Listed among the best cities to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, Northern Ireland's capital is worth adding to your travel bucket list. Belfast has established itself on the tourist scene as a city that has reinvented itself. With feelings of optimism, history and life pulsing through the city, it's an energetic stop on your Ireland itinerary.
Things to do in Belfast – With a past full of stories that start in the Iron Age (1200 BC). The history of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has developed into world-class museums and restorations that attract visitors from all over the world.
The big highlight is the Titanic Belfast, one of the city's proud symbols of museums. The museum remembers the 100 years of history of the Titanic, built there.
Belfast is an enchanting city with an art scene full of discoveries, beautifully restored Victorian architecture, fantastic food and pubs full of music.
For those who want to get away from history and enjoy nature, close by are 5.000 acres of national parks that accompany a glistening coastline.
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You will see in this post:
- where is Belfast
- How many days to stay in Belfast
- Things to do in Belfast – Top attractions in the city
- Where to eat in Belfast
- Where to stay in Belfast
- What you NEED to know BEFORE going to Belfast
where is Belfast
“Where is Belfast?” It's a very common question, as it can sometimes end up being overshadowed on the Dublin world stage.
The fact is, this shouldn't take Belfast off the map and off your travel list. The capital of Northern Ireland is just 1h40 by car from Dublin. Getting there is very easy, as there are transport options such as buses and trains that connect the two Irish capitals.
>> If you want to get to know the capital of Northern Ireland by car, we tell you everything here in the post How to drive in Ireland, everything you need to know to rent a car.
How many days to stay in Belfast
two or three days in Belfast are enough to see the main attractions of the capital of Northern Ireland. From there, it is worth continuing the road trip through the country's charming towns and cities.
Things to do in Belfast – Top attractions in the city
The city is divided into areas called "Quarters". A good tip is to divide your days and visits by quarters in the city, which are: City centre, Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, Linen Quarter, Queen’s Quarter e Gaelic Quarter.
For all the secrets of Belfast, board the city's black taxis and set out to explore all of Northern Ireland's capital.
Belfast Taxi Tour
At the height of the Industrial Revolution, the city was the world epicenter of the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope making and ship building.
Today, Northern Ireland's capital is dynamic and resurgent. You can get to know the attractions and sights at black taxi, which is a specialized taxi, accompanied by a qualified driver/guide who tells all the local stories.
Below, you can see the main attractions of the city and find out what to do in Belfast in each area of the city.
Cathedral Quarter
The area is named after the Belfast Cathedral, also known as the St Anne's Cathedral (or St Anne's Cathedral, in English).
The oldest part of the city, the Cathedral Quarter de Belfast, has changed in the last two decades. Pubs, nightclubs and hotels are now part of one of the oldest areas of the city.
The art and culture scene abounds in the Cathedral Quarter, thanks to the cultural and art organizations located on site.
belfast walls
Belfast is a city divided by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. There are walls scattered around the city, called Walls of Peace, which mark this division in some regions.
Falls Road, the famous road that connects the “neutral” center to the west of Belfast, is one of the main points where you can see the wall.
Rumor has it that the walls will no longer exist in a few years, but for now they remain one of the most sought after attractions by visitors to the city. To soften the meaning a bit, they are all decorated with graffiti and messages.
The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre)
O Metropolitan Arts Centre Belfast (MAC) It's a place you need to know if you like music, theater, art and dance.
Opened in 2012, the events that take place there can vary from parties and ballads to illusionist shows and experimental documentaries. Entrance is free.
Her Majesty’s Prison Belfast
HMP Belfast, also called the Crumlin Road Gaol, is the only surviving Victorian-style prison in Northern Ireland. It is a very interesting tour for those who like history.
The place worked as a prison for 150 years, until 1996. Known as the Alcatraz of Europe, it has been a tourist attraction since 2012. To visit it is necessary to schedule with a guide in advance. Tickets can be obtained online through the Crumlin Road Gaol website.
The Black Box & Green Room
A Black box is housed in a building called Grade II, built in 1850 and converted into an arts space in 2006. Since then, Black Box has been established as one of the premier venues for art and entertainment in the city.
It is a home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual art, live art, circus and cabaret. It's worth checking the schedule when you're in town.
St George’s Market
One of the must-see attractions for anyone looking for things to do in Belfast. O St George’s Market It is one of the oldest attractions in the city.
