Things to do in Belfast: All you need to know about the places to visit

Belfast boasts a long heritage of culture and a thriving new social scene. Together, these two sides of the city build a village-like environment in a wide section of the capital, suitable for both students and visitors. It’s even fantastic value the money – it’s one of the cheapest places in the United Kingdom with an array of things to do in Belfast, unlike several of its surrounding towns of Scotland and England. After decades of strife and discord, the capital city of Northern Ireland sees a major rebirth as a tourism attraction and as a fantastic place to stay. There are lots of things to do in Belfast so you might wonder what are the things to do?

Things to do in Belfast

Ulster Museum, Belfast

The Ulster Museum presents natural research from around the globe, cultural culture and a very popular mummy. Opened in 1929, the museum was under restoration between 2006 and 2009 and has subsequently been one of the popular attractions in Northern Ireland. The museum is fully open to the public and features four floors of zoological, botanical, historical and natural sciences. Must-see highlights include Takabuti the Mummy and the outstanding British and Irish art series, 1740-1840. The museum also holds a popular ‘Night at the Museum’ function, which is a rare treat for adventurous young minds.

St Anne’s Cathedral

In 1899, Sir Thomas Drew started construction on St Anne ‘s Cathedral and has been the gemstone in Belfast ‘s Cathedral Quarter ever since. It’s a must-see attraction on its exterior thanks to its stained glass, elaborate floor and ceiling mosaics and a Celtic Cross carving, designed by John MacGeagh. Art lovers will love this cathedral ‘s tale in graphic art and tapestries right through the 20th century.

Queen’s University Belfast, Lanyon

The Queen’s University Campus lies within the heart of South Belfast. The university is the ninth oldest university in the UK, established in 1845, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The campus jewel, the Lanyon, has recently been called the most stunning campus building in the UK and is accessible to the public. Tourists should tour the Naughton Gallery and the Black and White Hall inside, where one can consider divine luck by rubbing Galileo ‘s foot (Brad Pitt reportedly grabbed the foot). Visitors can also visit, on request from the university, the impressive collection of portraits of former chancellors and alumni in the Great Hall.

Crumlin Road Gaol

The Crumlin Gaol Jail, also known as HM Prison Crumlin Lane, is an iconic site, and since 1996 the only Victorian prison that has survived in Northern Ireland. The jail has housed numerous prominent prisoners, including Eamon de Valera and many more, from the Irish Rebellion to the Ulster Troubles. The prison had seen many escapees and major political events throughout Irish history in its 150-year reign. The cultural importance for the city, if you choose to see the dark dungeons or read up on the fascinating past of Belfast, is worth a tour.

Cave Hill

In the city’s outskirts, and close to the Belfast Zoo and Belfast Castle, Cave Hill is a perfect climbing path to see the entire city from above, with a few hidden caves to discover along the way. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Adventures were also influenced by the site; Swift reportedly saw Cave Hill as a sleeping giant.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is located in the centre of the city centre, flanked by the Titanic Memorial Park, the town grounds and the City Hall café. As the pride of Belfast city, the exterior of the City Hall lights up more than 50 times a year to mark religious activities, festivals and days of remembrance that reflect an overwhelmingly international community from across the globe.

Botanic Gardens

You may remember the Botanic Gardens from the popular TV show of Jamie Dornan, The Drop, but it is mostly home to local students and visitors in the summer and spring months. It comprises 28 acres of land adjacent to Queen’s University including the Palm Building, which is accessible to the public, and the Ravine tropical home. If quick city weekends aren’t for you, this place is ideal for a relaxed day trip or prolonged break, located among the most popular cafés and restaurants in town. The renovation of the Tropical Ravine was a £3.8 million undertaking, and the house reopened in winter 2017. It is one of the unique things to do in Belfast.

Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum, which was officially named World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016, will not disappoint. Visitors will catch a glimpse of Harland & Wolff shipyard, which designed the RMS Titanic in 1912, right in the middle of the Titanic District. Your pass would include on-site entrance into the SS Nomadic ship while you visit the museum. It is one of the recommended things to do in Belfast.

Duke of York

So add the Duke of York to the must-visit things to do in Glasgow if you like the image of cobbled streets and typical Irish pints. This traditional bar serves up Guinness’ finest pint to enjoy in the Cathedral Quarter’s hidden streets. This is one of Northern Ireland’s one thousand conventional pubs, but the outdoor setting and energetic music placed it on the top 10 list of things to do in Belfast.

St George’s Market

Markets are fast to become popular tourist destinations for young and old alike. St George’s Market is a great spot to experience the Northern Irish spirit, selling year-round cuisine, arts & crafts, local design, jewellery & entertainment, winning it the 2017 UK’s Best Market Attraction. It houses a Range Friday Market, City Food and Design Saturday Market as well as a regular Sunday Market, and year-round exclusive twilight food markets.

Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

Belfast is a small town with all you’d expect from a big town, so you won’t have to go too far to see anything on this list of things to do in Belfast. Belfast certainly doesn’t disappoint with loads of things to do. Taking the help of a reputed guide certainly adds to the benefit. Pickyourtrail’s customisable United Kingdom packages are not only cost-effective but also is a seamless process. Log on to www.Pickyourtrail.com for more information or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.