Issues To Do in Belfast

Sorts of Lady in regards to the Globe – Metropolis & Sightseeing GatG, Maritime GatG

Belfast has redefined itself from the previous. After spending 5 nights on this Irish metropolis, I’ve put collectively a solo information to Belfast. Uncover 12 of the perfect issues to do in Belfast, the place to remain in Belfast, tips on how to get round and from the airport and beneficial Belfast excursions. I hope this conjures up you to go to.

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Belfast is a good place for solos to go to

Belfast

Belfast has come a good distance because the days of political violence. Having grown up with information experiences of the IRA, I have to admit that this Northern Irish capital was by no means actually on my bucket record. However after interviewing Sarah Arnold who had grown up in Northern Eire, I used to be impressed by the issues to do in Belfast and needed to go to for myself.

It took me lower than 48 hours in Belfast to note how far this nation had come. Todays’ Belfast is worlds aside from the Belfast within the ’80s. Sure, there have been nonetheless remoted circumstances of violence however they had been minimal and barely even made it to the worldwide press.

It appeared that Northern Eire was now within the media for all the proper causes – the most important one being the Recreation of Thrones. In the event you’re not a fan (which I’m within the minority of people that aren’t), then you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in touring across the gorgeous landscapes chosen for this fashionable Netflix sequence. Simply seeing the attractive Irish shoreline is price a go to in itself.

The Titanic Museum must be prime of your record if you go to Belfast

1. Go to The Titanic Belfast Museum

Everybody has heard of the Titanic however in case you are like me, it’s possible you’ll not have realised that the Titanic was really in-built Belfast. Chances are you’ll not know that the Titanic was simply certainly one of three superliners to have been constructed on the identical interval. And it’s possible you’ll not know that certainly one of its sister ships got here to the rescue of the lifeboats and saved the survivors.

There is a purpose that the Titanic Museum was voted the Worlds Main Vacationer Attraction in 2016. That is as a result of it’s! It is not only a museum, it is a full expertise of the world’s most well-known shipwreck. It’s actually interactive and even for those who’re probably not into ships, it takes you again in time to Belfast when this capital’s trade was booming.

There is a brief rollercoaster trip that takes you thru the working shipyard the place you possibly can see the digital staff and hearken to the sounds. You may even strive your hand at morse code. There are over 9 interactive galleries right here however my favorite must be the underwater discovery room, the place you possibly can see the projected picture of the Titanic as it’s as we speak, below the depths of the water.

Don’t assume that it’s only for youngsters both because it offers an training for everybody. I stayed for lunch within the cafe afterwards simply to squeeze essentially the most out of my Titanic expertise. And even when the world’s most well-known shipwreck is not actually your factor, it’s nonetheless price visiting.

You may go to the SS Nomadic Belfast in your Titanic Museum ticket

2. SS Nomadic Belfast

Your ticket additionally permits you onto SS Nomadic, one of many Titanic’s tender ships (a ship that carries you from the port to the ship). This ship was used to move passengers to the Titanic. Inside its champagne bar and opulent inside gave the excited passengers a style of first-class earlier than experiencing the true factor.

What makes this attraction so good is its use of digital characters that are projected on the partitions. You may watch how they used to shovel coal into the engines and hearken to the coal employee telling you his story. It solely takes about half-hour to stroll round the entire ship however it provides an additional dimension to the Titanic story.

Discover it at: Hamilton Dock, Queens Rd (proper close to the Titanic Museum)
Time wanted: One hour most
Opens at: 10am – 5:30pm day by day
Prices: Included throughout the Titanic Museum ticket

St George’s Market is a good place to strive a standard Irish fry up

3. Go To St George’s Market

St George’s Market is simply open from Friday to Mondays and the stalls range relying on the times. In the event you love fish go to on a Friday for greater than 20 fish stalls. Saturday and Sundays are extra for arts and crafts the place native craftspeople promote their creations.

Having visited just a few markets in my time, I truthfully had no expectations of the town’s award-winning market. However this final surviving Victorian coated market shocked me.

As soon as inside, the dulcet tones of a dwell musician singing a rendition of a U2 basic blew me away. In reality, the musician was so good that I got here again to get some meals and absorb extra of the environment later that day while having fun with an Ulster fry. In the event you haven’t but tried the Irish soda bread or potato cake, this market is a good alternative to do it. It’s a nice hub for individuals to come back, eat and benefit from the music however there actually is a lot extra to this market which is certainly one of Belfast’s oldest points of interest.

You should purchase stunning framed images of the Irish coast, crystals on the holistic stands or choose up an Irish vintage. You’ll additionally discover different cuisines similar to smoked fish chowder and Thai curries however as they are saying, when in Eire…

Discover it at: 12-20 East Bridge St
Time wanted: One to a few hours (relying on whether or not you keep for meals)
Opens at: Friday – Sunday 9am-3pm
Prices: Free!

