a day ago
10 best things to do in Belfast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Here are 10 things to add to your Belfast itinerary...
1. Tour Belfast City Hall
The city's first civic building opened in 1906 and it's one of Belfast's most opulent buildings. Sign up for a guided tour to marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows (designed to highlight key chapters in the city's history), marble staircases and ornate sculptures. Its grounds include the Titanic Memorial Garden which has a nine-metre plinth bearing the names of those who died when the ship sank.
The city's first civic building opened in 1906
2. Board HMS Caroline
HMS Caroline is a decommissioned navy ship which set sail in 1914. She was used in combat during WWI and as an administrative base during WWII. She now resides in Alexandra Dock in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, and visitors can check out her engine rooms, drill halls and captain's quarters (which make even the smallest cruise ship
3. Pick up gardening tips
Established in 1828, Belfast's Botanic Gardens are stuffed with species from the southern hemisphere. One of the most striking buildings is Charles Lanyon's Palm House, which was built in 1839, while the Tropical Ravine greenhouse's tropical plants include orchids, bananas and lilies.
Charles Lanyon's Palm House
4. Celebrate Narnia
CS Lewis Square, on Newtownards Road, has seven bronze sculptures depicting characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, and pays tribute to the Belfast-born author. Afterwards, pop into the EastSide Visitor Centre, next to the square, to learn about the history of East Belfast, or to feast on delicious cakes at its JACK Coffee Bar (C.S. Lewis was known as Jack to his close friends).
5. Visit Titanic Belfast
'No trip is complete without a visit to Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum built on the shipyard,' says The museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, and has 10 galleries where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells connected with the ship, learning not only about HMS Titanic but the people who built her. Expect plenty of tech – interactive screens display passenger lists and visitors can board rollercoaster-style cars to travel through a replica of the ship.
Sunset over Titanic Belfast
6. Shop at the market
The covered St George's Market was built in the late 1800s, and it's a fantastic option for rainy days. There's little you won't find here, whether it's second-hand books or delicious food. Head for the bakery section to admire types of bread you never knew existed (we're particularly keen on fadge, made with potatoes) or to the seafood section to check out stalls piled with still-twitching prawns, crabs and clams.
7. Admire Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle isn't actually that old – it was built in the 1860s – but it's still worthy of your radar. Architectural masterpieces include a gorgeous Italianate Renaissance spiral staircase and the grand Jacobean-style portico, although the grounds are just as wonderful, with beautifully manicured gardens incorporating fountains.
Belfast Castle was built in the 1860s
8. Hike through Cave Hill
Cave Hill Country Park, on the city's outskirts, is a brilliant place to soak up views over Belfast. Its numerous archaeological sites include an ancient ráth (or fort) and there are several picnic spots. It's a nature lover's paradise – don't be surprised to spot peregrines soaring above the park's fragrant wildflower meadows.
9. Sip Guinness
Belfast is famous for its cosy pubs. Take Great Victoria Street's The Crown, which opened in the 1920s and is now owned by the National Trust. The historic pub is packed with original features, including brocaded walls, mosaics and etched glass windows, and the most sought after spots are the cosy wooden snugs, complete with gunmetal plates that were once used for striking matches.
Belfast is famous for its cosy pubs
10. Try an Ulster
Fry A great way to fuel your exploration of Northern Ireland's capital, an Ulster Fry breakfast typically includes bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, soda bread and potato bread. Perhaps try it at Newtonards Road's Lamppost Cafe, where your hearty meal will be served on Insta-friendly vintage crockery.
Originally published as 10 best things to do in Belfast
