Activities & Attractions in Belfast

What to do, what to see and where to go in Northern Ireland's capital city

For such a small and compact city, Belfast has an amazing array of activities and attractions for you to choose from. There are not too many cities in which you can visit a world-class visitor experience, see a top-class rugby team, take in a blistering ice hockey game and visit the stomping grounds of one of the greatest musicians of all time. Belfast is one of those cities where there is a story on every street.

An unmissable visit to Titanic Belfast

Catching your first glimpse of Titanic Belfast in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, is an unforgettable moment. 1,000 workers spent four years on the construction of this landmark building. When it was completed in 2012 nothing of its kind had ever been seen in Ireland before. It is a stunning work of architecture and design. The shimmering glass and aluminum building dominates the area. It even manages to outshine Harland and Wolff’s two great yellow cranes - Samson and Goliath.

Inside is no less impressive and the story of the Titanic, its building, its people and its fate is told with cutting edge interactive tools that bring the whole thing to life. We’ve said it once, but we will say it again: this is without doubt one of the top things to do in Belfast.

A room with a view and two mountains too

You’ll catch another glimpse of the biblical cranes from the Dome at Victoria Square. This glass dome rises high above the city’s skyline and boasts 360-degree views across Belfast. It’s completely free and, should you feel the urge to, as they say, buy the T-shirt, there is a rather large shopping centre right underneath.

The best views of the city however are out in the mountains. Both Divis and the Black mountain offer a fantastic trail along the edge of Belfast’s hills, but be warned that it will take you half a day to complete and you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. Although a little steeper, you might be better venturing up to Cave Hill and looking over the city from there. Locals know the hill as Napoleon's Nose and according to legend its resemblance to the face of a sleeping giant, gave Jonathan Swift the inspiration for Gulliver.

There are several routes you can take to the top of Cave Hill but the most popular, and probably best, is via the stunning Belfast Castle. There has been a castle of some sort on this site since the 12th century. John Lanyon designed and completed this spectacular sandstone construction in 1870. Inside, the Castle Tavern and Cellar Restaurant offer breakfast, lunch and dinner but you might want to wait until you’re down the hill for that!

Botanic, Queens and surrounding areas in Belfast

Closer to sea level and the city centre, you need to visit the city’s famous Botanic Gardens. Even if you’re not so keen on horticulture, it’s a soothing spot for a stroll, to take a book or have a picnic with your family. Fans of the BBC/RTE series The Fall will recognise it, but we sadly can’t promise you’ll bump into Jamie Dornan when you go. You will however see a statue of Lord Kelvin who invented the Kelvin Scale, used to measure temperatures. There is also the spectacular Palm House built by Charles Lanyon in 1839.

Right next to the wonderful gardens, are the grounds of Queen’s University. Ranked well within the top 200 universities in the world, Queen’s has always been a beacon of learning in Northern Ireland. It has produced some of the land’s finest minds. As well as politicians, presidents and prime ministers there have been poets Seamus Heaney and Paul Muldoon, actors Liam Neeson and Stephen Rea and the BBC’s finest disc jockey, Annie Mac. The rather functional-looking Whitla Hall played host to Jimi Hendrix on his 25th birthday.

Trace the tunes of Van Morrison

Did somebody mention music? Well you’re in Belfast, so it’s never far away. So let’s get onto Van Morrison. Crossing over the Lagan from the Botanic Gardens and walking or cycling through the city’s oldest public park, Ormeau Park, will take you to Elm Grove Primary School. It doesn't look like much, but this is where Van the Man attended primary school and it is the starting point of the Van Morrison Trail. If you have even a passing interest in “Van the Man” then this 3.5km tour is well worth following. This area inspired much of Morrison’s acclaimed album, Astral Weeks, and on the tour you’ll find out why. It’s a lovely thing to do in Belfast as it gives you an insight into a man whose soul was steeped in the city.

More sport than you could shake an ice hockey stick at

Speaking of Belfast Giants, sports fans will want to consider taking in a game of ice hockey and seeing the current Elite League Champions at their home in the SSE Arena. And followers of rugby will not want to miss a Friday night at the Kingspan Stadium, an often raucous but always good-natured stadium. This is the home of Ulster Rugby where you can get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest exponents of the game... while enjoying a few pints.

Do some time in The Crum

You’ll hear more about locks and wings when you visit the impressive Crumlin Road Gaol. Known locally as ‘The Crum’, this was an active prison until 1996. Since then it has become an extremely popular tourist attraction. The prison tours are top-class.

