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Victoria Square

Belfast Itineraries

Belfast City Centre Itinerary

Belfast is a city reborn, where old and new go hand in hand. A booming retail centre with a fine Victorian streetscape, it has an industrial past that is fast becoming its greatest tourist asset.

  • Stay in one of the many centrally located hotels, Ten Square or Malmaison – just a stone’s throw from all the main visitor attractions.
  • On Great Victoria Street you’ll find the Grand Opera House where Luciano Pavarotti made his UK debut.  Take in an evening show, while tours of this beautiful Victorian building are available on Sundays.
  • Across the road you’ll find the Crown Liquor Saloon, take in the atmosphere and the craic with a lunch of Irish stew and a pint of Guinness in the privacy of one of the wooden snugs.
  • Take a Historic Belfast walking tour providing fascinating insight into 300 years of Belfast’s history. Departs from the Belfast Welcome Centre Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun at 2pm.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping at Victoria Square, with over four levels of retail indulgence including the 200,000 sq ft House of Fraser department store, French Connection, H&M, Monsoon and Tommy Hillfigger. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes or you can take in a movie at the 8-screen Odeon cinema. Don’t miss the amazing city views from the top of the glass dome.

Belfast Historical Itinerary

The history of the city is everywhere to be seen, from the architecture of magnificent buildings such as the sumptious City Hall, built on profits from the gasworks.

  • A visit to the city would not be complete without a visit to City Hall; this Edwardian masterpiece (1906) was built to reflect Belfast’s city status.
  • Around the corner is St Malachy’s Church; with its fan vaulted ceiling like an inside-out wedding cake it rewards a visit.
  • Trace your family tree with a visit to the Linenhall Library which has an excellent genealogy collection with many primary and secondary sources, including books on individual family histories – there is also an excellent coffee shop for a quick bite of lunch.
  • Pay a visit to Clifton House, one of the city’s most exquisite historic buildings. In the grounds is the Clifton Street Graveyard, the burial ground of Henry Joy McCracken, executed for his part in the 1798 rebellion.
  • Take a guided Titanic Boat Tour with the Lagan Boat Company – departs from Donegall Quay. While your there have a close look at ‘The Big Fish’ - a 10 metre sculpture by John Kindness – each of the scales of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast.
  • Take in the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast’s own “Leaning Tower of Pisa”, erected in 1853 as a memorial to Queen Victoria’s consort.
  • McHugh’s is the perfect end to your historic city tour; a traditional Irish pub housed in Belfast’ s oldest building.

Belfast Luxury Itinerary

Belfast has become a first class destination for the luxury traveller. The city has a unique selection of chic contemporary hotels, reinvigorating spa resorts, award-winning restaurants and a marvellous range of activities.

  • Check in to the 5-star Merchant Hotel in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter and you can arrange for the hotel’s chauffeured Bentley to transport you to and from the hotel.
  • Shop till you drop and experience some of Belfast’s most exclusive city centre boutiques such as Carter and Smyth & Gibson.
  • Head south to the Lisburn Road where fashionistas will find shopping heaven – make sure to stop at Harper and Marina Rinaldi. If you’re in the market for a wardrobe overhaul then contact Fashion Pharmacy, an image consultancy and personal shopping service. Find out what suits your shape, size, colour and budget from across the city’s chic boutiques.
  • Next stop is a pampering session at Culloden Estate & Spa, a sanctuary of sheer luxury so indulge yourself with a facial or full body massage.
  • Dine in one of the city’s award-winning restaurants Cayenne, Deane’s or James Street South and experience the best in locally sourced produce cooked to perfection.
  • Follow dinner with a performance of the Ulster Orchestra at the stunning Belfast Waterfront Hall.
  • Wind down with a cocktail at the bar in the Merchant Hotel before retiring to your glorious suite with traditional fireplace and four-poster bed.