Belfast

This beautiful and opulent Victorian theatre was designed in 1894 and restored in the 1970s, with a further significant modernisation in 2020. With its programme of plays, operas, concerts and musicals, the best way to discover the beauty of the building is to attend a show. Even if you don't plan on attending a performance, seeing this Art Nouveau architectural gem is a must.

The Belfast City Hall is a luxurious building built in the early 1900s, in classical Renaissance style, symbolising the sudden wealth of Industrial Revolution Belfast. Free guided tours are available. Make sure to check out the collection of portraits of past Lord Mayors.

A great way to see Belfast’s political hot spots is in a black taxi. At very moderate prices, a cab will show you the famous political murals, Falls and Shankill Roads and the Peace Walls. Moreover, these rides are usually often highly entertaining, depending on the driver you chance upon. Tours of this type are offered by several competing companies. Some will even pick you up at your hotel.

Situated in the lush setting of the Botanical Gardens, Ulster Museum is all about art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences. Come here and admire their fine permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibitions and events that promote diverse voices and new perspectives. Dinosaur bones, ancient weapons, meteorites, shoe exhibits, ship models, musical instruments, historical documents and jewellery — a little bit of everything. The time period and the range of topics covered are extensive, so you might even want to visit the museum twice.

This former Victorian prison, now open to visitors, is the spot to visit if you want to learn more about the dark history of the city. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the rooms where inmates were imprisoned while hearing their at times heart-wrenching stories.

With more than 1,000 animals and 150 species, you will have plenty to explore at Belfast Zoo. Many of the animals are in danger in their natural habitats, so the aim is to provide them with the best possible care. Don't miss out on the feeding times of your favourite animal.

Visit the magical world of chocolate and sweets at Aunt Sandra’s, where you can also make your own chocolate pizzas, lollipops or any kind of sweets you can imagine. The factory is nationally renowned for its fine handmade chocolates, fudge and boiled sweets, made using time-tested 100-year-old recipes.

This majestic castle nestled on the slopes of Cavehill dates back to 1870 and offers great views over Belfast Lough and the city. It is one of the most imposing buildings in the city, and visitors flock there to enjoy afternoon tea or a meal at the in-house restaurant or just to stroll around the beautiful, landscaped garden.

A fun, award-winning science and discovery centre, W5 offers a unique experience to visitors of all ages. With over 250 interactive exhibits and a varying programme of events, shows and exhibitions, you will not get bored here.

With this open-top double-decker City Sightseeing bus, you will get a great view over some of the most important sights in the city. The tour starts from the Belfast City Hall, but you can hop on at any stop along the route. There are 20 total stops, and the entire route takes about 1 hour.