Belfast is also famous as the Irish capital Dublin. The city is part of Great Britain and is surrounded by hills stretching along the shores of the Irish Sea, from the port of which the transatlantic ship Titanic was launched.
A castle was built on one of the hills in the 12th century, and an urban settlement was formed here five centuries later. Only at the end of the 19th century, during the reign of Queen Victoria, did Belfast receive city status. Now it attracts numerous travelers and offers tours for every taste. What remarkable places are there in this city?
We have selected the best Belfast attractions that are worth seeing when visiting the city on your own. In fact, all interesting places can be seen in one day, most of them are within walking distance. Therefore, transit tourists stay here for a maximum of two nights.
City Hall in Belfast City Hall
It is from this significant building, located on the spacious rectangular Donegal Square, that it is recommended to start your acquaintance with the city. The structure is located in the center of the square. It was built at the turn of the 19th century in the neo-baroque style. The height of its main dome is 53 m. Now the town hall has a hall for holding City Council meetings.
The building has an impressive architectural design. Interesting monuments are located along the entire perimeter, and a monument to Queen Victoria is installed in front of the main entrance. Well-groomed lawns are green around the town hall, where Irish youth really like to relax.
The town hall has not only a magnificent facade, but also a wonderful interior decoration. To watch it, you need to sign up for an excursion. Guests of the town hall will learn a lot of useful information from professional and enthusiastic guides.
- address: Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS;
- opening hours: Mon-Fri excursions at 11.00, 14.00, 15.00; Sat-Sun 12.00, 14.00, 15.00.
Donegal Square
The heart of the city, a place where different architectural styles mix. Different historical eras have merged on the square, but all the wonderful buildings are in harmony with each other. Along the entire street there are monuments to the ships that were made at the shipyards of the capital: Titanic, Olympic and Britannicus. They are made in the form of metal arcs.
In addition to the City Hall, the square is home to many other significant buildings for the city.
Museum complex Titanic
Placed on the site of the shipyard where the Titanic was built - a ship with a sad fate. The structure has been open since April 2012 and consists of the bows of four liners, and its height is 38 m. In the middle of the museum there is an exact copy of the Titanic staircase, there is an engine room, which you can visit and visit the captain's bridge.
Interactive museum exhibits tell the history of the liner from its inception to its wreck.
If you are wondering what to see in Belfast in 1 - 2 days, we recommend that you include this museum in your city guide.
- address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road;
- working hours: Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00.
Belfast Castle
Intended for the third Marquis of Donegal. The building is decorated with numerous turrets. The castle was built in 1870 in the Scottish style, and in 1934 it became the city property.
At the end of the 20th century, the building was restored. Nowadays it hosts wedding celebrations. At the top of the building, there are several stands dedicated to history, folklore and archeology. There is a restaurant and an antique shop in the basement of the complex.
The castle is located within the city limits on a hill surrounded by trees. Its interior is completely discreet, but with a characteristic English atmosphere.
- address: Antrim Rd;
- working hours: Mon-Sat 9.00-22.00, Sun 9.00-17.30;
- the entrance is free.
Parliament building Stormont
Among the main attractions of Belfast in Northern Ireland, Stormont has a special place. He is an example of British restraint and brevity.
The building of the early 20th century is distinguished by a white neoclassical facade and austere architecture without any frills, but very beautiful. The interior decoration of Stormont is equally stunning and the surrounding area is very well maintained.
History buffs will surely be delighted with a visit to the parliament building and learn many interesting facts about it.
- address: Belfast BT4 3XX.
Albert Memorial Clock
Installed on the Albert Tower in Royal Square. Their design is reminiscent of London's Big Ben. The clock tower was initiated by Queen Victoria, who dedicated it to her husband Albert.
Over time, the structure has slightly tilted and now looks like a tower in Pisa. The Albert Tower is often seen in city photos.
The clock is illuminated at night.
- Address: Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3FF.
The grand opera
Undoubtedly deserves the attention of the guests of the city. Its opening took place in 1895. It is located in a beautiful building that attracts the eye with an extraordinary architectural idea. For some time, the building housed a cinema, and in 1980, after reconstruction, another hall was opened and given to the theater. Nowadays, the Grand Opera hosts not only opera concerts, but also performances, pop and dance performances.
- Address: 2-4 Great Victoria St.
Queens University
While exploring the sights of Belfast City, do not forget about this institution, which was the city's first university. The institution has existed since the middle of the 19th century. Two colleges are also attached to its main building.
Queens is like a city within a city, in which there are numerous buildings. The university employs almost four thousand teachers, and its main focus is teacher education.
- address: Belfast BT7 1NN.
Crumlin Road Prison
The building that housed death row inmates. The prison served its purpose for a century and a half from the middle of the 19th century. Now it houses a museum. Visitors to this rather gloomy place can walk along its dark narrow corridors, look at solitary cells and visit the rooms where the criminals were awaiting the death sentence. Crumlin Road is said to be haunted.
