Thinking of where to go and which places you should must visit in Belfast? So you are on the right track, we have shortlisted 9 best things that you can see in Belfast in 2023 into this article.
1. River Lagan
Summary
A cool and serene view of the Mirror of Belfast
Address
2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, Antrim BT1 3WH
Opening hours
Always
Insider Tips
Check the weather before making a walking trip. During rains the path can become slushy and muddy.
How to get there
From Belfast the towpath can be accessed from Lockview Road, Stranmillis. Download the map of Lagan Towpath before you commence your walk. Walk to the Waterfront Complex and the River is behind it
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The name Belfast has apparently originated from ‘Beal Feirste’ or the mouth of ‘Farset’ which was the River on which this city was built. This River flows into River Lagan.
River Lagan is the mainstream river beautifully meandering across Belfast. A walk across Belfast will lead you to Waterfront, a large complex. A small walk around the river leads to the bridge from where you can have scenic views of the River Lagan and the towering buildings and riverside houses around it.
Those who are keen for some walking trips alongside the River, The Lagan Towpath is a riverside walk path across the beautiful Lagan Valley from Belfast to Lisburn. The walk is alongside the River home to varied wildlife, flora and fauna and is a pleasant day trip.
2. Albert Clock
Summary
The Memorial Clock Tower of Belfast
Address
Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3FF
Opening hours
Always
Insider Tips
You may want to stand for a while and gaze at the Tower to realise that it tilts. To me it looked pretty straight. Note to photographers will be to click in the daylight to capture the fine sculptures and a click at dusk for the glowing clock.
How to get there
A walk around the city will take you to the Tower. Cannot be missed as can be spotted from almost any street of the City Centre.
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The Albert Memorial Clock tower in Queens Square, Belfast stands as a pillar of history of Northern Ireland. The sandstone tower is estimated to be 113 feet tall, though there is a disagreement among historians on this number. Built in 1865, in a Gothic style architecture, in memory of Price Albert, consort of Queen Victoria who is carved majestically on the Tower pillar.
The memorial tower was built in a marshy land on wooden piles, resulting which, it got the infamous lean. Could have been, the English counterpart of the Italian Leaning Tower of Pisa, until as late as 2002 a multi-million restoration project was started to prevent further leaning and restore the Tower.
3. Beacon of Hope
Summary
Statue For Thanksgiving
Address
Thanksgiving Square, Oxford Street, Belfast BT2 7BB
Opening hours
Always
Insider Tips
Visit once in the daylight and at dusk. The structure shines differently in afternoon sun and in the setting sun
How to get there
The best option would be to take a walk around the city. Alongside the Lagan River and Waterfront, you cannot miss this statue
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In a city which has a deep seethed war history, a statue defining peace and thanksgiving is truly a meaningful icon. Located in the ‘Thanksgiving Square’ overlooking the beautiful River Lagan is this 19.5 metres tall metal sculpture.
Built of stainless steel and cast bronze, this is the master creation of Andy Scott. It took six painstaking years of design and execution to erect this statue in 2007. It spirals upwards to hold the ring of Thanksgiving. The globe at its base is symbolic of peace, harmony and thanksgiving. It has a map of the cities and towns where the people migrated and trade was carried out in Belfast.
The lady has some cute affectionate names like ‘Nuala with Hula’ and ‘Doll on the Ball’. In the backdrop of setting sun and colourful skies, this steely structure glistens and looks somewhat psychedelic.
4. Belfast Cathedral
Summary
A century old testimony of the faith of Northern Ireland
Address
Donegall Street, Belfast BT12 2HB
Opening hours
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 8:00 – 16:00
Insider Tips
If you have time at hand, attend any concert in the evening probably an Opera or a normal service. The Cathedral lights up beautifully and creates a great atmosphere for some peaceful moments.
How to get there
Donegall Street is in the heart of Belfast and a walk through the city will take you there. Follow sign boards for St Anne’s Cathedral and its easy to reach by a walk.