HMS Caroline is the one surviving battleship from The Battle of Jutland in World Battle One

4. Discover HMS Caroline

Close to the Titanic Museum sits the one surviving battleship from The Battle of Jutland in World Battle One. As soon as a vessel of conflict, HMS Caroline is now a floating museum that tells the story of the battle.

Having by no means heard of The Battle of Jutland, I knew nothing about HMS Caroline and the position that it performed within the battle that apparently modified the course of the First World Battle.

Fortunately the exhibition begins with a brief film cleverly projected onto the gallery partitions. The Battle of Jutland was fought over 36 hours and was often known as one of many largest floor battles in naval historical past due to the numbers of vessels concerned. The battle came about within the North Sea in opposition to the German Navy.

After the brief movie, you discover the remainder of the ship, or like me, you go to the present store and ask them if that’s the finish of the tour with out realising that there’s a decrease deck and engine room to find! You may even climb to the bridge and contact the steering wheel, earlier than wandering by means of all of the cabins beneath to see the sleeping and consuming quarters in the course of the crew’s time at sea.

Every space is self-guided and interactive. All it’s a must to do is intention your torpedo-shaped audio stick on the interactive factors to pay attention to every chapter in your headphones. You uncover the tales of the crew in addition to how they used to speak at sea. It’s such a very good attraction for those who like exploring completely different rooms and corridors. I even discovered my means all the way down to the engine room. The torpedo room was undoubtedly a primary for me.

For somebody who doesn’t maintain a lot of an curiosity in something naval, exploring a real-time life battleship and one which performed such an vital position in our historical past was so fascinating.

Discover it at: Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd (quarter-hour stroll from the Titanic Museum)
Time wanted: 90 minutes to three hours (there is a cafe inside too)
Opens at: Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4:30pm.
Prices: £11.00 for a self-guided tour.
Book tickets for HMS Caroline Self Guided Tour

Study extra about Bobby Sands on a Belfast Political tour

5. Take a Belfast Political Tour

I personally couldn’t come to Belfast and never be taught extra about its political historical past. Having grown up watching the information in regards to the IRA, I needed to know extra about this battle that they referred to as ‘The Troubles.’ And taking a political tour with ex-prisoners who had first-hand accounts of the battle was the right technique to do it.

The three-hour strolling tour begins at legendary Falls Street, the place The Troubles started greater than 30 years in the past. Again then, barely any of the residents had been unaffected by the battle and plenty of fought for his or her beliefs.

You see the realm the place fifteen hundred homes had been set on hearth, bullet holes within the partitions in Falls Street and the backyard the place Republicans are remembered (or often known as a ‘shrine to terrorism’ relying on which aspect you had been on).

Passing by means of gates to a primarily Protestant space you hear each accounts of the battle from the Loyalist and Republican sides and the consequences that the battle has left.

Your information then explains the political messages behind the colorful murals, earlier than you’ve got the chance to signal the Peace Wall. A mural of Bobby Sands, some of the well-known members of the Irish Republican Military who died on starvation strike adorns one of many partitions, amongst footage of Republican girls and faces which periled throughout The Troubles.

The mural that the majority stands out is the 1916 – 2016 image of weapons and a harp; the message ‘From bullet to poll: the evolution of our revolution,’ sums up the three-hour tour. This tour actually offers you an perception into the historical past of Belfast and the way far it has come as we speak. Learn my evaluate right here or click on the hyperlink beneath for excursions.

The marina in Belfast is a beautiful place to stroll alongside on a sunny day

6. Take Your self On a Self-Guided Tour

Belfast is a wonderful metropolis to stroll round. Town isn’t that giant so it’s simply walkable. The stroll again into the town from the Titanic Museum is a extremely calming stroll that takes you alongside the marina previous yachts. It is an ideal place to sit down and luxuriate in a espresso while absorbing modern-day Belfast subsequent to The Lagan River. Cross the bridge to see the quirky Large Fish statue.

In addition to The Docklands, be sure you see the Botanic Backyard, the Albert Clock, and a few of the metropolis’s finest structure, such because the Belfast Metropolis Corridor. At evening, head to Cathedral Quarter Belfast which attracts the celebration dwellers.

