The 10 things to do in Belfast

Visit Belfast: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Northern Ireland?

In the past, a powerful naval building centre, Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the "born city" of the famous ship with tragic fate, the Titanic. The simple fact of mentioning the name Belfast You may remember images of conflict related to “Disorders”, but you would be wrong to be reluctant to visit Belfast now. In recent years, the peace process and the sharing of government power has made Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland known a remarkable renaissance and transformation. The number of tourists continues to increase from year to year, and for cause. Wait for a warm welcome, a sense of humor, and an exciting story including the impressive Titanic Quarter . Here's our list of best things to do in Belfast and its surroundings, and some addresses to feel like a local!

1. Titanic Belfast

geograph.ie – Albert Bridge

Inaugurated March 31, 2012 for the centenary of the shipwreck and presented as "the biggest attraction related to the Titanic in the world", this distinctive building is a tribute to the history of the Titanic and the interesting maritime history of Belfast. Nine interactive exhibitions show how Belfast became a city that had in the past the most powerful shipbuilding industry in the world, in a reborn tourist destination. More than a century ago, the sadly famous ship we all know of destiny, the Titanic, was built in this precise place. More than a museum, it is a real experience that you can live for £15.50 (adult). Save money by booking your online visit.

Enjoy being at the Titanic Belfast to explore Titanic Quarter , that is to say the docks of Belfast. You can see the SS Nomadic, the "little brother of the Titanic", and the only ship of the White Star Line, the shipping company, that survived.

2. St George’s Market

Flickr – William Murphy

This covered market is one of the masterpieces of life in Belfast. The weekend locals and tourists, exploring the many food and craft stands in search of excellent quality products, gifts and interesting objects. The building dates from 1896 and is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a snack or coffee between two purchases. In the morning, don’t hesitate to take the Ulster fry , the typical (and hearty) breakfast of the city. Jazz and entertainment on the weekend.

3. Ulster Museum

Wikimedia – Ardfern

After extensive renovations in recent years, the Ulster Museum is now one of Belfast’s must-see tours. This impressive national museum is indeed a generalist museum and may interest art lovers as well as history lovers. The exhibitions include an Egyptian mummy of 2500 years (Princess Takabuti of Thebes – unsealed in Belfast in 1835), the remains of the Invincible Armada (a exhibition of objects and jewels recovered from a wreck of a Spanish ship of 1588), modern masterpieces, ancient relics, and a rich and diverse collection of art, history and art. The entrance is free of charge and the museum is located in the botanical gardens.

4. Botanical gardens

Flickr – Donna

A pleasant way to relax during an afternoon, the botanical gardens were created in 1828 and belong to the city of Belfast since 1895 when they became a public park covering more than 11 hectares. The elegant Palm House (serre tropicale designed by Sir Charles Lanyon) contains a variety of tropical plants, as well as birds of paradise (Paradisiers) and lush hanging baskets. Composed of incurved iron and glass, the structure is one of the first examples of greenhouses of this type and shows how technological advances have allowed horticulators to cultivate exotic plants during the Victorian period. The Tropical Ravine (1889) houses exotic delicacies such as bromeliads (ananas), bananas, orchids, and cinnamon, and protects some of the oldest seed plants in the world. Just north of the gardens is Queen University with its beautiful Tudor-style buildings.

5. Wall paintings (mural)

Flickr – Anna ' Michal

Wall paintings and frescoes ( murals in English) is one of the most famous elements of the North Irish heritage. There are more than 2,000 in the whole country and the largest concentration is in Belfast. They are the most visible sign of the virtual border that exists between the two main communities of Ireland: on the one hand, the Protestants, faithful to the Crown of England, and on the other, the Catholics, in favor of union with the Republic of Ireland . True propaganda tools in a medialy locked Northern Ireland during the years the Disorders lasted, they are now a Open book on the recent history of the country . Many local companies offer their services to let you discover these murals with useful comments from a guide, including Black Taxi Tour and Belfast Mural Tours.

6. The pubs and nightlife of Belfast

Credit – findirishpubs.com

Belfast is full of historical pubs . It is impossible for you to visit Belfast without going to drink a beer at the Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian building with alcoves, woodwork, gas lamps and stained glass, as in 1885! You can also go to Cathedral Quarter notably at Ollies, Filthy McNasty’s or The John Hewitt. It is also in this neighborhood that you will find many places to eat and meet locals.

7. Visit Crumlin Road Prison (Crumlin Road Gaol)

geograph.ie – Rossographer

When she closed in 1996, many believed that this sadly famous prison would never reopen. But they were wrong... Since its reopening in 2012, the prison has quickly become one of the leading tourist attractions in Belfast. It’s an ideal place for familiarize yourself with the history of Northern Ireland . Intriguing guided tours tell the women and children who were incarcerated here, as well as the separation of Republican and loyalist prisoners. You can stroll through the underground tunnel that connected the prison to the courthouse, sit in the governor’s chair and, more horribly, visit the convict’s cell.

8. The Castle of Belfast (Belfast Castle)

Flickr – Andrew Hurley

About 6 km from downtown, along the Antrim Road , stands Belfast Castle . Many events take place throughout the year, and it is a popular wedding place due to its picturesque location and the beautiful historic building. A castle has existed on this site since the 12th century in many styles. The current structure dates from 1870, although additions and embellishments have taken place since then. Enjoy being at the castle to eat at the restaurant or picnic on the garden grass. You can also climb on Cave Hill to admire the surroundings.

9. The Glovesée des Géants

geograph.ie – pam fray

The Giant Boiler is an exceptional natural site. From volcanic origin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it plunges visitors into the depths of the earth and brings its lot of legends and myths. Nearly 1h30 from Belfast, on the Côte d’Antrim, you can discover this fantastic place on a day trip by car. To learn more, read our article on Gloves .

10. Other ideas for visits and activities in Belfast

Here is a list of other things to do in Belfast:

• See the Palace of Stormont (which is the seat of the North-Irish Assembly)
• Saint-Anne Cathedral and its lively neighborhood with pubs and restaurants but also the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)
• Queen’s University Lanyon Building
• The Belfast City Hall (City Hotel)
• Rent a bike and discover Belfast on two wheels

Belfast: How to get there? Where to stay?

Fortunately, Belfast has direct and low-cost flights from Paris CDG, thanks to easyJet and Flybe companies. Prices are low for an A/R flight. Find the best price for Belfast on Skyscanner .

The ideal is to stay in the city centre of Belfast to have quick access to the places of interest of the North-Irish capital. Discover others neighborhoods where to stay here . To find a cheap hotel in Belfast, search our website Compare hotels .

Have you visited Belfast?