Top 20 Best Things to Do in Belfast

Belfast is one of the best tourist destinations in Northern Ireland; the city has plenty of fun things to do for any visitor. In this article, you'll find the top things to do in Belfast, from kid-friendly activities to visiting museums and marketplaces.

Discover more about the Titanic in Titanic Belfast

What is it?
A museum dedicated to the history of the infamous RMS Titanic, from her creation to her untimely sinking during her maiden voyage in 1912.

Why should you go?
The story of the RMS Titanic is a widely known cautionary tale, but most people only know how it ended. If you visit Titanic Belfast, you can learn how it all began: this museum stands on the same spot as the former Harland & Wolff shipyard that built the unfortunate ocean liner. Additionally, you can find out more about other ships of the White Star Line's Olympic-class ocean liners, RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic. Titanic Belfast is also home to the SS Nomadic, the last remaining ship of the White Star Line shipping company.

Specialization
Naval History

Perfect for
History enthusiasts

Go on a shopping spree in St. George's Market

What is it?
This building is the last remaining Victorian covered market in the city that offers a wide array of goods for all visitors.

Why should you go?
St. George's Market resides within a tall red brick building that first opened its doors at the end of the 19th century. If you're looking for a fun day of shopping, then this place is a great option. Numerous vendors and market stalls sell everything from fruit and pastries to books and antiques. You can visit this market from Friday to Sunday; the range of goods on offer is different depending on the day of the week. The market is on May Street, opposite the Waterfront Hall. It also regularly hosts concerts by various musical acts.

Specialization
Shopping & Cuisine

Perfect for
Families and couples

Broaden your horizons in the Ulster Museum

What is it?
The largest museum in Northern Ireland, dedicated to a wide variety of topics.

Why should you go?
Located within the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is a knowledge repository; visiting it is one of the best things to do in Belfast. Among the topics covered by the exhibitions at this museum are archaeology, art, history, and paleontology. The Ulster Museum regularly hosts various temporary events and shows like Array Collective: The Druthaib's Ball, A Unique Silence, A Celebration of Coinage, and several others. Entry to this museum is free, which is a pleasant bonus.

Specialization
History, Natural History, & Art

Perfect for
Science, history, and art lovers, families with kids

@asthmatits

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Marvel at St. Anne's Cathedral

What is it?
A cathedral located within the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast that occupies the same place as the old parish church.

Why should you go?
St. Anne's Cathedral is the most distinctive landmark in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, named after this church. This cathedral was built over the older parish church; the only remaining feature is the Good Samaritan window in the sanctuary. Here, you can admire the beautiful Spire of Hope, marvel at the mosaic roof of the Baptistery, and visit the Titanic Pall dedicated to the victims of the sinking of the Titanic. Other places of interest include the Coventry Cross of Nails, the Regimental Chapel, and the Tomb of Lord Carson.

Specialization
Architecture & History

Perfect for
History enthusiasts, architecture lovers

@gontzal_lhr

Take a walk through the Botanic Gardens

What is it?
A beautiful landmark in the southern part of Belfast, with a rich selection of flowers and other plants from the southern hemisphere.

Why should you go?
This public park is one of the important places to visit for any tourist. Established as the Royal Belfast Botanic Gardens in 1828, this park remained private until 1895, when the Belfast Corporation bought the gardens from their previous owner. One of the distinguishing features of the Botanic Gardens is the impressive collection of exotic trees, flowers, and other plants, most of which reside inside the Palm House or the Tropical Ravine. Visiting the Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular activities in Belfast among locals and tourists alike.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Nature

Perfect for
Families and couples

Pay a visit to Belfast City Hall

What is it?
An impressive civic building located in Donegall Square within Belfast's city center.

Why should you go?
The Belfast City Hall has represented Belfast's status as a city since its construction began after Queen Victoria granted Belfast city status. The interior of this magnificent building shares many aesthetic similarities with the infamous ocean liner RMS Titanic since the same man was behind both projects: Viscount William Pirrie, the Lord Mayor of Belfast at the end of the 19th century. Today, Belfast City Hall hosts an exhibition that showcases the history of the city across six distinct zones. Another highlight of this building is the collection of beautiful stained-glass windows.

Specialization
Architecture & History

Perfect for
History enthusiasts

Visit Crumlin Road Gaol

What is it?
Crumlin Road Gaol is the only remaining former prison in Northern Ireland from the Victorian Era.

Why should you go?
One of the most famous Belfast attractions, the Crumlin Road Gaol, was a prison for 150 years and now serves as a tourist attraction, an event space, and a wedding venue. You can learn about the inmates' and guards' daily lives throughout the gaol's history here. Across from the prison building stands the Crumlin Road Courthouse; these buildings are connected by an underground tunnel previously used for transporting prisoners. You can explore this prison with or without a guide.

Specialization
History

Perfect for
History enthusiasts

Step aboard HMS Caroline

What is it?
It's a decommissioned light cruiser of the Royal Navy that served in WWI and was an administrative center during WWII.

