Belfast is a city well worth considering if you want to get off the beaten track. Northern Ireland's capital, notorious for the tensions it experienced from the late 1960s onwards, is now a peaceful destination where you can discover its history and its architectural and cultural heritage. Belfast, birthplace of the ocean liner Titanic, offers visitors a warm welcome. It's a human-sized capital that's easy to explore on foot or by bike, and comes alive in the evenings when you meet up for a toast at the pub. To help you plan your stay, here are the top 13 must-sees in Belfast.
1. Stroll around the Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is Belfast's buzzing district. This is where most of the cultural offerings are concentrated. A large number of narrow, cobbled streets and alleys are home to pubs, restaurants, trendy nightclubs and art stores. Of course, a visit to St. Anne's Cathedral is a must, with its impressive spire, beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures and Northern Ireland's largest pipe organ. Commercial Court is the place to be at the end of the day for a good pint. With its typical brick buildings, it's home to a number of pubs and lends itself to some great photo opportunities.
Want to see all the must-sees in Belfast? Book your guided bus tour your guided tour on a multi-stop bus: you'll go up and down the city as you please.
2. Admire Belfast's street art
Beslfast is one of the world's top destinations for street art. This artistic practice is an integral part of its identity. Some murals tell the story of the city, others reveal political messages, while others are purely aesthetic. Murals are scattered throughout the city center of Northern Ireland's capital. It's perfectly possible to discover them on your own, wandering around the different districts. But local guides also offer tours to learn more about their history and significance: click here to book your guided tour at one of our partner's special rates.
3. Meet the locals at the pub
As in the UK as a whole, pub-hopping with friends is a must in Northern Ireland. The decor alone is an experience in itself, with pretty woodwork, pictures and signs on the walls, not to mention the subdued lighting. The Cathedral Quarter is a must for good places to eat and drink: Crown Liquor Saloon, The Perch, Kelly's Cellars are all pubs you'll want to check out to make friends with the locals. As well as enjoying a few good beers, the pubs regularly host match broadcasts or traditional music concerts.
4. Visit Titanic Belfast
The sinking of the Titanic is a story that has touched the whole world, and Titanic Belfast, a museum with ultra-modern architecture, has become one of the world's leading attractions dedicated to the most famous of ocean liners. Built on the very site where the ship was built, it features 9 interactive rooms. Visitors discover Belfast's glorious maritime past, the story of the Titanic from its construction to its sinking, as well as reconstructions of cabins and objects found after the ship sank. It's a truly fascinating museum for young and old alike!
Tempted by the visit? We recommend that you book your ticket online right here before you come.
5. Stroll through the Belfast Botanic Gardens
The Belfast Botanic Garden was created in 1828. Even though Northern Ireland's capital remains a city on a human scale, it's a great place to spend some time during your stay, wandering its paths, discovering its flora and relaxing on a bench. Two areas are a must. These are the Palm House, a greenhouse housing plants from Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States. Another is the Tropical Ravine, home to some wonderful tropical specimens. Places full of scents and colors that allow you to reconnect with nature in the middle of the city.
6. Discover local produce at St George's Market
St George's Market sees locals flocking to its aisles at weekends. This food market offers pure local produce. The 150 stalls feature cheeses, meats, fish, fruit, vegetables and local specialties such as black pudding. A number of antique dealers are also on hand to showcase their wares. The place is bursting with life, and it's not unusual for a few events to take place, such as concerts. Lovers of good food know where to go to concoct tasty dishes between two restaurant meals.
7. Getting to the Ulster Museum
TheUlster Museum, which isfree to enter, is a museum with a very rich collection and artistic, historical and archaeological dimensions. You can see an Egyptian mummy, ancient relics, modern masterpieces, birds, insects and rare plants. There's something for everyone! The Ulster Museum is Belfast's most important museum, with permanent exhibits, fascinating temporary exhibitions and a wide range of activities.
8. Discover the history of Crumlin Road Prison
Built in 1845, Crumlin Road Prison closed its doors in 1996. It is now a tourist attraction in its own right in Belfast, where visitors come to hear stories of executions, escapes, WWII bombings and deportations. It was here that children from poor families, political prisoners and suffragettes were imprisoned. The huge C-shaped wing, the "condemned man's" cell and the cell where 17 men were executed are all worth a visit. Today, the prison also hosts concerts, conferences and other events.
Click here to book your visit to Crumlin Road Prison.
