Belfast, upping the game

SIGHTSEEING, BELFAST Updated : May 3, 2017, 05.03 PM IST

Sonia Nazareth

Sonia Nazareth is back from her second masters in Anthropology of Media from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Now she can be found brandishing pen and camera on various travel, literary, art and research assignments across the world.

Credit: ThinkStock Photos
So much to see, so little time. That can be true of any destination. But Belfast, especially after it’s stormy political past has done much to march ahead with renewed zest and determination. The historic Titanic Quarter, the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, a blossoming food-scene and some large-scale regeneration projects have over the last few years, invited a flurry of traveller excitement. Here’s how to make the best of a city, that knows just how to up its game and step sure-footed into the future.
1
Architecture

SIGHTSEEING, BELFAST

The Titanic Quarter

Rife with the memory of when Belfast was a world centre of maritime trade and shipbuilding, the Titanic Quarter is one of the world’s largest urban-waterfront regeneration projects. There’s plenty to see. The obvious dra...more

2

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

A Game of Thrones Tour

Game of Thrones, the popular TV Show, was shot partially in Belfast’s Titanic Studios. What has fans of the TV show flocking here—is that beyond the Studios, Northern Ireland itself was the principal film location for mu...more

3

MARKETS, BELFAST

St. George’s Market

St. George’s Food and Garden Market, one of the UK’s first food markets, with its 250 stalls selling everything—from fresh fish to red apples to coffee beans and an array of organic products—is always abuzz with energy.

4

SIGHTSEEING, BELFAST

Botanic Garden

With its address near a beautiful landscape, the Botanic Gardens are a popular draw. As garden architecture goes, the 1839 Palm House with its range of tropical plants, is a stellar example of a glasshouse made from glas...more

5
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

Ulster Museum

Even if you’re no stranger to elaborate museums, the Ulster Museum—the largest museum in Northern Ireland—will tug you successfully back in time. For some, coming face-to-face with dinosaur bones and meeting an Egyptian ...more

6
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Dynamic, a much overused word, in this case is the only way to describe the cottage, farms, schools and shops that constitute the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. What these museums offer—is a way through detailed recon...more

7
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

Ulster American Folk Park

Even if you are no stranger to the story of Irish emigrations and you’ve done a morning of museums, don’t miss the Ulster American Folk Park. As you journey from thatched cottages to a full-size emigrant sailing ship, yo...more

8
Art

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

Political Murals

It may sound like a cliché, but if walls could talk, in Belfast especially, several walls would have stories to tell. Large, impassioned murals and emotionally-charged drawings and texts on walls, express the religious a...more

9
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BELFAST

Crumlin Road Gaol

Viewed from the outside, the black basalt and red sandstone structure, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and inspired by the cutting-edge design of London’s Pentonville Prison, is dramatic to say the least. The adept guides...more

10

SIGHTSEEING, BELFAST

The Walled City of Derry

If you have an extra day on hand, a visit to the City of Derry, the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, is highly recommended. You don’t need to be a specialist in Irish history, to relish a dramatic walk a...more

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