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Belfast, Northern Ireland is a unique place to visit. The city appeals to a wide range of travelers for a variety of reasons. Our list of the top Belfast City things to do highlights the best sights, must-see attractions and features a few local tips, as well.
Belfast is not a one-dimensional location or a checklist destination. The city has depth, which makes sightseeing in Belfast an intriguing adventure.
Prideful of its contributions during the Industrial Age, Belfast’s historic buildings and maritime past are preserved and put on display. That said, the city doesn’t necessarily shy away from its troubling times and visitors are invited to learn about them firsthand. Furthermore, Belfast is surrounded by abundant nature and some of the region’s most incredible landscapes are nearby.
Those planning a trip to Belfast can – even in a short amount of time – experience the Best of Belfast, UK!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST
We’re featuring the must do things in Belfast for your trip! Need help putting your travel plan together? Our Belfast Itinerary is a day-by-day out line of the best things to do in 3 days.
#1 See Belfast City Hall and the City Center
Topping our Things To Do Belfast list is exploring the downtown sights – and the best place to start is at City Hall.
Belfast City Hall
Opened in 1906 at Donegall Square, Belfast City Hall is a grand civic building. The surrounding gardens host numerous statues and monuments – including the Titanic Memorial Garden and a statue of Queen Victoria.
Visitors can also take a tour of the interior of City Hall – it’s one of the top free things to do in Belfast!
City Centre Belfast Must See Sights
City Hall is just one of the main attractions; visitors can find more Belfast City Centre things to do nearby. Go to the Victoria Square Shopping Centre and climb to the top of The Dome – then check out the Albert Memorial Clock, the grandiose Merchant Hotel and visit St. Anne’s Cathedral.
City Center Belfast Walking Tours
The city center of Belfast is very walkable and relatively easy to explore on your own. That said, one of the recommended things to do in Belfast City Centre is to take a guided tour to help get your bearings. Join a fun and entertaining local guide on a walking tour – like this one – to see the sights and learn more about the city.
Pro Tip: Visitors seeking out things to do for free in Belfast can download the DC Tours App for a self-guided walk or join one of their tip-based walking tours.
#2 Walk the Maritime Mile in the Titanic Quarter
Perhaps one of the best free things to do in Belfast is exploring the Belfast Maritime Mile. Start the adventure at The Big Fish Salmon of Knowledge and cross the Lagan Weir pedestrian bridge to the Belfast Harbor Marina.
Walk the 1.5 miles along the water’s edge to the HMS Caroline. The top things to see in Belfast along the route are the SS Nomadic tender boat, Titanic Belfast Museum (which we highlight in detail next), The Slipways, The H & W Samson and Goliath Cranes, The Great Light and the Titanic Dock and Pump House.
In addition to the series of Game of Thrones glass artworks in the Titanic Quarter, visitors can also seek out interesting sculptures that pay tribute to the district.
Pro Tip: One of the highly-rated family tings to do in Belfast Titanic Quarter is the W5 Science Museum, which sits next to the SSE Arena Belfast.
#3 Visit Titanic Belfast Museum
Ranking as one of the Belfast top attractions, the Titanic Museum is not to be missed! The state-of-the-art exhibition traces the history of the Titanic – from building it right on the docks in Belfast to the moment it sank during its fateful maiden voyage.
We highly recommend purchasing your entry ticket for the Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience in advance – as they do sell out.
Pro Tip: Looking for indoor activities in Belfast? The Titanic Museum is one of the best things to do in Belfast on a rainy day!
#4 Learn about The Troubles at The Peace Wall
The 30-year period from the late 1960s through the 1990s was a turbulent time for Belfast and Northern Ireland. Dubbed ‘The Troubles’, the conflict divided Northern Ireland along political and religious lines. Riots and violence in Belfast led to separating the two communities by barriers – now called Peace Walls.
The Peace Wall that separates the Falls Road community (Irish Nationalist/Catholic) from the Shankill Road community (Unionist/Protestant) on the west side of the city has become one of the more unusual Belfast sights.
Tourists interested in learning about the conflict can tour the neighborhoods to see poignant memorials, evocative street art murals and the stark differences between the two neighboring communities.
The best way to learn about the conflict is with a local tour guide. The famous Black Taxi Tours, which are rated as one of the best things to do in Belfast, UK, aim to offer a personal introduction to The Troubles with a balanced viewpoint. Find out more about the Black Cab Tour.
Pro Tip: Not up for a tour? Visitors who want to explore on their own can use this map – just be aware that without a local guide, it can be difficult to fully understand the events and sentiments of The Troubles.
#5 Spend an Afternoon in Queens Quarter
South of the city is Queens Quarter, also known as the University Quarter. The hip and fun cultural district is one of the best places to go in Belfast to see the city’s fine architecture, visit museums and experience the vibrant nightlife.