Finish with food and drink at the Victorian St George’s Market

Morning is the best time to visit the beautiful St. George’s Market. This bustling indoor street market hosts around 300 traders, artists, musicians, and food vendors. It is open Friday to Sunday and is the perfect place to soak up a bit of local atmosphere while trying local produce. It’s yet another unique experience that Belfast has to offer.

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Number of results: 264

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
91 reviews
Ward Park

Bangor

Address

Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Castle (City Hall)

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 013 3333

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the council chamber.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mysteries of the Malt Tour

Cushendun

Address

7 The Square, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PQ

sam@highseaspirits.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Take the world’s oldest whisk(e)y trail to where it all began and where it thrives today. From the very best the Causeway Coastal Route has to offer in food, drink and accommodation, we add the bonus of excusive distillery tours and expert tastings…

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Shandon Park Golf Club

Belfast

Address

73 Shandon Park, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 6NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9080 5031

gm@shandonpark.net

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

A championship course decidedly worth inspecting. Offering views over historic Stormont, this famous parkland layout with its notable true greens, delivers an enjoyable challenge for all.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
St Patrick's Church Belfast

Belfast

Address

199 Donegall Street, Belfast, CountyAntrim, BT1 2FL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4597

stpatricks@downandconnor.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

The Gothic Revival St Patrick's was designed by Timonthy Hevey and Mortimer Thomspon and consecrated in 1877. The first Church was built on this site in 1815 and was the second Catholic Church built since the Reformation in the city of Belfast.

Price
Free

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
EastSide Visitor Centre

Belfast

Address

402 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90451900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

EastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
204 reviews
Dundonald International Ice Bowl

Dundonald

Address

111 Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald, County Down, BT16 1XT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9080 9100

icebowl@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Ice Skating

Enjoy a great day out at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Whether you are looking for a family day out, an evening out with friends or a day out for a school or youth organisation, there is a range of fun packed activities for everyone.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Mystic of the East - Van Morrison Trail

Belfast

Address

Avalon House, 278-280 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT4 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

The Van Morrison Trail will take you on a journey through the east Belfast of Van's youth. The Trail is a wonderful opportunity for you to visit some of the places that Morrison knew as a child growing up.

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Bangor Abbey

Bangor

Address

Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Scrabo Country Park

Newtownards

Address

203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 1491

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the area of Newtownards. When visitors come and explore, they will be able to view the panoramic sights of Strangford Lough as well as the surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Bangor Golf Club

Bangor

Address

Broadway, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0922

office@bangorgolfclubni.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Bangor Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of Bangor overlooking Belfast lough and the Antrim Hills. It is a Private Members Club with upwards of 1,000 playing and social members. Bangor Golf Club was founded in 1903 with a nine hole golf course.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
NI Black Taxi Tours

Belfast

Address

Belfast, Co Antrim

Telephone
+44 (0) 7860 793799

info@niblacktaxitours.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

Why not take a tour in one of our reliable and comfortable black taxis, sit back and take in the sights of our beautiful wee country. Whatever your preference we cater for all walks of life should it be the relaxing country side...

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Funky Monkeys - Kennedy Centre, Children's Indoor Play Centre

Belfast

Address

Unit 57 Kennedy Centre, 580 Falls Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT11 9AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 2292

kennedycentre@funkymonkeys.ie

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Funky Monkeys Soft Play Café are NI’s leading indoor play centres for children aged eight and under, featuring play frame equipment which has been specifically designed through the recognition that children can learn and develop their minds.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Somme Museum

Newtownards

Address

233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 3202

claire@sommeassociation.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Belfast Barge

Belfast

Address

1 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2555

info@belfastbarge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Belfast’s first floating visitor attraction, moored on the River Lagan, just minutes from the city centre, houses a vibrant interactive museum on Belfast's proud maritime history.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Divis Heath Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk that circumnavigates Divis Mountain

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Funky Monkeys - Cityside Centre, Children's Indoor Play Centre

Belfast

Address

Cityside Retail Park, 100 - 150 York Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 1WA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9074 4370

cityside@funkymonkeysni.co.uk

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Funky Monkeys Soft Play Café are NI’s leading indoor play centres for children aged eight and under, featuring play frame equipment which has been specifically designed through the recognition that children can learn and develop their minds.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Divis Ridge Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk with stunning views over Belfast City

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

Belfast

Address

c/o: Irish Tour Tickets shop, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0101

info@irishtourtickets.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel on one of our luxury coaches to discover the sights and attractions of County Antrim. Irish Tour Tickets are the only company travelling from Belfast that includes admission to the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre.

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The Belfast Experience

Belfast

Address

Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT13 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7954 181 004

katherineredpath@icloud.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The Belfast Experience offers enthralling social, industrial, and political walking and taxi tours which brings to life the history of one Belfast’s most remarkable communities, the Shankill Road.

More Info