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What Are the Best Things to Do in Belfast?

The United Kingdom is a group of 4 countries, that are England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Here, Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. Thus, before visiting there, it is important for people to know the top things to do in Belfast so that they can make their trip worth visiting. Therefore, in this blog, you will go through ten must-visit places in Belfast and also the top 5 attractions for students there. Apart from this, there are a few recommended things that you can do there. So, hold tight and visit Belfast with complete planning.

Learn about the top things to do in Belfast with experts at Graddinghomes.com

Table of Contents

Must Visit Places in Belfast

Everyone knows that the entire UK is famous for its beautiful architecture and variety of things to do. Likewise, there are numerous places to visit in Belfast that will make your day out in the city worth spending and interesting. Thus, read below to learn about such places and their information, and plan accordingly.

1. Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast

If you visit Belfast and miss going to this place, then believe that your visit was just not worth it. Everyone knows about the famous ship named Titanic. So, who would miss the opportunity to see the place where it was designed? Moreover, this is the place from where the ship was first launched. Thus, it is hard to believe that someone can miss the chance to learn about the story of Titanic, its conception, through her construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Therefore, it is a must-visit place if you visit this city.

2. St. George's Market

St. George's Market

If you ask a wise person what they would do in Belfast, their first choice among all the best things to do in Belfast would be visiting the St. George’s market. This is the last surviving Victorian-covered market in Belfast. So, if you want to live in that era, and experience their market style, then this place will give you a similar vibe. Moreover, this market was built in three phases between 1890 to 1896. Once you visit there, you will find a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce and artisanal crafts to mouthwatering food stalls from around the world.

3. Black Taxi Tours

Black Taxi Tours

Taking the black taxi tour is one of the best things to do in Belfast. This tour is the best way of gaining a local insight into the recent history of the city. This cab tour is famous because it represents the old culture of the city when black cabs were almost used as bus services. Moreover, one of the best and unique factors is that this cab service is jointly owned by both a Protestant and a Catholic. So, if you plan to take a city tour and look at the top tourist attractions in Belfast, then choosing black cab service is the most reliable and comfortable option.

4. Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is one of the most important places in Belfast. To know why, you must understand the history of the city. In 1888 Queen Victoria granted Belfast the status of the city and it was agreed that a grand and magnificent building was required to reflect this new status. City Hall opened its doors on the first of August 1906, at a time of unprecedented prosperity and industrial might for the city. Moreover, it is a grade-A listed building, proving its value and significance in the city’s administration. So, it is worth visiting here to experience the aura of this civic building.

5. Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens is a public garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This place is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Belfast. This place occupies 28 acres of south Belfast, the gardens are popular with office workers, students, and tourists. Moreover, you will get to experience the beautiful garden here, which is beneficial because Queen’s University is very close to this area. So, students can come here in their break time and can relax a bit. Here, you will see some of the amazing plants and documents, preserved and enriched for centuries. This place has tropical plants, giant bird feeders, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, flower beds, and sculptures.

6. Peace Wall

Peace Wall

The peace lines or peace walls are a series of separation barriers in Northern Ireland that separate predominantly Irish Republican or nationalist Catholic neighborhoods from predominantly British Loyalist or Unionist Protestant neighborhoods. They have been built at urban interface areas in Belfast and elsewhere. People there have made graffiti on the wall in some areas, which are worth seeing. Thus, visiting here is surely one of the best things to do in Belfast. Here, you will learn about the history of the city, when it was divided into two parts to promote peace, love, and harmony among the Catholics and Protestants.

7. Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House is very beautiful and one of the most iconic places in Belfast. This theater was opened on 23rd December 1895. As discussed above, the majority of buildings in the UK represent its history through their beautiful structure and architecture. Likewise, this theater presents multiple outstanding programs such as drama, opera, dance, comedy, musicals, family shows, and much more. Apart from this, this place also hosts several educational tours. Moreover, this place was built by the renowned architect Frank Matcham. So, it is worth visiting here and experiencing some of the amazing theater plays.

8. SS Nomadic

SS Nomadic

SS Nomadic is one of the top tourist attractions in Belfast. This ship is a former tender of the White Star Line, launched on 25 April 1911 at Belfast, that is now on display in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. It was built to transfer passengers and mail to and from the ocean liners RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic. Moreover, stretched over four decks, a visit to Nomadic allows you to experience first-hand what it was like to be a passenger boarding Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage, to experience the details and the contrasts between the separated class areas on board.

9. National Football Stadium Windsor Park

National Football Stadium Windsor Park

If you are a football fan, then visiting the Windsor Park football stadium is among the best things to do in Belfast. Northern Ireland play their home matches at Windsor Park, Belfast, home of Linfield, which they have use of on a 108-year lease, giving the owners 15% of revenue, including gate receipts and TV rights. Moreover, this stadium has a seating capacity of 18,500, making it a huge place for the crowd to assemble and enjoy the game. Moreover, if you visit there, there are chances that you can watch your favorite players practicing there.

10. Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is the best places to visit in Belfast. This is a mansion located in Cave Hill Country Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in a prominent position 400 feet above sea level. Its location provides unobstructed views over the City of Belfast and Belfast Lough. Moreover, the castle is renowned for its popular coffee shop and a good reputation for food through the years. The unique venue is home to several rooms suitable for conferences, social events, and private functions. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to say that this castle is one of the city's most famous landmarks to visit.