In the event you do not need to stroll and like to sightsee by bus in your solo journey Belfast, as a substitute take the town sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Discover it at: Begin from wherever within the metropolis for those who stroll or take the bus from over 31 stops
Time wanted: So long as you want. A bus ticket lasts for 72 hours
Opens at: In the event you stroll – anytime. The primary bus begins at 10am.
Prices: From £20.
Test pricing: Belfast Metropolis Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus Ticket

See Belfast Fortress in your go to

7. Go to Belfast Fortress

Belfast Fortress is simply 20 minutes from Belfast metropolis centre, and though it’s typically missed in lots of travellers’ itineraries, it’s price including. Perched atop Cave Hill, Belfast Fortress boasts panoramic views of the town and past. Steeped in historical past, this Scottish Baronial-style mansion affords an imposing setting.

This Nineteenth-century citadel is stuffed with historical past that dates again to the Normans’ time. Discover its superbly embellished rooms, study its historical past and wander its manicured gardens with breathtaking views of the town. Strolling on the citadel woods additionally offers you the chance to identify wildlife like owls and sparrowhawks.

Discover it at: Antrim Street, Belfast
Time wanted: 3 hours
Opens at: 9 am – 6 pm day by day
Prices: Free

Belfast has some fascinating structure

8. Attend an Occasion at Grand Opera Home

The most effective issues to do in Belfast alone is to see a dwell efficiency on the Grand Opera Home. Belfast’s Grand Opera Home is a powerful Victorian gem. With its fancy exterior and lavish interiors, it is like stepping again in time to a extra glamorous period.

This constructing has a timeless allure and is of cultural significance. It affords a various programme of musicals, dance, drama and extra. It’s price testing their occasion calendar earlier than your journey to Belfast; you would possibly discover an fascinating present for you.

Stormont Park is good for nature lovers

9. Spend Some Time at Stormont Property

Stormont Property is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Belfast for nature lovers. This public park is a sprawling oasis of pure magnificence and historic significance. It been awarded a Inexperienced Flag and is taken into account some of the stunning and greenest areas in Northern Eire.

Residence to the enduring Stormont Fortress and Parliament Buildings, there are many issues to do in Stormont Park – from happening a mountaineering path to having a calming picnic and visiting the close by Botanic Gardens.

Discover it at: Stormont Ct, Belfast
Time wanted: As a lot as you need.
Prices: Free

See the large fish alongside the waters edge in Belfast

10. Get pleasure from The Finest Views From Victoria Sq. Dome

In the event you love a metropolis’s panoramic view, you could go to Victoria Sq. Dome, providing 360 views of Belfast. Its glass construction gracefully crowns the luxurious procuring centre, inviting you to marvel on the panoramic vistas beneath. With its mix of recent design and historic allure, the Dome is a must-see attraction.

Free and personal excursions can be found, however whatever the tour you select, you’ll actually benefit from the breathtaking views of the Belfast skyline. And you may as well spot superb sights just like the Albert Clock.

Aside from the views, Victoria Sq. is ideal for a procuring afternoon or having a meal.

Discover it at: 1 Victoria Sq., Belfast
Time wanted: 1 hour or extra if you wish to buy groceries
Opens: Monday to Wednesday from 9:30  am to six pm, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to six pm and Sunday from 1 pm to six pm
Prices: Free

Crumlin Street Gaol offers an fascinating historic perception

11. Uncover Crumlin Street Gaol

With regards to uncommon issues to do in Belfast, discovering Crumlin Street Gaol is certainly one of them. In case you are a fan of darkish tourism, you possibly can’t go away Belfast with out visiting this jail. It was closed in 1996 however grew to become a vacationer attraction in 2012 when the chains fell off, and the jail was reformed.

These days, you possibly can take a guided tour to listen to the tales of prisoners and why this well-known jail closed down, undergo the underground tunnels that had been linked to Crumlin Street Courthouse and extra.

Discover it at: 53-55 Crumlin Street, Belfast
Time wanted: 1-2 hours
Opens: Each day from 10:30 am to three pm
Prices: £14.50
E book Crumlin Street Gaol Tour

There may be avenue artwork in every single place in Belfast

12. Take a Self-Guided Road Artwork Strolling Tour

There are lots of fascinating issues to see in Belfast, and certainly one of them is avenue artwork. Do you know the town is known for avenue artwork?

Belfast is house to unimaginable painted partitions by native artists, and each avenue artwork will amaze you. You may both go on a self-guided tour and uncover them at your individual tempo or be a part of a non-public tour to be taught extra in regards to the tales behind every portray.

Discover it at: a number of places throughout Belfast metropolis centre.
Time wanted: 1-2 hours

I hope this record has impressed you for concepts of locations to see if you go to Belfast. When you’ve got time, different issues to do in Belfast embrace visiting the Ulster Museum and Woman Dixon Park.

Belfast is good to stroll round

The place To Keep in Belfast

I stayed at an Airbnb Belfast which was a 20-minute stroll into the town. Staying in an area’s home meant that I did not meet anybody throughout my keep so it’s possible you’ll choose to remain in a hostel to satisfy others to discover the town with.

