Location: City Centre
Top Things to do in City Centre
What to do and see in City Centre, Northern Ireland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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 energizing 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 theaters.
Restaurants in Belfast
1. Clifton Street Graveyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By IrishIsis - Randalstown, United Kingdom
I am have mobility issues and was able to use my rollator throughout the tour. Tour was booked for 3pm and started on time. Was a very pleasant day - no rain and temperature was comfortable. Our guide was Gretta and I must say that all the folk in the group remarked how knowledgeable Gretta was, she was able to hold the attention of the group by telling us all about the various plots in the graveyard from the richest Belfast merchants with their crypts and inscribed headstones, to the mass grave of those unfortunates who died from various illnesses, the poor, and those that had no relatives - some of these people came from the poor house, some from the workhouse, and some were dumped at the gate. Thanks Gretta for ensuring that we had an afternoon of local history.
2. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,682 reviews
At the centre of Donegall Square proudly stands City Hall; the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. City Hall is open to the public 7 days a week. It is a multi-purpose venue hosting a large number of events in its large functions rooms or outdoors on the beautiful lawns. Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Guests can relax and refresh in the Bobbin Coffee Shop or pick up souvenirs in the Gift Shop. A 16 room visitor exhibition explores the history of the city through themed and interactive displays. City Hall grounds are the primary green space in Belfast City Centre and host continental markets and open air concerts. The grounds feature a number of statues and memorials relating to Belfast’s leading figures and historic past, including the Titanic Memorial Garden.
Reviewed By Wurzel67 - Wells, United Kingdom
if you like your architecture, and history, then definitely visit the City Hall building, some gorgeous exhibits on show, the amazing stained glass windows to the right of the main hall is a must see, and some brilliant information within some of the rooms, a great venue to tour around, and the memorial to the titantic victims hits home how many were lost on that fateful night back in 1912.
3. Linen Hall Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
This library, founded in 1788, is the oldest library in Belfast and contains the largest collection of material on Irish studies in Northern Ireland.
4. Cathedral Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
Posh, upscale neighborhood lined with glass and chrome buildings, cafes and wine bars.
Reviewed By josT2776NL - Belfast, United Kingdom
Beautiful place must see cobbled streets plenty of bars and places to eat lovely atmosphere really lovely place
5. Belfast Central Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
To find out more about the library including opening times and holidays please visit the Libraries NI website.
6. Scottish Provident Institution
7. Albert Memorial Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By bashamon - Portrush, United Kingdom
The Albert Memorial Clock is sometimes described as Belfast’s answer to Pisa’s leaning tower, its tilt caused by the fact it is constructed on reclaimed land from the River Farset and weighs over 2,000 tonnes. Erected between 1865 and 1869 in Gothic style to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, it was tall enough at 141ft (43m), to offer an excellent vantage point for at least one enterprising sightseer to get a birds-eye view of Titanic’s launch. Designed by the architect William J Barre, the figure of Prince Albert was sculpted by Samuel Ferris Lynn and the clock is by Francis Moore. The "Albert Clock" as well as including a statue of Prince Albert also boasts a number of ornately carved crowned lions, angels, gargoyles and floral decorations. Its bell weighs 2 tonnes and can be heard from over 8 miles away. The clock tower can be seen in the 1947 film 'Odd Man Out' starring James Mason. To halt the worsening lean and repair damage caused by the elements and heavy passing traffic, a multi-million pound restoration project was completed in 2002 and restored the clock tower to its former original glory.
8. Cornmarket
9. The Hall of Friendship
10. Belfast Cathedral - The Cathedral Church of St. Anne
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 565 reviews
Belfast Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Anne, has stood for over 100 years as a place of Christian worship in the heart of Belfast. The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid in 1899 and the building itself, Romanesque in style, continued to grow over the years. The 40 metre stainless steel Spire of Hope was added in 2007. The Cathedral contains detailed mosaics by the sisters Gertrude and Margaret Martin, elaborately carved stonework by sculptors Rosamond Praeger, Morris Harding and Esmond Burton, beautiful stained glass windows and more. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is free to visit for quiet prayer. Our admission prices for self-guided tours includes a Visitors Guide or Audio Guide, which is available in 8 languages. Guided Tours with our experienced Volunteer Tour Guides are subject to availability, Monday to Saturday. Larger groups are asked to contact the Cathedral in advance of their visit.
Reviewed By BigHugh51 - Adelaide, Australia
We came across this towering cathedral while exploring the central part of Belfast on foot, towards the end of our one day visit to the city. Because our time was somewhat limited, we baulked at paying the £5 admission fee to view the interior of the cathedral. Instead we made do with viewing this impressive cathedral from outside. Whilst it certainly was not the most magnificent cathedral that we had ever seen, it has some outstanding architectural features which give it a certain unique charm. After spending 10 minutes or so admiring the cathedral from various angles and snapping a few photos, it was time for us to move on. It is certainly worth spending a few minutes to view this cathedral, if you happen to be in central Belfast. Most likely a visit to view the interior would also be worthwhile!
