Review: Titanic Belfast

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
What you think you know about the Titanic is, well, just the tip of the iceberg—and this incredible center, the world’s largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction, is here to reveal the rest. Set on what was once the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built, the center’s striking, contemporary building houses nine interactive, multi-media galleries that showcase the ship’s history and construction process, display artifacts, allow you to “walk” its decks, explore the shipyard (via a ride), and experience the excitement of the ship’s launch (virtually, of course).

Sounds fantastic. What's the best way to experience everything?In addition to the indoor attractions (which are collectively part of what’s called the Titanic Experience, and can be enjoyed with a hand-held electronic guide), the facility also offers award-winning guided Discovery walking tours, which run about an hour and take you out to the spot from which the Titanic was launched, to the former ship design Drawing Offices, and other area sites that further help the history come alive (Discovery Tours are an additional $9-$11.)

What did you make of the crowd?
Through it all, the attraction sheds light not just on the famously doomed ship, but also on the history of Belfast and its shipbuilding traditions. As a result, the place is nearly always packed with both visitors and locals, who come for the education and special exhibits, arts and animation festivals, and the indulgent Sunday Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Titanic Suite, around a replica of the ship’s Grand Staircase.

On the practical tip, how were the facilities?
Free Wi-Fi is available, as are environmentally friendly perks like dedicated bike parking and electric car charging points.

And the food—any café we can pop into?You can refuel with tea, gourmet coffees, and light bites at the Galley Café, or savor hearty fare—all crafted from Northern Irish products—in the Bistro 401 restaurant.

Should we hit the gift shop before we leave, too, or skip it?
The excellent souvenir shop stocks all manner of Titanic memorabilia, as well as contemporary, Northern Ireland-made products and artisan goods.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
You can rush through the galleries at your own speed, but there are so many interactive sections (and frequent crowds), it's best to budget a good chunk of time for your visit.