Titanic Belfast
World's Largest Titanic Exhibition
About Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage and the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. Located on the historic site where the RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched, this iconic attraction tells the story of the ship, the city, and the people who made it all possible.
The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture, rising 126 feet above the historic slipways where Titanic was built. Its striking angular design represents ice crystals and ships' hulls, creating a dramatic silhouette on Belfast's skyline.
Through nine interactive galleries, visitors can explore the ship's creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragic sinking. The experience combines historical artifacts, immersive exhibits, and cutting-edge technology to bring the Titanic story to life.
Essential Information
Location
1 Olympic Way, Queen's Island, Belfast BT3 9EP
Opening Hours
Daily: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Last entry: 5:00 PM
Admission
Adults: £24.95
Children (5-15): £11.00
Under 5: Free
Family (2+2): £62.00
Duration
Allow 2-3 hours for full experience
Things to Do
Interactive Galleries
Journey through nine interactive galleries covering the ship's conception, construction, launch, and tragic fate through immersive exhibits and displays.
SS Nomadic
Explore the last remaining White Star Line vessel, Titanic's tender ship, now permanently moored beside the museum.
Titanic Studios
Visit the original Harland & Wolff drawing offices and explore the Paint Hall, now home to Game of Thrones filming studios.
Practical Tips
Getting There
Located in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. Free parking available. 10-minute walk from city centre or take Metro bus 26 or 26b.
Booking
Book online in advance for guaranteed entry and discounts. Audio guides available in multiple languages.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are quieter. Summer months are busiest. Allow extra time during school holidays.
Photography
Photography allowed in most areas. The building exterior offers great photo opportunities, especially at golden hour.
Food & Drink
On-site café and restaurant. Titanic Quarter has numerous dining options within walking distance.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors. Accessible parking and facilities available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit Titanic Belfast?
Plan for 1.5 to 3 hours to explore all nine galleries at a comfortable pace. The experience is self-guided, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like in each area. If you're a Titanic enthusiast or enjoy reading all the exhibits in detail, allow 3-4 hours. Adding the SS Nomadic tour (optional, additional cost) adds another 30-45 minutes.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (April-September), weekends, and school holidays. Titanic Belfast is Northern Ireland's most visited attraction and regularly sells out. Booking online guarantees entry at your chosen time and is often cheaper than walk-up tickets. Last-minute tickets can sometimes be purchased on the day, but availability isn't guaranteed.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Absolutely! The museum features interactive exhibits, rides, reconstructions, and multimedia displays that engage children. The shipyard ride that takes you through the construction is particularly popular with kids. Children under 5 get free entry. However, some of the more detailed historical and disaster-related content may be better suited to children 8+. Family tickets are available for significant savings.
What are the nine galleries?
The galleries chronologically tell Titanic's story: (1) Boomtown Belfast - industrial Belfast in 1900; (2) The Shipyard - Harland & Wolff's construction; (3) The Launch - building the ship; (4) The Fit-Out - luxurious interiors; (5) The Maiden Voyage - passenger stories; (6) The Sinking - the disaster in detail; (7) The Aftermath - global impact; (8) The Myths & Legends - popular culture; (9) Titanic Beneath - underwater footage from modern explorations.
Is there an actual Titanic ship here?
No, the Titanic sank in 1912 and rests on the Atlantic seabed. Titanic Belfast is an interactive museum built on the actual slipways where Titanic was designed, built, and launched. You can see authentic artifacts, full-scale reconstructions of the ship's interior (including cabins and the grand staircase), and visit SS Nomadic - Titanic's original tender ship - which is moored outside and included with premium tickets.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography for personal use is permitted in most areas of the museum, though flash photography may be restricted in some galleries to preserve artifacts. The shipyard ride does not allow photography for safety reasons. The stunning building exterior and Titanic Quarter waterfront provide excellent photo opportunities. Professional photography and filming require advance permission.
Is there a gift shop and café?
Yes, Titanic Belfast has an extensive gift shop with Titanic-themed souvenirs, books, memorabilia, and Belfast products. The gift shop can be accessed without a museum ticket. There's an onsite café serving hot and cold food, plus a larger restaurant for sit-down meals. The Titanic Quarter has numerous additional dining options within 5-10 minutes' walk, including waterfront restaurants and cafés.
How do I get there from Belfast city center?
Titanic Belfast is 2km east of Belfast city center. Options include: (1) Walk - 25-30 minutes along the waterfront; (2) Bus - Metro routes G1 and G2 from Donegall Square East; (3) Taxi - 5-10 minutes, £8-12; (4) Glider bus - G1 from Belfast city center; (5) Bicycle - Belfast Bikes stations nearby. Parking is available onsite (£1.50/hour, maximum £7/day).
What else is there to see in Titanic Quarter?
The Titanic Quarter is a revitalized area with several attractions: SS Nomadic (Titanic's tender ship), HMS Caroline (WWI warship), Titanic Studios (Game of Thrones filming location - exterior viewing only), the Titanic Slipways (where the ship was built), and the Olympic Walkway with information panels. The waterfront area has modern restaurants, bars, and the historic Pump House venue. Allow 3-4 hours to explore the full quarter.
Are there guided tours available?
The main Titanic Belfast experience is self-guided with audio guides available. However, you can book Discovery Tours (£6 extra) that provide behind-the-scenes access to the slipways and drawing offices where Titanic was designed - areas not normally accessible to the public. Private group tours can be arranged in advance. Several Belfast tour companies also offer combined city and Titanic Quarter walking tours.
Plan Your Visit
Getting There
Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9EP
From Belfast International Airport: 30 minutes via M2 and A2. Airport Express 300 bus to Europa Buscentre, then Metro G1/G2 to Titanic Belfast.
From George Best City Airport: 10 minutes by taxi or bus 600 to city center, then G1/G2.
Parking: 500+ spaces onsite. £1.50/hour, max £7/day. Coach parking available with advance booking.
Where to Stay
Belfast city center offers the widest range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels, all within 2km of Titanic Belfast.
The AC Hotel by Marriott is located directly in Titanic Quarter (5 minutes' walk), offering modern rooms with views of the slipways and building.
Many visitors combine Titanic Belfast with a wider Northern Ireland trip, exploring the Causeway Coast and Mourne Mountains.
Insider Tips
🕐 Book the first entry slot (9am) or last entry (after 4:30pm) to avoid crowds and get better photos without people in the background.
🎫 Premium tickets include SS Nomadic tour - worth the £3 upgrade to see Titanic's actual tender ship.
📱 Download the free Titanic Belfast app before visiting for enhanced audio content and multimedia experiences.
🍽️ Skip the onsite café queues by visiting nearby Titanic Quarter restaurants like Hickson's Point or Drawing Office Two.
Photo Credits
Titanic Belfast: By Own work - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0