The Best Travel Guide to Belfast

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Belfast

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Overview

Belfast The guide was updated: 2023-10-02

Having survived almost three decades of conflict and division, Belfast is has emerged from its chrysalis with a newfound freshness and vibrancy. Carrying a deep sense of its history, yet boldly striding into the future, Belfast is an exciting juxtaposition of old and new. Stroll by the River Lagan and see the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, visit the famous political murals in a black taxi or kick back with a traditional music session in one of this lively city’s beautifully preserved old pubs.

Facts

Population:	345,418 Belfastians (2021)
Currency:	1 pound £ = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Fire, police and ambulance: 999
Newspapers:	Belfast Telegraph — www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk Irish News — www.irishnews.com News Letter — www.newsletter.co.uk Sunday Life — www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life Belfast Live — www.belfastlive.co.uk
Website:	www.visitbelfast.com
Opening hours:	City centre shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Thursdays until 9 pm. Some larger stores open Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm. Neighbourhood and convenience shops are often open much longer, 24 hours in many cases.
Tourist information:	Visit Belfast Welcome Centre 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast +44 28 9024 6609 Open Monday to Saturday 9am–5:30pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am–4pm

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Section in Belfast

There’s is no shortage of activities and things to do in Belfast: everything from fascinating tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and historical buildings, can be explored here. Some of the better known attractions include St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast Castle, the Titanic museum and Belfast Zoo. There are also some hidden treasures that should not be missed like Belfast's own version of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory called the Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory, and boat tours along the Lagan. There is a great mix of things to do, and people keep coming back time and again once they understand just how much the city has to offer.

Titanic Museum

Titanic Museum

This is your chance to learn everything about the legendary Titanic. The museum is a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage and stands on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the fateful Titanic was built. Here you will find nine galleries featuring mind-blowing exhibitions and covering the details of the fitting of the ship, her maiden voyage, the tragic sinking and all that happened after. The shimmering building itself is a sight for sore eyes.

Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House

This beautiful and opulent Victorian theatre was designed in 1894 and restored in the 1970s, with a further significant modernisation in 2020. With its programme of plays, operas, concerts and musicals, the best way to discover the beauty of the building is to attend a show. Even if you don't plan on attending a performance, seeing this Art Nouveau architectural gem is a must.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall

The Belfast City Hall is a luxurious building built in the early 1900s, in classical Renaissance style, symbolising the sudden wealth of Industrial Revolution Belfast. Free guided tours are available. Make sure to check out the collection of portraits of past Lord Mayors.

Black Taxi Political Tour

Black Taxi Political Tour

A great way to see Belfast’s political hot spots is in a black taxi. At very moderate prices, a cab will show you the famous political murals, Falls and Shankill Roads and the Peace Walls. Moreover, these rides are usually often highly entertaining, depending on the driver you chance upon. Tours of this type are offered by several competing companies. Some will even pick you up at your hotel.

Ulster Museum

Ulster Museum

Situated in the lush setting of the Botanical Gardens, Ulster Museum is all about art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences. Come here and admire their fine permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibitions and events that promote diverse voices and new perspectives. Dinosaur bones, ancient weapons, meteorites, shoe exhibits, ship models, musical instruments, historical documents and jewellery — a little bit of everything. The time period and the range of topics covered are extensive, so you might even want to visit the museum twice.

Queen’s Film Theatre

Queen’s Film Theatre

Founded in 1968, this independent cinema offers you the chance to spend a great night out enjoying classic and modern masterpieces. This gem, located very close to the Botanical Gardens, has two screens and an attractive, fully-licensed bar serving light snacks.

St Anne’s Cathedral

St Anne’s Cathedral

This Neo-Romanesque building, that gives the Cathedral Quarter its name, is full of impressive multi-coloured mosaics, and is sumptuously decorated with elegant marble. The church has been at the forefront of cross-community initiatives in recent years, hosting weekly “heal our land” services for people of any denomination.

Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens

Just a short walk away from the university lies this green haven, sloping down to the River Lagan. Its centrepiece, the Palm House, is a beautiful conservatory of cast iron and glass designed in 1939 by Charles Lanyon.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol

This former Victorian prison, now open to visitors, is the spot to visit if you want to learn more about the dark history of the city. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the rooms where inmates were imprisoned while hearing their at times heart-wrenching stories.

Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo

With more than 1,000 animals and 150 species, you will have plenty to explore at Belfast Zoo. Many of the animals are in danger in their natural habitats, so the aim is to provide them with the best possible care. Don't miss out on the feeding times of your favourite animal.

Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory

Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory

Visit the magical world of chocolate and sweets at Aunt Sandra’s, where you can also make your own chocolate pizzas, lollipops or any kind of sweets you can imagine. The factory is nationally renowned for its fine handmade chocolates, fudge and boiled sweets, made using time-tested 100-year-old recipes.

Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle

This majestic castle nestled on the slopes of Cavehill dates back to 1870 and offers great views over Belfast Lough and the city. It is one of the most imposing buildings in the city, and visitors flock there to enjoy afternoon tea or a meal at the in-house restaurant or just to stroll around the beautiful, landscaped garden.

W5

A fun, award-winning science and discovery centre, W5 offers a unique experience to visitors of all ages. With over 250 interactive exhibits and a varying programme of events, shows and exhibitions, you will not get bored here.

City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

With this open-top double-decker City Sightseeing bus, you will get a great view over some of the most important sights in the city. The tour starts from the Belfast City Hall, but you can hop on at any stop along the route. There are 20 total stops, and the entire route takes about 1 hour.

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