you love maritime history, visit the S.S. Nomadic, Titanic’s little sister and the last remaining White Star vessel. This ship is smaller than the Titanic, and you can witness the history of shipbuilding and the luxuries in this era.

– Peace Wall: The Peace Wall represents the symbols and the history of The Troubles, and while the wall’s art is beautiful, it is a testament of Northern Ireland’s ongoing journey to long-lasting peace.

In Conclusion

Belfast is a fascinating city that has something to offer for everyone. From exploring the city’s rich history, the vibrant street art, the quality food, drinks, and live entertainment, you will not run out of things to do while visiting Belfast. This insider’s guide should help you get started on planning your itinerary. Whatever you do, don’t forget to connect with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the city. Enjoy your visit!