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: 260

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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)
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Belfast

Newtownabbey

Address

38 Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

belfast@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Belfast for some fantastic fun! Check out our Inflata Park, Bowling Alley, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling Hungry? We also have delicious food at our American Style NY Kitchen!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Rollo Gillespie Monument

Comber

Address

Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historial figure

Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of Major General Robert 'Rollo' Gillespie born in the town in 1766.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
135 reviews
Ballyholme Beach

Bangor

Address

Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
BelfastLad Tours

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT13 2BW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7825 631 550

francis@belfastlad.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Northern Ireland, where history and adventure await. At BelfastLad Tours we offer a diverse range of bespoke immersive experiences across Belfast and Northern Ireland. From political tours, half and…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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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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Scrabo Hill

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk around Scrabo Hill, part of Scrabo Country Park

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Queen's University Belfast

Belfast

Address

University Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9097 5252

queens.welcomecentre@qub.ac.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The fine façade of the Main Building, designed by Charles Lanyon, conceals a quiet, restful quadrangle. This was the original Queen's College: the University has expanded throughout the immediate area, including all the houses on University Square.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Line of Duty Walking Tour

Belfast

Address

Irish Tour Tickets, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0)844 2471 007

info@britmovietours.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

A 2 hour fully guided Line of Duty themed tour in central Belfast full of loads of on & off-screen anecdotes. A must for any fan of the show.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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The Maritime Mile

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3NG

hello@maritimebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

Explore Belfast’s historic waterfront. The Maritime Mile is home to some of Belfast's greatest attractions, unique tours and iconic festivals.

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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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Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

Belfast

Address

2nd Floor, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2FE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2086

rurmuseum@yahoo.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The museum tells the story of the Royal Ulster Rifles from 1793 to 1968. From the raising of the 83rd & 86th Regiment of Foot in preparation for War with France through the Indian Mutiny, Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Borneo, Cyprus.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
The Lost City Adventure Golf

Belfast

Address

Unit 10 Cityside Retail Park, 100-150 York Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT15 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 5118

belfast@lostcityadventuregolf.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Start your epic adventure at The Lost City Adventure Golf, Northern Ireland’s first indoor adventure golf course.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
718 reviews
Belfastology Walking Tours

Belfast

Address

Visit Belfast, 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7552 309 575

belfastology@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Enjoy an up-to-date walking tour on the music, street art and pub scenes of Belfast, while taking in the warm hospitality of the local people and discovering off-the-beaten track pubs, restaurants and experiences along the way.

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Titanic Trail

Belfast

Address

Titanic Memorial Garden, City Hall, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Discover Belfast’s links to its unique Titanic and maritime heritage following this trail from the Titanic Memorial Garden at Belfast City Hall to Titanic Quarter.

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Mount Ober Footgolf

Belfast

Address

24 Ballymaconaghy Road, Ballymaconaghy, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT8 6SB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7767 844 377

belfastfg@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Footgolf is played on a golf course using a size 5 football. The object of the game is to get the ball into the hole using only your feet in the fewest number of shots possible.

More Info
St Comgall’s - 'The Falls, Where The Troubles Began'

Belfast

Address

St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT124AQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9020 2030

eoin@fallscouncil.com

Price
Price £8.00 to £36.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Welcome To St. Comgall’s and the visitor exhibition 'The Falls, Where The Troubles Began'

Dates

From:

6 Nov 2025to31 Jan 2027Various Opening Times

Price
Price £8.00 to £36.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Divis Lough Trail (all ability)

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Gentle circular route that leads you across the open hills on a wide, flat and gently sloping path. Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and further afield can be viewed on a clear day.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Roddy McCorley Republican Heritage Centre

Belfast

Address

Moyard House, 203 Glen Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 8BU

Telephone
02890 300480

info@roddymccorley.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of 200 years of Irish Republicanism told through the prism of a unique collection of locally gathered and curated historical artefacts from The Society of United Irishmen of 1798 through to the present day.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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

More Info