Discover Belfast: A City Reborn
Once a hub for shipbuilding, Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. While its history may evoke thoughts of conflict, today's Belfast is a city transformed, offering a warm welcome, a sharp wit, and a rich history to its increasing number of visitors.
Top attractions include the Titanic Quarter, excellent shopping at Victoria and Donegal Squares, and a wealth of Victorian architecture, like the Albert Memorial Clock. Museums and the city's maritime history also draw tourists.
For more on what to do in Belfast, read on for the top tourist attractions.
See also: Where to Stay in Belfast
1. Titanic Belfast
![Titanic Belfast](/media/ireland-belfast-titanic.jpg)
The world's largest Titanic visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast, celebrates the city's shipbuilding heritage through nine interactive galleries. Here, you can explore the slipways and dry-dock of the Harland & Wolff shipyards and discover artifacts related to the Titanic, including the fully restored SS Nomadic.
Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: http://titanicbelfast.com/
2. Waterfront Hall
![Waterfront Hall](/media/ireland-belfast-waterfront-hall.jpg)
Waterfront Hall is a symbol of Belfast's regeneration. This entertainment and conference venue has hosted millions since 1997 and offers a range of performances and events. The on-site restaurant, The Arc Brasserie, provides stunning river views.
Address: 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.waterfront.co.uk
3. Ulster Museum
![Exhibition in Belfast's Ulster Museum](/media/ireland-belfast-museum-ulster.jpg)
The Ulster Museum, recently refurbished, is a must-visit for its honest portrayal of Belfast's history. Exhibits range from an Egyptian mummy to modern art, with a variety of historical and natural science displays.
Address: Botanic Court, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: http://nmni.com/um
4. Belfast City Hall
![Belfast City Hall](/media/northern-ireland-belfast-top-attractions-belfast-city-hall.jpg)
Belfast City Hall offers free guided tours of its art displays, historic windows, and exhibits on the city's history. The grounds feature the Titanic Memorial Gardens and are beautifully illuminated at night.
Address: Donegall Square N, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/cityhall-info.aspx
5. The Botanic Gardens
![The Botanic Gardens](/media/ireland-belfast-botanic-gardens.jpg)
The Botanic Gardens, a public park since 1895, is home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, housing a variety of exotic plants. It's a popular spot for concerts and festivals.
Address: College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-open-spaces/a-z-parks/botanic-gardens
6. HMS Caroline
![HMS Caroline](/media/northern-ireland-belfast-top-attractions-hms-caroline.jpg)
HMS Caroline, a WW1 and WW2 veteran, is now a museum offering insights into naval history with interactive exhibits and restored ship sections.
Address: Alexandra Dock, Queens Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.nmrn.org.uk/exhibitions-projects/hms-caroline
7. St. Anne's Cathedral
![St. Anne's Cathedral](/media/ireland-belfast-cathedral-annes.jpg)
St. Anne's Cathedral, a neo-Romanesque basilica, features intricate carvings, stained-glass windows, and the tomb of Sir Edward Carson.
Address: Donegall Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastcathedral.org
8. Grand Opera House
![Grand Opera House](/media/ireland-belfast-opera.jpg)
The Grand Opera House, dating from 1895, is a venue for musicals, operas, and live performances, with guided tours available.
Address: 2-4 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.goh.co.uk
9. Crumlin Road Gaol
![Crumlin Road Gaol](/media/ireland-belfast-crumlin-gaol.jpg)
Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison, now offers tours detailing its history, including the underground tunnel to the courthouse.
Address: 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.crumlinroadgaol.com
10. Belfast Castle
![Belfast Castle](/media/ireland-belfast-castle.jpg)
Belfast Castle, set on the slopes of Cave Hill, is a popular event venue with a restaurant and visitor center.
Address: Antrim Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastcastle.co.uk
11. Belfast Zoo
![Belfast Zoo](/media/ireland-belfast-zoo.jpg)
Belfast Zoo, home to over 140 species, offers a rainforest exhibit and daily animal talks.
Address: Antrim Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastzoo.co.uk
12. Stormont, The Parliament Buildings
![Stormont (Parliament Buildings)](/media/ireland-belfast-stormont.jpg)
Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, offers weekday tours of its historic building and grounds.
Address: 587 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/visiting/online-tour/
13. St. George's Market
![An olive vendor at St. George's Market](/media/northern-ireland-belfast-top-attractions-st-georges-market.jpg)
St. George's Market, the city's oldest covered market, hosts vendors and events, including the "Twilight Market."
Address: 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket
14. W5 Interactive Discovery Centre
![W5 Interactive Discovery Centre](/media/northern-ireland-belfast-top-attractions-w5-interactive-discovery-centre.jpg)
The W5 Interactive Discovery Centre offers over 250 hands-on exhibits for family learning and fun.
Address: 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Official site: https://w5online.co.uk