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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3423 reviews
DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours

Belfast

Address

Belfast City Hall, (Front Gate), Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7716 949 460

cu@deadcentretours.com

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Sightseeing

DC Tours run scheduled, private and group walking tours. Their ‘Best of Belfast’ tour is the perfect introduction to the city, its beautiful architecture, stunning street art, unique history and the amazing stories of its citizens from across the…
Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
135 reviews
Waterman House Cookery School

Belfast

Address

Waterman House, 33 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9560 0701

nicole@waterman.house
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Cookery School

Waterman House Cookery school is one of Irelands leading cooking schools, offering a range of day and evening classes for all ages and abilities. We aim to enable you to prepare delicious dishes to be enjoyed with family and friends at home.
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Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
287 reviews
Linen Hall Library

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

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3836 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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
Price
Free

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1084 reviews
Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.
Special Offers
- Explore More This Summer
  From £12
  Visit Ulster Folk Museum this summer and receive a 50% discount code to use on a second visit or to visit the Ulster Transport Museum or Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions, Giant Adventure Offers
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
473 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
1025 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:

3 Apr 2025to1 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

From:

2 Oct 2025to2 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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
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.
Special Offers
- Unlimited Pass
  From £15
  All day wristband for £15. The wristband entitles the visitors to all the attractions as many times as they want. (Hook a Duck and Aqua Blaster excluded). T&C's apply - available weekends and holidays. Height restrictions apply to some attractions.
  Unlimited pass can be bought at park on day of visit.
  More offers like this - Giant Adventure Offers
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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.
More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1248 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.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
More Info
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
51 reviews
Ulster Transport Museum

Holywood

Address

153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…
Special Offers
- Explore More This Summer
  From £12
  Visit Ulster Transport Museum this summer and receive a 50% discount code to use on a second visit or to visit Ulster Folk Museum or Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. T&C's apply (offer available on max 4 tickets)
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions, Giant Adventure Offers
Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Balmoral Golf Club

Belfast

Address

518 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1514

admin@balmoralgolf.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

One of Northern Ireland's finest parkland course. Situated in the leafy suburbs of South Belfast close to the city centre.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
Belfast Beer Bike

Belfast

Address

Rosemary Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1QE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7858 362 385

info@belfastbeerbike.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Come tour the streets of Belfast on one of our pedal powered Belfast Beer Bikes. Head straight to the best spots in Belfast and raise your glasses to the breath-taking sceneries.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 10:00

More Info
Game of Thrones® Film Locations Tour

Belfast

Address

10 Great Victoria Street, Somerdale Park, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 7HD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1321

info@citysightseeingbelfast.com

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Book your group on-board our coach to the 'Kings Road' and join us for a day visiting the main filming locations featured in this phenomenal series.

More Info
Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex

Newtownards

Address

1 Dairy Hall Lane, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2837

ardslc@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex is a modern sports and leisure facility on the edge of Newtownards town.

More Info
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.
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