Best Things To Do in Belfast

If you're planning to visit Belfast and want to put together a travel itinerary, the first thing you should know is that the capital of Northern Ireland is a city steeped in culture and a turbulent political history, so many of the attractions will have something to do with these themes. From the city's murals to the museums, guided tours and nearby cities, here's what you can discover in this destination.

Some of the best things to do in Belfast include visiting the Titanic Museum, taking a tour of the capital's murals, seeing the local castle, visiting St Anne's Cathedral, exploring St George's Market, hiking the Giant's Causeway, seeing the HMS Caroline Museum, visiting the pubs of the Cathedral Quarter and visiting the Belfast Botanic Gardens.

Visiting the Titanic Museum in Belfast is one of the best things to do in the city and a chance to learn about the history of the most famous shipwreck of the 20th century. Opened in 2012, the museum is located on the site where the Titanic was built, at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, so you can learn about everything from its innovative design to its fateful maiden voyage.

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 is a tragedy that left an indelible mark on the collective memory and the museum poignantly presents the stories of the passengers and crew, as well as the circumstances that led to the sinking of the ship. Objects rescued from the bottom of the ocean, recreations and multimedia exhibits provide an immersive experience that will transport you back in time.

In addition, the Titanic Museum stands out as the most visited museum in Northern Ireland, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. Its importance lies in its ability to preserve and share the history of the ship, as well as its contribution to the dissemination of the history of the liner and its passengers. You can also explore the SS Nomadic, the last White Star Line ship still afloat, at the same site.

Belfast is a city that has managed to transform its hectic political life into outstanding artistic expression and one of the best ways to get to know this side of the city is to explore the city's murals. During the tour, which you're sure to be able to do on one of the city's best tours, you'll see the Falls and Shankill neighbourhoods, home to some of the city's most iconic murals.

These murals, created by local artists, address political, social and cultural issues, providing a unique insight into the region's conflicts and evolution over the decades. The cultural significance of these street canvases lies in their ability to convey the complexity of Irish history and, in particular, the clashes between Unionists and Republicans.

The murals have been used as a means of artistic and political expression since the 1970s, during the conflict known as The Troubles. Many of them reflect the tensions between the Catholic and Protestant communities, as well as the significant events that marked that tumultuous period.

In the Falls area, republican murals often depict historical figures associated with the struggle for Irish independence and republican resistance. On the other hand, in the Shankill, Unionist murals frequently honour those who served in the security forces or commemorate key events in Protestant history. Through these artistic expressions, Belfast' s murals play a crucial role in collective memory and local identity.

If you want to see one of the city's most famous structures, a visit to Belfast Castle is a must. Perched atop Cave Hill, this building dominates the city skyline and offers panoramic views stretching from the city centre to the coast. Built in the 19th century in the Scots-Baroque style, the castle was designed by Charles Lanyon and stands as a symbol of Northern Ireland's architectural heritage.

The history of Belfast Castle is intrinsically linked to the city's industrial and commercial past. Originally conceived as a defensive structure during the Victorian period, the castle later became a social status symbol for the upper classes of society. Over the years, it has played a variety of roles, from being a strategic military platform to becoming an epicentre for cultural events.

You can also explore the surrounding grounds, which include well-tended gardens and the natural environment of Cave Hill. The castle itself houses a visitor centre that offers detailed information on the history of the site, as well as exhibitions that highlight its cultural significance and make it one of the must-see sites on the best guided tours of Belfast.

St Anne's Cathedral not only marks mile zero of Belfast's historic city centre, but also stands as one of the city's architectural landmarks. This Anglican church, built in the 19th century, is a Victorian landmark and one of the religious epicentres of the Northern Irish capital.

The history of St Anne's Cathedral dates back to the 1890s, when the foundation stone of the present building was laid. Designed by Sir Thomas Drew, the cathedral is a testament to the cultural and spiritual richness of Belfast during the period. Although construction dragged on for decades, the cathedral was finally consecrated in 1904, becoming an essential symbol of the Anglican community.

St Anne's Cathedral is also notable for its neo-Gothic architecture, characterised by tall towers, stained glass windows and sculptural detailing. Inside you can discover the vaulted ceiling, the elegant stained glass windows and the sculptures that decorate the aisles of the temple. The cathedral also hosts a number of cultural and musical events, most notably its role during Christmas Eve in Belfast.

Its location in the heart of Belfast makes it easy to get to, either on the city's public transport or on the Northern Irish capital's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses that include a stop on this route. It's also a central point to include in the tour of other nearby attractions.

St. George's Market in Belfast is a unique experience that combines history, culture and an abundance of gastronomic delights. Founded in 1896, this market is one of the oldest in Northern Ireland and has been a focal point of Belfast life over the years. Its Victorian structure also adds a special tinge to the site, transporting visitors back in time.