Costs
There is an entry charge of 5£ per person. Regular prayer service is free of charge.
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Belfast is a city of churches with every street winding up with quite a mammoth pristine structure. However, the most notable one to stop by is the St Annes Cathedral also known as Belfast Cathedral.
Built in Romanesque style, the first foundation was laid in 1899. The new Cathedral that we see today was built in 1904. The inside of the Cathedral is adorned with large beautiful stained glass windows, mosaics of Italian glass, handcrafted tapestry, large decorated pillars, Baptistery and various exhibits dedicated to the Army and struggles of the nation.
There are two most interesting rather intriguing features of the Cathedral; One is Ireland’s largest celtic Cross on the exterior of the Cathedral. Second would be the a stainless steel ‘Spire of Hope about 40 m from the ground, ’which was added to the roof of the structure in 2007, a shining landmark dominating the Belfast skyline.
5. Belfast City Hall
Summary
The beautiful historic icon of the City Council
Address
Donegall Square, Belfast, Antrim BT1 5GS
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00
Friday: 8:30 – 16:30
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Public and bank holidays: Closed
Insider Tips
The City Hall is illuminated at night with various colored lights bringing out the best of the architecture marvels of this historic building. Recommend to have a look at it and get some photos during a night stroll.
How to get there
The City Hall is in the center of the Belfast City. It is surrounded by shops, eateries and the Belfast Visitor Center is directly opposite to it. A walking tour of the city will take you there. I would say all roads in Belfast lead to the City Hall, so you will keep hitting on it wherever you go in Belfast.
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Located in the heart of Belfast City is majestic historic building of the City Hall. Opened to public in 1906, the grand building was designed by Architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas in Portland stone in Baroque Revival style.
Today, the City Hall houses the Belfast City Council offices. What interests the tourists here is the strong connection of the City Hall with the iconic ship Titanic. There is a Titanic Memorial Garden on the east side of the City Hall. It houses the Titanic Memorial which inscribes the names of the lost souls from Belfast on RMS Titanic which met its untimely deadly fate on 15th April 1912 on its maiden voyage.
There are free public tours of the grounds and gardens of the City Hall on each day at a particular timing. If you are in Belfast you cannot miss sighting the grand building and a short visit inside is highly recommended.
6. Cave Hill Country Park
Summary
The Sleeping Giant!
Address
Cave Hill, Antrim Road/Innisfayle Park junction, BT15 5GR
Opening hours
While the park is open all year, the trek up the hill can be closed sometimes. Check the website as it changes according with season
Insider Tips
In rainy weather, the trek path can be muddy and slippery, be very careful. Wear hiking shoes and preferably carry walking sticks. Try to cover the whole climb up and down in daylight.
How to get there
If traveling by public transport take the Metro Bus 1 and alight at the stop for Belfast Castle and walk following the sign posts. If driving, take the Antrim Road north west from Belfast City Center following the sign posts.
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Cave Hill Country Park in Belfast Hills has so much to offer, from wildlife to archaeological sites to a lot of challenge to your limbs. A challenging circular route from the foothills at Belfast Castle up the hill to McArt Fort to a height of almost 360m above sea level.
The trek paths are clearly way marked and its not much of a hassle to trek up. The way to the summit takes you through caves, moorland, rivulets, heath, meadows and if its spring you can spot yellows, blues and pinks all around. The climb is truly rewarding when you see breath-taking panoramic views of Belfast and on a clear day, the Isle of Man and Scotland too.
McFort Art is a ring fort on Cave Hill. It is believed that United Irsihmen stood on this hill overlooking Belfast and pledged rebellion in 1795. Legend also has it that the Cave Hill’s resemblance to a giant inspired Jonathan Swift to pen down Gulliver’s Travels.
7. Titanic Belfast
Summary
Live The Experience Of The Long Lost RMS Titanic
Address
1 Olympic Way, Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP
Opening hours
Time varies according to the months, check the website for updated information
Insider Tips
Titanic Belfast is likely to get quite an influx of tourists especially during the Bank holidays and weekends. Recommend to buy tickets in advance online to get discounts and skip the queues.
