You have previously denied access to your GPS location. If you fancy something a bit different, theres everything from nightclubs to cocktail bars on offer. My partner and I are thinking about going to Belfast then drive the causeway coastal route end of September. Located just south of the city in Dunmurry, the Beechlawn Hotel is perfect for those who want a tranquil escape while still being on main transport links to the city centre. That probably makes more sense as it ticks all of your boxes bar the Dark Hedges. With luxurious period rooms, various dining options, and an opulent onsite spa, this is a stay youll never forget. Here it is. For sports fans, Northern Ireland undoubtedly brings to mind one game above all others rugby. When visiting, spend some time admiring the detailed faade of the church. Theres also a football pitch, a bowling green and a BMX track, if youre looking for more high-energy activities in Belfast. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant in the historic drawing-room where the Titanic was designed. With a huge variety of different venues to choose from, including large nightclubs and an incredible range of bars to suit every taste and preference, a fun and enjoyable night is guaranteed. Your email address will not be published. 4. Things to Do in Belfast, Northern Ireland: See Tripadvisor's 432,907 traveller reviews and photos of Belfast tourist attractions. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and offers some top-class photo opportunities from every angle. With tastefully decorated ensuite rooms and various dining options, this is a great place to stay. ), the Ulster Museum, City Hall, the Palm House, Victoria Park, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and St Annes Cathedral in the Cathedral Quarter. You can choose from countless of tours, offered by real locals its a truly authentic experience! In what county is Belfast, Northern Ireland? differences between Northern Ireland vs Ireland. We are intrepid travelers, but we do like to gawk out the window instead of paying attention to the road, if it won't catch us up in a tourist trap to hop on an organized tour. The owners take the t." more. Youll also see the Belfast Peace Walls and be taken through the now-infamous Shankill Road and Falls Road. Popular attractions include Asian elephants, Rothschilds giraffes, California sea lions, penguins, apes, Malayan tapirs, Visayan warty pigs and much much more. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Photo right : By Maciek Grabowicz on shutterstock.com. This is the house in which the footballing legend George Best grew up, and it remained in his family until his father died in 2008. This historic house, just east of Bell Gardens in neighboring Bell, was once owned by the wealthy local landowner who gave his name to the city. From this view, visitors to Cave Hill Country Park can enjoy panoramic views across the city from different vantage points on the hillside. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the best fun things to do in Belfast today? showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. So, youre planning a trip to Belfast. A second castle, made out of stone and timber, was later constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611. In our guide to the best pubs in Belfast, youll find loads of old-school pubs worth nipping into. Visit Belfast is a trading name of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau Limited (NI 034953). So if you are a fan of classic literature, C.S. And for half the money too! They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. No trip to Northern Ireland is ever really complete without a visit to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Black Taxi Tour for a unique tour of Belfasts dark past, 1. Plus, the Ulster Museum is also located here, where you can learn all about the history of Belfast City, Northern Ireland, and even see an Egyptian mummy. Weve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best things to do in Belfast at night to what to do in Belfast when its raining. The River Lagan is a major river in Northern Ireland, and it runs right through the heart of the city. Travel WITH a security belt. With something to tickle most fancies! 6. If youre wondering what to do in Belfast after a long day spent exploring, or if you fancy aridiculously goodbreakfast or lunch, youre in luck. We stumbled across this little gem on our first day in Belfast. That being said, if you prefer to kick back and look out the window while someone else takes the wheel, there's nothing wrong with that! Reserve your ticket Best Thing to Do When it Rains in Belfast Discover the City's History at Crumlin Road Gaol City Hall. What's On Although Valencia is a big city, many of the great sights to see are very close to the city centre so if you're seeing Valencia in 3 days, you can easily walk around them in your first day. The Victoria Square Dome is an excellent vantage point from which you can enjoy 360 panoramic views across the entire city. When you move inside, youll be able to look up at the spire from below, thanks to the clear glass ceiling that it stands upon. Thanks to the hop-on-hop-off system, you can get off and explore anywhere thats of interest to you, before jumping back on the next bus whenever youre ready. Drinks in the Cathedral Quarter for the snazziest bars in town, 10. Your tour guide will be a real Belfast taxi driver and will share with you his or her insights and stories regarding the citys tumultuous past. Nearby, you can also find the famous Belfast Zoo. If you would like help identifying all the key sights, free tours are available from 10 am to 4 pm every day. Titanic Belfast Peace Walls Crumlin Road Gaol St George's Market Heritage Belfast Castle Belfast Cathedral Belfast City Hall Linen Hall Library Queen's University Grand Opera House Stormont Estate Nature Botanic Gardens Cave Hill Divis and Black Mountain Museums Tours Walking tours History tours Culture tours Day trips Giant's Causeway Theres an endless number of great places to eat in the city, from fine dining and dive cafes to pancakes, the best brunch in Belfast and more. Set amidst tranquil gardens where you, can wander at your leisure and enjoy the peace and relaxation of the grounds. 10. Many people planning visits to Belfast wonder whether the tensions between the political communities are still a cause for concern. From being in Babel, The Thirsty Goat and The Duke the same afternoon what a difference in the staff, the manageress in Declan and Luca treated us like friends and were great. Thank you! Its within the walls of Titanic Belfast that youll find the monument to Belfasts maritime heritage. Take a look at the schedule to see whats on during your visit and be sure not to miss out on the chance to see one of the UKs most impressive theatres in action. Daily guided tours last approximately 75 minutes, are open to the public, and operate between 10 am and 4.30 pm. 6. Take a look at the range of events taking place across the city, or take advantage of the many special offers and treat your Mother on Sunday 19 March. Following the success of Ireland Before You Die, Stevie founded the company Emerald Green Media which manages Ireland Before You Die and two other popular websites. