Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

That means Ukrainians need a visa to enter.

BUT 👆 there's no border control between Ireland and Northern Ireland, so no one checks documents when traveling by bus or train.

1. Take a look at Belfast City Hall

City Hall first opened its doors in 1906. Construction began after Queen Victoria granted Belfast "city status" in 1888.

The building is made of Portland stone and is one of the most significant in the city's history. Around it stand numerous monuments and statues detailing the history of both Belfast and the building itself.

Traveler's tip: free public tours of Belfast City Hall run Monday through Saturday, led by an experienced guide.

2. Eat a Belfast Bap and grab a coffee at St George's Market

St George's Market has been running since 1896 and is one of Belfast's most atmospheric markets. For over a century, it's remained a favorite of locals and travelers alike.

This market is worth visiting for the Belfast Bap alone — the signature dish: a big, fluffy bun with fried sausage, bacon, and egg. You can also try coffee from local roasters, of which there are plenty here.

Vegetarians will find pancakes and omelets with various fillings, pastries, craft cheeses, olives, sweets, and much more.

Every day of the week here has its own character:

• Friday — a classic city market: fresh seafood, vegetables, pastries, antiques, vinyl, vintage, and textiles;
• Saturday — food and craft: unique street food from local chefs, handmade goods;
• Sunday — a day for crafts and antiques. If you're hunting for original souvenirs, work by local artisans, or vintage jewelry, this is the day.

3. Walk along the Lagan waterfront and take a selfie with the big salmon

One of Belfast's landmarks sits on the waterfront — the Big Fish, a mosaic sculpture shaped like a fish. This 10-meter salmon was installed in 1999 to mark the regeneration of the River Lagan and highlight the historical significance of the area. The sculpture is by John Kindness. The fish is covered in blue ceramic tiles depicting key events from Belfast's history, from the medieval period to the present day. It stands near Belfast Custom House and a Lagan riverside viewpoint.

4. Visit Crumlin Road Gaol

A former prison turned museum. The atmospheric, slightly eerie tour tells the story of Northern Ireland's Troubles.

5. Find the stained glass dedicated to Game of Thrones

To mark 10 years since Game of Thrones began filming, Tourism Ireland created a unique walking trail — Glass of Thrones. It's a trail of six giant stained-glass windows dedicated to the saga's most famous scenes and houses. The designs are based on the scenes fans searched for most, and span events from season one through season seven.

The windows are located along the Maritime Mile — from the AC hotel by the Titanic Studios to the SS Caroline.

6. Take an evening walk through the Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is one of Belfast's liveliest spots, especially in the evening, when the streets fill with lantern light, laughter, and music. The district also holds onto some of the city's oldest and finest architecture.

Beyond its historic buildings and narrow lanes, the Cathedral Quarter is known for its street art — this is where you'll find the city's most vibrant and creative murals.

It's worth a visit for the unique atmosphere alone. The area is packed with places for every taste, from cozy cafés to modern gastropubs.

7. Take in the Grand Opera House

The Opera House opened on the eve of Christmas in 1895. The theatre became a genuine jewel of the city. Its lavish Victorian auditorium is just as captivating as the shows staged there. It was designed by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, and has remained one of the city's most elegant buildings ever since. It runs year-round, making it a great option for a rainy evening in Belfast.

• Stop 1: The Duke of York (2 minutes from St Anne's and one of Belfast's most famous pubs, in the colorful Commercial Court)
• Stop 2: Whites Tavern (4 minutes from the Duke — an ancient pub that held Belfast's first "tavern license")
• Stop 3: Brasserie Bank Square (6 minutes from Whites — first-class food in a relaxed setting)
• Stop 4: Kelly's Cellars (1 minute from the restaurant — an old-fashioned Irish pub with a unique interior)
• Stop 5: Madden's (2 minutes from Kelly's — the best pub for live music in Belfast, and the best pint of Guinness in Belfast too!)

Visit the Titanic Museum

It sits at the top of the slipways where the RMS Titanic would have launched, and holds nine interactive galleries telling the ship's story from construction to its tragic maiden voyage. Be sure to also visit the SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last surviving White Star Line ship in the world.