Why should you go?
Located within the Titanic Quarter, close to the similarly themed Titanic Belfast, HMS Caroline is your chance to travel back in time to the turmoil of WWI. HMS Caroline is one of the three surviving Royal Navy ships after WWI, and it's a fantastic place to visit. The areas you can visit on your tour are the Drill Hall, Captain's Quarters, and the Engine Room. It also features interactive displays that let you launch a torpedo, crack codes, or steer a ship. HMS Caroline will reopen on the 1st of April, 2023.

Specialization
Naval History

Perfect for
History enthusiasts

Have a night out at the Grand Opera House

What is it?
The Grand Opera House is a famous theatre and the only one in Northern Ireland built by Frank Matcham.

Why should you go?
If you want to see a live performance or a play, the Grand Opera House is your best option in Belfast. This theater has been around since the end of the 19th century and has seen its fair share of trouble throughout its history. At one point, the building was on the brink of demolition, but a campaign of concerned citizens prevented that from happening. Nowadays, the Grand Opera House regularly hosts plays, musicals, concerts, comedy evenings, and other events. The mainstay of this theatre's repertoire is its annual pantomime, which has been performed since its opening in 1895.

Specialization
Art & Entertainment

Perfect for
Theater enthusiasts

Go to a concert at Waterfront Hall

What is it?
A major entertainment venue in Belfast city center that is home to concerts, theatre productions, comedy clubs, and other events.

Why should you go?
Waterfront Hall is another notable entertainment venue in Belfast, with a huge roster of events on offer. Aside from the many events hosted by this venue, Waterfront Hall also has several bars and a restaurant, so you won't go hungry during your visit. This entertainment venue is in the city center on the bank of the River Lagan, near Lanyon Place train station. Waterfront Hall was instrumental in developing Belfast at the start of the 21st century, attracting renowned musical performers like Neil Diamond, Blondie, Van Morrison, and One Direction.

Specialization
Art & Entertainment

Perfect for
Music fans, families, and couples

@social_stephen

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Explore Belfast Castle

What is it?
A castle built in the 19th century that resides within Cave Hill Country Park.

Why should you go?
Belfast Castle is actually the name of several different structures built on different sites throughout Belfast's history. The Belfast Castle we're describing here is a mansion built on the orders of the 3rd Marquess of Donegall as a private residence in the Scottish baronial style. Nowadays, this castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Belfast, with beautiful castle grounds, a fantastic view of the city, and an exquisite restaurant. Overall, this landmark is one of the best places to see in Belfast.

Specialization
History, Architecture, & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families, couples, and history enthusiasts

Take photos in front of the Glass of Thrones

What is it?
A series of stained glass windows that depicts significant events from the hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Why should you go?
The popularity of the Game of Thrones TV series is hard to deny, and Belfast has a pleasant little surprise for the show's fans. If you walk along the Maritime Mile, you will find six giant stained-glass windows depicting major events from the show. Each window represents a major faction like the Starks, Baratheons, Lannisters, Targaryens, and White Walkers, and the infamous Iron Throne got a separate window as well. It may be a recent addition to the city, but the Glass of Thrones is one of its more unusual attractions.

Specialization
Culture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Game of Thrones fans

@joako_1990

Take a trip to the animal kingdom at Belfast Zoo

What is it?
This place is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Northern Ireland and is a perfect place to visit for animal lovers.

Why should you go?
Belfast Zoo is among the top things to see in Belfast thanks to its impressive menagerie, full of exotic animals from endangered species. Mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians – all of these and more are waiting for you at Belfast Zoo. You can look at your favorite animals, take a ride in the Zoomobile, and have fun at the Adventurers' Learning Centre play park. Don't forget to look up feeding times for different animals before your visit! Belfast Zoo is quite close to Belfast Castle, which we've mentioned earlier.

Specialization
Nature, Sightseeing & Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and children

@belfastzoo

Have a pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon

What is it?
A pub in Great Victoria Street, one of the most famous in Northern Ireland.

Why should you go?
Also known as the Crown Bar, this 19th-century drinking establishment opened its doors in 1826. However, the pub reached its current form in 1885, when the Flanagan family bought it from the previous owner and refurbished it. Nowadays, this pub is an opportunity to step into the long-gone Victorian Era thanks to its interior and style. The Crown Bar features a rich selection of beverages and hearty food, which is another good reason to visit this charming pub and enjoy the famous Irish hospitality.

Specialization
Entertainment, Relaxation, & History

Perfect for
Couples, groups of friends, and history enthusiasts

Experience fine art at the Metropolitan Arts Centre

What is it?
This attraction is an arts and entertainment venue with many exhibitions, theatre performances, and other exciting events.