The prison has a wall with portraits of prisoners, among whom there are even children. In the days of Queen Victoria, they could get here for theft by stealing an apple from hunger.
- address: Crumlin Road.
St. Anne's Cathedral
Highlighting interesting places in Belfast, it is worth noting this temple with a Celtic cross. The building was erected for a long period of time and was constantly undergoing reconstruction, so only its windows have survived from the initial plan.
The cathedral is distinguished by a beautiful dome, decorated with stained glass compositions, has a chapel and an organ sounds in it. The floor in the temple is decorated with multi-colored marble.
- address: Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2HB;
- working hours 6 Mon-Sat 9.00-17.00, Sun 13.00-17.00.
Lyric theater
A rather massive building surrounded by greenery was built quite recently. The building is distinguished by the Art Nouveau style, complemented by futuristic details. Its interior is executed in the same spirit in restrained shades.
Until 2011, the building housed an old theater.
In 2012, the Queen of England honored her with a visit to the Lyric Theater.
- Address: 55 Ridgeway St, Belfast BT9 5FB.
Ship Nomadic and Caroline
Was engaged in the delivery of passengers to the Titanic, traveling in 1st and 2nd class. In the past, the ship moored in Paris and was used as a floating restaurant. In 2006, after returning to the city, a museum was placed on the ship.
Caroline did an excellent job of being the main center of the Royal Navy during the World Wars, and is now used to display exhibits.
Ulster Museum
The museum exposition boggles the imagination with a huge variety. It contains both specimens of sailing machines and rare species of insects.
The exhibits of the museum tell visitors about the history of the region, its geography, as well as achievements in the scientific and cultural spheres.
It has been located in the Botanical Garden since 1929.
- address: Belfast BT9 5AB;
- opening hours: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00, Mon - closed;
- the entrance is free.
Linen Hall Library
The oldest in the city of Belfast. It is located on the waterfront in the very center. The library fund is a source of pride for Linen Hall. The building has an old wooden staircase, which is a wonderful interior decoration.
The library is quite cozy, there are always a lot of tourists and visitors who are keen on reading.
- Address: 17 Donegall Square N.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9.30-17.30, Sat-Sun closed.
Waterfront hall
What to see in Belfast? Of course, this is a multifunctional complex designed for all kinds of large-scale events. The large hall of the building is designed for two thousand visitors, and the small one can accommodate 380 people. There is a restaurant and cafe on the territory.
Waterfront Hall has a high tourist rating. It often hosts fun theatrical performances and shows.
- address: 2 Lanyon Pl;
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-17.30, Sat 10.00-17.30, Sun - closed.
Botanical Garden
Delights with a riot of fragrant plants, graceful flowers and richness of colors. It is spread over 11 hectares and is equipped with beautiful installations. Walking in the garden is to get maximum pleasure and a lot of positive emotions. Make sure to take some time to visit the amazing park, where concerts and festivals are often held.
- address: College Park, Botanic Avenue;
- opening hours: Mon-Sun 7.30-16.30.
St. George's Market
The landmarks of Belfast are also St George's Market. It has a century-old history and is the best in the country. The market has earned an excellent reputation for selling high quality, locally sourced goods.
On Sundays, artists and artisans sell their paintings and crafts here. Saturday is the day of selling delicacies and souvenirs brought from different countries.
To fully feel the spirit of Ireland, you need to visit St. George's Market.
Big fish
It is located on the embankment of the city and is its symbol. The monument was created in 1999 and has a length of 10 meters. Its highlight is the historical facts applied to the ceramic tiles with which it is faced. This is how the sculptor decided to tell the guests the history of the city. There is an assumption that the monument contains a message to future generations.
Park cave hill
Located on a hillside outside Belfast. The area is very picturesque, but it is forbidden to enter some of its parts. However, the rest of the park is open to visitors.
There is an observation deck at the top of the mountain, from the height of which a panoramic view of the city opens.
Peace Bridge (Derry)
New city landmark, opened in 2011. The bridge is a symbol of peace between the Catholic and Protestant communities living on different banks of the river. It is 235 meters long and has a curved shape.
The construction starts from St. Columbus Park and stretches to Guildhall.
Parish Church of St. Malachy
One of the most remarkable structures of the 18th century, the transept of which is crowned with two twin towers. The church got its name in honor of the prophet St. Malachi, who predicted 112 popes to Catholicism.
- address: 19 Alfred St.
Walls of the world
Located between city blocks. They were erected in 1969 with the aim of delimiting the opposing sides - the British and the Irish. Today their length has reached 20 km. The walls are a real work of art, as they are painted with graffiti. They are dedicated to the history of the city and express the emotions of the local population. The pictures show the coat of arms of Belfast, gunmen, etc. There are also graffiti on football and political themes.
