Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, has been overlooked as a travel destination for a long time, partly due to the city’s troubled past that lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. During this time, Belfast gained a reputation for political unrest and violence, which deterred many tourists from visiting. However, in recent years, Belfast has undergone a remarkable transformation.
A couple of years ago, Belfast even got voted by Lonely Planet as the best place to visit, and I could see why!

The city is vibrant and welcoming, with plenty to do and see. Belfast is a hub for film and TV productions, including Game of Thrones. It’s also known for the legacy of Titanic, fantastic restaurants, stunning landscapes, lively Irish pubs, and much more. In this blog post, I will give you 15 reasons to visit Belfast and discover its magic!

Reason 1: Cheaper than most cities in the UK

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly trip in the UK, Belfast is the place to go. It is one of the most affordable cities in the United Kingdom, with a significant price difference compared to London. Additionally, if you explore Ireland, you will see that Dublin is way more expensive than Belfast. So, the cheaper prices in Belfast are already a great reason to visit!

Reason 2: Iconic pubs

Belfast has a vibrant nightlife with many fun and iconic pubs! But you don’t have to wait until nighttime to visit them, as most pubs open around noon ;).

The Cathedral Quarter and the Commercial Court are the areas with the most pubs and where most happens at night!

If you enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs, you’re sure to have a great time in Belfast!

Kelly’s Cellars is the oldest pub in Belfast and is a great Irish pub with a range of quality beers, traditional music, delicious pizza, and sometimes Irish stew! Other fun Irish pubs worth visiting are Maddens and The Duke of York.

The Crown Bar, also known as The Crown Liquor Saloon, is the most famous one in Belfast. The exterior and interior of this place are stunning!

Reason 3: The Giant’s Causeway

One of the reasons to visit Belfast is its proximity to the Giant’s Causeway, which makes it the perfect starting point for a day trip to the Unesco Heritage site!
This natural wonder is a rock formation of 40.000 massive, mostly regularly hexagonal-shaped basalt columns rising from the sea that were formed 50 to 60 million years ago by lava flows meeting the coast.

Although it can get crowded sometimes, the mesmerizing beauty of the Giant’s Causeway makes you forget about other tourists.
You can find several day trips on GetYourGuide or Viator. Alternatively, you could arrange a tour with a company that works with your hotel or hostel.

Most guided tours follow the scenic Causeway Coastal route, including a visit to the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges on the way back to Belfast. The Dark Hedges is an avenue called Bregagh Road, flanked by tall trees on either side of the road. These trees gained fame as a filming location in the Game of Thrones series, where it served as the King’s Road in Season 2, Episode 1 (”The North Remembers”).

Over the years, some of the trees have fallen, creating gaps in the line of trees and letting more light in. As a result, the Dark Hedges are not as dark as they once were.
You can find them in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, between the villages of Armoy and Stranocum.

Reason 4: The food scene

Belfast has everything for the perfect city break, and the food scene is excellent, which is one of the joys of travelling!
From fine dining restaurants to cosy gastro pubs, bustling markets, charming coffee shops, and traditional afternoon tea, there is no shortage of delicious options to explore and enjoy in this vibrant city.

You can also enjoy a food tour, which is a fun activity to do anywhere you go. It is a perfect way to experience the local dishes and meet new people. Additionally, you can find an excellent international restaurant scene, particularly on Botanic Ave, where you can enjoy international cuisine such as sushi, falafels, burritos, and more.

I had some delicious meals at these restaurants:
Umi Falafel (96 Botanic Ave): They serve delicious falafels! This Lebanese chain restaurant has multiple locations across Ireland.
Madame Pho (17 Botanic Ave): This lovely restaurant offers fantastic Vietnamese cuisine and has a friendly staff.
Nico’s Pizzeria Restaurant (54 Lisburn Road): They serve excellent pizza and pasta in a cosy atmosphere and with friendly staff.

Reason 5: Titanic Quarter

For enthusiasts eager to learn more about the history of RMS Titanic, the largest and most luxurious ship at the time, Belfast is the place for you!
Belfast was the construction site of the Titanic before it departed for its maiden voyage to New York from Southampton. The Titanic Museum, in the Titanic Quarter, houses a wealth of information!
The museum building is designed to resemble the front of the ship and is shaped like a star, making it an impressive sight to see!

The museum has nine galleries where you can spend several hours on a self-guided tour. Prepare to be captivated by the special effects, including a dark ride, full-scale reconstructions, and interactive features that bring the Titanic’s history to life. You’ll learn about the ship’s construction and the individuals onboard and delve into the tragedy of its sinking and moving tributes to those who lost their lives. You’ll also see news reports from the time and learn about the aftermath of the disaster.

