Top 5 Places to Take Photos in Belfast

Photo Spots Belfast

Nestled on the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, is a city that should be on every traveller’s UK bucket list. Often overshadowed by Dublin, Belfast is more traditional, and it’s brimming with history and culture. The city is famed as the birthplace of the legendary RMS Titanic and for having been the filming location for acclaimed TV and movie productions like Game of Thrones and the award-winning drama Belfast. Everywhere you turn, you’ll discover stunning photography locations — whether it’s fairy tale castles, stately Victorian mansions, or scenic pedestrian bridges offering jaw-dropping panoramic vistas, there’s no shortage of great places to take photos in Belfast. With a thriving dining scene, an abundance of cozy pubs and a wealth of art and culture experiences to discover, Belfast has all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! ☘️

Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Belfast to show us around all the very best spots for pictures. 📸

TLDR 

(Here’s a little sneak peek for you 😊)

1. Botanical Gardens: an award-winning botanic garden with an impressive curved cast-iron glasshouse, one of the oldest in the world.
2. Docklands: an essential part of the city’s history and soul, a charming riverside district with lookouts, street art, and gorgeous buildings.
3. Titanic Quarter: an immersive experience in the magic and tragedy of the Titanic at the very shipyard where it was constructed.
4. Cathedral Quarter: the heart and soul of the city; expect stunning 18th-century architecture, lots of culture and street art, and an inviting bohemian vibe.
5. University Area: the perfect blend of chilled-out student vibes, vintage treasures, and a highly instagrammable university campus.

Photo: Vicki in Belfast for Flytographer. Emily and partner capture memories in Belfast with a couples photoshoot in the Cathedral Quarter.

1. Botanical Gardens

Located near Queen’s University, the Botanic Gardens is a 19th-century oasis that has become a beloved hangout spot for students looking to bask in the sunshine. It’s also one of the best places to take photos in Belfast. The Gardens are known for their stunning architecture and manicured landscaping, which earned them a Green Flag award for ten consecutive years, a prestigious recognition for the best open spaces in the United Kingdom. 🏆 You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities and great backgrounds, such as the rose and alpine gardens, beautiful sculptures, and giant bird feeders. However, the real standout is the Palm House, one of the oldest curved cast-iron glasshouses in the world that features a massive dome. Nail the perfect shot on the pristine lawns surrounding the structure, capturing all of its grandeur.

Make sure to also check out the Tropical Ravine, a Victorian industrial building with a spectacular glass roof constructed in 1887 to house a variety of tropical plants. Stepping inside, you’ll immediately feel the warmth and humidity that sustains these plants. Don’t miss the fish pond, featuring stunning Amazonian water lilies, another must-see that is sure to leave you in awe. 😲

Photo: Vicki in Belfast for Flytographer. Melissa and partner capture memories in Belfast with a couples photoshoot in the Botanical Gardens.

Look amazing in photos

Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!

2. Docklands

There’s no better place to feel the deep maritime roots of Belfast than the docklands, which have played a significant role in its history and soul. At the Lagan Lookout, a modern walking bridge, you can admire dazzling panoramic views of the Lagan River and the harbour. The bridge is an excellent spot to watch the sunset — the dusked colours reflecting on the river’s calm waters are simply a soul-soothing experience. Here’s an interesting fact: the Lagan Lookout also functions as an engineering solution to maintain the river’s level artificially constant.

While visiting the area, don’t forget to kiss the Salmon of Knowledge, aka The Big Fish. This magnificent 10-meter ceramic fish statue with stunning blue scales near River Lagan was commissioned in 1999 to celebrate the river’s regeneration and the return of fish to its waters. According to local folklore, it’s believed that kissing the statue evokes wisdom. 😗

Another point of interest nearby is the Customs House, an elegant Palazzo-style building that marks the starting point for exploring downtown. At Queen’s Square, you’ll find the intriguing Albert Clock Memorial, a tilted Gothic-style clock tower known as the local equivalent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The monument tilts due to its construction on reclaimed land from the River Farset. A stone’s throw away from Queen’s Square, don’t skip a visit to the Belfast City Hall, a majestic Baroque Revival style building, and Victoria Square, the city’s number one shopping destination and home to The Dome, the most iconic panoramic viewing platform of Belfast, with 360˚ views of the city. 😍

3. Titanic Quarter

Belfast’s shipbuilding industry was a key component of the city’s economy, with the RMS Titanic being its most renowned product. 🚢 Given the ship’s close association with Belfast, it’s not surprising that the city has a neighbourhood dedicated to it. The Titanic Quarter is situated in the very same shipyards where the vessel was designed and constructed. The area’s main tourist attraction is the multimedia museum Titanic Belfast. The striking star-shaped building resembles the ship’s bow, and inside, it showcases the tragedy through exhibits, room replicas, photos, and documents. Besides the museum, the quarter features other Titanic-themed spots, such as the former drawing offices of Harland and Wolff, the shipping company that built the Titanic, which is now part of the Titanic Hotel.

