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: 255

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
289 reviews
The Linen Hall

Belfast

Address

17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1707

info@linenhall.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. As the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland, it has an impressive Irish and Local Studies Collection and houses a significant genealogy section.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
343 reviews
Pickie Fun Park

Bangor

Address

1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 0746

hello@pickiefunpark.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - There is a public car park on Queen’s Parade which is a short walk round the marina. There are also limited disabled car parking spaces adjacent to Pickie Funpark which can be accessed via Marine Gardens.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Belfast Cathedral - The Cathedral Church of St. Anne

Belfast

Address

Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2HB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 8332

admin@belfastcathedral.org
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Cathedral

Belfast Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Anne, has stood for over 100 years as a place of Christian worship in the heart of Belfast.
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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1028 reviews
Belfast Zoo

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT36 7PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9077 6277

info@belfastzoo.co.uk

Price
Price Free to £14.50 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Zoo / Aquarium

Belfast Zoo is set on the beautiful slopes of Cave Hill and is home to over 100 amazing animal species, many of which are endangered in the wild.

Dates

From:

2 Oct 2025to2 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

3 Apr 2026to1 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
Price
Price Free to £14.50 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Percy’s Safari Grill
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3847 reviews
Ulster Museum

Belfast

Address

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! For a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Centres: Discover Art, Discover History and Discover…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
474 reviews
Streamvale Open Farm

Belfast

Address

38 Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7SN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9048 3244

hello@streamvale.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Open Farm

Streamvale Farm is nestled in the rolling hills on the edge of Belfast. The family farm has lots to offer including baby animal cuddling, lots of fantastic play areas and many live shows and demonstrations for all the family to enjoy.
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1253 reviews
W5

Belfast

Address

The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9046 7700
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Science Centre

W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre, firing the spirit of discovery with limitless fun for everyone including eight new zones packed full of interactive exhibits that will excite and inspire.
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Island Arts Centre

Lisburn

Address

The Island, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9244 7744

arts.information@ilisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

ISLAND Arts Centre offers a wide range of cultural events. Enjoy an eclectic mix of live theatre, special events and a range of hands–on arts activities, led by professional artists designed to recharge your batteries in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Divis and the Black Mountain

Belfast

Address

12 Hannahstown Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT17 0NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 5434

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Medium (5-20 miles)

With spectacular panoramic views over Belfast, Divis and the Black Mountain is a haven for those seeking the wild countryside experience. On a clear day there are views of Strangford Lough, the Mournes and the Sperrins, as well as Scotland...

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Loughshore Trail

Newtownabbey

Address

Hazelbank Park, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 9JQ

Telephone
0300 123 4568

Info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Set off along the shores of Belfast Lough and enjoy the sea air as you navigate the picturesque walking route which takes you all the way to Hazelbank, Gideons Green and even into Belfast.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Whiteabbey Green Car Park: Open 24 hours Hazelbank Park: Summer: May to September, 06:00 -23:00 Winter: October to April 06:00 - 20:00
Plantsman's Garden Tours

Bangor

Address

12 Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3081

trevor@trevoredwardsgardens.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

'Plantsman's Garden Tours' offer incredible access to the gardens of historic stately homes and the privately owned masterpieces of Co. Down and Northern Ireland together with those of the Republic of Ireland.

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Knock Golf Club

Belfast

Address

Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, Belfast, County Antrim, BT16 2QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9048 3251

knockgolfclub@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Designed in the early 1920’s by a top team of English golf architects, Colt, Mackenzie and Allison.
Knock has developed into one of Ireland’s finest inland courses - the par of 70 is reputed to rank among the toughest in the country.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Hillmount BBQ Academy

Belfast

Address

56/58 Upper Braniel Road, Gilnahirk, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 8213

alan@hillmount.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Hillmount offers one of the largest BBQ Showrooms in Ireland with trained specialists to help you make the right decision when choosing your BBQ. View our full range of gas and charcoal grills online at www.hillmount.co.uk.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ulster Flying Club

Newtownards

Address

61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3327

fly@ulsterflyingclub.com

Type

Type:

Microlight Flying

The Ulster Flying Club offers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure over the picturesque landscapes of Ards & North Down. Take to the skies in either our Microlight C42 or Cessna 172, you will soar above this stunning region,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Lagan Towpath

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Lagan Towpath takes the walker along the river and canal system through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland from Belfast to Lisburn.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
George Best House

Belfast

Address

16 Burren Way, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 0DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

bookings@georgebesthouse.com

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Local Heroes

Guided tours of George Best House are available to book and are led by expert local EastSide Tour Guides. Tours last 45-minutes. Adult tickets are priced £12, Children tickets (ages 5-18) are priced £7 and Children under 5 go free with no booking…

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

More Info
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…

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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
Belfast Hills

Belfast

Address

9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0XS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 3466

info@belfasthills.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Experience the Belfast Hills, renowned for providing a unique backdrop to a thriving urban area. Being so close to the city, fantastic views over Belfast and beyond can be easily enjoyed at Cave Hill and Belfast Castle or Black Mountain.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Cairn Wood Trails

Newtownards

Address

21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

Telephone
0300 013 3333

outdoor@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Explore our mixed woodland with five scenic trails that lead you through the forest and to stunning viewpoints. The trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car parking is free of charge Disabled parking for cars is available with one EV charging point alongside the disabled parking.