At the center of the youthful district is Queens University Belfast, which ranks as the largest university in Northern Ireland. The highlight of the campus is the exquisite Tudor-style Lanyon Building, but the thriving café scene is not to be missed!
Belfast Sightseeing in Queens Quarter
While Queens University is at the center of the district, there are two other highly rated attractions worth seeing while there: the Botanical Gardens and Ulster Museum.
The Belfast Botanic Garden is a 28-acre park that was completed in 1828 as the private Royal Belfast Botanical Gardens. The space was finally opened to the public in 1895 – and has remained a tourist attraction ever since. The cast iron Palm House Conservatory glasshouse is a must-see.
The Ulster Museum sits on the garden grounds as well, and is one of the best museums in Belfast. Displays trace the history of the city through engaging exhibits.
Pro Tip: There is no charge for entry to the gardens or museum – both are things to do in Belfast for free!
#6 Seek Out Belfast Street Art
In Belfast, street art is everywhere! Expressive street art murals decorate multistory buildings, political messages are spray-painted on the walls and artists’ tags cover hidden alleyways.
Seeking out street art is one of the top things to do in Belfast – and the prime place to do it is in the Cathedral Quarter. Vibrant, edgy, hip and poignant, we found the street art in the Cathedral Quarter as interesting as art in many museums.
Visitors can wander the district and search for street art on their own or join a tour. A local guide leads the way to the best Belfast murals and explains the history behind them.
Pro Tip: Want more things to do in Cathedral Quarter Belfast? Pop into The MAC – a performing arts venue with a free contemporary art exhibit!
#7 Shop at St. George’s Market
If you’re on a weekend trip to Belfast, then the St. George’s Market is a must! The red brick building was constructed in the late 1800s as a chicken and dairy market hall. Today, the buzzing Belfast market hosts 200 vendor stalls selling everything from antiques to modern art and fresh fish and produce.
With live music and food court, you could easily spend a few hours here perusing the goods and feasting on local fare. Our favorite spot for food at St. George’s Market is the Belfast Bap Co, where they make insanely delicious (and absolutely massive) breakfast sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Looking for Belfast souvenirs? Some of the great things to buy in Belfast are hand crafted products – and there are plenty to choose from at the St. George Market!
#8 Eat the Best Belfast Boxty
A Northern Ireland specialty, Boxty is a classic Belfast meal! The savory dish consists of a potato pancake, which is made from mashed potatoes and raw grated potato, that is then topped with a meaty concoction – like steak and onions or chicken and mushrooms.
Incredibly satisfying, the meat-and-potatoes meal is comfort food at its best. Several eateries serve boxty in Belfast, but at McHughs Bar and Restaurant, it’s there specialty! Just be sure to book a reservation.
Pro Tip: Need more food recommendations? Use our guide to the Best Pub and Restaurants in Belfast.
#9 Imbibe at the Best Belfast Bars
A trip to Belfast is not complete without spending time in one of the classic pubs or lively bars. Guinness is the go-to beer in Belfast – but try a Beamish as well – and pubs like The Duke of York and Bittles Bar pour a fine pint. We also suggest sampling locally-produced craft brew at The Deer’s Head.
Bushmills Whiskey is a regional favorite, as the 400-year-old distillery hails from Northern Ireland. The Crown Liquor Saloon is a fun place for a dram or whiskey cocktail. However, for an exceptional cocktail in a posh atmosphere, go to The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel.
Pro Tip: Many Belfast pubs host live music nights or Trad Sessions, which are a meet up of musicians who play traditional tunes.
#10 Go to Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is a fascinating geological feature on the Northern Ireland Causeway Coast – and seeing it is a must do when in Belfast! Created from a volcanic eruption, the UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of thousands of stacked basalt columns on the shoreline that rise out from the sea.
Hiking the coastal trails and playing on the hexagonal stepping stones are top free things to do at Giant’s Causeway. Visitors can also learn more about the natural history of the area and the intriguing legend of the giant, Finn MacCool, inside the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center (ticket required).
How To Get To Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
Depending on your timeline, budget and preferred travel style, there are a few ways to consider for getting from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway: Tour, Public Bus or Car.
Giant’s Causeway Tour from Belfast
The most popular way to get to Giant’s Causeway is on an organized tour from Belfast. On a guided excursion, visitors can see multiple attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route – like the Antrim Coast Road, Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and The Dark Hedges (a picturesque tree-lined avenue that served as a Game of Thrones filming location). Book it here!
Belfast to Giant’s Causeway Bus
We were on a last-minute trip to Belfast and these tours had sold out. So, we opted to take bus 221 direct from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway. We purchased an all day combo ticket for the return journey, which allowed us to take a scenic bus ride along the coast (and past a castle) and then hop the train from Coleraine to Belfast.
