Best Landmarks in Belfast
Planning a trip to Belfast? Discover the best landmarks in Belfast with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Belfast
Belfast offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning architecture. From the iconic Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the ill-fated ship, to the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, where you can take a chilling tour of the former prison, there is something for everyone. Stroll through the picturesque Botanic Gardens, home to the stunning Palm House, or explore the political murals in the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas. Don't forget to visit the majestic Belfast Castle for panoramic views of the city and enjoy a pint at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian gem. Belfast is a city that will leave you captivated and wanting to explore more.
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
29 landmarks
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Performing arts theatre4.7★4,013 reviews
Grand Opera House
Belfast’s iconic Grand Opera House is a beautifully restored Victorian theatre on Great Victoria Street, renowned for its ornate interiors, rich theatrical history, and diverse programme of opera, musicals, drama, and concerts. With seating across four levels and a central location, it offers an elegant night out in the heart of the city.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
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Historical landmark4.5★3,183 reviews
Peace Wall Belfast
The Belfast Peace Wall at Cupar Way stands as one of Northern Ireland's most significant historical landmarks, a powerful symbol of division and reconciliation. Originally constructed in 1969 during The Troubles, this barrier separates predominantly Catholic and Protestant communities. Today, it serves as a canvas for vibrant murals and messages of peace, attracting visitors from around the world who come to reflect on the city's turbulent past and ongoing journey toward unity. The wall's transformation from a symbol of conflict into an artistic expression of hope makes it an essential stop for understanding Belfast's complex history.
Daily 7:00–19:00Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs
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Heritage building4.6★2,618 reviews
Stormont Estate
Stormont Estate is a sprawling 224-acre public park in east Belfast, home to the iconic Parliament Buildings and the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Built on grounds established by Reverend John Cleland in the early 19th century, the estate features beautiful gardens, woodland walks, fitness trails, children's playgrounds, and historic monuments. The Parliament Buildings themselves, designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and opened in 1932, showcase Greek Classical architecture and offer free guided tours Monday to Friday. The estate is a major cultural and political landmark, blending natural beauty with significant historical importance.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Time to spend 1.5–4 hrs
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Town Hall4.6★2,023 reviews
Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall stands as the civic heart of Northern Ireland's capital, a stunning Baroque Revival masterpiece completed in 1906. Located on Donegall Square, this iconic building features a distinctive copper dome, ornate stained glass windows, and elegant Portland stone façade. Visitors can explore opulent interiors including the Council Chamber and Great Hall, enjoy free access to the grounds with memorials, or join guided tours led by experienced guides. The surrounding lawns host seasonal events, including the popular Belfast Christmas Market, making it an essential stop for anyone discovering the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
Mon–Fri 9:30–17:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
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Cathedral4.5★1,475 reviews
Belfast Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Anne
Belfast Cathedral, also known as St Anne’s Cathedral, is a striking Romanesque-style Anglican cathedral located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Founded in 1899 and consecrated in 1904, it features the iconic 40-metre Spire of Hope, intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and historic memorials. The cathedral offers peaceful spaces for prayer, guided and self-guided tours, and hosts cultural events including candlelight concerts.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Tourist Information Centre4.5★985 reviews
Visit Belfast
Donegall Square is Belfast's civic heart, anchored by the magnificent City Hall and surrounded by Victorian architecture. This historic public space features the relocated Titanic Memorial, manicured gardens, and important monuments including the Cenotaph and Garden of Remembrance. The square is ringed by impressive buildings—the Scottish Mutual Building, Linen Hall Library, and Ten Square Hotel—making it an essential starting point for exploring Belfast's rich industrial and cultural heritage.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 11:00–16:00Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
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Historical landmark4.4★583 reviews
Albert Memorial Clock
The Albert Memorial Clock, completed in 1869, is a striking Gothic-style clock tower in Belfast’s Queen’s Square. Built to honor Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, it stands 34 metres tall and is famous for its distinctive lean caused by marshy ground beneath. This iconic monument, richly decorated with statues and heraldic details, marks the edge of the Cathedral Quarter and embodies Belfast’s rich industrial heritage and Victorian grandeur.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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Memorial4.7★470 reviews
Knockagh Monument
