The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Belfast, Northern Ireland

| © Tony Pleavin / Alamy

Belfast boasts a rich, traditional history and a vibrant modern social scene. These two sides of the city, together, create a village-like atmosphere in a big city space, perfect for students and tourists alike. Unlike many of its neighbouring cities in Scotland and England, it’s also good for your money – it’s one of the UK’s cheapest areas. If you’re a first-time visitor to the city, here are the top 10 attractions and must-sees to put on your list.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum celebrates world natural science, local history and one very famous mummy. Opened in 1929, the museum went under reconstruction between 2006 and 2009 and has since become one of Northern Ireland’s prized attractions. Completely free to the public, the museum boasts four floors, consisting of zoological, botanical, historical and natural sciences. Must-see highlights include Takabuti the mummy and the impressive collection of British and Irish art, 1740-1840. Occasionally, the museum hosts a special ‘Night at the Museum’ event, a rare treat for young curious minds.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, UK, +44 28 9044 0000

© Paul Lindsay / Alamy

St Anne's Cathedral

Cathedral, Church, Historical Landmark

St. Annes Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe
© imageBROKER / Alamy
Sir Thomas Drew began work on St Anne’s Cathedral in 1899, and it has since become the gemstone of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. It is a must-see attraction for its stained glass, intricate floor and ceiling mosaics, and a Celtic Cross sculpture, designed by John MacGeagh, on its exterior. History buffs will enjoy the story of this cathedral throughout the 20th century in visual art and tapestries.

Queen's University Belfast, Lanyon

Building, University

Queens university Belfast Lanyon Building
© SPKIR / Alamy

© SPKIR / Alamy | © SPKIR / Alamy

Crumlin Road Gaol

Building

Cells and landing in the Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian built prison.
© Stephen Barnes/Law and Order / Alamy

© Stephen Barnes/Law and Order / Alamy | © Stephen Barnes/Law and Order / Alamy

Cave Hill

Hiking Trail, Park, Zoo

© scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy | © scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy

Belfast City Hall

Building, Memorial

Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland, UK
© Krzysztof Nahlik / Alamy

© Krzysztof Nahlik / Alamy | © Krzysztof Nahlik / Alamy

Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe
© imageBROKER / Alamy

© imageBROKER / Alamy | © imageBROKER / Alamy

Titanic Museum

Building, Museum

An evening view of the Titanic museum in Belfast.
© Chris James / Alamy
Recently named World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016, the Titanic Museum doesn’t disappoint. At the heart of the Titanic Quarter, visitors can enjoy a view of the Harland & Wolff shipyard, which constructed the RMS Titanic in 1912. While you visit the museum, your ticket will cover entry into the SS Nomadic ship on-site.

Duke of York

Belfast Culture Night crowds pubs bars duke york northern ireland
© scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy

© scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy | © scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy

St George's Market

Market

UK, Northern Ireland, Belfast, St. Georges Market, interior
© Jon Arnold Images Ltd / Alamy
Markets are fast becoming popular tourist attractions for the young and old. St George’s Market is a perfect place to sample the Northern Irish spirit, offering food, arts and crafts, local fashion, jewellery and entertainment year-round, earning it the UK’s Best Market Attraction 2017. It holds a Variety Friday Market, City Food and Craft Saturday Market and a traditional Sunday Market, with special twilight food markets throughout the year.
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