Belfast City Hall, Belfast (must see)

Belfast City Hall is a grand Edwardian Baroque masterpiece that dominates Donegall Square in the heart of Belfast’s city centre. Designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and completed in 1906, this iconic building features gleaming Portland stone, a striking copper-domed roof rising 173 feet, and ornate detailing that reflects Belfast’s civic pride. It was built on the former site of the White Linen Hall to mark the city’s growing importance-thanks to its booming linen, shipbuilding and engineering industries-and to celebrate its new city status, granted in 1888.

Step through the main entrance and you’ll be greeted by a splendid rotunda, soaring marble columns and intricate mosaic-tiled floors. The interior also features exquisitely decorated spaces such as the Council Chamber and Banqueting Hall. The latter was rebuilt after being damaged during the Belfast Blitz in 1941. The stained-glass windows are particularly impressive, showcasing the Belfast coat of arms, portraits of British monarchs and other symbols reflecting the city’s history.

Guided tours last about 45 minutes and offer access to areas normally closed to the public. There is also a 16-room Visitor Exhibition that brings Belfast’s past to life through interactive displays and multilingual audio guides. As you enter the building, head towards the reception desk in the far-right corner to join a scheduled guided tour or explore the interactive exhibition rooms.

Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds are home to significant memorials and statues, including the Titanic Memorial Garden, the Cenotaph and Garden of Remembrance, and monuments to notable figures such as Queen Victoria; Edward Harland, co-founder of Harland & Wolff; social reformer Mary Ann McCracken; trade unionist Winifred Carney; and former Royal Navy sailor James Magennis VC. These serene lawns offer a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling city around them. Don’t forget to visit the Titanic Memorial Garden, where bronze plaques list the names of those who perished in the disaster. You’ll find the garden just around the corner from the eastern end of the main façade.

City Hall is much more than a civic landmark-it’s also a hub of culture and community. Drop into the Bobbin Coffee Shop, browse the gift shop for local keepsakes, or join one of the free guided tours offered at scheduled times. In the evening, illuminations beautifully accentuate the building’s exterior, making it a particularly atmospheric sight after dark.