Belfast accommodation from AU$117

Things to Do in Belfast

When you book your Belfast accommodation, you'll be sure to hear people mention the city's link to the legendary RMS Titanic—the ship was built here! The city is now home to a Titanic Belfast visitor centre, which will give you a more in-depth view of the construction and launch of this "unsinkable" vessel. No worries if you start to quote lines from the movie while walking through the nine galleries—you’re (probably) not the first person to stand on the landing and declare that you're the king of the world.

Although many hotels in Belfast are close to shops and restaurants, you'll want to make sure you look into Belfast hotels located near St. George's Market, where you'll get a taste for how locals spend their weekends. This indoor market has stalls loaded with traditional food, pastries, local crafts and the occasional lilt of live music.

Getting to and Around Belfast

Belfast's two airports cater to different arrival regions. Belfast International Airport (BFS) has flights from all over Europe, as well as the United States. The George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is mostly for travellers coming from Europe. Once in the city, you will need to depend on taxi service, but feel free to hoof it from pub to pub.

And hey, all that extra money you saved on our Belfast hotels means you can extend your trip. Feel like visiting Scotland? We’ve got Edinburgh hotels with your name on them. Wherever you end up, trust Wotif to get you the best deals—with no shenanigans or limericks needed!

History

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is most well-known for “the Troubles”, the 30-year conflict between Catholics and Protestants over Northern Ireland’s constitutional status. In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement granted Northern Ireland self-governance and ended the violence. Belfast is also the city where Harland and Wolff built the RMS Titanic from 1909 to 1912.

Things to do

The Grand Opera House is Northern Ireland’s top theatre, and its spectacular oriental-style auditorium hosts a range of performances, including opera, dance and comedy. The Lyric Theatre is another superb place to catch a show, and Northern Ireland’s only full-time producing theatre. Ulster Museum is located in Belfast’s Botanical Gardens, so you can visit two awesome sights at once. The Gardens is well-known for its Palm House Conservatory, while the museum is home to dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies and great works of art.

Built on the former Harland and Wolff shipyard, Titanic Belfast keeps the memory of the ill-fated ship alive. It has nine interactive galleries including a dark ride through a shipyard and a selection of artefacts. History buffs can find plenty more to keep them fascinated in Belfast: St. Anne’s Cathedral, the Albert Memorial Clock and Carrickfergus Castle.

Legend has it that when Jonathan Swift gazed upon Cavehill he thought it resembled a sleeping giant, and the idea for Gulliver’s Travels was born. While it may not make you want to write a book, this towering basalt hill offers views of the whole city. When the sky is clear you can even spot Scotland over the ocean.

Don’t forget to experience a night out in Belfast. There are live music venues, dance clubs, even places where you can catch traditional Irish music.

Shopping and dining

Belfast is home to sensational shopping: high street fashion boutiques, shopping streets like Royal Avenue and Donegall Place, and the CastleCourt and Victoria Square shopping centres. Belfast’s dining scene is a joy as well: cafes and brasseries, international cuisine and no shortage of fish and chips.

Getting here

Once you’ve booked your Belfast accommodation, take a look at our cheap flights to Belfast and get around Belfast by public transport or hire car. It’s a titanic place to visit.