Built between 1890 and 1896, St George's was named the UK's Best Domestic Market in 2014 by the National Association of British Market Authorities.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it offers a huge variety of local, continental and specialty foods, including meat and fish, cheese, coffee beans, tapas and organic produce.
Belfast City Hall (Câmara Municipal de Belfast)
Completed in 1906, the Belfast City Hall was built to reflect the status of the City of Belfast, which was granted by Queen Victoria in 1888.
The building's rich interior includes a number of notable features: the grand staircase, Reception room and the Great Hall. over there, the Titanic Memorial Garden pays tribute to those who lost their lives on the ship's tragic voyage.
Tours with free admission from Monday to Friday at 10 am, 11 am, 14 pm, 15 pm and 16 pm.
Linen Hall Library
A Linen Hall Library it is the oldest in Belfast, founded in 1788. It is known for its collection of local studies.
Cathedral Quarter Pubs and Clubs
I have listed some of the best known Pubs and Clubs in Cathedral Quarter:
- Bert’s Jazz Bar at The Merchant
- The Bar at The Merchant
- The Great Room The Merchant
- The Dirty Onion
- The Darke Hourse
- The Duke of York
- The Harp
- The Hudson Yard
- The John Hewitt
- Kelly’s Cellars
- McHugh’s
- Muriel’s The Spaniard
- Bittles Bar
Titanic Quarter
The historic and reinvented Titanic Quarter de Belfast it is one of the main points of the city. Its main attraction, the Titanic Belfast is a Northern Ireland tourism success story.
Check out the options for things to do in Belfast at the Titanic Quarter:
Museu do Titanic Belfast
O Titanic Belfast ou Museu do Titanic, it is the main and must-see attraction for anyone looking for things to do in Belfast. Opened in 2012, the sumptuous building was built at a cost of £97 million. The building has iconic architecture – shaped like the arches of a ship – and comprises 9 4-story galleries.
The Museum tells the story of the famous ocean liner, the RMS Titanic – the same as in the movie! The Titanic Belfast transports the visitor on a journey through time. Knowing the lives of the workers, passengers and crew who made the tragic journey.
It tells the story from the construction (started in 1909), from the shipwreck in 1912 to the present day, with live transmission from the place where the wreckage is at the bottom of the ocean.
SS Nomadic ship
O SS Nomadic was built by Harland & Wolff in 1911. She was the small ship that transferred passengers from the port of Cherbourg to the RMS Titanic which, due to its size, was obliged to anchor far from land.
Now fully restored, the SS Nomadic It is located in Hamilton Dry Dock, opposite the Titanic Belfast. It is worth stopping by to know even more about the history of the pier and this ship that has such maritime importance.
HMS Caroline
O HMS Caroline she is the last surviving ship of the Battle of Jutland, the biggest naval battle of the First World War.
With plenty of history to tell, HMS Caroline opened to the public on May 31, 2016, one hundred years after the historic maritime clash.
Linen Quarter
O Linen Quarter is the area around the Town hall. It is known for its numerous pubs and nightclubs that rock the city's nights.
Some of the best-known pubs and clubs in the neighborhood are:
- Crown Bar
- Sweet afton
- Rita’s
- The Perch
- China white
- The Limelight
- Robinson’s and Fibber Magee’s
- The Garrick Belfast
- The Bridge House
- The Five Points
- Filthy McNasty
- The Foundry Belfast
- Morrison’s Bar Belfast
- Washington Bar Belfast
- The Basement Belfast
Discover more of the city from above!
Where to eat in Belfast
Now you know what to do in Belfast and also where to have fun and drink. Let's move on to the most delicious part of this post (at least for me), which is where to eat in town.
There are numerous pubs and restaurants in Belfast that are delicious and have Irish charm. Check out the options we know and recommend:
The Terrace at Robinson & Cleaver
O The Terrace at Robinson & Cleaver it is right opposite Belfast City Hall and has a terrace with a beautiful view of the city. With typical Irish food, it's worth sailing. Hope you are lucky to catch a sunny day in the city.
Howard Belfast
O Howard Belfast It's great for more romantic dinners. The restaurant has an excellent menu, with exquisite and delicious dishes, in addition to the beautiful preparations. It also has a great wine and cocktail list.
