How to Find Belfast's Best Tourist Spots

Belfast might not be the first place that springs to mind when people think of visiting Ireland, but it is full of wonderful places to go and things to see. Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland, located on the lovely eastern coast of the country. A modern, industrious city, Belfast makes a great destination city for tourists because of its rich history and culture, architecture, and tranquil gardens and parks. If you are planning on visiting Belfast, here are some of your best options.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check out Belfast Botanic Gardens. This is one of the most popular public parks in the entire city. It is always full of city locals, teens, and tourists. Opened since 1828, the most exciting feature of the gardens is the Palm House, which is one of the oldest cast iron glasshouses on earth. There is a large selection of tropical plants at the Palm House. Also be sure to take a look at the lovely rose garden located here (see Resources below).

2. Visit Belfast City Hall (Donegall Square). This majestic structure was completed in 1906, with a beautiful Portland stone exterior in the traditional Renaissance style. There are many sights for tourists to see here, including the Grand Entrance, the Grand Staircase, the Great Hall, and a statue of Queen Victoria. The stained glass windows and Brescia marbles all throughout the building are particularly mesmerizing. There are also serene gardens surrounding the buildings (see Resources below).

3. Visit the Royal Ulsters Rifle Museum. This museum is a unique museum that focuses on artifacts, relics, and memorabilia from the Foot Regiment. The many items here date back to 1793. Visitors can examine badges, medals, documents, pictures, uniforms and many more things of interest here (see Resources below).

4. Check out Cave Hill. This hill overlooking Belfast has a volcanic origin, and many believe that the profile of the hill resembles Napoleon's. When the weather allows, visitors like to climb up to the top of the hill for spectacular panoramic views over Belfast. If you look far enough, you can even see the Isle of Man (England) in the far off distance (see Resources below).

5. Take a walk on the Golden Mile. This is an area of Great Victoria Street that extends from City Hall to the university section of the city. This is a fun and bustling area that is the heart of Belfast's club, bar, restaurant and cafe scene. If you are looking to enjoy some of the best pubs and food the city has to offer, the Green Mile is one of your best bets (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Belfast has lots of great festivals in the summertime. If you plan on being in the city in June, try to attend the Folk Festival, which has lots of live folk music, dancing, poetry and art. The performers here are a mix of local and international.

Resources

• Belfast City Council: Botanic Gardens
• Belfast City Hall
• Royal Ulsters Rifles Museum
• Cave Hill
• Golden Mile