Things To Do In Belfast

1 - Belfast Hop on Hop off Tour

A hop on hop off tour is a practical way to get your bearings in Belfast, especially if it is your first time in the city.

Routes typically pass many of Belfast’s best-known landmarks, from the city centre and Titanic Quarter to the political murals and peace walls in West Belfast.

It is a useful option for visitors who want an overview first and then plan which attractions they want to explore in more detail later.

Open-top seating also gives you a better view of the city’s architecture, public art, and everyday street life as you travel around.

2 - St Georges Market

A lively place to spend a weekend morning, St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s best-loved attractions.

Inside, you will find local traders selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to crafts, antiques, and artwork.

It is a great place to browse, pick up gifts, and sample local food, especially on a rainy Belfast day.

The atmosphere changes across the weekend too, with different traders and events running from Friday to Sunday.

The market also has a darker side to its history. During the Second World War, the building was used as a temporary mortuary after the Belfast Blitz.

3 - Go Shopping In Belfast

Belfast is a very easy city to shop in, with major centres and independent stores all within walking distance of each other.

In the city centre, Victoria Square and CastleCourt cover everything from high-street brands to fashion, beauty, and homeware.

If you prefer something more independent, head towards the Cathedral Quarter and surrounding streets where you will find smaller boutiques, gift shops, and specialist stores.

Whether you are after big brands or something more local, Belfast offers a good mix of both.

4 - The Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is one of the best free things to do in Belfast and easily one of the city’s top cultural attractions.

Its collections cover everything from ancient history and art to natural sciences and the story of modern Northern Ireland.

There is plenty here for adults, but families will also appreciate the interactive displays and child-friendly exhibits.

If you are exploring Queen’s Quarter, the Ulster Museum is an easy addition to your day, sitting beside Botanic Gardens and close to Queen’s University.

5 - The Titanic Museum

Titanic Belfast is the city’s most famous visitor attraction and for many people the main reason for visiting Belfast in the first place.

Built beside the slipways where RMS Titanic was constructed and launched, the museum stands in the heart of the Titanic Quarter and its angular exterior has become one of the city’s defining landmarks.

Inside, the experience is self-guided and takes visitors through Belfast’s shipbuilding story, the construction of Titanic, the voyage itself, and the ship’s global legacy.

It is one of the standout things to do in Belfast if you want to understand the city’s industrial history as well as its most famous story.

6 - SS Nomadic

SS Nomadic was built in Belfast in 1911 and is best known for ferrying first and second-class passengers from Cherbourg out to RMS Titanic.

Because she was designed by Thomas Andrews and built by Harland & Wolff, Nomadic is often described as a smaller sister ship to Titanic.

Her story did not end there. She later served in both World Wars and even spent decades moored beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris as a floating venue.

Today, she is back in Belfast and holds the distinction of being the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world.

7 - Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol is one of the most striking historic sites in Belfast and a fascinating place to visit if you are interested in the city’s darker past.

Opened in the mid-19th century, the prison held men, women, and children over its long history and remained in use until 1996.

Today, visitors can explore the cells, tunnel, hospital wing, punishment block, and other areas while learning about daily life inside the gaol.

The on-site exhibitions also help explain the building’s role across different periods of Belfast’s history, making a Crumlin Road Gaol visit one of the more memorable things to do in Belfast.

8 - W5 Interactive Discovery

W5 is one of Belfast’s best family attractions, packed with hands-on exhibits designed to entertain as much as educate.

Covering everything from science and engineering to space, nature, and creativity, it is the kind of place where children can stay engaged for hours.

Recent investment has added new exhibition floors, interactive zones, and live science shows, giving the attraction even more to do.

Located beside the SSE Arena, it is a strong indoor option if you are visiting Belfast with children.

9 - HMS Caroline

HMS Caroline has been part of Belfast’s story for a century and is one of the city’s most unusual museums.

Before arriving in Belfast in 1924, she served in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval battle of the First World War, and is the last surviving ship from that conflict.