Next to the museum, visitors can explore the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Vessel resembling the Titanic. Walking its decks offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a similar vessel.
Additionally, you can visit the Titanic and Olympic slipways outside the museum to explore the life-size outlines of the ships.

During your stay in Belfast and Northern Ireland, this is an experience you cannot miss!
You can find more information on their website.

Reason 6: Nature

Belfast has plenty of green spaces, perfect for a refreshing nature break from the city. Belvoir Park Forest and the River Lagan in the Lagan Valley Regional Park are great examples, with scenic walking paths along the Lagan River offering stunning viewpoints.

This park is in the southern part of Belfast, and you can combine your visit with the Ulster Museum since they are on the same side of the city. If you start walking south from the Ulster Museum along the Lagan River, you will eventually reach the Regional Park. I highly recommend taking a stroll in this area and enjoying the natural beauty if you plan to stay in Belfast for three or more days.

Another beautiful part of nature just outside Belfast is Cave Hill (also known as “Napoleon’s Nose”). Cave Hill overlooks the city and is part of Cave Hill Country Park, which offers a range of historical and natural features, including archaeological sites, ecotrails, and Belfast Castle.
Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas in the park.

To climb Cave Hill, you should prepare yourself for a steep hike. The views from the top are stunning and worth the effort! There are several walking trails in the park, including the Cavehill trail (7.2 km moderate to strenuous steep hike that requires walking shoes and starts at Belfast Castle), Estate trail (3.9 km through the woodland on the lower slopes of the country park), and Castle trail (1.3 km walk through the gardens of Belfast Castle). Cave Hill, located northwest of the city, can be reached by taking a bus to Belfast Zoo or any other bus that goes to Glengormley via Antrim Road.

Reason 7: Crumlin Road Gaol

Another fascinating attraction in Belfast is this former prison, known locally as ‘The Crum’. It stopped functioning as a prison in 1996 and has since undergone renovations to open as a visitor attraction and conference centre. You can explore the prison and learn about its history and the Troubles, as it housed many political prisoners at the time.

You can witness holograms and TV screens displaying information and visit various areas such as the cursed cell, interrogation room, solitary cell, and execution room. You can choose between a self-guided or a guided tour. A visit takes around two hours, depending on which tour you do.

I recommended checking their website for the most recent ticket prices and opening hours. If you don’t have a car, the best way to get to Crumlin Road Gaol is by using the hop-on-hop-off bus or the public bus 12b.
The prison’s address is 53-55 Crumlin Road.

Reason 8: Vibrant Cathedral Quarter

This part of Belfast is known for its rich history, creativity, and liveliness. The name of this area comes from St. Anne’s Cathedral, located at the heart of the quarter. The cathedral has stunning stained-glass windows and is worth visiting. Additionally, there are a lot of galleries, restaurants and street art in the neighbourhood. The Cathedral Quarter comes alive at night with its many trendy bars, beer gardens, clubs, and live music pubs.

Some other notable places to visit in this neighbourhood include the Albert Clock, the Merchant Hotel, where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea, the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), and the NI War Memorial Museum.

Next to the Cathedral Quarter, on Donegall Quay, you will find the mosaic statue of the Big Fish, also known as the salmon of knowledge, near the Lagan Lookout at the Lagan River. This 10-meter-long sculpture from 1999 has decorated tiles with information about Belfast’s history. You may recognize the salmon from various tourism gadgets of Belfast, such as postcards, magnets, and pictures.

Reason 9: Learn more about the Peace Wall

Belfast has faced its share of challenges over the years, and some of the difficulties persist today. The history of conflict can be tricky for visitors to understand.
The perfect opportunity to learn more about the complex history of Belfast is by visiting the Peace Wall, which has become an iconic part of the city.

The wall tries to reduce tensions between loyalist and nationalist communities. You can visit the wall (outside the city centre) with a black taxi. I walked to the wall from the city centre, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The best way is to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who knows the area and can give you relevant information.

A Black Taxi Tour can be a bit pricey, with most starting at £45 for groups of 1 to 3 people. The price varies depending on the number of individuals in your group. Each black taxi can accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers, so larger groups need to be across multiple vehicles. Despite the cost, the experience is well worth it for the depth of insight and understanding gained into Belfast’s complex history.

Reason 10: Game of Thrones Tour

Northern Ireland is renowned as the home of Game of Thrones, and while you’re in Belfast, you’ll discover many thrilling Game of Thrones-related activities!

One such activity in Belfast is exploring the Titanic Quarter and following the Glass of Thrones trail. This trail map leads you to six stained glass windows depicting iconic scenes from the series, created by local artists in collaboration with Tourism Ireland and HBO. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Titanic Museum while you’re in the area!

