Belfast City Break Inspiration

Belfast City Break Inspiration

Take a trip to Belfast in Northern Ireland and you are sure to be delighted with the decision. Belfast city is full of history at every street corner and unlike most European cities, so much of it is very recent. It’s a gritty unapologetic place, excitedly welcoming more and more visitors each year. You have to take the rough with the smooth, learn what makes it tick and trying at least one pint of Guinness is pretty much obligatory.

There are lots of places where you can read about Belfast but I’d love you to take a look at my inspiration and ideas for spending time on a Belfast city break.

Why I Chose Belfast

My decision to visit Belfast was it bit convoluted. It started by me wanting to do two bucket list things that initially were not related in any way.  Firstly, was a long-held wish to see Bruce Springsteen in concert and the second was to see the Giants Causeway. So when I realised I could see The Boss in Belfast, take a day trip to coast and fly there for £100 the plan came together.

Where is Belfast?

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, set on the East coast in the island, much of the country is on a level with southern Scotland. I have to admit despite often looking at a map of Great Britain (I mean most days I watch a weather forecast) it is much further North then I realised. In fact, it’s only 2 hours by ferry to Scotland near Stranraer and 12 miles at the nearest point across the Mull of Kintyre.

This close relationship is borne out by many cultural similarities such as a strong tradition for Celtic music, dance and instruments. Traditions are also evident in their folklore and myths as well as the production of whiskey and my favourite, the use of the term “wee” to describe nearly everything regardless of its size.

Great Things To Do In Belfast

In almost any city, walking is without doubt a great way to experience the sights. Belfast is small enough to explore many areas on foot if you are able to but you can also make use of the local buses or taxis to reach some areas.

Free City Walking Tour

When I arrived, I had a day to myself. I wandered the streets on my own for a while and then joined a free walking tour.  Find the Yellow Umbrellas outside the City Hall.

Our guide was a fantastically knowledgeable, an ex history lecturer from Belfast. We had a slow walk around the city centre taking in historic buildings, many from the wealthy Victorian era, as well as explanations of statues. An 11.30am visit to the iconic Crown Saloon (more on that later) and plenty of history from the 15th century up to the present day giving us a much better understanding of how history has shaped not just the city but the whole island.  Really worthwhile,  but do remember to take some cash for a tip at the end. 

Hop on Hop off Bus

If you want to see the wider city area then the popular open top buses are really worth while. Again with commentary you can learn a huge amount of the recent history and enjoy the views.  We used City Tours Belfast which I can recommend.

The bus is a great option for seeing the sights that are just outside the centre even if you don’t get off.

Visit The Grand Opera House

When I first arrived into the town centre I got my bearings on Great Victoria Street and headed towards my hotel (the well located City Ibis). Walking past a beautiful old building in no rush I stopped to look at the event posters displayed outside.  It was the Grand Opera House.  To cut a long story short I ended up at the theatre that night and what a treat it was.

Inside it is just stunning, the interior is lavishly decorated with intricately designed plasterwork with gold leaf and seats covered in red velvet. Look up and it felt like an Italian church, with the ceiling a stunning dome with painted panels and intricate designs.  The show was very funny as well so overall a big win for my first night in the city.

You can also take a guided tour but why not check ahead and book a show.

The Titanic Belfast

One of the top attractions in the city (that sadly I did not have time for), the Titanic Museum has interactive exhibits and a detailed history of the world’s most famous ship, from its conception to its tragic sinking. People I spoke to said it was really worth a visit, set aside between 2 and 4 hours to really make the most of it. Book ahead for this popular attraction.

Belfast City Hall

The bus tours and guided walks start next to this beautiful and much photographed building. I am informed its style is Baroque Revival architecture and free tours inside are offered. The lawns to the front are a popular place to rest for lunch, especially in the sunshine, with numerous interesting statues of historic figures.

To the East of City Hall is the Titanic memorial,  comprising a small garden with a statue (a Greek style marble figure, the female personification of death). It is overlooked by five bronze plaques naming all 1,512 victims of the disaster.

