Belfast City Hall to Queens Quarter

Belfast City Hall is the centrepiece of the city and a powerful symbol of its civic pride. Opened in 1906, it was built in grand Baroque style to reflect Belfast’s wealth during the height of the industrial era. Inside are marble staircases, stained glass and memorials, while outside the grounds honour key moments in the city’s history, including the Titanic and those lost in the World Wars. City Hall continues to function as the seat of local government and a focal point for public gatherings and celebrations.

The Presbyterian Assembly Buildings stand as a reminder of Belfast’s strong Presbyterian heritage. Completed in 1905, the building served as the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Its grand Baroque-style façade reflects the influence and confidence of the church during Belfast’s industrial peak. Inside were offices, meeting halls and the General Assembly chamber. Today, the building has been sensitively restored and repurposed, while still remaining an important landmark that tells the story of religion, politics and civic life in the city.

city’s most beautiful historic buildings. It opened in 1895, designed by famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, whose venues are known for their rich decoration and clever acoustics. Over the years it has survived bomb damage, fires and near demolition, but today it stands proudly restored. The Grand has hosted everything from Victorian opera and ballet to pantomime, West End musicals and major comedy acts. It remains Belfast’s premier live theatre, seating around 1,000 people, and is a symbol of the city’s cultural resilience and love of the arts.

The Europa Hotel is one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks ,once known as the most bombed hotel in Europe during the Troubles. Opened in 1971, it became a base for journalists, politicians and security forces covering the conflict. Despite the attacks, the hotel never closed, becoming a symbol of Belfast’s resilience. Today, the Europa is fully restored luxurious hotel and remains closely linked to the city’s modern history and transformation.
The Crown Bar is one of Belfast’s most famous pubs and one of the finest surviving Victorian gin palaces in the UK. Built in the 1880s, it’s instantly recognisable by its colourful tiled exterior and richly decorated interior. Inside, you’ll find original features like carved woodwork, stained glass and the famous snugs — small private booths once used by Victorian drinkers. Today, the Crown is owned by the National Trust and remains a working pub, offering a rare glimpse into Belfast’s social history and its long tradition of hospitality.

The Crown Bar is one of Belfast’s most famous pubs and one of the finest surviving Victorian gin palaces in the UK. Built in the 1880s, it’s instantly recognisable by its colourful tiled exterior and richly decorated interior. Inside, you’ll find original features like carved woodwork, stained glass and the famous snugs — small private booths once used by Victorian drinkers. Today, the Crown is owned by the National Trust and remains a working pub, offering a rare glimpse into Belfast’s social history and its long tradition of hospitality.

Botanic Avenue is one of Belfast’s liveliest streets, linking the city centre with the university area. Developed in the late 19th century, it grew alongside Queen’s University Belfast and became a hub for students, academics and visitors. Today it’s known for its cafés, international restaurants, pubs and music venues, reflecting Belfast’s diverse and youthful character. Botanic Avenue shows how the city shifted from industrial powerhouse to a modern, cultural and student-led quarter.

Botanic Gardens
A historic Victorian park opened in 1828, known for the elegant Palm House, the restored Tropical Ravine, and peaceful lawns filled with rare and exotic plants. It’s a favourite local escape and a lively cultural space beside Queen’s University.

Ulster Museum
Northern Ireland’s largest museum, offering a fast journey through art, history, and natural science—from ancient gold and dinosaurs to modern culture and the mummy Takabuti. Free, varied, and right at the edge of the Gardens.

Queen’s University Belfast is one of the city’s most prestigious institutions and a key part of its modern identity. Founded in 1845, it was one of the original Queen’s Colleges of Ireland. The main Lanyon Building, completed in 1906, is a striking example of Tudor Gothic architecture. Queen’s has played a major role in education, research and political life in Northern Ireland, producing influential figures in science, literature and public life, and continues to shape Belfast as a university city.