These are the top 10 things to do in Belfast in 2019 - according to TripAdvisor
From museums and gardens to peace walls, TripAdvisor has ranked them all
Last updated 31st Jul 2019
Recently voted the best place to visit last year by Lonely Planet, Belfast has been quietly evolving into one of the UK's most exciting cities to explore.
If you want to live like a tourist for a day we've put together a list of Trip Advisor's top 'must see' attractions in our buzzing capital.
"With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energising getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theatres."
The site breaks down the list into subsections like shopping, historic sites, coffee shops, food and drink and more, if you want a more specific list of activities. Click here to view the full list.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST ACCORDING TO TRIP ADVISOR
10. SS Nomadic
The SS Nomadic is known as Titanic's little sister. Built at the same time, by the same people, in the same Harland and Wolff shipyard as Titanic, Nomadic brought those boarding the great liner at Cherbourg to the ship. That was the start of an adventurous life, as she played a part in WW One and Two, carried many famous people to the great trans-Atlantic liners, became a floating restaurant in Paris and was saved from being scrapped by the people of Belfast.Now completely refurbished as a visitor attraction, you can walk in the footsteps of history, learn her story, and become part of the new chapter of her dramatic existence.
9. Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast's Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists. Botanic Gardens was established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, in response to public interest in horticulture and botany. Originally 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. Today, the park is popular with residents, students and visitors and is an important venue for concerts, festivals and other events. It is home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine.
8. Falls Road
The Falls Road (from Irish túath na bhFál, meaning 'territory of the enclosures') is the main road through west Belfast running from Divis Street in Belfast city centre to Andersonstown in the suburbs. Northern Ireland has had a complicated political history. While the city is vibrant and peaceful today, just over 40 years ago, Belfast was a city in civil war. To learn more about this period of history, wander the streets to take in the sights of the Falls Road's colourful murals.
7. HMS Caroline
Much of HMS Caroline has undergone extensive restoration to her 1916 appearance from the Battle of Jutland. Visitors can discover a wide range of historic spaces, including the Captain's Cabin, Royal Marines Mess, and Seamen's Wash as well as the very important engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen. During their visit, visitors will discover the importance of the Battle of Jutland, learning what life at sea was like the over three hundred crew who served on board HMS Caroline during 1916. Visit the Torpedo School and explore the role of naval weaponry; peruse the Virtual Access Suite a contemporary, comfortable space where all visitors can explore the ship; Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the Mess Deck Cafe, and finally visit the Gift Shop, to bring home a reminder of your visit to HMS. Caroline.
6. City Hall
This beautiful, neoclassical building serves as the seat of the city's government. In the grounds of City Hall you can visit the Titanic Memorial Gardens, picnic on the lawns or see the building lit up at night. Why not avail of the free public tours which run daily or pay a visit to The Bobbin Coffee Shop. The city hall in Durban, South Africa is almost an exact replica of Belfast's City Hall. Floodlights have been added to City Hall to light up the building in a variety of colours and combinations. Using the same technology as the Empire State Building in New York, after dusk, it is also 'colour-washed' on special dates.
5. Peace Wall
The peace lines or peace walls are a series of separation barriers in Northern Ireland that separate predominantly Nationalist Catholic neighbourhoods from predominantly Unionist Protestant neighbourhoods. The peace lines range in length from a few hundred yards to over three miles (5 km) and up to 25 feet (7.6 m) high. Some have gates in them that allow passage during daylight but are closed at night. The first peace lines were built in 1969, following the outbreak of the 1969 Northern Ireland riots and "the Troubles". They were built as temporary structures meant to last only six months.
4. Ulster Museum
Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present, the museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences with impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones. From Ireland to the South Pacific, ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone from the simply curious to the enthusiast.
3. St.George's Market
St George's Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, Before 1890 St George's Market was an open market and most likely contained a slaughterhouse and a meat market. Today it is a thriving market with 300 traders, crafters musicians and foodies. St George's Market was used as an emergency mortuary.
2. Titanic Belfast
The Titanic Belfast visitor attraction extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre.
1. Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed it's doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. Today you can take a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site from when women and children were held within it's walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.During the tour of the gaol you will be taken by your tour guide to visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, you will get a chance to sit in the Governor's chair, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned mans cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were hanged.