Following decommissioning, Caroline was restored and reopened as a museum where visitors can explore life on board and learn more about her wartime role.

For anyone interested in maritime history, she is well worth adding to your Belfast itinerary.

10 - Belfast Peace wall

The peace walls are among the most thought-provoking places to visit in Belfast and remain one of the clearest physical reminders of the Troubles.

These barriers were built to separate neighbouring nationalist and unionist communities, and versions of them can still be found across the city and beyond.

The wall at Cupar Way is the best known. It divides the unionist Shankill Road and nationalist Falls Road in Belfast and stretches for hundreds of metres.

Visitors often stop to read the artwork, messages, and graffiti that cover the wall, and many choose to leave a message of peace of their own.

Even Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, signed this wall during his time in office.

11 - Experience Live Irish Music

Listening to live traditional Irish music in a Belfast pub is one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s atmosphere after dark.

Belfast has no shortage of bars with regular live sessions, from long-established pubs to smaller spots tucked away in the city centre.

Places such as Kelly’s Cellars, Fibber Magee’s, and The Points are reliable options, but part of the fun is simply following the sound of music and seeing where it leads.

12 - Clifton House Belfast

Opened in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society, Clifton House was Belfast’s original poor house and is one of the city’s most important historic buildings.

Today it holds archives stretching back to the 1600s and helps tell the story of Belfast’s growth through objects, records, and guided interpretation.

The experience also uses augmented reality to give visitors a better sense of what life was like for those who once lived here.

Many visits also include the adjacent graveyard, one of Ireland’s largest famine burial grounds.

13 - James Connelly Visitors Centre

Located close to his former home on the Falls road, the James Connolly Visitor Centre explores the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most significant political figures.

The audio tour follows Connolly from his early life in Edinburgh through his years in Belfast, Dublin, and the United States, while also covering trade unionism and labour history.

The centre also offers guided heritage walks that place Connolly’s story within the wider social, industrial, and political history of Belfast.

14 - Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular green spaces in Belfast and a lovely place to slow the pace for an hour or two.

First established in the 19th century, the gardens are now a public park in the heart of South Belfast beside University road and the Stranmillis road area.

They are home to three major attractions: the Ulster Museum, the Palm House, and the Tropical Ravine, all of which are worth seeing.

On a good day, the lawns fill with students, readers, families, and anyone looking for a break from the city centre.

15 - Cathedral Quarter

No visit to Belfast feels complete without spending some time in the Cathedral Quarter.

This compact part of the city is packed with pubs, restaurants, street art, live music venues, and some of the best places to stay in Belfast.

Well-known bars include The Duke of York, The Dirty Onion, The Dark Horse, and The Harp Bar, but the appeal of the area is as much about wandering the cobbled streets and finding somewhere that suits your mood.

If you are planning a night out or looking for somewhere lively to eat and drink, this is usually the place to start.

16 - Eileen Hickey - Republican Museum

The Eileen Hickey Irish Republican History Museum opened in 2007 and houses a wide collection of artefacts linked to Irish republican history.

Exhibits include photographs, artwork, prison-made crafts, and objects connected to key moments and figures, as well as items dating back to the 1798 rebellion.

Although the museum focuses on republican history, it also includes a number of loyalist artefacts, offering visitors a broader view of Northern Ireland’s divided past.

17 - ACT Exhibition

Active for Community Transformation, based on the Shankill road, offers an exhibition that explores unionist and loyalist history from the signing of the Ulster Covenant in 1912 through to the Belfast Agreement and beyond.

The displays focus on political change, social unrest, and the evolution of modern Northern Ireland, while also looking at how former combatants have moved towards community work and progressive loyalism.

It is a useful counterpoint to other historical experiences in the city and adds depth to any Belfast itinerary focused on conflict history.

18 - Line of Duty Filming Locations

Belfast doubled as the backdrop for much of Line of Duty, and fans of the show can easily build their own walking route around filming locations in and around the city centre.

