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Belfast
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Belfast
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Activities & Attractions in Belfast

Things to do

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.

Popular attractions

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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Eisenhower Pier

Bangor

Address

The Seafront, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

At the seafront in the City of Bangor in Ards and North Down, a short stroll from the promenade, past Bregenz House (Headquarters to HM Coastguard), takes you to the Eisenhower Pier

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castlereagh Hills Golf Course

Castlereagh, Belfast

Address

Upper Braniel Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7SR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 8477

chgcadmin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Located just over four miles from Belfast City Centre, the 18-hole course at Castlereagh Hills has gained a merited reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s best hidden gem courses.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
International House Belfast

Belfast

Address

109-111 University Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1HP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 0700

study@ihbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Northern Ireland's leading English Language centre, offering English language total immersion experiences at all levels. We combine your language experiences with award winning accommodation options and social events and cultural activities.

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Barnett Demesne

Belfast

Address

Malone House Car Park, Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5PB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This route explores an historic estate in Lagan Valley Regional Park, taking in Malone House, meadows, woodland and along the River Lagan.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Belfast Photo Tours

Belfast

Address

Olympic Way, Titanic Quarter (Tour Starting Point), Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
+44 (0)7904 155 036

mark@belfastphototours.com

Price
Price £29.00 Per Ticket to £195.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Welcome to the world of film photography on this small group photo walking tour of Belfast like no other. Explore the iconic Titanic Quarter of Belfast and on into the vibrant Cathedral Quarter where all things make great photographs on this…

Dates

From:

14 Apr 2025to30 Sept 2025

Price
Price £29.00 Per Ticket to £195.00 Activity

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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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Albert Memorial Clock

Belfast

Address

17 Queens Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Designed by the architect William J Barre, the figure of Prince Albert was sculpted by Samuel Ferris Lynn and the clock is by Francis Moore.

Price
Free

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Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway from Belfast

Belfast

Address

Pickup from Leonardo Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9568 0023

belfast@gameofthronestours.com

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Visit Cushendun Caves where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow assassin, the Iron Islands beach where Theon and Euron Greyjoy were born again in the ‘Drowned God’, Dragonstone beach, the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

Dates

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

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Street Art Walking Tour

Belfast

Address

Commercial Court, (starting point), Belfast, Antrim, BT1 2NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7843 590 097

info@seedheadarts.com

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture tours

Belfast is a place where street art has flourished & artists from around the world have come to paint. Devised and led by the local artists this is a two hour, gently paced guide to the ever changing face of street art in the Cathedral Quarter.

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City Sightseeing Belfast

Belfast

Address

c/o CitySightseeing Belfast, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 321 321

george@citysightseeingbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-on / Hop-off Open-top bus tour provides you with a comprehensive look at Belfast city and allows you to explore every area and district of this unique place. Our tour operates seven days per week.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW)

Belfast

Address

100 Airport Road West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9046 1458

belfast.lough@rspb.org.uk

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Visit RSPB NI’s nature reserve right in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate and prepare to be WoW-ed!
Enjoy panoramic views of the Lough, the birds and wildlife which call the reserve home. Within this modern visitor centre, there is…

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

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Lagan Towpath

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Scenic riverside walk along tarmac path

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
Terrace Hill Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Beautiful trails along the Lagan and through woodland.

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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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Divis Heath Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk that circumnavigates Divis Mountain

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Polished Jewels & Cultural Guinness

Belfast

Address

34 Strathmore Park North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 6961

contact@diamondchauffersireland.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Our knowledgeable and friendly chauffeurs will be thrilled to introduce you to the Emerald Isle, through our Private Tours in Northern Ireland.

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McConnell's Distillery & Visitor Experience

Belfast

Address

Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 6ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9590 2929

tickets@belfastdistillery.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket to £45.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Distillery

McConnell’s Distillery, located in North Belfast in the historic A-wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, opens this Spring. This state of the art distillery will host guided tours sharing the unique story of the McConnell’s brand and the history of distilling…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket to £45.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1314 reviews
We Are Vertigo

Newtownbreda

Address

Cedarhurst Road, Newtownbreda Factory Estate, Newtownbreda, County Antrim, BT8 7RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 87 0066 1522

info@wearevertigo.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

With inflatable floors, inflatable doors, inflatable walls, inflatable falls you are invited to bounce, ski, play and climb. at We are Vertigo. Explore The Mechanical sweeper, The Travelator, The Inflatable Ninja Area, The High Slides, The Wipeout…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

Belfast

Address

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, 216 Falls Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9096 4180

caoimhin@oifigfailte.ie

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich is an arts and cultural centre with a strong focus on Irish language and culture. The centre offers, through its arts programme, theatre, music, visual arts, poetry, literary events, workshops and classes catering ...

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