Hadskis Restaurant
With top rating on TripAdvisor, the Hadsky is in the Cathedral Quarter and is ideal for brunch or lunch. The menu is always changing, but offers Northern Irish beef and lamb, homemade pasta and delicious desserts.
Where to stay in Belfast
Most accommodation is in the city center, close to the main districts: the Titanic Quarter e o Cathedral Quarter. These are Belfast's most visited attractions.
>> Read our full post Where to stay in Belfast – Our recommendations from Budget to Luxury
We separate some options from hostels to more luxurious accommodations:
Vagabonds Hostel ($)
What it's worth: It's a great option for young couples and groups of friends.
Located in the Queens Quarter, the Vagabonds Hostel it is a little away from the main attraction of the city, the Titanic Belfast. The savings are worth it. The hotel has private or shared rooms.
Click Here and book at Vagabonds to save big when in Belfast
One Sussex Place ($$)
What's Worth: Full Apartment Option for Families in Belfast
O One Sussex Place it has a beautiful view of the city and is a 5-minute walk from Waterfront Hall. The property has several apartments complete with kitchen, living room and a double bed.
Click Here and book yours now apartment for the whole family at One Sussex Place
Malmaison Belfast ($$$)
What's worth: Funky, luxurious, and in a great location
Located in a building built in the 1800's right in the center of the city, the Malmaison Belfast it is a stylish boutique hotel. The property tastefully mixes the incredible history of the city with a contemporary decor made up of small surprises.
>> We stayed there and told you everything in the post Malmaison Hotel Belfast – Cool and Good Location
Click Here and make your reservation at Malmaison Belfast and enjoy this boutique hotel
Find more places to stay in Belfast at the best prices on Booking.com. Run and make your reservation now to guarantee promotional prices!
What you NEED to know BEFORE going to Belfast
Are you full of things to think about and still have to plan your entire trip? Or you've seen it all, but you're feeling that familiar "Have I forgotten something?"
So calm down, we'll help you with some items you can't forget before boarding. Come on!
1) Travel insurance for Northern Ireland
Taking out travel insurance for Northern Ireland is an excellent way to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy your destination and know that you have support if you need it. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES
Travel Insurance: Europe
UA 40 SPECIAL WORLD Medical assistance USD 40.000 Lost luggage USD 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 21/is*
AC 35 EUROPE Medical assistance EUR 35.000 Lost luggage EUR 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 25/is*
GTA 60 SLIM EUROPE Medical assistance USD 60.000 Lost luggage USD 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 17/is*
*Value for 7 days of travel. Select the desired plan!
2) How to have unlimited internet while traveling
Where to Buy: AMERICA CHIP
Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Just ask for an international cell phone chip through AMERICA CHIP. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.
#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet ;).
3) Have you booked your hosting?
Where to Buy: Booking.com
If you haven't booked your stay, the tip is to compare hotels, hostels and inns through Booking.com. This is the largest hotel booking platform in the world, ensuring a safe experience and great accommodation deals.
#StayHip: Keep an eye out for 'Smart Deals', which only last for one day. Some amazing hotels offer great discounts using this badge on the platform. If you find a good deal, it's worth closing!
4) Rent cars at the best prices
Where to Buy: Rent Cars
We really like Rent Cars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
#Here's a tip: Try to find cars with full car and third party insurance coverage. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.
Also, be very smart when closing with other car rental comparisons. That's because prices are usually charged in dollars and close with your card. If the dollar goes up, the price of your car rental goes up too.
Note: We highly value the credibility of our information. All the sites we recommend above are sites we already use, we have good experiences and feedback from readers!
In addition, it is worth checking out other useful information for your trip to Northern Ireland:
- Items you can't forget in your suitcase
- Europe Travel Insurance: What you NEED to know before hiring
- How Much Does Travel Insurance for Europe Cost?
- Travel Health Insurance – 5 tips to find a cheaper one
- Is Promo Insurance Reliable? It's good? How it works
Is that you? Already know what to do in Belfast, Northern Ireland? Comment here!
Read More
- Where to Stay in Belfast – Budget and Luxury Hotels
- Driving in Ireland – Everything you need to know
- Where to Stay in Northern Ireland – Malmaison Hotel Belfast
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- Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day – Best Cities in the World
- Travel Insurance Europe – What You NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING
- Backpacking Europe – Everything you need to know
- Why Exchange? – 10 Reasons to Close One Right Now
