Experience the city’s best architecture and visitor hotspots
Belfast City Hall
The focal point of Northern Ireland’s capital
This magnificent building was opened in 1906 to celebrate Belfast’s new status as a city and hosts regular tours. It’s just as impressive inside as out, with ornate chandeliers, frescos and balconies making it more reminiscent of Bologna than Belfast.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Part of the fabric of Belfast, politically and culturally, ‘the Crum’ is now a must-see attraction
Opened in 1845 and in operation as recently as 1996, it’s not the cheeriest of days out but it is fascinating. *
Feel the chill
Of the Victorian cells and shudder at the hangman’s noose that still dangles from the ceiling there
Walk along the dank corridor that connects the Gaol with the crumbling courthouse across the road. For an extra-creepy experience, take one of the paranormal tours. *
Belfast Zoo
And while you’re at Cave Hill, you may as well pay a visit to Belfast Zoological Gardens, home to more than 1,200 animals and 140 species
The setting, far above the city, is as peaceful for the animals as it is for the visitors. As well as tigers, camels, elephants and the like, are crowd-pleasers like the black-tailed prairie dog and the meerkats.
The Crown Liquor Salon
Even if you’re not partial to a tipple, the Crown Bar on Great Victoria Street is a must-visit for its ornate ceilings and floor
Not to mention its much-coveted booths - if you want one you’d better get there early! Its atmosphere is unique, and it’s no wonder it’s owned by the National Trust.
Places worth visiting
Stormont Parliament Buildings
The grounds of Stormont are worth the visit alone – immaculately maintained gardens and forest which are free to explore. There are numerous trails and walks. Parliament Building was commissioned in 1921 upon the creation of Northern Ireland and, like the City Hall, offers tours, including of the chamber where the NI Assembly meets.
THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER
Belfast’s roots as a 17th-century port are most obvious around the cobblestoned streets of the Cathedral Quarter.
Named after the nearby St Anne's Cathedral and based in the original alleyways and entrances that date back to the birth of Belfast, the roads have names like ‘Skipper Street’ to reflect their maritime past.
The cobblestoned social hub of Belfast
The Cathedral Quarter has an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else. Intimate and inimitable, it combines historic spaces with a young, colourful atmosphere.
The Quarter is home to numerous bars, clubs, concert venues, creative spaces, galleries, pubs and restaurants, including the 385-year old White’s Tavern and the five-star Merchant Hotel, favourite haunt of the famous.
THE TITANIC QUARTER
The Titanic Quarter’s industrial heritage is evident everywhere.
Social and residential spaces sit amongst many of the Harland and Wolff shipyard’s historic buildings and facilities. Among these are the Drawing Offices, the Pump House, and the Thompson Graving dock, in which the Titanic once rested.
PAYING HOMAGE TO BELFAST’S MOST FAMOUS CREATION
Titanic Belfast is the centrepiece of the Quarter, built to resemble the great ship’s prow.
It's home to interactive exhibitions, artefacts, and event spaces. The skyline is dominated by the gantry cranes Samson and Goliath, and the Quarter is home to the 1911 SS Nomadic, the only remaining White Star Line ship in the world, and the WWI cruiser HMS Caroline.