Best Things To Do in Belfast

If you plan 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 crossed by culture and its troubled political history, so many of the attractions will have to do with these issues. From the city's murals to the museums, guided tours and nearby cities, here I tell you everything 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, touring St. George's Market, hiking the Giant's Causeway, seeing the HMS Caroline Museum, visiting the pubs of Cathedral Quarter and seeing the Belfast Botanic Gardens.

Visiting the Titanic Museum in Belfast is one of the best activities you can 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 through 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 ocean liner and its passengers. Also, at this same site, you can explore the SS Nomadic, the last ship of the White Star Line company that remains afloat.

Belfast is a city that has managed to transform its hectic political life into outstanding artistic expressions and one of the best alternatives to get to know this facet is to explore the murals of the city. During the tour, which you can surely do in one of the best tours of the city, you will visit the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods, where some of the most emblematic murals are located.

These murals, created by local artists, address political, social and cultural issues, providing a unique insight into the conflicts and evolution of the region 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 honor 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. Located at the top of Cave Hill, this building dominates the silhouette of the city and offers panoramic views that span from the city center to the coast. Built in the 19th century in the Scottish-Baroque style, the castle was designed by Charles Lanyon and stands as a symbol of Northern Irish 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 epicenter for cultural events.

In addition, at this site you can explore the surrounding grounds, which include manicured gardens and the natural setting of Cave Hill. The castle itself houses a visitor center that offers detailed information on the history of the site, as well as exhibits that highlight its cultural significance and make it one of the must-see sites of the best guided tours in Belfast.

St. Anne's Cathedral not only marks the kilometer zero of the historic center of Belfast, but also stands as one of the architectural landmarks of the city. This Anglican temple, built in the 19th century, is a landmark of the Victorian style and, in addition, one of the religious epicenters 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 also stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its tall towers, stained glass windows and sculptural details. Inside you can discover the vaulted ceiling, the elegant stained glass windows and the sculptures that decorate the aisles of the temple. In addition, the cathedral also hosts a number of cultural and musical events, highlighting its role during Christmas Eve in Belfast.

Also, because of its location in the heart of Belfast, you can easily reach this site, either by public transport in the city or on the hop on-hop off tour buses of the Northern Irish capital that include a stop on this route. It is also a central point to include in the tour of other nearby attractions.

Touring St. George's Market in Belfast will take you on 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, moreover, 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 it offers today, the market has been a reflection of the city's change and adaptability over time.

St. George's Market is an unparalleled experience for food lovers. Its stalls and stores offer a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to meats, fish, cheeses and artisan breads. In addition, you will find numerous places to enjoy lunch or a gastronomic excursion, as this market is often included in the circuits of culinary tours.

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, which will allow 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 will generally be able to 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 have a 3-day stay in the city or even less time planned.

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

HMS Caroline's history dates back to her construction in 1914 and her participation in the Battle of Jutland, where she served as 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.

Belfast, in addition to its cultural side, also has a lively nightlife, so visiting the pubs of the Cathedral Quarter will allow you to discover some of the most emblematic places to enjoy live music and authentic Irish hospitality. This lively neighborhood is known for its unique and diverse atmosphere, making it a must-see 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 on the local pub scene for decades. Its traditional charm, extensive beer selection and live music make this place a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Another standout is The Harp Bar, known for its ambiance and live music performances.

Visiting the Cathedral Quarter means not only enjoying excellent pubs, but also exploring an area that has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. This neighborhood has evolved from an industrial district to a cultural and artistic epicenter, housing galleries, theaters and bars that you can explore on a walking, biking or 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 characterized the history of the Northern Irish capital. This construction, which marks the difference between the territories occupied by the Unionists and by the Republicans, is presented as one of the symbols of the peace that reached the conflict and as a perfect canvas to know 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 symbolize the desire for reconciliation and peace today, and many of the city's most famous murals can be found on the Peace Wall.

Likewise, if you want to embark on an eye-opening journey that explores the complex history of Northern Ireland, one of the best alternatives you can opt for is to participate in a political tour. This tour, besides allowing you to see the Peace Wall, will also take you to City Hall and the Shankill Road and Falls Road, two artistic epicenters of the city, so these tours will serve you to get to know the capital in a fleeting visit of 1 day or a few hours.

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

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 colors 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. This museum, known for its focus on the history and culture of Northern Ireland, offers exhibits ranging from art and archaeology to social and natural history.