Belfast: Incredible Things to Do in the Capital of Northern Ireland

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom and the second largest city on Ireland after the city of Dublin. Belfast is located on the east coast, bordered from the north, west, and south with a range of hills. As one of the most lively cities in Ireland, there's plenty of things to do in Belfast.

1. Titanic Belfast

Photo by William Murphy

Titanic Belfast, the largest Titanic exhibition in the world, is located in the heart of Belfast on the lanes. Titanic Belfast was built on the anniversary of the famous ship the Titanic that sank in 1912, made famous by the film. The building was opened on 31 March 2012 with a cost of about £77 million and has an area of 12,000 square meters. The structure of Titanic Belfast is beautiful and is sure to capture your eyes.

2. Belfast Botanic Gardens

The Belfast Botanic Gardens have been public gardens since the Victorian era and have retained their charm throughout the ages. Thus, visitors do not tire of enjoying the most beautiful tropical plants and hanging baskets in a delightful sight. It is an ideal opportunity to visit the Botanic Gardens for hiking and enjoying the outdoors especially in the summer. The Botanic gardens cover on an area of 110,000 square meters and were opened to the public in 1828.

3. Belfast Zoo

The Belfast Zoo is one of the city's most important tourist attractions that hosts more than 300,000 visitors a year. The zoo was founded in 1934. It houses more than 1,200 animals and 140 species and is home to many rare and endangered animals. The zoo covers an area of 55 acres and was opened on 28th March 1934. The Belfast Zoo is considered one of the oldest tourist attractions in Belfast. You can enjoy watching a variety of animals such as Asian elephants, monkeys, Malayan sun bears, Sumatran tigers, and Barbary lions in the Belfast Zoo and capture photos with the animals.

4. Parliament Buildings

The Parliament Buildings, located in the city of Belfast, were opened in 1932 and are one of the most popular attractions in the country. You can take part in a free daily tour, usually from Monday to Friday, to see the Law Library, the Historical Library, and learn more about the architecture and history of the building. The admission of the Parliament Buildings is free, so anyone can enter these buildings.

5. St. George's Market

Photo by Paul Wilkinson

St. George's Market is the last remaining Victorian market in Belfast, built between 1890 and 1896. The St. George's Market is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland, offering a variety of products including food, clothing, books, and antiques. The market is open to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can enjoy shopping in this market and buy different products that reflect the culture of the city of Belfast.

6. Belfast Waterfront Hall

Photo by A G Baxter/shutterstock.com

Belfast Waterfront Hall is one of the most visited places in Belfast. The purpose of establishing this hall is for a multi-purpose conference and entertainment center. The Waterfall Hall was opened in 1997 and designed by the architect Peter McGuckin. The Waterfall Hall hosts many festivals, plays, operas, pantomimes, and musicals every year. Many visitors visit this Hall to enjoy its exciting atmosphere and impressive buildings.

7. St Anne's Cathedral

The St Anne's Cathedral (also called Belfast Cathedral) is one of the historical Cathedrals of the Church of Ireland that are located in Belfast. The Cathedral was built in 1898 and designed by the architect Sir Thomas Drew. The structure of the Cathedral has impressive views including the carved stonework, many fine stained glass windows, and marble tiles on the floor and walls. Thus, if you visit the St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, you can admire the neo-Romanesque style of the building.

8. Grand Opera House

Photo by William Murphy

The Grand Opera House was opened on 23 December 1895 and designed by the architect Frank Matcham. The house was renamed in 1904 to the Palace of Varieties. In 1909, however, the house returned to its original name. Many visitors come to the Grand Opera house to enjoy watching musicals, operas and live performances. If you're looking for some entertainment, there's nowhere better to head to than the the Grand Opera House.

9. Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is one of the most wonderful and attractive historic places in the city of Belfast. The Castle dates back to the 12th century, built by the Normans. Belfast Castle is a popular place for holding conferences, private dining and wedding receptions due to its beautiful historic structure.

10. Ulster Museum

Photo by Vincent Li

The Ulster Museum, located in the Botanical Gardens area (south of Belfast), is a beautiful museum with important sections containing a collection of fine arts, applied arts, archeology, ethnography, local history, and more. The Ulster Museum was established in 1929 and has an area of 8,000 square meters. The museum was closed from 2006 until 2009 because it was under renovation. It was reopened to the public in 2009 on its 80th anniversary. It is a recommended place for art lovers who want to learn more about the recent history of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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