The well-known fact that this is a port with a dock, where the legendary Titanic was once built, brought the city world fame. The main sights of Belfast introduce you to the history of old and modern Northern Ireland. From the list of historical and cultural sites, it is difficult to choose what to see in Belfast, since there are many of them here. Let’s talk about the most interesting of them.
What to see in Belfast first
Have you come for a short time and planned to visit the best sights of Belfast in a short period of time? You will probably be interested in the objects from the list below.
1. Town Hall
Victorian Town Hall in Donegall Square
You will not be able to pass by this monumental building in the center. Many bus routes intersect here, so it’s easy to get anywhere in the city from here. There are hotels in Belfast with excellent English service in the district. Public events, including charity fairs and outdoor film screenings, and free guided tours are often held in the courtyard of the Town Hall.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
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2. Stormont Parliament Building
Statue of Sir Edward Carson in front of the Stormont Parliament Building
This building is an example of English restraint and primness – strict architecture, laconic facade, restrained lines. The Stormont area is closed to the public, so qualified guides in Belfast will tell you general facts about the British administration, which holds meetings here.
Official website: https://www.niassembly.gov.uk
3. Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle is surrounded by a picturesque English garden
The castle is located in the city, on a hill, surrounded by a small garden and is open to tourists. Admission is free. The interior of the rooms is discreet, but it still helps to feel the true English atmosphere.There is a restaurant on the ground floor, wedding celebrations are often held here, it is impossible to get into the castle on such days. But a walk through the garden, lined with decorative figures, will leave a pleasant impression of the walk.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
4. Albert Memorial Clock
Albert Memorial Clock in Belfast’s Royal Square at night
The iconic landmark of Belfast is the clock mounted in the Albert Tower. Its construction was initiated by Queen Victoria, dedicating the tower to Prince Albert, her husband.The watch imitates the design of London’s Big Ben. An interesting fact: over the years, due to the unstable foundation, the tower tilted slightly, now resembling the famous tower in Pisa.
5. Queens University
The Lanyon Building is the main building of Queens University, located on University Road
Opened in the middle of the XIX century, the university is the first public educational institution in the city. There are 2 colleges belonging to the university located near the main entrance.There is a wide range of academic degrees offered here, but preference is given to the pedagogical direction. The institution is associated with an autonomous town consisting of many buildings.The scale of the university can be judged by the number of employees approaching 4 thousand.
Official website: https://www.qub.ac.uk
Watch the magnificent views of Belfast in this beautiful video!
6. Crumlin Road Prison
View of one wing of the former Crumlin Prison
For almost a century and a half, since the middle of the XIX century, the prison fulfilled its direct purpose. Prisoners were kept here, whose lot was the death penalty. After its closure, the building became a museum.It is believed that this interesting place is haunted. Visitors can see dark corridors, solitary confinement cells, as well as a room for criminals awaiting execution.
Official website: https://crumlinroadgaol.com
7. Grand Opera
The facade of the Bolshoi Opera building in the Oriental style by Matt Kieffer
The opera, built in the early 19th century, has earned the best recommendations from travelers. The creator of the project appreciated the eastern trend in architecture, hence the originality and originality of the building, which is uncharacteristic for England. In the middle of the last century, the building was given over to a cinema, opera performances began to be given in 1980, after the reconstruction of the stage. After the re-reconstruction at the beginning of this century, the capacity of the theater was increased by opening a small hall.
Official website: https://www.goh.co.uk
8. Lyric Theater
The massive Lyric Theater building among the greenery by William Murphy
If we list the main attractions of Belfast briefly, then this newly built building will also be included in the list due to the postmodern style with the inclusion of futuristic elements. Until 2011, there was an old theater here. A year after the opening, the theater was honored with a visit from the English Queen.The interior is designed in restrained tones, in the same postmodern style.
Official website: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk
9. St. Anne’s Cathedral
The Celtic cross on the northern facade of the Cathedral of St. Anna
When choosing what to see in Belfast, do not ignore this cathedral. The history of the long-term construction of the structure is interesting. Only the windows remained from the initial project, everything else underwent reconstruction. The baptistery dome with rare mosaics, chapels, stained glass compositions, and an organ are amazingly beautiful. The floor is unusually made of multicolored marble laid in a maze.The northern facade is decorated with a monumental Celtic cross.
Official website: https://www.belfastcathedral.org
10. St. Malachi’s Church
St. Malachy Parish Church in Belfast
The transept of the parish church is crowned by 2 twin towers. If you don’t know where to go in Belfast, take the time to visit here. The high marble altar was originally made of strong Irish oak, and only then replaced with stone. An interesting fact that you may hear during a tour in Belfast: St. Malachi is known for prophesying 112 popes to the Catholic Church, describing each one, and then, according to his prediction, the end of the world will come. Needless to say, these prophecies are of a dubious nature.
