Belfast: Tourism, shopping and much more!
Belfast has the distinction of being the capital and biggest city of Northern Ireland. Located on the banks of the River Lagan on the country’s east coast, Belfast is also the UK’s 12th largest city. Driving from Belfast to Dublin will take you in a southern direction for about 2 hours. To London, be prepared to travel at least 10 hours in a south-eastern direction.
Belfast, like the rest of Ireland, also has its own currency: the pound Sterling. And similar to the rest of the country, the city also enjoys a temperate oceanic climate.
One of the many things that Belfast is known for coincidentally also forms one of its biggest tourist attractions: Titanic Belfast. Located right next to the Titanic Slipways, this is the very spot where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched over 100 years ago. A world-leading visitor attraction that any history lover will love!
Or, how about treating yourself to the 28-acre splendour of the city’s Botanic Gardens? A well-loved venue for concerts and festivals, the park also houses a Palm House with a rich range of exquisite tropical plants.
On the other hand, if retail therapy and a festive Christmas market is more your thing, Belfast can also help with that…
Belfast: Map for shopping
So, how about heading over to Victoria Square Shopping Centre and getting lost in a world filled with designer wear and luxury brands? With more than 70 shops at your disposal (including the likes of AllSaints, F!tPink, and Remus Uomo), various restaurants as well as the Odeon cinema, hours are sure to feel like minutes here in one of Northern Ireland’s biggest shopping centres.
CastleCourt is another shopping location that’s quite alluring to both the local population and tourists. Although only the 3rd largest shopping centre in Northern Ireland (after Victoria Square and Foyleside, located in Derry), CastleCourt ensures it delivers a captivating collection of some of your favourite retail brands, cafes, and coffee shops. Drop by and see what special sales and discounts you might be missing at well-known names like Belleek Living, Peak-A-Bleu, and The Entertainer.
Located on Belfast City Centre’s northern edge is Cityside Retail and Leisure Park, an indoor mall that recently underwent a major renovation. With its renewed focus on leisure and family time, the mall is ready and waiting with its collection of shops (like House Proud, Poundland, and Peacocks) and casual eateries, cinema, mini-golf course, and popular kids’ play space.
For another welcoming retail- and leisure development, scope out Park Centre on Donegall Road. This family friendly shopping environment offers over 30 retail options in a clean and well-managed environment, meaning any time spent here (like shopping at Wee Dotes Children’s Boutique, Winemark and Rugs4Home) is time well spent!
Finally, the indoor Connswater Shopping Centre awaits with its amazing selection of fashion brands, footwear and jewellery, and fast-food options. So, if you’re already in the heart of the city, remember to stop by and see if there are any specials left to enjoy at Elysian Divine Jewellery, Halfords, House Proud Furniture, and others.
Speaking of specials, make sure that you sign up for Tiendeo alerts to always receive the newest online catalogues, secret discounts, or weekly promotions in Belfast.