7 Must-See Sites in Belfast, Northern Ireland

The 19th-century Belfast City Hall, in the heart of the city, is open to the public, offering free guided tours and a permanent exhibition. On the grounds of city hall, you’ll find several statues and memorials commemorating historical figures pivotal to the city’s history, as well as the American Expeditionary Force and World War I. © Krzysztof Nahlik | Dreamstime.com

Did you know the Titanic was constructed in Belfast? Learn about the ship’s construction, its ill-fated voyage and the aftereffects at Titanic Belfast, an award-winning attraction delving into the infamous boat. The attraction even offers an overlook of the shipyard where the Titanic was built and eventually rolled out. © VanderWolf Images | Dreamstime.com

Just outside city center lies Giant's Ring, a Neolithic henge monument dating back more than 4,500 years, predating the Egyptian pyramids. Passage tombs are relatively common across Northern Ireland and Ireland, used by Neolithic peoples as a meeting place or as a memorial for the dead. The most famous Neolithic passage tomb on the island is Newgrange in Co. Meath. © Roman Zaremba | Dreamstime.com

You can’t visit Belfast without having a pint in a historic pub. Duke of York, located near St. Anne’s Cathedral, embodies a classic pub atmosphere with a mirrored whiskey bar, old advertising signs and live music. The pub has served locals and visitors for more than 200 years. © Michael Harper | Dreamstime.com

More of a mansion than a castle, Belfast Castle, located in Cave Hill Country Park, is the place to go for unobstructed views of the city and Belfast Lough. Built in the late 19th century, the Victorian property likely sits on the grounds of an even older settlement or castle. Today, the castle hosts afternoon tea, weddings and other events. It’s open daily to visitors with a visitor center, shop, garden, restaurant and playground. © Gabriella S.bognár | Dreamstime.com

Just as you’ll find Duke of York, you can expect other great nightlife venues, a theater, bistros, craft coffee shops and pubs in Cathedral Quarter. The narrow, cobbled streets of the quarter also often host food festivals, art shows and summer concerts in nearby Custom House Square. Neon lights adorn the streets for a vibrant night experience. © Nataliya Hora | Dreamstime.com

Located a little more than an hour away from Belfast lies the iconic Giant’s Causeway. No trip to Belfast is complete without an excursion to these unique rock formations lining the sea. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these thousands of interlocking basalt columns create one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in the world. The site includes a visitors center, which showcases a great visual of the Irish legend on the creation of the causeway. On a clear day, you can see Scotland across the sea. © Aitor Muñoz Muñoz | Dreamstime.com