Graffiti-covered tunnels, civic buildings, and familiar streets all appeared on screen, often disguised as somewhere else.

One fan-made interactive map highlights more than 50 locations, making this a fun self-guided activity if you want to see a different side of Belfast through television.

19 - The Crown Bar

The Crown Liquor Saloon is Belfast’s most famous pub and one of the city’s best-known Victorian interiors.

Originally opened in the 19th century, it still retains many of its standout features including stained glass, carved woodwork, gas lamps, and an ornate granite bar.

Beyond the architecture, it remains a lively place for a drink and is one of those Belfast spots that attracts both visitors and locals.

It is also frequently mentioned in discussions about where to find a very good pint of Guinness in the city.

20 - War Memorial Museum

The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum tells the story of Belfast and the wider region during the Second World War.

Exhibits cover the Belfast Blitz, the role of local civilians, women at work, the Home Guard, and the presence of American troops in Northern Ireland.

Tucked into Waring Street in the Cathedral Quarter, it is a small but worthwhile museum for anyone interested in Belfast’s wartime history.

21 - St. Annes Cathedral

St Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings and well worth visiting for its architecture alone.

Located in the Cathedral Quarter, it belongs to the Anglican tradition and has been expanded over the years, most notably with the addition of the stainless-steel Spire of Hope in 2007.

Whether you go inside or simply admire it from outside, it is one of the most distinctive landmarks in central Belfast.

22 - Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall sits right in the centre of the city and is one of the first places many visitors stop.

Built after Belfast received city status in 1888, the Edwardian Baroque building opened in 1906 and remains one of the city’s finest pieces of architecture.

The grounds are popular year-round, and tours inside the building offer more detail on Belfast’s industrial rise, civic history, and political story.

23 - Queens University

Queen’s University Belfast is one of the city’s most impressive institutions and adds a distinctive character to South Belfast.

The Lanyon Building is the architectural centrepiece of the campus and one of the most photographed university buildings in Ireland.

Even if you are not studying here, the wider area is worth visiting for its mix of historic buildings, galleries, cafés, and nearby attractions such as Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum.

24 - Belfast Food & Tours

Belfast has its own food traditions, and trying a few local specialities is part of getting to know the city properly.

Local favourites include Belfast baps, traybakes, fifteens, dulse, and yellowman, and you can read more about Northern Ireland food here.

St George’s Market is one of the easiest places to sample local produce, while Belfast food tours are a good option if you want a guided introduction to the city’s food scene.

25 - The Mac Theatre

The MAC is one of Belfast’s main contemporary arts venues and has something happening on almost every level of the building.

Depending on when you visit, you might find art exhibitions, theatre productions, workshops, comedy, talks, or family events.

Its central location and varied programme make it one of the best places in Belfast to check what is on while you are in the city.

26 - Belfast Castle

Set on the lower slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Castle offers some of the best views over the city and Belfast Lough.

The current castle dates from the 19th century, but earlier versions once stood closer to the city centre in what is now Castle Place.

Today the estate is used for events, but the grounds, location, and wider Cave Hill setting are what make it worth visiting for most people.

27 - Glass of Thrones

For Game of Thrones fans, the Glass of Thrones trail adds a fun themed walk through parts of Belfast.

These stained-glass installations were unveiled to mark the release of episodes from the show’s final season and depict major scenes and characters from earlier series.

Even if you are only a casual fan, they are an interesting bit of public art to look out for while exploring the city.

28 - Gruffalo Trail

The Gruffalo Trail is a lovely option for younger children, combining storytelling, outdoor walking, and familiar characters from Julia Donaldson’s books.

Guided by a storyteller, children search for figures from The Gruffalo and Stick Man while hearing the stories brought to life along the way.

It is a gentle family activity that works especially well if you are visiting Belfast with smaller kids.

29 - Comedy @ The Empire

Belfast has a strong comedy scene, and The Empire is one of the city’s best-known venues for a good night of stand-up.

Other venues such as The Black Box, Accidental Theatre, Pavilion, and Limelight also host regular comedy events, so there is usually something on during the week.

