Discover Belfast: Titanic history, museums and gardens

The RMS Titanic was built and launched at Belfast’s historic Titanic Slipways. At the Titanic Experience, follow its story through ten interactive galleries—from the shipyard and launch to its outfitting and maiden voyage. The experience is self-guided and also includes a self-guided tour of the SS Nomadic, the world’s last surviving White Star Line ship. An outdoor Discovery Tour with a guide explores the designers and shipbuilders who brought the Titanic to life.

Shipbuilding, industry and remembrance

For another maritime perspective, visit HMS Caroline: the restored First World War ship has been converted into a museum and visitor attraction. It is moored on Belfast’s Maritime Mile, just a short walk from Titanic Belfast. Expert-led tours tell the story of the ship, its crew and their unexpected experiences.

Crumlin Road Gaol was an active prison from 1845 to 1996 and reopened as a visitor attraction after extensive renovation. The visit includes the underground tunnel to the courthouse, the prison wings, the condemned man’s cell and the execution chamber. Belfast City Hall also explores the city’s industrial history: its visitor exhibition ranges from the Titanic to Belfast’s music venues and theatres. Tours include areas not normally open to the public, including the Grand Staircase and the Rotunda.

Museums, literature and art

The Ulster Museum brings together collections of art, natural sciences and history. In the natural science galleries, you’ll encounter marine life, insects, plants, animals, birds and mammals, as well as Ireland’s only dinosaur bones. The Deep Time gallery offers a distinct focus: its eleven episodes take you from the formation of the planet to the beginning of the Ice Age. W5 adds to the museum offering with more than 250 interactive exhibits across eight zones, as well as live science shows every day. As the exhibition layout may change, check the current programme before you travel.

The Linen Hall, Belfast’s oldest library, was founded in 1788. Its Northern Ireland Literary Archive includes digitised letters, manuscripts and typescripts by writers who were born or grew up in Northern Ireland. You’ll find literature in a public setting at CS Lewis Square, a memorial space for the Belfast-born writer. Seven bronze sculptures bring “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” to life. The square is at the junction of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, beside the EastSide Visitor Centre.

Gardens, architecture and views

The Botanic Gardens feature tropical plants, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, sculptures and several walking trails. The Tropical Ravine opened in 1889; its plant collection is based on a 1904 plant list. The Palm House is one of the oldest examples of a curved iron-and-glass structure. The gardens bring together botanical collections and different forms of historic architecture.

Belfast Cathedral is known locally as St Anne’s. Its nave was dedicated on 2 June 1904. Self-guided visitors can use visitor or audio guides in eight languages, including German; check what’s available before you travel.

Belfast Castle offers impressive views from its position 120 metres above the heart of Belfast. After it was gifted to the city in 1934, the castle became a visitor attraction. The estate includes landscaped gardens, mature mixed woodland and a woodland trail. Cave Hill Country Park brings together archaeological sites, eco-trails, hiking and orienteering routes, woodland, species-rich grassland and Belfast Castle. McArt’s Fort, an ancient rath or fort almost 368 metres above sea level, is located within the park.

Markets and practical information

The Friday market at St George’s Market dates back to 1604 and has around 200 stalls. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, hot food, cakes and pastries, crafts and fresh fish; individual traders’ offerings may vary. The Saturday market combines local, continental and speciality foods with handmade crafts and live music from local musicians. The two market days have different focuses: Friday offers a wide mix of goods and food, while Saturday also features music as part of the market experience.

Belfast is compact and easy to explore on foot; cycling and taxis are also convenient ways to get around. Public transport includes Translink’s Metro and Glider services, as well as Northern Ireland Railways. There is also a public bike-share scheme in the city centre, with more than 30 stations. Transport networks and availability may change, so check services before you travel. City tours are also available by bus and boat, as well as themed tours. A leisurely two-hour street art tour starts outside the Duke of York; check dates and availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Belfast, Armagh, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Ballymoney, Londonderry, Dungannon And South Tyrone, Fermanagh

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