Cheap Hotels Belfast
What to see by foot: Belfast
    
Belfast's city centre is quite compact and curls around the west bank of the
River Lagan. Most attractions are within easy walking distance of the landmark
City Hall on Donegall Square.
City Hall dominates Donegall Square and is a wonderful neo-Renaissance building
that was built after the town received its city status from Queen Victoria in
1888. The building is vast, covering an acre and a half of land and the interior
heavily decorated with Italian marble and beautiful stained glass windows. Donegall
Street is lined with historical buildings, such as the Scottish Provident Building
and the Linen Hall Library (dating from 1788), which includes a famous Irish
and local-studies collection.
Another of Belfast's noted landmarks is the Victorian style Grand Opera House.
It was first opened in 1895 and was derelict for many years before being restored
in 1980 and now regularly shows operas, musicals and plays. Around the corner
from the opera house, you will find another restored Victorian masterpiece,
the Crown Liquor Saloon - a flamboyant pub with all the Victorian trimmings,
well worth a visit.
The Entries is a cluster of narrow alleyways running off the High Street and
Ann Street, and show the remnants of Belfast's old quarter, mostly destroyed
by WW II bombing. It is a wonderful area to explore by foot, especially the
pubs, such as Kelly's Cellars, Morning Star, Globe Tavern and White's Tavern
- Belfast's oldest pub.
For a reprieve from the city, visit the wonderful Botanic Gardens, just south
of Queen's University. The magnificent glass Palm House was built by the architect
of Kew Garden's famous palm house. There is also a jungle with many tropical
plants in the Tropical Ravine. The Botanic Gardens also contain the Ulster Museum,
with exhibits from early and medieval Ireland. The nearby Queen's University
is Northern Ireland's most prestigious university, with about 8,000 students,
and dates from 1849. Designed by Charles Lanyon, its Tudor-style facade was
inspired by Magdalen College in Oxford.
Belfast city has spent large amounts of money redeveloping its docklands and
waterways. The Lagan Weir launched the city's ambitious Laganside Development
Project, transforming the area into a nature haven. The weir is beautifully
lit at night, with a lookout and visitor's centre. Other attractions in the
area include the Waterfront Hall and Odyssey Entertainment Complex.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Days Hotel Belfast | | Travelodge Belfast Central | | Malmaison Belfast | | Ramada Belfast | | Radisson SAS Belfast | | Stormont Hotel | | Europa Belfast | | Culloden Hotel | | Jurys Belfast Inn | | Holiday Inn Belfast | | Hilton Belfast | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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