Belfast Bliss - Explore the Top 20 Things to Do in Northern Ireland's Capital

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a part of the United Kingdom, situated along River Lagan. It is one of the popular places to visit in the UK in winter. Visitors will find a plethora of things to do in Belfast, Ireland. Belfast tourist attractions include museums, parks, cathedrals, and a shopping complex. Let us look at the top 20 Belfast places to visit for a memorable vacation.

See the exotic flora at the Botanic Gardens

Queen's University's Botanic Gardens serve as a symbol of Belfast's Victorian past. Discover the 28 acres of land that stretch from Lyric Theatre to Queen's University. Exotic plant species are on display in the Palm House and Tropical Ravine. This place regularly hosts a lot of festivals and performances.

Enjoy the Outdoor Activities at Colin Glen Park

Visit Belfast's Colin Glen Park for an action-packed day of activities. A trip to the park would delight adventure seekers, who may enjoy Belfast activities there. There are other available activities, such as archery, cycling, and zip line. Take an alpine coaster that winds through tunnels and past trees at 25 metres per hour through the Colin Glen Forest.

Visit the Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol is a prison in Northern Ireland that could house around five hundred prisoners. This former jail is now a museum where visitors can see the prison wings, execution cells and court dungeons while learning about the history and impact on area life. Public guided tours are available daily from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and last approximately 75 minutes.

Take a Black Taxi Tour

A Black Taxi Tour (Hackney Taxis) is perhaps the finest method to learn about Northern Ireland's history and how it has affected the present. The trips that last around ninety minutes take you to some of the city's most renowned political murals and regions heavily impacted by the conflict.

Go up the Cave Hill

The summit of Cave Hill, a basaltic hill overlooking the city, offers yet another breathtaking aerial perspective of the city. From several vantage points on the mountain, visitors to Cave Hill Country Park may take in expansive views across the city.

Tour the Titanic Belfast

Everyone knows the story of the RMS Titanic, the legendary 20th-century ship that sank on her maiden voyage. This renowned ship (together with the RMS Olympic) was built in Belfast. Belfast sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to The Titanic Belfast. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and discover all about the renowned ship.

Shop at St. Georges Market

St. George Market is a vibrant marketplace with over 300 retailers, artists, performers, and food sellers. The market is open Friday through Sunday and is an excellent opportunity to absorb some local culture while sampling local items.

See the Belfast City Hall

Established in 1906, Belfast City Hall is one of the city's most prominent structures. It is an Edwardian Baroque style architecture using Portland Stone. Alfred Brumwell Thomas was selected as the winner of an architectural competition to design the City Hall. The nighttime illumination of the structure highlights its architectural details.

Visit a traditional Irish pub

One of the top things to do in Belfast is to visit some of the best Irish pubs in the nation's capital. The Points, The Duke of York, Madden's, Kelly's Cellars, the Art Deco-inspired Robinson's, White's Tavern, McHugh's, The Harp Bar and The Dirty Onion are the pubs that you can visit.

Hike up the Divis and the Black Mountain

Divis Mountain and Black Mountain, at 552 metres, is the highest point in Belfast. This lovely walk along the edge of Belfast's Hills begins at the car park on Divis Road, near Cave Hill Country Park. The trek provides breathtaking 180-degree views of the city and beyond, including the Mourne Mountains and Scotland (on a clear day).

Visit the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

One of the most well-known parks in the city is Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. It is the perfect location for a stroll, jog, or dog walk! The lovely park, spanning over 128 acres, has gardens, forests, thickets, and rolling meadows. Numerous kinds of flora and animals may be found there.

See the Art on a Street Art Walking Tour

Outside Belfast City Centre, political murals are a notable feature of Northern Ireland. Belfast City, like Berlin, has emerged as a street art hotspot, with walls turned into galleries.

Have Drinks in the Cathedral Quarter

Belfast is a beautiful nightlife destination, and the Cathedral Quarter offers everything you need for a fantastic night out. Cathedral Quarter, named after Belfast Cathedral, has become a destination for the city's best pubs and eateries. Begin on the cobblestone street outside The Duke of York and discover where the night leads you! The Duke of York, The Harp Bar, The Dirty Onion and The Spaniard are four must-see bars.

Explore the Ulster Museum

The Botanic Gardens' Ulster Museum offers excellent art, science, natural history, archaeology, and textile collectibles. Among many other things, the galleries have exhibits of Irish insects, birds, and animals; Neolithic axe heads; Bronze Age gold jewellery; mediaeval coins; and archives of manuscripts and books.

Walk Along the Glass of Thrones

For Game of Thrones fans, walking along the Glass of Thrones trail is the best thing to do in Belfast. There are six stained glass windows. Each window was unveiled with the release of an episode of the award-winning series.

Watch a match at The SSE Arena

The Belfast Giants, a well-known ice hockey team, play in the SSE Arena (previously the Odyssey). One of the fun things to do in Belfast is to go for a match. The team participates in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League.

Meet the animals at Belfast Zoo

A visit to Belfast Zoo is one of the fun things to do in Belfast if you are travelling with kids. Kids enjoy seeing the lions, tigers, gorillas, and elephants. You can have interactive experiences like feeding the animals.

Visit the C.S. Lewis Square

Rediscover the Chronicles of Narnia with a walk around C.S. Lewis Square, a public space dedicated to the Belfast-born novelist C.S. Lewis. The plaza has seven bronze figures from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, including Aslan, the White Witch, and Mr Tumnus. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stroll the gardens of Stormont Parliament Buildings

Stormont is the official home of the Northern Ireland Executive (the Northern Ireland government). Stormont Parliament Buildings is set on a beautiful estate outside the city centre and surrounded by greenery. In addition to being a wonderful place for a peaceful stroll, Stormont Park offers weekend tours for anyone interested in learning more about the residences.

Soak in spectacular views of the city at The Victoria Square Dome

The Dome in Victoria Square, which rises far above the city skyline, provides 360-degree views of the city. It is one of the top shopping destinations in Northern Ireland.

Belfast has an efficient transport system. Travelling around Belfast and visiting famous landmarks is simple. Plan your accommodations and flights well in advance to obtain the best deals. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Pack your bags and prepare to visit this fascinating country.