11 Best Things To Do in Belfast
Why Belfast?
Belfast is a city not to be over looked. While it may not be as known as its neighbors, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh the city has fantastic offerings.
Yes, there is much to learn about The Troubles, however, there are lots of other things to see and do. There is The Game of Thrones studio, Titanic Belfast
1. Titanic Belfast
Along the River Lagan, Titanic Belfast sits in the shipyard where the infamous ship was built. This experience tells the story of the ship from its initial design in the offices of Harland & Wolff through the launch of the ship from the slipway.
There are two experiences you can take part in to learn more about the ship and its history.
1. The Discovery Tour is a guided tour of the shipyard and the Harland & Wolff drafting offices (now a hotel).
2. Inside the building, you can explore nine exhibits about the ship, the city of Belfast, and the people of the voyage.
2. Black Cab Tour
Belfast has a long history that has been significantly impacted by conflict, starting in the 12th century when the English first invaded the country. A unique way to learn more about the political conflicts of the city is to take a black cab tour.
The black cab tours address The Troubles from the 1960s through to the present day. You can hear both sides of the conflict, see political murals, and stop at the Peaceline - Belfast’s version of the Berlin Wall.
3. Food tour
A unique way to learn more about Belfast and Northern Ireland is to join a food tour. You’ll start at the famous St George’s Market, the last surviving Victorian food market, and start your day off with a good cup of tea. As the tour continues, you will meet food producers and beer brewers while seeing a more local side of the city.
Taste & Tour offers multiple food tours as well as drink tours!
4. Free Walking Your
I will always take a free walking tour of any city I visit. It’s a great way to explore the city, learn its history, and get local recommendations to get a different perspective on the city.
Learn about the city's history through a tour of the old city, starting with the Normans’ arrival, the English colonization, how the Industrial Revolution changed the city, and what the city is like today.
5. Dig into an Ulster Fry
An Ulster Fry, or a full Irish breakfast, was created for farmers to fill up before a long winter day. This breakfast became popular in the 1800s and became synonymous with Northern Ireland during the 1960s tourist boom.
An Ulster fry consists of fried eggs, tomatoes, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, soda bread, potatoes, and black pudding. Enjoy this with a cup of breakfast tea for the full experience.
6. Game of Thrones
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, Belfast is the place to visit. A majority of the series was filmed in Belfast and around Northern Ireland.
Take a tour of the studio in Belfast
Follow the 6 stained glass themed windows on the Glass of Thrones Trail, which you can follow to Titanic Studios. Once at the studio take a tour to see the sets, props, costumes, and interactive special effects.
If you have more time you can take a guided day tour of the filming locations In Northern Ireland.
7. Tour Belfast City Hall
While visiting a city hall may not sound like the most interesting, Belfast’s City Hall is an exception. First opening its doors in 1906, the city hall now has a free art and history exhibit to learn more about the city and see what the city looked like the last century.
City hall, the exhibit, and the tour are free.
8. Albert Clock
Albert clock is located in Queen’s Square, between the Cathedral Quarter and the River Lagan. Built in 1869 as a memorial clock to Prince Albert
The clock is sinking due to its weight and it was built on unstable ground. Now, it leans 4 feet off center.
9. Cathedral Quarter
Centered around St. Anne’s Cathedral, Cathedral Quarter has some of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from the 1800s.
The quarter is home to great pubs and nightlife tucked into laneways. Lovely cafes and delicious restaurants. This is definitely a place to spend some time in as you explore the city.
10. The Big Fish
11. Day Trip to Giant’s Causeway
If you want to see more of Northern Ireland, a day trip is a perfect way to go. Giant’s Causeway is the most iconic natural wonder of Northern Ireland and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the region.
Giant’s Causeways is on the north coast and is made of 40,000 interlocking basalt hexagons formed 60 million years ago from an ancient volcanic eruption.