In hindsight, we would have opted for the cheaper ‘bus only’ all day ticket to save money and time. We were told the train ride was far more scenic than the bus route, but honestly didn’t think that was the case.
Giant’s Causeway by Car
Of course, those with a car can drive to Giant’s Causeway. In fact, having a car will allow for a lot more flexibility in how you plan your day. Just be aware that there is a fee to park at Giant’s Causeway and parking is very limited. If you need to rent a car for your trip, use our tips on Getting the Best Car Rental Rates.
Pro Tip: Interested in more unique things to do in Northern Ireland? Make a stop in the nearby town of Bushmills and visit the famed Old Bushmills Distillery for a tour or tasting. The distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world – and it’s just 3 miles from Giant’s Causeway!
Belfast Map: City Centre and Tourist Attractions
Use this link to Google for an interactive, online version of our Belfast Tourist Attractions Map.
More Belfast Things To Do
We have shared our top tips for greatest places to go and a few unusual things to do in Belfast – but there are more Belfast tourist attractions that might be of interest to fellow travelers.
Linen Quarter and the Grand Opera House Belfast
The area south of City Hall is the Linen Quarter, which is named for the many linen warehouses that still stand in the district. Once the thriving center of industry and innovation in the city, the area fell to disuse for a time and only recently has been revitalized.
Old warehouses are being transformed into chic offices and the entire quarter is getting a makeover, once again making it one of the best things to see in Belfast.
Entertainment and hospitality thrive in the Linen District. The area is home to some excellent restaurants in Belfast – like the historic Crown Liquor Saloon and the Michelin Star Eipic.
The Belfast Opera House, which first opened in 1895, is also situated in the Linen Quarter. Today you can still watch productions at the ornate theater. Performances include theatrical plays, musicals, ballet and stand-up comedy.
Nearby Ulster Hall – dating to the mid-1800s – is the city’s premier concert hall, which also hosts fairs and conferences.
Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol operated from 1846 until 1996. After the jail closed its doors, the space was renovated to be a tourist attraction in Belfast.
Visitors can learn about the prisoners held in the jail, how the prison operated during The Troubles and see the Execution Cell. Tickets are required for the Crumlin Road Gaol Experience and can be purchased for a discount online.
Cave Hill and the Belfast Castle
Cave Hill Country Park sits north of the city center with the landmark Belfast Castle perched on the hillside. One of the best Belfast, NI things to do outdoors is to walk the paths, tour the castle gardens and take in the expansive views.
The Belfast Zoo – one of the top attractions for families – is also located on Cave Hill.
Divis and Black Mountain Hikes
Visitors looking for fun Belfast things to do for free might want to consider hiking in the Belfast Hills, which are west of the city center. Divis and the Black Mountain offer numerous trails with some of the treks providing stunning views.
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
South of the city is the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Best known for its rose garden, the park features 128 acres of vast green space and pleasant walking paths.
Ulster Folk Museum
Ulster – the original name of the historic Irish province – has a long history and it’s on display at the Ulster Folk Museum. Designed as a century-old village, visiting the Ulster Folk Museum is another of the fun things to do in Belfast for families.
Costumed guides bring to life daily chores and crafts from 100 years ago – and guests can watch demonstrations on tweed weaving and blacksmithing. Tickets are required.
CS Lewis Square
CS Lewis, the renowned author of The Chronicles of Narnia, was born in East Belfast in 1898. Today, CS Lewis Square marks the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s east side and the author’s story. In the area there are 7 bronze statues depicting characters from the book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Stop by the coffee shop at the EastSide Visitor’s Center to pick up a map that guides visitors to statues and historic points in East Belfast.
Plan Your Trip to Belfast, UK
Now that you know what to do in Belfast, we have a few final tips that will help you plan your vacation.
As we already mentioned, our guides – Belfast Itinerary and Belfast Restaurants and Pubs – offer a wealth of information for planning a Belfast trip.
Those visiting multiple destinations in the region should find our United Kingdom and Ireland travel articles to be helpful, as well.
- Dublin, Ireland 3-Day Itinerary
- See the Irish Coastal Towns of Howth, Bray and Malahide
- Visiting Galway, Doolin and The Aran Islands in Ireland
- Planning a Trip to lively London, gorgeous Bath, buzzing Bristol and royal Windsor Castle
- Take a Trip to lovely Edinburgh, alluring Inverness and intoxicating Glasgow in Scotland
- Top Things To Do in Manchester and Birmingham
As you make your travel plans, staying organized is essential. Use our Printable Travel Planner to sort all the details of your trip to Europe!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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