The Ulster Museum and Botanical Gardens

During my visit we hopped of the bus and enjoyed a stroll around the botanical gardens and the Victorian palm house. This was just next to another beautiful building of Queens University dating from 1845. Nearby the Ulster Museum is very popular with a huge range of displays from art, history, natural science and geology.

St George’s Market

Open on Fridays and weekends this popular undercover Victorian market has something for everyone. From fabulous food to crafts and antiques as well as coffee shops and entertainment. Check here for details and opening hours.

Peace Walls, Political Murals and Tours

Learning about and appreciating the political history of the country is a really worthwhile part of a visit to Belfast. The open top bus heads along the once divided areas of the city along what is now known as the Peace Wall and passes the murals along the Falls Road and Shankill Road.  On the bus you can appreciate the scale and significance of them.  Commentary on board provides some history and explains the meanings of some of them. For more in depth knowledge take a guided walking or a Black Cab tour to really understand the context and recent history of The Troubles and hear first hand experiences. The Experience Belfast walking tour was recommended to me.  

You can also take a tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol that closed in 1996, being a place for prisoners since 1845. This is a popular attraction voted number 2 of things to do on Trip Advisor. 

Belfast Pub Tour,  Guinness optional!

A trip to Ireland is not complete without at least a small glass of Guinness. Our walking tour guide pointed out some of the best places for both a good pint and atmosphere. Yes these bar are popular with tourists but locals are there as well. They are each so unique that it really is worth choosing them either for a drink, a meal or to enjoy live music.

Many bars are tucked away up side streets or accessed from alleyways. Searching for them is a great way to explore the city, because they lead you down fascinating side streets and quirky passageways.  I challenge you to find The Morning Star.

The Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street (opposite central bus station) is a must see. With stunning interiors, intricate woodwork, stained glass and period gas lamps made even more interesting by the snugs (private booths) that were designed to allow the ladies to drink with their companions away from the crowded bar.  Check me and my friends crammed into one for drinks!

Other popular traditional bars include the nearby Robinsons Bar, full of character with wooden panelling and Titanic Memorabilia.

Whites Tavern was established in 1630 and is the oldest tavern in Belfast. It’s really authentic and known for it’s great quality Guinness. We also enjoyed a good meal there.

Henrys and linked Jailhouse Bar are is located on Joy’s Entry (named after Henry Joy). This narrow 17th century street was one the first in Belfast and the entrance was beautifully decorated when we were there. The bar has been refurbished in a traditional style and is popular for food and live music.

Finally The Duke of York is another traditional bar crammed with old mirrors and local memorabilia, and apparently the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland.

The Dome at Victoria Square

Head to the shopping centre called Victoria Square and seek out The Dome.  High above the city’s skyline, this impressive glass dome offers 360 degree views across Belfast.  The free tours of the dome give you a spectacular view of the Belfast skyline and allow you to take in sights such as Belfast City Hall,  the Albert Clock and the famous Harland & Wolff Cranes.

EVEN MORE

There is plenty more to do in and around Belfast including a visit to Stormont Parliament Buildings and grounds, Hillsborough Castle (not a castle) or Belfast Castle (which is a castle!). Hike in the local Cave Hill Country Park or options for day trips such as the Game of Thrones Tour and the Giants Causeway. It needs more than a couple days to see all the main attractions.

Getting to and From Belfast City

There are two airports, City Airport just 20 minutes from the centre however most flights arrive into the International Airport,  40 minutes from the city centre.  Regular shuttle buses operate to and from the Central Bus Station from both airports. I was most delighted that I could get there for £100 from Exeter in Devon and it’s only about £20 from Manchester.

The region is well served by trains and a popular route is the train to and from Dublin if you are visiting more of Ireland.

I hope you can tell that I really enjoyed my short break in Belfast and would be happy to return for more sightseeing, more Guinness and music. Cheers to my new friends from across the globe.