If you are looking for a fun evening activity in Belfast, live comedy is well worth considering.

30 - Linen Hall Library

Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and one of the city’s quiet treasures.

It is particularly well known for its Irish and Local Studies collections and for the extensive Northern Ireland Political Collection.

The library also hosts talks, readings, exhibitions, and guided tours, making it more than just a place for books.

31 - Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is a good family day out, especially if you are travelling with children and want something beyond the city centre attractions.

Home to animals from around the world, it combines wildlife exhibits with panoramic views over Belfast from its hillside setting.

Talks, feeding sessions, and the chance to see everything from big cats to primates help make it a fun and educational stop.

32 - Black Taxi Tour Belfast

A Black Taxi Tour of Belfast is one of the best ways to understand the city’s recent history.

These tours usually visit murals, peace walls, and key locations in both nationalist and unionist areas, with local drivers sharing personal insight into life during the Troubles.

If you want context as well as sightseeing, this is one of the most valuable experiences you can book in Belfast.

33 - Hike Cave Hill

Cave Hill Country Park is one of the best outdoor escapes in Belfast and rewards walkers with superb views across the city, lough, and surrounding hills.

On a clear day you may even spot the Mournes and parts of Scotland in the distance.

The hill is also linked to local legend and is often said to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.

With Belfast Castle and the zoo nearby, it is a good area to explore over half a day.

34 - Hike Divis - Black Mountain

Divis and Black Mountain offer some of the best high-level views around Belfast and are popular with walkers who want open space and a more rugged landscape.

As the highest point in the Belfast Hills, Divis gives wide views over the city and, on clear days, towards Scotland, Strangford Lough, and the Mournes.

It is a rewarding walk, though proper footwear is a good idea, especially during wetter months.

35 - Visit Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate Belfast offers a lot more than the Parliament Buildings at the end of the avenue.

The grounds include woodland walks, shorter strolling routes, a fitness trail, and open space that works well for families.

There is also the Mo Mowlam Play Park, which includes accessible equipment, sensory-friendly features, and a quiet hour on Sunday mornings.

If you want somewhere outdoors with room to move, it is one of Belfast’s better family-friendly options.

36 - Use Public Bikes

Hiring a public bike is a handy way to see more of Belfast without relying on taxis or public transport for every short journey.

One of the best routes is along the Lagan Towpath, where you can enjoy a quieter side of the city beside the river.

The path links into other green areas and trails, making it a good option for anyone who wants a relaxed cycle with scenic stretches along the way.

You can find out more about the bike scheme here.

37 - Colin Glen Park

Colin Glen Country Park is one of the best places near Belfast for outdoor adventure activities.

Families and thrill-seekers can choose from zip lines, archery, cycling, woodland trails, and more, all within a large forest park setting.

One of the biggest draws is the Black Bull Run, Ireland’s first alpine coaster, which weaves through the woodland at speed.

If you want something active rather than another museum or pub, Colin Glen is a strong choice.

38 - Sea Swim / Coastal Walks

If the weather plays along, getting out to the coast is one of the best things to do near Belfast.

The North Down Coastal Path offers scenic walking, while Helen’s Bay is a popular spot for a beach visit or a quick sea swim on warmer days.

It can get busy in good weather, but it is an easy escape from the city and reachable by train from Belfast.

39 - Orange Heritage Museum

The Museum of Orange Heritage explores the history, traditions, and culture of the Orange Institution through artefacts, audio-visual displays, and interactive exhibits.

Items on display date back centuries, including objects associated with King William III.

The museum also has resources for genealogy, which may interest visitors researching family links to the Orange Order.

40 - Play Mini Golf

Lost City Adventure Golf is a fun indoor option if you are looking for something light-hearted to do in Belfast.

The venue has two themed 18-hole courses with colourful effects and a playful lost-city setting.

It works well for families, couples, and groups, especially when the weather is not ideal for outdoor sightseeing.