11. Titanic Monument Museum-Belfast
The building of the Titanic Belfast Museum is shaped like the bows of four Titanic Belfast ships
When planning what to see in Belfast in 1 day, take one of the first three places to this museum. There are 3 floors with documentation and installations, there are real exhibits (cabins, cutlery), a lot of interactive programs. The ticket price includes a visit to a pleasure boat. At the entrance, children are given checklists with tasks to find the right Lego element in the expositions.
Official website: https://titanicbelfast.com
12. The Nomadic and Caroline Ship
The Nomadic steamer delivered passengers to the giant liners Olympic and Titanic Clive G’
The functions of the Nomad included the delivery of passengers of 1,2 classes to the Titanic. Once the place of its mooring was the capital of France, where the ship was a restaurant afloat.In 2006, returned by Belfast, the Nomadic became a museum. The Caroline ship was the center of the British Royal Navy during the first two World Wars. Today, it also features exhibitions.
Official website: https://www.nomadicbelfast.com
13. Ulster Museum
The original Ulster Museum building on the grounds of the Botanical Garden in Belfast Reading Tom
Tourist reviews mention the huge, almost 8 thousand square meters area of the museum. Admission is free.The exhibits feature everything from rare bugs to mock-ups of sailing cars and dragons made of straw.The exhibits introduce the geography and history of the region, the achievements of Irish science and art.There is a botanical garden and a gift shop on site.
Official website: https://www.nmni.com
14. Linen Hall Library
Lynan Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast William Murphy
The library, located in the center on the embankment, can rightfully be proud of its fund. Be sure to include a visit here in your trip – you will surely be amazed by the ancient wooden staircase decorating the interior. It is very cozy inside, there are always a lot of visitors looking around the premises or just reading.
Official website: https://linenhall.com
15. The Waterfront Hall
Multifunctional Event Center in Belfast – William Murphy Waterfront Hall
The multifunctional exhibition complex also has a fairly high tourist rating.Opened at the end of the last century, it accommodates more than 2 thousand visitors in the large hall, 380 in the small one. There is a truly incessant celebration of the soul here: bright shows, theatrical and concert performances.There is a restaurant and several cafes on site.
Official website: https://www.waterfront.co.uk
Belfast Attractions: what else to visit in Belfast
Belfast serves as a gateway to the Northern Irish landscape. We see a huge amount of greenery, looking at the sights of Belfast photos with names and descriptions. No matter how much time you devote to its inspection, there will always be interesting tourist offers for you.
16. Big fish
The sculpture “Big Fish” on the Donegall embankment against the backdrop of the urban landscape in Belfast
The 10-meter-long figure of a huge fish was created in 1999. The fish, the symbol of Belfast, is located on the embankment and is surrounded by ceramic tiles with historical facts written on them.In this original way, the creator of the sculpture decided to convey information about the history of the city to the residents and guests of Belfast. It is believed that a message to the descendants is hidden inside the case.
17. The Walls of the world
Walls of peace divide religious communities in Belfast Alain Rouiller
Like many attractions in Northern Ireland, this one recalls the troubled times experienced by the country as a result of the struggle between the Irish and the British. The story tells about the wars that broke out in the last century on the streets of the country, including Belfast. In order to separate the warring parties, the authorities have erected a wall of peace between the neighborhoods. Today it is decorated with themed graffiti.
18. Botanical Garden
Palm House – greenhouse in the Botanical Garden
Include a trip to this 11-hectare garden in your review. The well-groomed territory is equipped with beautiful installations, and the vegetation in the greenhouses pleases with a riot of colors. Among the plants, xanthorrhea stands out, which is about 400 years old. Festivals and concerts are often held here.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
19. Cave Hill Country Park
Large picturesque area of Cave Hill Country Park
There is also an option to visit in Belfast, if you have extra time.Some areas of this picturesque park on the slope of Cave Hill are a protected area with limited access. But the rest is dotted with hiking trails that allow you to look into any corner. The top of the mountain serves as an excellent viewing platform for Belfast.
20. St. George’s Market
A huge range of Zhi Yong Lee products is presented at St. George’s Market
What a trip without visiting the local market! This bazaar is considered one of the best in the UK. Over its long, more than a century-old history, it has earned the fame of a market where products from local manufacturers of the highest quality are sold. On Saturdays, delicacies and souvenirs from other countries are sold, on Sunday artists exhibit their paintings here, and artisans create their own creations.
Official website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk
Do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the magnificent pubs, see the picturesquely painted buildings, get on themed excursions. Hospitable Belfast will surely surprise you! Read also about the sights of Dublin and be inspired to travel further around Ireland.
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