Another option for Game of Thrones fans is to embark on a sightseeing tour. Belfast’s proximity to some filming locations makes it an ideal starting point for exploring iconic settings from Game of Thrones. One of the most popular stops is the Dark Hedges, often paired with a visit to the Giants Causeway.
You can opt for guided tours through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, renting a car allows you the freedom to create your tour itinerary.

Additionally, just a 30-minute drive from Belfast, you’ll find Banbridge, home to Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Here, you can explore authentic sets, admire costumes, and discover exclusive Game of Thrones merchandise. It’s a unique opportunity for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of the series.
The easiest way to reach the studios is by shuttle bus, including transportation and tickets to the Studio Tour.

Reason 11: Belfast City Hall

Another top reason why you should visit Belfast is because of its stunning City Hall, which is one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings! The impressive structure located on Donegall Square first opened its doors in 1906 and has a beautiful interior. Visitors can explore the Grand Staircase, Banqueting Hall, and Reception Room and admire the beautiful statues, paintings and stained glass windows. Good to know about visiting the City Hall is that admission is free, and you can join a free public tour. If you prefer not to go inside, you can still appreciate the building’s exterior while relaxing on a nearby bench. You can find more information about the opening hours and guided tours on their website.

Reason 12: St. Georges Market

St. George’s Market is located in a historic Victorian building and offers a fun experience for those who enjoy discovering a diverse range of products in the around 248 market stalls. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in the United Kingdom and the oldest covered market on the island of Ireland.

The market is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, making it a perfect weekend activity. On Fridays, the variety market offers everything from fresh food to antiques, secondhand goods, and clothes from 6 AM to 2 PM. The city food and craft market is open from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. And on Sundays, you can enjoy the craft and antiques market and live music from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Reason 13: Excellent Musea!

Belfast is home to numerous museums, including the famous Titanic Museum. However, there are also many other museums to visit! For instance, the Ulster Museum, the MAC and the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum!

The Ulster Museum is a place where you can explore a variety of collections related to art, natural science, and history. What impressed me the most were the preserved Egyptian mummy, the Game of Thrones dragons, and the Bloody Sunday exhibition. The museum’s entrance is free, and the visit typically lasts a couple of hours. 

The Ulster Museum is on Stranmillis Road, and slightly outside the city centre. I walked there as it was not too far from the hostel I was staying at. The walk from the city centre usually takes around 25 minutes, but it’s also easily accessible by public transport. You can take any number 8 metro bus departing from Donegall Square East and get off at Queen’s University. From there, it’s only a 3-minute walk through the Botanic Gardens.
Alternatively, you can take the Hop on Hop off-bus and get off at stop 10. The Ulster Museum is next to the Belfast Botanic Gardens, making it the perfect place to combine a visit!

The MAC
The MAC, also known as the Metropolitan Arts Centre, is located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. It is a renowned venue that hosts international art exhibitions, experimental works, and top shows and events.
It’s an impressive building with art galleries free to enter, friendly staff, and the MAC CaféBar with a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with some coffee.
The galleries are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM.

The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
This place is a small and welcoming museum near St. Anne’s Cathedral. It provides insights into Northern Ireland’s involvement in the Second World War and how the war affected its people. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia from the 1940s, loads of interesting information, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Visiting this museum is a fascinating journey into the past!

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are welcome. For the correct opening times, it’s best to check their website. The museum’s address is 21 Talbot Street.

Reason 14: Street art

Belfast is an excellent destination for street art enthusiasts.
Many walls of Belfast have paintings of the city’s history, most of which carry political messages. In recent years, there’s been a growth of street art with a less political nature.

You could do a self-guided tour or stumble upon some beautiful spots while exploring the city. You could also opt for guided tours, such as the Black Cab Mural tour, which focuses on Belfast’s troubled history and takes you to the Peace Walls outside the city centre. Alternatively, you could go on a Street Art walking tour to go and see the street art in the city centre.

Reason 15: Beautiful Botanic Gardens!

Located next to the Ulster Museum and the Queen’s University, you’ll find the Botanic Gardens of Belfast!
Visitors can enjoy a variety of tropical plants, flower beds, a rose garden, and a stunning glasshouse known as the Palm House Conservatory. The park is free to enter and is a popular destination for residents, students, and tourists. It’s an excellent location to take a break from visiting the museum or university.
Check their website for the latest opening hours.

I hope these 15 reasons to visit Belfast have inspired you to plan your adventure! While there are countless more reasons to visit this city, let’s start with these highlights!
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Game of Thrones fanatic, or simply seeking a vibrant and welcoming city to explore, Belfast is worth visiting and has something for everyone!
So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy an unforgettable journey through Northern Ireland’s capital.

Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope it was helpful and informative! And if you have any questions, ask me!

Tags: 15 reasons to visit Belfast, Is Belfast worth visiting?