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thats where tours like this one (4.5/5 from 393 reviews at the time of typing) come in handy. Black Axe Throwing Co. 314. Look no further than Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, one of the best things to see in Belfast. By tar0nnam. Our suggested pub crawl would consist of The Points, The Crown Liquor Saloon, the Art Deco-inspired Robinsons, Maddens, Kellys Cellars, Whites Tavern, McHughs, The Harp Bar, The Duke of York, and The Dirty Onion. REI members are swimming in discounts what about YOU? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you are interested in politics or just want a scenic walk or both, Stormont is one of the top things to do in Northern Ireland! Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Address: 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG. Right: Ariya J (Shutterstock), No day of successful exploration has ever been fulfilled on an empty stomach. The estate contains incredible landscaped gardens and mature, mixed woodland. to the Fancy Cheese shop we were treated to an eclectic range of tastes with some lively tipp provided drinks, snacks, great narration along the route, awesome recommendations for lunch, and he even bought A great 45 minute tour. The Titanic Experience is regularly ranked by locals and visitors as one of the most unmissable things to do in Belfast. Soak up history at Crumlin Gaol then round off the day with a pint in the Cathedral Quarter. It features a Victorian Style conservatory, the Palm House, a greenhouse with two separate wings: the cool wing and the tropical wing. The SSE Arena to catch a Belfast Giants game, 15. The museum was interesting but sadly some of the interactive equipment needed updating/repairing. St Annes Cathedral was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of the old St Annes parish church. Good for you! Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is located south of the city and is one of the citys most popular parks. Formerly known as the Belfast Botanic Garden, the site contained exotic tree species and impressive plant collections from the southern hemisphere, many of which can still be seen in the park. Nearby, you can also find Colin Glen Forest Park, Belfast Zoo, and more. Arguably some of the top things to do in Belfast involve popping on a pair of walking boots and heading off into the mountains. Start in the cobbled street outside The Duke of York and see where the night takes you! It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Possibly the best and most intriguing historical museum in the city is Crumlin Road Gaol. Popular things to do Bus Tours Day Trips Architectural Buildings Film Tours Full-day Tours Parks City Tours Self-guided Tours Historic Sites Cultural Tours Historical Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Art Tours Overnight Tours Shopping Malls Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Libraries Luxury & Special Occasions Likely to Sell Out The world-famous Bushmills whiskey distillery is not far from the city, and tours are available throughout the year. We do not represent World Nomads. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. When you enter the correct answer, a submit button will appear. So helpful! Youll often see a visit here at sunrise listed as one of the most romantic things to do in Belfast by the big US travel guides. The tour is brilliantly delivered and very educational. beautiful and interesting. 283. at the front and then beautiful arts and crafts stalls further b and Thirsty Goat are just a couple of the pubs there. Here are our favourites: Photo left via House Belfast on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in the city center in the late 12th century. Youll come face to face with dinosaurs, get up close and personal with an Egyptian mummy, and dive into discovery zones. Milkshakes at Maggie May's. For the best milkshakes in town Maggie May's is the place to be at. Note: if you book a tour via the link above, wemaymake a tiny commission. The new centre comes after the closure of Regina Coeli House, Northern Ireland's only female-only homeless hostel, in 2022. . There is also a great variety of traditional and contemporary art, as well as exhibits on archaeology, zoology, geology, and much more. Photo: Google My husband and I recently stayed in Belfast for a week and on our last night we enjoyed a meal at The Barge. Photos by Arthur Ward via Tourism Irelands Content Pool. You are also invited to bring your own drinks, so you can enjoy sipping a beer, or any beverage of your choice, as you take in the sights in a fun and memorable fashion! 282. Never get caught with your pants down again! The Belfast Murals are some of the best known in Europe and they display important aspects of each communitys history, culture and often bloody past. Attractions such as Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Gaol are unmissable experiences. Check out Belfasts Botanic Gardens, another of the top things to see in Belfast. This former prison is now a museum allowing you to see the prison wings, execution cells, tunnels to the courthouse, and to learn about the history of this building and its impact on life in the region. The Irish Linen Museum 23. Here are some guides to check out: If youve ticked-off the various Belfast activities mentioned above and below and you fancy exploring some places near the city, youve plenty to choose from. It hosts a regular programme of exhibitions and serves as an information point for visitors and tourists, as well as offering a varied selection of souvenirs and gifts. All the best spots for street art have been compiled into a fascinating, gently-paced walking tour in Belfast City Centre! Possibly the best way to see these landmarks is to walk along the river at night to see them lit up in their glory! It's located near the iconic Titanic Belfast Museum and is home to the only indoor skydiving centre in the region. Belfast has many statues and sculptures all over. Address: College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1LP. Learn how your comment data is processed. Kick start your day with a feed and then head off on an early morning walk at Divis. It's an amazing piece of architecture, definitely one of the highlights in Belfast totally recommend getting a look if you are in the area. Good for Big Groups. Lewis Square, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author, C.S. Today, the park is extremely popular with residents, students, and tourists alike. And as the gateway to Northern Ireland, Belfast is perfectly positioned for sightseeing tours to Giants Causeway, Game of Thrones filming locations and road trips beyond Belfast. A trip to Belfast gives you the chance to experience a Titanic city full of surprises and hidden gems! Wonderful. The Botanic Gardens were first established in 1828 as a private park, but were opened to the general public in 1895. You can easily join a couple of bar crawls, listen to live music in the nearest pub, or dance until your feet hurt in one of the epic night clubs. Stretched out over four decks a visit to Nomadic will immerse you in over 100 years of authentic maritime history via a variety of interactive, hands-on, technical and traditional storytelling methods. Hopefully that's of some use to you. The zoo is home to a whopping 140+ species of animals, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat. 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