Belfast Ultimate Guide: Explore Belfast 2024 

Northern Ireland’s Capital, and birthplace of the famous RMS Titanic Ship, Belfast is an incredible city that one must explore once in their lifetime. There is something for everyone in Belfast, whether you are a student, an adult or an older adult. This exciting city has so much to offer, from shopping centres, cultural hubs, universities, work opportunities, and more.  

Many students are nowadays choosing to pursue their higher education in Belfast. This is because Belfast is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Some of these universities are Belfast Metropolitan College, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis University College, Ulster University Belfast, and more. The top-notch education quality, post-study work opportunities and student discounts Belfast make it the ideal choice for students. 

Whether you are a student, or a tourist or planning to settle there completely, this blog is going to help you explore Belfast in the right way. For students, this can be the ultimate Belfast student guide. In this blog, you will find the list of the best places to visit in Belfast. So, without any delay, let’s begin exploring this beautiful city, one by one. 

Belfast Historical Sites 

First, let’s begin with exploring Belfast sightseeing places, such as Titanic Belfast and Belfast Castle.  

• Titanic Belfast: This is one of the most popular Belfast attractions, located where the Titanic was constructed. The insides of the building have nine interactive galleries. There, you can find the story of Titanic from the inspiring creation of the ship to the disheartening sinking of it. You can easily find the tickets for visiting this incredible site on the official site of Titanic Belfast.  

• Belfast Castle: Located 400 feet above sea level, Belfast Castle is one of the best places to visit when in the city. The castle has a deep history, and is famous for its beautiful driveway, gardens, and delicious coffee and food shops. The castle was built in the late 1860s and attracts a huge number of people every day now. Both, ground and the castle are free to visit, however they close up at 6pm. 

Museums and Galleries 

In this section, we will cover some of the most popular Belfast museums and galleries that one should not miss visiting. 

• Ulster Museum: Located in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, the Ulster Museum is home to some of the Nothern Ireland’s treasures. The museum is often from 10am to 5pm, and you can witness the whole history of the city, including the past and present. Artefacts from 10,000 years ago and other ancient collections can be found here. Moreover, there is no fee to enter Ulster Museum. 

• Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC): If you are looking for fun things to do in Belfast, then this could be your destination. Comedy shows, dance performances, talks, and cultural workshops are some of the art forms that you can find here, and they are truly an exquisite experience. The MAC is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm. So, book your tickets now! 

Outdoor Activities in Belfast 

• Botanic Gardens: With about 28 acres of south Belfast, this public garden in Belfast is one of the most visited places in Belfast. Famous among all age groups, you can simply come here with friends, family or colleagues and have a great time. Believe it when we say it, visiting Botanic Gardens Belfast is one of the ultimate Belfast outdoor activities. 

• Cave Hill Country Park: If you love looking at the sky change colors, then you must visit this park. The long and circular route up the hill may take 2 hours of your time, but the views from the hill are truly worthy. This anticlockwise walk starts from Belfast Castle, so make sure you have the right pair of shoes on! If you love watching sunsets, then make sure you reach the location in time to capture the mesmerizing beauty. 

Nightlife & Food 

• Nightlife: If you are looking forward to a crazy Belfast nightlife, then get your dancing shoes on. Students, adults and even older adults, these nightclubs are going to make you dance until the sun rises. Some of the best nightclubs to explore when in Belfast are Thompsons Garage, Ollie’s Belfast, Alibi, Kremlin, and the list goes on and on. The food, music, lights and beats are going to give you an experience like no other, so be ready to groove! 

• Local Cuisine: Whenever you visit a new city, you must try their local cuisines, as that’s an experience you can’t get everywhere. So, when in Belfast, make sure you try their local food. Some of these local foods of Belfast are Fifteens, Ulster Fry, Jammy Joey, Dulse, Yellow Man, Boxty, among others. These can be found easily in street markets and restaurants, so experience the Local cuisine in Belfast whenever you get time. 

Day Trips from Belfast 

• Giant Causeway: If you want to go on a little adventure along with your friends on your day off, then this is one of the best Day trips from Belfast. In this guided and hassle-free tour to Giant Causeway, you get to travel in luxury coaches, witness UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant Causeway, and have a fabulous time. This is the perfect way to get close to nature and its true beauty. During the trip, you will also witness Dunluce Castle, Carnlough, Cushendun, and Dark Hedges.  

Transport Options in Belfast 

If you are a student living in Belfast, then you must be worried about spending too much on transport. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get around Belfast, so let’s see Belfast transportation options for you, that are affordable and easy! 

• Translink: This is the ultimate leading operator of public transport in Nothern Ireland, and includes Metro, Ulsterbus, Glider, Goldliner, and NI Railways.  

• Bus: The local bus service called Metro provides a service throughout Belfast.  

• Glider G1: Direct Cross-City Centre service between east & west. 

• G2: Titanic Quarter 

• Train: Called NI Railways, it is the number one train service in Nothern Ireland. It has 17 staffed stations, and 5 staffed halts. It is a great way to explore Belfast in an affordable and fun way. 

Now that you have all the information on what you can explore in Belfast, plan your trip accordingly, and experience the beauty that Belfast is! 

Also Read:- Cost of Living in Belfast for Students, Best Things and Activities to Do in York