All the lodging beneath have been beneficial by solo feminine travellers from our Women in regards to the Globe group and include a Solo Feminine Pleasant endorsement. For all different lodging in Belfast, click on the hyperlink beneath.

* To e book, verify costs or availability for all lodging in Belfast

The Belfast Worldwide Youth Hostel is a preferred alternative. It is near bars and eating places and only a brief stroll from the Botanic Backyard. There is a cafe on website which serves breakfast and a kitchen to arrange your individual meals. The situation is central, and the hostel attracts worldwide friends so you will undoubtedly meet different travellers right here. Rooms are both 4 mattress blended dormitories or you possibly can decide in your personal twin room.

In the event you choose to remain in a studio condominium, the Flint is a 4-star property near St. George’s Market with giant, snug rooms. Studios have both a metropolis view or landmark view and include a dishwasher and an oven so you possibly can cook dinner your individual meals. There’s additionally a streaming service for leisure within the evenings. The employees are actually useful and there’s the choice of checking out and in on-line for ease.

How To Get Round Belfast

Belfast is a walkable metropolis. I walked across the metropolis and did not use any public transport apart from the airport bus. If you favor to cycle your means round, you possibly can take a Belfast bike located round Belfast metropolis centre. Translink is the town’s bus supplier. You simply pay for a ticket in money if you get on the bus. Check here for routes and timetables.

In the event you choose the liberty of the open highway, take into account hiring a motorhome and driving your self round Northern Eire, stopping in Belfast on the way in which. As a solo traveller, you’ll have loads of area in your lodging in addition to cooking gear and a fridge/freezer to arrange your meals. Spaceship Leases affords a Voyager campervan from £50 per day. * E book a campervan with Spaceship Leases

From Belfast Airport

Belfast Metropolis Airport – Some low-cost airways fly into George Finest Belfast Metropolis Airport which is admittedly near the town (therefore the identify). A taxi prices approx £15 and takes about 10 minutes. The buses from the airport are line quantity 600 and run each 20 minutes throughout peak occasions into Europa Buscentre. The fee is £3 for a single ticket. From Belfast Metropolis Airport you may as well attain Derry (often known as Londonderry), by Airporter which works from exterior the airport.

Belfast Worldwide Airport – The worldwide airport is eighteen miles exterior of Belfast. The Airport Express 300 bus runs from reverse the terminal exit into the Europa Buscentre, Templepatrick, and Royal Avenue. It takes as much as 45 minutes and prices from £12 a method. In case you are travelling onto Londonderry or Lisburn there’s a Ulsterbus and Airporter bus to each locations. Taxis can be found from exterior the airport exit and prices approx £50 into the town.

Belfast Excursions

Get Your Information – Get Your Information lets you discover top-rated day excursions and actions in Belfast. Select from a Titanic Expertise with SS Nomadic go to, a Crumlin Street Gaol expertise, or a Recreation of Thrones and Big’s Causeway day tour. There are lots to select from together with a Belfast Metropolis centre beer bike tour, and it’s actually easy to make use of. Simply verify the opinions, value and availability then e book on-line. Learn my Get Your Information evaluate or click on the hyperlink beneath for all their excursions.

* Test all Get Your Information excursions, costs and availability

Viator – Viator is just like Get Your Information. They’re an American firm and a tour platform with greater than 345,000 excursions and worldwide actions. They provide loads of GOT excursions together with a Video games of Thrones Winterfell trek from Belfast, in addition to mountain walks within the stunning mountains of Mourne. Though a few of their excursions have a minimal of two individuals, there are a number of excursions to hitch as a solo. Learn my Viator evaluate or click on the hyperlink for all their excursions.

* Test all Viator excursions, costs and availability

Steadily Requested Questions About Belfast

When is the perfect time to go to Belfast? The most effective time to go to Belfast is anytime between Could to October. These months are drier and hotter.
How lengthy ought to I keep in Belfast? You want at the very least 48 hours in Belfast so you possibly can go to the primary points of interest.
Easy methods to get from Dublin to Belfast? The best technique to get from Dublin to Belfast is by prepare. The prepare journey takes roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes. Alternatively, you possibly can take a bus.
What are you able to do in Belfast without cost? Among the finest free issues to do in Belfast are visiting the Ulster Museum, happening a self-guided avenue artwork strolling tour and visiting Belfast Botanic Gardens.

My Verdict

How good is Belfast for solos? Belfast nonetheless has the Irish allure with out the vacationer vibe and expense of Dublin. The locals are pleasant and I felt actually protected. I undoubtedly suggest visiting.

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