41 - Lazer Quest

Lazer Quest is a good all-weather activity for groups, families, and older kids.

The multi-level arena at the Ozone Complex has plenty of corners, obstacles, and hiding places, making each game feel competitive and energetic.

If you want an indoor activity that breaks up a day of sightseeing, this is a solid choice.

42 - Prison Island

Prison Island on Boucher Road is one of Belfast’s most exciting indoor attractions, featuring over 25 challenge cells where teams solve puzzles, test their physical skills, and complete timed challenges together.

Players move from room to room tackling a mix of logic puzzles, agility tests, memory games, and teamwork challenges, making it a fun and interactive experience for friends, families, and group outings.

43 - Bubble Football

Bubble football, also known as zorb football, is exactly as chaotic and fun as it sounds.

Players climb into inflatable bubbles and attempt to play football while bouncing, colliding, and generally losing all sense of balance.

It is especially popular with birthday groups, stag parties, and corporate team days.

44 - Belfast Giants Ice Hockey

Watching the Belfast Giants is one of the most exciting nights out in the city.

The games are fast, loud, and very family-friendly, even if you are completely new to ice hockey.

The SSE Arena area also has other activities and places to eat, so it is easy to turn match night into a full evening out.

45 - Street Art Walking Tour

Belfast has developed a strong contemporary street art scene alongside its better-known political murals.

A street art walking tour is a good way to see work that many visitors would otherwise miss, while also learning about the artists and the stories behind the pieces.

These tours are usually led by people closely connected to Belfast’s creative scene and offer a fresh angle on the city beyond the usual landmarks.

For details on dates and booking, visit here.

46 - Catch A Live Show

Belfast has a strong live entertainment scene, with venues ranging from historic concert halls to large arenas and intimate theatres.

Ulster Hall is one of the city’s best-known venues and has hosted performances for well over a century, while Waterfront Hall, the SSE Arena, and the Grand Opera House keep the calendar busy with music, comedy, theatre, and touring productions.

Checking what is on during your visit can easily give you a memorable evening activity.

47 - Eat Tasty Nosh - Michelin Style

Belfast’s food scene has grown rapidly, and the city now has several restaurants recognised by Michelin.

The Muddlers Club, OX, and Eipic have all earned Michelin stars, while other venues have been awarded Bib Gourmand status for good food at good value.

If you enjoy planning a trip around where to eat, Belfast now has plenty of quality options beyond the traditional pub lunch.

You can browse more recommendations in the Michelin Guide.

48 - Visit C.S Lewis

Explore CS Lewis Square Belfast and discover one of the city’s most distinctive public spaces.

The square celebrates East Belfast’s connection to the Chronicles of Narnia author through bronze sculptures of familiar characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

It is a simple stop, but a good one for families, literature fans, and anyone exploring East Belfast.

49 - Ulster Folk Museum

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum make a worthwhile day trip if you want to see more beyond central Belfast.

The folk museum recreates life in Ulster across past centuries, with historic buildings, streets, workshops, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

The transport museum adds trains, vehicles, and engineering history, making the wider site especially good for families.

50 - Whiskey Tastings

If you are interested in Irish whiskey, Belfast has plenty of ways to sample it.

Some bars offer whiskey flights, while guided experiences such as the Belfast Whiskey Walk introduce visitors to different styles, venues, and bits of distilling history along the way.

It is a relaxed way to spend an evening and a good option for anyone looking for something beyond the usual pub crawl.

51 - Visit Common Market

Common Market is a good answer to that familiar group problem of everyone wanting to eat something different.

This food hall brings together a variety of street food traders under one roof, alongside several bars and plenty of seating.

It is dog-friendly, lively, and especially handy if you want a casual meal without having to commit to one style of food.

You can see more at Common Market.

52 - Aunt Sandras Candy Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory is a fun stop for families and anyone curious about old-school confectionery.

Visitors can watch sweets being made, learn a bit about the process, and of course leave with plenty of treats.

You can find out more about the experience at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory.