Our retail heaven, the City Centre brings together the best of everything- our most striking architecture, fabulous shopping, new and historic bars, hotels and restaurants, the city's best traditional pubs, together with landmark performing arts centres, including the Grand Opera House and Waterfront Hall. Plus a fabulous covered market!

Belfast City Hall
Right at the heart of Belfast, Sir Brumwell Thomas's magnificent classical renaissance-style City Hall dominates the skyline from all angles. With a year of special events (as well as the usual Proms in the Park and twice-yearly Continental Markets) and exhibitions to celebrate its centenary in 2006, this is a perfect time to enjoy the spacious grounds, grand interiors and staircase of Italian marble and the magnificent Great Hall and Council Chambers.

Grand Opera House (Great Victoria Street)
Designed by Frank Matcham, the beautiful Grand Opera House first opened its doors on December 23rd 1895 and has been a central part of Belfast life ever since. From the outset, crowds have flocked to the fines opera, drama, pantomime and the latest comedy or musical. They still do. It's opposite the famous Crown Liguor Saloon.

The Waterfront Hall (Lanyon Place)
With its distinctive bronze dome, the beautiful Waterfront Hall dominates the Lagan skyline. A breathtaking piece of design, the state-of-the-art conference centre and concert venue symbolises the dramatic regeneration of the Belfast waterfront. Its circular auditorium, renowned for superb acoustics, has seen some of the world's greatest performers in every field of music and the arts. It also hosts the stylish Arc Brasserie.

The Ulster Hall (Bedford Street)
The Ulster Hall has brought music, comedy and drama, spectacle and delight to the people of Belfast for over a century. A couple of blocks from the City Hall, it's also home to the world famous Ulster Orchestra. The Old Museum Arts Centre in College Square North is one of the Island of Ireland's most exciting venues for the arts, while the stylish Ormeau Baths Gallery in Ormeau Avenue is renowned for ground-breaking contemporary art.

Excerpt from “Belfast 2006” by Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau