1. Titanic Belfast
Recently named Europe's best visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition, where you'll uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Book your tickets online to beat the queues and save 5 per cent on the price.
2. Ulster Museum
As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and the present, the Ulster Museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences and is free to all visitors. The museum tells the story of the people of the north of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring history, science and art collections to life for visitors of all ages.
3. W5
With over 250 amazing interactive exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas, W5 provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. In addition to permanent exhibits, W5 also presents a changing programme of large and small scale temporary exhibitions and events. They have a daily programme of live science demonstrations and shows throughout the day.
4. Belfast Zoo
As one of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, the zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and 150 species, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat. Popular attractions include the Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, California sea lions, penguins, apes and Sumatran tigers.
5. Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum is regarded as being amongst the best of its kind in the world. Set in over 170 acres of rolling landscape overlooking Belfast Lough, visitors can wander through the past and discover how people lived and travelled over the centuries. The 'Discovery Farm' at the Folk Museum provides a living history experience, portraying daily life on the farms of 100 years ago.
7. Stormont Parliament Buildings
Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for Northern Ireland. Open to the public between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday, you can see first-hand the building and beautiful surroundings of the Stormont Estate. Free tours last 30-45 minutes and allow guests to view the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall, the historic Senate Chamber and sit in the MLA seats in the Assembly Chamber. The tours provide information on Parliament Buildings, past and present as well as about the architecture of the building and Stormont Estate.
8. Belfast City Hall
One of Belfast's most iconic buildings, Belfast City Hall first opened its doors in August 1906 and is Belfast's civic building. It's located in Donegall Square, in the heart of Belfast City Centre. This imposing Portland stone and copper-domed building was completed as a symbol of Belfast's new city status granted by Queen Victoria. Take a free public tour and discover its fascinating history. You can also visit the Titanic Memorial Garden, exhibitions and the Bobbin Coffee Shop, located in the east wing. The grounds feature a number of monuments and memorials.
9. Belfast Cathedral
Belfast Cathedral is the church of St. Anne. The building itself is Romanesque, giving it a lofty grandeur associated with that style: semi-circular arches and massive pillars, vast and high single windows, and the whole possessing an uncluttered spaciousness. The Cathedral contains mosaics designed by Sir Charles Nicholson, as well as sculptures by Rosamund Praegar and Maurice Harding. The 40 metre stainless steel Spire of Hope was added in 2007 and is illuminated at night. A treasure trove of beautiful artefacts and detailed craftsmanship, it can be easy to miss hidden gems so make sure to take an audio tour!
10. Streamvale Open Farm
Get up close and personal with the dozens of friendly farm animals, watch the cows being milked, take a stroll along the nature trail or just enjoy the views while savouring the superb ice cream made on the farm from their own cows' milk. It's a great day out for country lovers of all ages. The mini farmer areas has lots of space to play on toy tractors and all the family love to cuddle the small animals and take part in feeding times have been a firm favourite for decades.
Top 10 based on visitor numbers recorded in the Northern Ireland Visitor Attraction Survey 2013.
For more information of Belfast's attractions go to www.visit-belfast.com
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