9. Visit Belfast Castle
This castle, which has undergone several modifications over the course of history, is located 6 km from Belfast, on the eastern slope of Cave Hill. The good news for travelers is that visits to the building and its gardens are free of charge. So don't miss out on a visit to the various rooms, the grand dining room, the kitchens and the tastefully landscaped gardens. There's a restaurant on site, but you can also picnic in the park. Belfast Castle also offers breathtaking views over the city and its valleys. A camera is a must.
Do you love castles? Then don't miss our top list of Europe's most beautiful castles!
10. Shopping in Victoria Square
Victoria Square is a large shopping mall with ambitious architecture, blending metal, glass and brick. It's a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of ready-to-wear, cosmetics, food and technology brands. Between two boutiques, cafés and bakeries invite you to take a gourmet break. At the top of the mall, a glass dome offers a breathtaking view of Belfast, and access is free. Victoria Square is particularly beautiful at Christmas time.
11. Take a guided tour of Belfast City Hall
This is a monument that can't be missed on a stroll around Belfast, as it radiates the beauty of its Victorian and neo-Baroque architecture. It houses the city's town hall. Free guided tours are offered throughout the week, and include a passage through three large halls, the politicians' checkroom and the council chamber. The architectural details are sublime, and it's worth noting that City Hall also boasts magnificent tree-lined gardens. For fans of European city trips at Christmas, the entrance to the building is decorated with a huge, beautiful Christmas tree.
12. Photographing Belfast's Big Fish
Visitors strolling along Belfast's quayside will discover this 10 m-long work of art. The Big Fish is the work of Irish artist John Kindness. The sculpture is made up of ceramic tiles, adorned with images and texts that tell the story of Belfast. The sculpture also pays homage to the maritime past of Northern Ireland's capital, and refers to the "Salmon of Knowledge", a legend from Irish mythology. The sculpture is located in the heart of Belfast's docklands, a district in the throes of modernization.
13. A day's escape to the Giant's Causeway
It would be a shame to stay in Belfast without taking the time to visit the Giant's Causeway, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland. This exceptional natural site is only 1h30 from the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this geological formation is distinguished by its thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, some of which reach 12 metres in height! Located in Bushmills in County Antrim, this natural wonder is worth discovering for its myths and legends, and simply because it's one of the most amazing places on earth.
We recommend booking this guided tour of the Giant's Causeway from Belfast: this guided tour will take you to the famous landmarks and beautiful scenery of the Antrim coast before reaching the Giant's Causeway.
Where to stay in Belfast?
As Belfast has become increasingly open to international tourism over the past two decades, there are a number of hotels to choose from, in the city center, in the Cathedral Quarter and in the Queen's and Titanic Quarters.
- For a central location
Travelodge Belfast Central is right next to City Hall. Its simply decorated rooms offer every comfort. A bar serves breakfast, and there's even a place to sit down for a drink at the end of the day. Several pubs and restaurants are nearby. The earlier you book, the more you save on your budget, so check here for rates and availability!
- For the maritime atmosphere
This hotel is only a few years old and has magnificent rooms decorated in Art Deco style, which you can book right here. A cocktail bar and restaurant are located on the premises. The direct proximity of Titanic Hotel Belfast to the Titanic Belfast Museum is a real plus. You can also enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the Belfast docks, a district in full revival.
- For the chic side
A very pleasant hotel, with rooms that blend baroque and modern touches. Located in the Queen's Quarter, the hotel boasts a fine-dining restaurant and bar, and the main shopping area is just a 10-minute walk away. The Benedicts Hotel is one of the best places to stay, and reasonably priced for couples. Tempted? Click here for rates and availability!
What to see in Belfast in 3 days?
As Belfast is a city on a human scale, there's a lot to see in 3 days. It's an ideal city for a city trip during a long weekend in Europe. On the first day, you can start by strolling through the city center, visiting City Hall, then spotting the street art. In the evening, head for the cathedral district to wander the narrow streets and have a drink in the pub.
On the second day, we visit the Titanic Belfast in the morning, before hiring a car to visit the Giant's Causeway. This site is so beautiful that it's easy to want to spend hours there taking photos and enjoying the sea air. In the evening, it's back to Queen's Quarter for dinner in one of the restaurants.
The third day can be devoted to a visit to Crumlin Road Prison, before strolling through the Belfast Botanical Gardens. Then it's time to fly home.
Did you enjoy your stay in Belfast? Discover the best destinations less than 2 hours' flight from France!
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