For locals, the layout of Belfast is quite simply: city centre, North Belfast, South Belfast, East Belfast and West Belfast. To aid the then fledgling tourism industry, Belfast developed the city into distinct districts of quarters: Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Queen’s Quarter, Gaeltacht Quarter, Market Quarter, Linen Quarter and the Smithfield Market and Library Quarter. There are of course significant areas of interest outside of these quarters which will also be discussed under Sights. On a more downbeat note, the 30-years of Troubles have left physical as well as emotional scars within the city of Belfast. 14 communities are segregated by “peace lines”. What is a peace line? A peace line is literally a wall that separates the two communities (Protestants and Roman Catholics) in order to keep the peace.
The Cathedral Quarter of Belfast
Cathedral Quarter – the Cathedral Quarter is so named as St. Anne’s Cathedral sits right in its heart. It is also known as the cultural heart of the city due to the influx of organisations that have located into this area in recent times. To reach the Cathedral Quarter from the city centre, you need to walk away from the front of the City Hall towards the shopping district. At High Street you should turn right, and then turn left at the Post Office (which is only a short walk). Follow the sidewalk/pavement as it curves to the right. Cross the road at the lights. This is Donegal Street and is the street where you will find St. Anne’s Cathedral. This Quarter also hosts the annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in late Spring.
St. Anne’s Cathedral – Follow this link to Churches for more information on this Cathedral, but what an imposing sight! The Cathedral is open 10 am to 4 pm weekdays and then a short time both before and after service on Sundays is you wish to visit. However, do not be concerned if you visit in December and you see a man dressed in a black robe “sitting out” on the Cathedral’s steps. This is known locally as the Black Santa campaign which raises funds for needy causes. Donations may be made at any time of the year, by sending a cheque made payable to "Cathedral Sit out" to the Dean, at Belfast Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HB, if you happen to visit Belfast at another time of the year.
Commercial Court – Commercial Court is a cute narrow cobble-stoned walkway just off Donegal Street. This is a perfect area for an artsy photograph and to enjoy a stroll however be careful if it is wet. Some locals say the best thing about this walkway is the pub, the Duke of York is a traditional and quirky pub.
North Street Arcade – Some say that where there is light there is also darkness. The North Street Arcade was an iconic listed Art Deco building in this Quarter; unfortunately it was burnt down in April 2004 and the arsonists have never charged. The Arcade has been left as is until the redevelopment and regeneration of this area is finalised. This is a dark reminder of the forces that still exist in Belfast.
Customs House and Customs House Square – the Customs House is one of Belfast’s finest buildings as it represents the power that Belfast was in its prime. The Customs House Square is host to a number of events and festivals every year for the city and is a place to gather on hot sunny days.
Northern Ireland War Memorial - This fairly new museum and exhibition space is on Talbot Street which is along one side of St. Anne's Cathedral. See Museums for more details.
The Gaeltacht Quarter of Belfast
The Gaeltacht Quarter – this district of Belfast is an area around the Falls Road in West Belfast which promotes the use of Gaelic and everything Irish; the words gritty and urban are an apt description. In this area you will find a vibrant community which celebrates their Irishness and the local past. You will find an abundance of cafes which you can enjoy the vibrancy of the area. Keep an ear out for any Irish speakers!
Murals – part of the allure of Belfast is the murals; the Gaeltacht Quarter is of no exception with an extension collection of mural art available for your viewing. Murals celebrate the life of the Hunger Strikers, murals showing Irish and Palestinian solidarity and famine murals which depict the 1840s. Murals are expression of the pain this area has felt however there are also murals which celebrate and lift one’s spirits. There are numerous tours that are available to show and more importantly explain the murals and their significance to the community.
St. Peter’s Cathedral - St Peter's was the first Catholic Church in Belfast to be built in the Gothic Revival style while its commanding position made it a conspicuous landmark on the southern and western approaches to the city. Its impressive features included two great towers, five doorways, two porch entrances and a sculpture depicting the liberation of St Peter from prison over the main entrance. It is located in the Divis Street area of the Falls Road.