Why should you go?
If you don't know what to do in Belfast, you can visit the Metropolitan Arts Centre, or MAC for short. Located within the bustling Cathedral Quarter, this arts venue is full of art exhibitions, theatre plays, talks, lectures, and other events. The MAC is one of the biggest cultural hubs in Belfast, and you can always find an event worth attending here. One of its highlights is the Permanent Present artwork, which consists of 400 metal wires that create a beautiful spectrum of color in the MAC's main foyer.

Specialization
Art & Culture

Perfect for
Art enthusiasts, families, and children

@unicamor

Have a fun day out at Cave Hill Country Park

What is it?
This massive public park outside the city is one of the best Belfast attractions that any visitor must see.

Why should you go?
The Cave Hill Country Park is a wonderful outdoor attraction that features caves, several archaeological sites, Belfast Castle, and many hiking trails. It's a perfect place for several days out in nature away from the busy city life. Here, you can go on a fun and exciting adventure in the caves, look at Napoleon's Nose (a cliff that resembles the profile of the famous French emperor), walk on several hiking trails, and explore Belfast Castle. If you want to spend an active afternoon in the countryside, then Cave Hill Country Park is the perfect destination for you.

Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families, couples, and children

Take a few steps on the Giant's Causeway

What is it?
A mysterious geological formation of about 40 thousand interlocking basalt columns on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

Why should you go?
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Ireland. It has been a staple in local myths and legends for a long time; one of these legends says that this place used to be the land of giant Finn McCool, who lived there approximately two thousand years ago. Nowadays, it is a fantastic place to visit thanks to its astonishing views and the air of mystery that persists to this day. It is 61 miles away from Belfast, but if you're a fan of myths and beautiful vistas, it's well worth visiting.

Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Nature and mystery lovers, families, couples, and hikers

Hike Divis

What is it?
The tallest point in Belfast that offers a spectacular view of the city.

Why should you go?
Divis is a part of the same chain of hills that houses Cavehill. Divis is the tallest point in Belfast, and, as you can imagine, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, including Belfast. Divis and its neighbor, Black Mountain, are popular hiking destinations with several hiking trails available. Be warned that the hike on Divis is an arduous one, and you need to wear sturdy footwear and bring a lot of water. But the reward for all this climbing will be a spectacular view of the city below.

Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families, couples, and hikers

@sean.k3511

C.S. Lewis Square

What is it?
A public space dedicated to the works of C.S. Lewis, namely The Chronicles of Narnia.

Why should you go?
If you're a fan of the famous writer C.S. Lewis, then you're in luck. Belfast has a beautiful square dedicated to the most famous work of this Belfast-born author: The Chronicles of Narnia. The square features seven bronze sculptures of various characters and artifacts from the books, including Aslan, The White Witch, and Mr. Tumnus. The nearby EastSide Visitor Centre has a coffee shop named after the writer - JACK Coffee Bar.

Specialization
Culture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families and children

@experiencenorthernireland

W5

What is it?
A science and discovery center that brings its visitors closer to science in a fun and accessible manner.

Why should you go?
W5 is an excellent place for a fun and educational day out for the whole family. Here, you can explore numerous exhibitions dedicated to various ideas and concepts like climate change, optical illusions, engineering, medical sciences, and everything in between. The Science Bar features daily science shows that tell visitors about science in an engaging and simple way. Another highlight of W5 is The Lost Planet – a fun and challenging maze with space and dinosaur themes. W5 is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Belfast, especially visitors with children.

Specialization
Science & Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and children

@w5belfast

FAQ
  • 1
    What are the must-see attractions to visit in Belfast?
    • Titanic Belfast
    • Cave Hill Country Park
    • Crumlin Road Gaol
    • Botanic Gardens
    • St. George's Market
  • 2
    What are the best things to do in Belfast with kids?
    • Visiting the Ulster Museum
    • Learning more about everything at W5
    • Meeting cute animals at the Belfast Zoo
    • Hiking in Cave Hill Country Park
    • Exploring C.S. Lewis Square
  • 3
    What are the best outdoor activities in Belfast?
    • Walking on the Giant's Causeway
    • Divis Mountain hiking
    • Taking a walk through the Botanic Gardens
    • Finding the Glass of Thrones
    • Exploring Cave Hill Country Park
  • 4
    What are the best indoor activities in Belfast?
    • Discovering more about Titanic at Titanic Belfast
    • Learning more about history and nature in the Ulster Museum
    • Taking in beautiful views from Belfast Castle
    • Exploring Crumlin Road Gaol
    • Enjoying a show at the Grand Opera House
  • 5
    What should you not miss in Belfast?
    • Exploring the Botanic Gardens
    • Shopping in St. George's Market
    • Having a drink at the Crown Liquor Saloon
    • Learning more about life in the Crumlin Road Gaol
    • Attending a concert at Waterfront Hall
  • 6
    What can you do in Belfast for free?
    • Explore the Ulster Museum
    • Admire art at the Metropolitan Arts Centre
    • Seek out all Glass of Thrones installations
    • Take a guided tour of Belfast City Hall
    • Stroll through the enchanting Botanic Gardens

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