How to get there
By walk Titanic Belfast would be around 20-25 minutes from the Town Center. Recommend to take a taxi which may take around 10 min from the City Center
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She was born and brought up here, was dolled as a bride on her maiden voyage, and finally she rests somewhere down in the seabed, RMS Titanic still lives in our memory. A visit to Belfast will be incomplete to re-live its lifetime journey. Built under the supervision of Naval Architect Thomas Andrews in Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast in 1909, The Titanic is today an icon of history of Belfast.
Titanic Belfast, located in Titanic Quarter is world’s largest Titanic visitor experience spanned across a state of the art 6 floor building built beside the site of the ship’s construction yard. Live thru the experience with interactive galleries. There are various tours you can choose from. There are impressive restaurants and cafes where you could dine or stopover for an Irish tea experience.
At the Titanic Quarter, you can take up Boat Tours, walking tours and a Sea Safari.
8. Murals of Belfast
Summary
Reflection Of The Political Changes In Northern Ireland
Address
The West, North and East areas of Belfast have many murals to explore. However the West Belfast political murals are most popular among tourists
Opening hours
Always
Insider Tips
Be careful while you are clicking photos in deserted streets and look around well. While I didn’t experience anything untoward, my Cab Driver did site many recent incidents of tourists being hit by stones or soccer balls by the street vandals.
Costs
All Black Taxi tours charge almost similar amount. They normally charge 10£ per person for 3 person or more. For two they will charge 30£. You can choose any operator, they will take you around almost the same routes.
How to get there
There are Hop on Hop Off Buses which will take you around the main roads with Murals. However to get a detailed view and many more Mural Streets take one of the famous Black Taxi Tours.
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A visit to Belfast will be incomplete without visiting some of its world famous murals. A mirror of the political dynamics in Northern Ireland over the last decades, these murals tell a thousand stories of turmoil and mutiny.
There are many areas where one can see the Murals, the North, West and East Belfast. The area of Unionist, Shankhill and the area of Nationalist. Falls, is divided by Peace Wall in West Belfast and is most visited by tourists.
The famous murals to look out for are that of Bobby Sands on Falls Road, a member of IRA who died while on the hunger strike of 1981 while in prison; another one is at Shankills Road, popularly known as the Belfast Mona Lisa, is that of a gunman who appears to be aiming at you, no matter where you stand.
9. Belfast Castle
Summary
The fairytale Castle of Belfast!
Address
Antrim Road, Belfast, Antrim BT15 5GR near Whitehouse
Opening hours
Monday: 9:00 – 18:00
Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 – 22:30
Sunday: 9:00 – 18:00
Insider Tips
Entry to the Castle is free. You may want to combine your trip with a trek to Cave Hill as well. Wear good walking shoes
Costs
Free
How to get there
A taxi ride from City Center is just 10-15 minutes from the Castle. You can also take a Metro Bus Number 1 which stops at the Castle Bus Stop. From here you have to walk for 10-15 minutes upto the Castle.
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Any European city will be incomplete without a castle replete with history. The 19th century Belfast Castle is perched at an envious position at the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. The original Castle was built in Belfast city by the Normans, but it was was burned down in 1708 AD. The new castle which we see today was built at this new site at Cave Hill. The castle is built in Scottish Baronial style by the Chichesters.
The castle looks straight out of a fairytale book and resembles the German Schloss. The two storeyed stone structure has a beautiful sweeping stone staircase overlooking the gardens. A quick peek inside the castle which is now used only for weddings, social events and gatherings, has lovely rooms with elegant décor with large windows. There is a park surrounding the Castle which has exotic flowers, fountains and lush green grass beds. The park has a ‘Cat’ theme. There are floor mosaics depicting a Cat design, bushes cut out in Cat silhouettes and quaint Cat statues around.
There are exquisite views of the Belfast City from the Castle park. If you are game for some adventure, there is the Cave Hill trek path just next to the Castle.
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