Perched atop Knockagh Hill near Carrickfergus, the Knockagh Monument is Northern Ireland’s largest war memorial, a 34‑metre basalt obelisk honouring County Antrim’s fallen from the First and Second World Wars. From its 390‑metre summit, sweeping views stretch across Belfast Lough, the city of Belfast, and the surrounding countryside, making it a place of solemn remembrance and striking natural beauty. The site is freely accessible and offers a powerful blend of history, panoramic vistas, and quiet reflection.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Historical landmark4.8★273 reviews
McArt's Fort
McArt's Fort is an ancient ringfort perched on a rocky promontory at the summit of Cave Hill near Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. Dating back to the Iron Age, this historical landmark offers panoramic views over Belfast and beyond. The fort features a deep defensive ditch and steep cliffs, with a nearly level interior plateau. It is steeped in local legend and history, including ties to the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
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Sculpture4.5★106 reviews
Beacon of Hope
A striking 19.5-meter stainless steel and bronze sculpture standing in Thanksgiving Square, the Beacon of Hope depicts a graceful female figure holding a symbolic ring of thanksgiving. Created by Scottish artist Andy Scott and unveiled in 2007, this iconic public artwork symbolizes peace, reconciliation, and hope for Belfast's future. Free to visit and accessible 24 hours, it has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and a powerful symbol of the city's renewal.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Samson & Goliath Cranes
The Samson and Goliath cranes are towering yellow gantry cranes located at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. Standing at 106 and 96 meters respectively, these monumental structures symbolize Belfast’s rich shipbuilding heritage, once home to the builders of the Titanic. Constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, they remain dominant features of the city skyline and are protected historic monuments, representing the industrial might and cultural identity of Belfast.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
If Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
At the heart of Belfast’s Donegall Square stands Belfast City Hall, the grand civic building of Belfast City Council. Completed in 1906 in Baroque Revival style, this Grade A listed landmark features a striking copper dome, ornate Portland stone façade, and elegant stained glass windows. The surrounding lawns and gardens host memorials including the Cenotaph, Garden of Remembrance, and Titanic Memorial Garden, making it both a political and symbolic centre of the city. Guided tours, exhibitions, and events allow visitors to explore its opulent interiors and rich history.
Sat–Sun 10:00–12:00, 13:00–15:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Great Light, Maritime Mile
The Great Light is a monumental maritime heritage beacon located in Belfast's Titanic Quarter along the Maritime Mile. Standing seven meters tall and weighing ten tonnes, it once produced one of the strongest lighthouse beams in history. Situated near the historic slipways where Titanic and her sister ship Olympic were launched, it symbolizes Belfast’s rich shipbuilding legacy and maritime past within a vibrant waterfront regeneration area.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Belfast City Hall Tours
Belfast City Hall stands as the civic heart of Northern Ireland's capital, a magnificent Baroque Revival structure completed in 1906 with its distinctive copper dome visible across the city. Built from Portland stone during Belfast's industrial golden age, the building showcases ornate interiors featuring marble staircases, hand-carved woodwork, and stained-glass windows that tell the story of the city's heritage. Visitors can explore the building's grand rooms through guided tours, visit the 16-room visitor exhibition, relax in the Bobbin Coffee Shop, or stroll the manicured grounds featuring memorials including the Titanic Memorial Garden.
Price level $Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Belfast Peace Lines
Bombay Street in West Belfast stands as a powerful memorial to one of the pivotal moments that ignited the Troubles. On August 15, 1969, loyalist mobs firebombed nearly every house on this street, forcing over 1,500 Catholic families to flee their homes. Today, the street bears witness to this traumatic history through preserved ruins, protective steel cages, and the towering peace wall that separates communities. The Clonard Monastery nearby served as a refuge during the violence and remains a spiritual anchor for the neighborhood.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Alec the Goose
A charming bronze sculpture commemorating a beloved goose who wandered East Belfast in the 1920s. Located outside St. George's Market on East Bridge Street, this whimsical public artwork depicts Alec with a young female companion, referencing his habit of escorting local schoolchildren. The statue has become a quirky landmark and popular photo spot, drawing both locals and visitors curious about this unusual piece of Belfast's social history.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Visit West Belfast
Located at 217 Falls Road, Belfast, the Visit West Belfast Tourist Information Centre is your gateway to exploring the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community of West Belfast. This centre offers comprehensive visitor support, local insights, and access to key attractions including political murals, historic sites, and the Gaeltacht Quarter. Open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, it serves as an essential starting point for discovering the area's unique history and lively atmosphere.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Frederick Temple Memorial
The Frederick Temple Memorial, located in the manicured gardens of Belfast City Hall, commemorates Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, a distinguished British statesman and diplomat. Sculpted by Frederick Pomeroy and unveiled in 1906, the memorial features a bronze statue of Lord Dufferin flanked by symbolic figures representing India and Canada, reflecting his imperial roles. This historic monument stands as a testament to his contributions to British diplomacy and Belfast’s heritage.