Crumlin Court House – a sad story at the start of the Falls Road is the Crumlin Court House. It was allowed to fall into nearly a ruin, however just recently a program was authorised to redevelop this building into something functional for the community. However, it has been the focus of recent vandalism so is sitting vacant and its future is unsecured at the moment.
Titanic Quarter in Belfast
Titanic Quarter – this quarter is made up of 185 acres of reclaimed land from the Belfast Lough. As most know, the Titanic was built in Belfast in these shipyards owned by Harland and Wolff. At the moment there is not much to see in this Quarter as this is an area that is up for vast development which includes a Titanic attraction/museum, apartment, a commercial high technology area and a new entertainment district for Belfast. Come back in 20 years and you will see the difference!
Queen's Quarter in Belfast
Queens Quarter - The Queens Quarter is in South Belfast and is named after its main feature - Queen's University. The Queens area, due to its high student population, is a vibrant are of the city with pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants galore serving all types of food. There is also beautiful architecture and a beautiful park which one could nearly lose themselves in.
Queen’s University – the University is the conclusion of the Golden Mile which is what the walk between the City Hall and Queens is referred to. And what a conclusion! The main Queens building is in the Revival Gothic style and was designed by Charles Lanyon (who also designed numerous other buildings and monuments in Northern Ireland). The University also hosts the Belfast Festival at Queen’s which is an international arts festival held every November.
Botanic Gardens – much of the Queens Quarter area is taken up by the Botanic Gardens; a 28 acre site near the Stranmillis Road. Within the 28-acres is the Palm House which some describe as the most notable feature in the Gardens. The Palm House, also designed by Lanyon, consists of two wings, the cool wing and the tropical wing which contains the dome. In the past the Palm House has been home to an 11 meter Lily which took 23 years to bloom. There is a second glasshouse, the Tropical Ravine House, which includes a sunken ravine running the length of the building, with a balcony at each side for viewing.
Ulster Museum – please see the Museums page for more information.
Union Theological College – this is another of Lanyon’s designs which is a nice view for a visitor.
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Commercial Court – Commercial Court is a cute narrow cobble-stoned walkway just off Donegal Street. This is a perfect area for an artsy photograph and to enjoy a stroll however be careful if it is wet. Some locals say the best thing about this walkway is the pub, the Duke of York is a traditional and quirky pub. 
Customs House and Customs House Square – the Customs House is one of Belfast’s finest buildings as it represents the power that Belfast was in its prime. The Customs House Square is host to a number of events and festivals every year for the city and is a place to gather on hot sunny days. 
. 
Titanic Quarter – this quarter is made up of 185 acres of reclaimed land from the Belfast Lough. As most know, the Titanic was built in Belfast in these shipyards owned by Harland and Wolff. At the moment there is not much to see in this Quarter as this is an area that is up for vast development which includes a Titanic attraction/museum, apartment, a commercial high technology area and a new entertainment district for Belfast. Come back in 20 years and you will see the difference! 
Queens Quarter - The Queens Quarter is in South Belfast and is named after its main feature - Queen's University. The Queens area, due to its high student population, is a vibrant are of the city with pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants galore serving all types of food. There is also beautiful architecture and a beautiful park which one could nearly lose themselves in. 
Botanic Gardens – much of the Queens Quarter area is taken up by the Botanic Gardens; a 28 acre site near the Stranmillis Road. Within the 28-acres is the Palm House which some describe as the most notable feature in the Gardens. The Palm House, also designed by Lanyon, consists of two wings, the cool wing and the tropical wing which contains the dome. In the past the Palm House has been home to an 11 meter Lily which took 23 years to bloom. There is a second glasshouse, the Tropical Ravine House, which includes a sunken ravine running the length of the building, with a balcony at e
ach side for viewing.