These are the best places to visit in Belfast. Here, one of the benefits is that almost all these places are not very far from the local residency and student accommodation in Belfast. Thus, it is easy for people to reach there, admire the beauty of these places and make your day out in the city worthy and interesting.

Now, when talking about student accommodation, there are several student attractions in Belfast, which you will read in the next section.

Attraction in Belfast for Students

The entire UK is a major education hub in the world. Therefore, it attracts thousands of students every year in its top universities. Likewise, Belfast also attracts numerous students every year. So, there are a lot of places in Belfast that will keep the students engaged and make their lives interesting in a foreign land. Therefore, some of the things to do in Belfast for students are:

1. Queens University Belfast

Queens University Belfast

The Queens University Belfast is one of the best places to visit in Belfast for students. This is a famous research-based university, holding a global reputation for academic and faculty excellence. Here, you can find people from several other countries and make international relations. Moreover, there are libraries and other reading zones on campus that students can utilize to read peacefully. Furthermore, there is the option of on-campus student accommodation here for the students, making their lives easy.

2. Ulster Museum

Ulster Museum

Visiting the Ulster Museum is the best things to do in Belfast. This museum is located in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast and has around 8,000 square meters of public display space, featuring material from the collections of fine art and applied art, archaeology, and many more. Entry here is free, and your visit there will be completely worth it. Here, you can get additional facilities such as toilets and cafeterias, making it easy for you to get relaxed. Thus, this museum is amazing and needs no more explanation than that.

3. Cathedral Quarter

Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is one of the must-visit places in Belfast. This is a cultural and nightlife zone around Saint Anne’s Cathedral, a Romanesque church known for its organ recitals and needle-like steel spire. The Cathedral Quarter is home to many arts and cultural venues, from art exhibitions to music tours, you can soak up the best of art in Belfast in the Cathedral Quarter. Here, you will find comedy, and art shows, food festivals and summer concerts, craft coffee shops, and stylish modern pubs line.

4. Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings

If you are a political enthusiast and are interested in the political and administrative proceedings of the country, then visiting the parliament buildings is among the best things you can do in Belfast. These are also often referred to as Stormont, because of their location in the Stormont Estate area of Belfast, which is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland. Moreover, the best part is that Stormont Estate is a major tourist and visitor attraction on the outskirts of Belfast, open to the public and entry is free.

5. Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Goal is among the interesting places to visit in Belfast as it was a jail that closed in 1996 and now hosts public tours, live music, and paranormal investigation events. In its 150 years, children from impoverished families, political prisoners, and suffragettes were among those incarcerated within its walls. So, it is worth visiting this place and experiencing the history of the prisoners there.

These are the top places to visit in Belfast for the students that will help them get an informative and relaxing tour of the city. Moreover, there are other things that are recommended to do in Belfast. Thus, read about them in the next section.

There are some interesting things to do in Belfast that will keep you engaged for the entire day and you will enjoy being there. Thus, some of them are:

  1. Explore the city’s history: You can visit some of the landmarks and museums that reflect the rich history of Belfast city and you will learn a lot there. Places like Crumlin Road Gaol & Ulster Museum are the best locations for the same.
  2. Explore local markets: The local markets in Belfast offer a good taste of local produce, unique items, and even delicious street food. Therefore, the local markets there are best for window shopping and spending a few hours. St. George's Market is the best place to experience the same.
  3. Theater and Cinema: There are multiple theaters in Belfast. You will experience watching shows and movies in a historic heritage and cultural environment. Moreover, there are shows and events in this city almost every weekend. You can visit the Grand Opera House to experience some beautiful dramas and live performances.
  4. Eating Out: Belfast has a lot of delicious street and luxury food options. You will get a diverse food and drink menu from across the globe. Also, the quality and quantity of restaurants and cafes around the city are the best. You can visit the local markets and city center to experience the delicious taste.
  5. Enjoy the greenery: The city is also home to many beautiful parks and green spaces. Whether you’re interested in taking a walk, having a picnic, or just relaxing outdoors, there are plenty of peaceful spots. The Botanic Park is the best place to experience these scenes.

Conclusion

This was all about the things to do in Belfast. Here, you read about the places that are visited in that city and also some other places that are top student attractions in Belfast. Thus, it is obvious that you won’t get bored there and also there are plenty of things to keep you busy. However, if you still want any guidance for your foreign trips, international guidance, or student accommodation in UK, then reach out to our experts. They will guide you through all the issues and will help you make your life smooth in the foreign land.

FAQs

1. Is Belfast Worth Visiting?

Belfast is a fantastic gateway for day trips to Northern Ireland's iconic attractions like the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges. This city will help you experience a rich history, culture, and stunning scenery.

2. Is Belfast Cheap or Expensive?

All the cities in the UK are a bit expensive, but if you compare it with other cities such as London or Manchester, they it is affordable.

3. How Do I Spend a Day in Belfast?

To make the most of a day in Belfast, explore the Titanic Belfast, wander through the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, and consider a black taxi tour or a visit to St. George's Market. It is sure that you won’t feel bored there.

4. Why Is Belfast So Famous?

Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, a major shipbuilding hub, and the capital of Northern Ireland, as well as its vibrant music scene and cultural attractions.

5. What Is the Best Month to Visit Belfast Ireland?

The best time to visit Belfast is during spring (March-May) or early summer (June), offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the coast.

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