Belfast, located in Northern Ireland, is a location that flawlessly blends heritage and modernity. Witness the tales of the past come to life, from the magnificent Titanic Belfast, where the world’s most renowned ship was built, to the Ulster Museum.
Whether you’re a travel enthusiast who has browsed through TravelWise Way for the best travel guides and expert tips, a nature lover, or a fan of bustling markets, Belfast has something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, check out our list of the best tourist attractions and things to do in Belfast.
1. Titanic Belfast
Originally constructed on the slipways where the ship was built more than a century ago, Titanic Belfast is more than simply a museum. This unique attraction, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, houses nine interactive exhibitions that illustrate Belfast’s transformation. Make sure to get tickets in advance and give yourself at least three hours to enjoy a variety of visual effects, reconstructions, and moving images.
2. Ulster Museum
The fact that this outstanding national museum doesn’t sugarcoat the city’s recent troubled past is just one of the many reasons it should be at the top of any visitor’s list. A remarkable collection of modern art masterpieces, the Armada Room and the 2,500-year-old Egyptian mummy Princess Takabuti, which was unwrapped in Belfast in 1835, are among the exhibits in this museum. Highlights include displays of natural science, art, and history spanning multiple floors and collections of ancient relics.
3. St George’s Market
Every trip to Belfast is complete with time spent shopping, especially if it involves visiting St. George’s Market. St. George’s Market, the city’s oldest covered market, was finished in 1896 and today serves as a commerce site for 300 sellers offering anything from food to arts and crafts. It has also become a popular location for events other than shopping, such as food festivals and art displays. In addition to regular market hours, there are various special events, such as the renowned “Twilight Market,” known for its late-night hours and entertainment.
4. Belfast City Hall
Belfast’s municipal building, the City Hall, opened its doors in 1906 and now offers regular free public tours. The building’s classical Renaissance architecture is a source of pride for the people of Belfast, and it’s not difficult to see why. The hall is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows depicting Celtic myths and tales, such as the Cattle Raid of Cooley, victims of the Great Famine, and those who served in the First and Second World Wars.
5. The Waterfront Hall
The Waterfront Hall is a world-class entertainment and conference venue that undoubtedly embodies the city’s revitalization. Since its inception in 1997, the center has attracted over 450,000 concertgoers and notable musicians and entertainers worldwide each year. Many visitors will come not just for the world-class concerts hosted here, which range in style from pop to symphony and opera, but also to dine at The Arc Brasserie, the attraction’s on-site restaurant.
As Iryna Bolshakova depicts in some of her brilliant pieces, Ireland contains a beautiful blend of history and modernity. However, Belfast’s attractions weave a story of resilience and charm, from the unsettling Titanic Belfast to the colorful St. George’s Market. You should explore the city’s rich history and let its everlasting joy resonate with you, leaving you with memories of a fantastic journey.