Another highlight of the Titanic Quarter is the restored SS Nomadic, the former tender of the White Star Line that used to transfer passengers and mail to and from the Titanic and other ships. For more cool backdrops, head over to the Wolff cranes, also known as Samson and Goliath. These enormous cranes stand over 100 metres, dominating the city’s skyline. During their heyday, they were capable of lifting weights up to 840 metric tons. Now retired, they are a monumental tribute to Belfast’s shipbuilding history. 🏗️

4. Cathedral Quarter

Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter is considered the heart and soul of Belfast city centre. We can trace its roots back to its trading past when the maze-like cobblestone streets were busy with merchants and their goods. Today, these same streets are still lined with the same 18th-century buildings and warehouses, which now host an eclectic mix of art galleries, restaurants, Irish pubs, and gin palaces.

You can begin at the iconic St. Anne’s Cathedral. ⛪ This beautiful church is a marvel of Romanesque architecture, complete with a 40-meter stainless steel spire, intricate mosaics, and breathtaking stained glass windows. From there, you can venture into the surrounding area, where you’ll find an array of arts and cultural venues. Highlights include the Metropolitan Arts Centre, aka MAC, which showcases incredible international art exhibitions, and Oh Yeah Music, a music complex located in a former whiskey warehouse. 🎸 As you wander, look out for insta-worthy street murals by local and international artists. These vibrant pieces often reflect the area’s rich cultural heritage and troubled past. Cathedral Quarter is also a bohemian enclave and a great spot to enjoy a pint with the locals. You’ll find countless good pubs in the area, including the iconic The Duke of York, which boasts terrific decor. Before you get in, capture one of the best places to take pictures in Belfast, an umbrella Installation that forms a colourful neon canopy over the street right outside the pub. ☂️

Hot tip: for more impressive bar architecture, visit the Crown Liquor Saloon, also known as Crown Bar, elsewhere in town. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s best-known gin palaces and a stunning example of Victorian design.

Photo: Vicki in Belfast for Flytographer. Jana captures memories in Belfast with a solo adventure photoshoot in the Cathedral Quarter.

5. University Area

Home to a lively student community, the university area of Belfast is an absolute must-see for visitors and one of the best places to take photos in Belfast. At the heart of it all stands the magnificent Queen’s University, one of the best photography locations in the city and a true architectural gem. Founded in 1845, it features the iconic Lanyon Building, which is probably the most important red-brick and sandstone building in Belfast. Strolling through the lush grounds, you’ll be captivated by the unique campus vibe, and you can even take a guided tour with one of the students. Who better to show you around? 👩‍🎓

The area around the university is home to countless independent boutiques, vintage shops, and record stores, but if you’re looking for a one-stop place to shop, head to St. George’s Market. 🛍️ This vibrant indoor marketplace offers everything from fresh produce and artisanal cuisine to vintage clothing and handmade crafts. Just a stone’s throw away from it is the Ulster Museum, a unique building that blends neoclassical and contemporary architecture in its facade.

Photo: Vicki in Belfast for Flytographer. Melissa and partner capture memories in Belfast with a couples photoshoot.

Capturing Memories in Belfast

There’s so much more to see in Belfast. Of course, a visit to the city is not complete without a trip to the historical Belfast Castle, located on the slopes of Cave Hill and boasting breathtaking views of Belfast Lough and the city skyline. Day trips to Lisburn and Londonderry are also great for more unique glimpses into the culture of Northern Ireland. The former is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, while the latter still boasts its ancient protective wall. 😉 Belfast is also a popular starting point for Game of Thrones tours, where you can visit iconic locations like The Dark Hedges. This avenue of beech trees, located between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, about two hours from Belfast, forms a stunning canopy that served as the filming location for the “King’s Road. ⚔️

Planning a trip to Belfast and want to make sure you capture every special moment? Connect with one of our local Flytographers and let them show you the city’s best-kept secrets while capturing stunning photos of you. 💙