The history of St George's Market reflects Belfast's rich trading tradition and its evolution over the centuries. From its beginnings as a market for fresh produce and local foods to the diversity of products on offer today, the market has been a reflection of the city's change and adaptability over time.

St. George's Market is an unrivalled experience for foodies. Its stalls and shops offer a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruit and vegetables to meats, fish, cheeses and artisan breads. You'll also find plenty of places to enjoy lunch or a gastronomic excursion, as this market is often included in culinary tour circuits.

One of the best full-day activities you can do from Belfast is to join a tour of the Giant's Causeway, a site that is known for its hexagonal basalt columns that stretch from the coast out to sea.

The history behind this geological phenomenon is mixed with legends, one of the most famous involving two giants, Finn McCool and Benandonner, who, according to Irish mythology, built the causeway to face each other in Scotland. If you opt for a tour, you will be assisted by an expert local guide, allowing you to learn all the details of this site.

This natural site, which is actually the result of the rapid cooling of volcanic lava, not only offers sweeping views of the north coast of Antrim, but is also known for being one of the filming locations for the hit TV series Game of Thrones.

Therefore, by visiting the Giant's Causeway from Belfast on these tours, fans can usually enjoy a tour of the scenery that brought iconic sites such as the Iron Coast and the King's Road to life in a full day experience that is worthwhile even if you're planning a 3-day stay in the city or even less.

Although overshadowed by the Titanic Museum, which houses Northern Ireland's most visited exhibition, the HMS Caroline Museum is a gem of naval history that allows you to explore one of the most significant ships of the First World War. HMS Caroline is the last surviving warship from the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and is a living testament to the bravery of sailors and the evolution of naval technology.

The history of HMS Caroline dates back to her construction in 1914 and her participation in the Battle of Jutland, where she served as the flagship of the Royal Navy's Light Cruiser Fleet. After her active service, the ship went on to be used as a training ship and in 2016 she was opened to the public as a floating museum, giving visitors the opportunity to explore her decks and gain an insight into life on board during wartime.

At the HMS Caroline Museum you can explore the interior of the ship, learn about its history through interactive exhibits and discover the daily life of the crew. The experience also offers a unique insight into early 20th century naval technology and the Royal Navy's involvement in crucial events in world history.

As well as its cultural side, Belfast also has a lively nightlife, so a visit to the pubs of the Cathedral Quarter will allow you to discover some of the most iconic places to enjoy live music and authentic Irish hospitality. This lively neighbourhood is known for its unique and diverse atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Irish experience.

Among the best pubs in the Cathedral Quarter is the Duke of York, a historic establishment that has been a mainstay of the local pub scene for decades. Its traditional charm, extensive beer selection and live music make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Another highlight is The Harp Bar, known for its atmosphere and live music performances.

Visiting the Cathedral Quarter is not only about enjoying excellent pubs, but also about exploring an area that has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. This neighbourhood has evolved from an industrial district to a cultural and artistic epicentre, housing galleries, theatres and bars that you can explore by walking, cycling or on guided tours of the city.

The West Belfast Peace Wall is one of the highlights of the city and an ideal place to learn about the political tensions that characterised the history of the Northern Irish capital. This building, which marks the difference between the Unionist and Republican occupied territories, is presented as one of the symbols of the peace that the conflict achieved and as a perfect canvas for learning about the murals of Belfast.

These murals, painted on the dividing walls between Catholic and Protestant communities, serve as artistic expressions of political and cultural tensions. Some of these murals narrate key events of The Troubles and symbolise the desire for reconciliation and peace today, and many of the city's most famous murals can be found on the Peace Wall.

Also, if you want to embark on an eye-opening journey that explores Northern Ireland's complex history, one of the best options is to join a political tour. As well as taking you to the Peace Wall, this tour will also take you to City Hall and the Shankill Road and Falls Road, two of the city's artistic epicentres, making these tours a great way to get to know the capital in a short visit of a day or a few hours.

Whether you want to see one of the city's most famous green lungs or relax between tours, a visit to the Belfast Botanic Gardens will allow you to discover the natural beauty of Belfast as well as a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. Founded in 1828, the site is one of the most popular places in the city and offers visitors a serene space amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Among the most famous areas of the Botanical Garden is the Palm House, a glass structure that houses a collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Its corridors invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the species growing inside. In addition, the Rose Garden offers a palette of striking colours and captivating fragrances during the flowering season, creating a picturesque setting.

A visit to the Botanic Garden will not only allow you to explore the natural beauty, but will also give you the opportunity to discover the Ulster Museum, located on the same site. Known for its focus on the history and culture of Northern Ireland, this museum offers exhibits ranging from art and archaeology to social and natural history.