Daily 7:00–21:00Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Numbers' Wall
Numbers' Wall is a vibrant street art installation in Belfast city centre that features an array of colorful numbers and symbols painted across its surface. This artistic landmark has become a popular spot for visitors exploring Belfast's creative street art scene and serves as a striking visual contrast to the city's more somber historical narratives. The wall's bright, dynamic aesthetic makes it a distinctive feature of the urban landscape and a favorite among photographers and art enthusiasts.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Clifton Street Graveyard
Opened in 1797 by the Belfast Charitable Society, Clifton Street Cemetery stands as Belfast's principal burial ground and a profound repository of the city's social and political history. This historic graveyard served as the final resting place for approximately 8,000 individuals across nearly two centuries, from Irish Republicans and British Unionists to social reformers, industrialists, and those from all walks of society. Now managed by Belfast City Council, the cemetery remains a contemplative space where visitors can walk through layers of Belfast's past.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Titanic Mural/ Мурал На Стене,Титаник
On the lower Newtownards Road in East Belfast, this striking wall mural pays tribute to the RMS Titanic and the city’s shipbuilding legacy. Painted in 2010 and later restored, it depicts the ‘Ship of Dreams’ alongside portraits of key figures like Thomas Andrews, the ship’s designer. The mural honors those who built the Titanic, those who sailed on her, and those who lost their lives in the 1912 disaster. It’s a powerful, locally created memorial that blends maritime history with Belfast’s tradition of public art.
Time to spend 15–45 min
Mary Ann McCracken statue
A striking bronze statue commemorating Mary Ann McCracken (1770–1866), a pioneering social reformer, abolitionist, and businesswoman who dedicated her life to fighting slavery, championing women's rights, and advocating for the poor. Unveiled on International Women's Day 2024, the statue depicts McCracken handing out abolitionist leaflets while wearing a Wedgwood anti-slavery brooch. Located on the front lawn of Belfast City Hall, it stands alongside the statue of Winifred Carney, marking the first non-royal women to receive statues in this prominent civic space.
Time to spend 0.2–1.5 hrs
Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
Donegall Square is the civic heart of Belfast, anchored by the magnificent City Hall and surrounded by Victorian-era architecture that reflects the city's industrial heritage. Named after the Donegall family, this central public space features historic buildings, memorials including the relocated Titanic Memorial, and serves as a vibrant gathering point for locals and visitors. The square's four sides—North, South, East, and West—each showcase distinctive architectural gems and cultural landmarks.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Falls Rd
Falls Road is the main artery through West Belfast's Catholic and Republican community, stretching nearly two miles from Divis Street to Andersonstown. Famous for its powerful political murals, including the iconic Bobby Sands mural, and its role as a focal point of the Troubles conflict, the road has transformed into a significant heritage tourism destination. Visitors encounter vivid street art, memorial gardens, and the Peace Wall that once divided this neighborhood from the adjacent Loyalist Shankill Road. Guided tours led by former activists and political ex-prisoners offer deeply personal insights into this turbulent period of Irish history.
Time to spend 2–4 hrs
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
Spanning the River Lagan in Belfast, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is a key 1960s road bridge connecting the city centre with the Titanic Quarter. Opened in 1966, it carries the A2 dual carriageway and offers views of the river, cranes, and modern Belfast skyline. It’s a functional piece of infrastructure with quiet pedestrian walkways, often overlooked by tourists but integral to the city’s daily rhythm and riverside walks.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
2-6 Waring St
A stunning Victorian-era sandstone building on one of Belfast's oldest and most historically significant streets. Originally constructed as the headquarters of Ulster Bank in 1860, this Grade A listed Italianate masterpiece now operates as the luxurious five-star Merchant Hotel. The ornate façade features sculptural representations of Britannia, Justice, and Commerce, while the interior showcases an impressive domed banking hall with elaborate plasterwork. Located in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, this architectural gem reflects the city's mercantile heritage and Victorian prosperity.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Carlisle Circus
Carlisle Circus is a historic traffic roundabout and junction in North Belfast, where the Antrim Road meets Clifton Street and Donegall Street. Once a grand Victorian circus, it now serves as a key transport node in a vibrant, culturally rich area. The site bears traces of Belfast’s industrial past and wartime history, with surrounding streets reflecting the city’s layered social and architectural heritage. It’s a place where local life unfolds amid a backdrop of red-brick terraces, churches, and community landmarks.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Donegall Square W
Donegall Square West is the western side of Belfast’s central civic square, anchored by the grand Belfast City Hall. This historic urban space blends Victorian and Edwardian architecture with modern city life, featuring the relocated Titanic Memorial, the imposing Scottish Provident Building, and a lively mix of banks, cafés, and shops. It’s a key meeting point and transport hub, rich in stories from Belfast’s industrial past and more recent events like the Northern Bank robbery. The area offers a great starting point to explore the city on foot.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Shaftesbury Square
Shaftesbury Square is a major and historic road junction in Belfast, Northern Ireland, first recorded in 1887. Named after the Earl of Shaftesbury, it connects key city arteries including Great Victoria Street and Dublin Road. The square is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by a blend of Victorian and modern architecture, reflecting Belfast’s rich cultural and urban evolution. It is a focal point for transport, commerce, and social life in the city.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Belfast travel guide: explore Titanic Belfast, political murals, Victorian architecture, lively markets, music, museums and Northern Ireland's maritime history.
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