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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Historical Research Associates

Carrickfergus

Address

40 Carrickburn Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 8502

jennifer@historicalresearchassociates.com

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

Established in 1984 we provide a prompt personal and professional research service for those wishing to trace their family history. We also undertake specialised Probate and Birth family history research requests.

More Info
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
Shandon Park Mound

Belfast

Address

Shandon Park, Knock, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 6NW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Shandon Park Mound is one of Belfast’s few surviving medieval earthworks, reached by a path between numbers 45 & 47 Shandon Park, Knock. The mound is strategically sited on high ground with extensive views.

Price
Free

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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
138 reviews
Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House

Belfast

Address

Schomberg House, 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 9EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9070 1122

info@orangeheritage.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum of Orange Heritage, Schomberg House, focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution, and travels right through until the present day.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Victoria Park

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Oasis for wildlife in Belfast

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Executive Car Hire

Newtownabbey

Address

17 Church Park, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 6ER

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9059 1384

info@executivecarhireni.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

Executive Car Hire can provide complete transport solutions including airport/boat transfers, scenic tours and all your travel needs during your stay in Northern Ireland.

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Lagan Towpath - Shaws Bridge to Lock Keepers Cottage

Belfast

Address

Shaw's Bridge Car Park, Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5YN

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short circular walk along the edge of the River Lagan along tarmac paths. Features of interest along the route include Shaws bridge, the Lock Keepers Cottage and the newly reinstated lock gates.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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City of Belfast Golf Club

Newtownabbey

Address

610 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9083 2111

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

The course has seen various improvements over the years. Opened by champion golfer, Fred Daly who won the first ever Open championship staged in Northern Ireland.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Dog Friendly Food Tours Belfast

Belfast

Address

Dirty Onion, 3 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0)7400 094 252

woof@dogfriendlytours.co.uk

Type

Type:

Food Tour

Dog Friendly Food Tours are a great day out for dog owners. Tour guests will visit 5 Dog Friendly venues tasting super locally sourced food and drink at each stop. All dogs receive a Dog Friendly Tours bandana, treats and water on tour.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Holywood Town Walk and Cultural Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short historical walk around the town of Holywood

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
2 Royal Avenue

Belfast

Address

2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1DA

2royalave@maywe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Public Hall

Belfast City Council’s community and cultural hub at 2 Royal Avenue provides a free creative space in the heart of the city centre.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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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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
Naughton Gallery at Queen's

Belfast

Address

Lanyon Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9097 3580

art@qub.ac.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The Naughton Gallery, located in the historic Lanyon Building at Queen’s University, is an award winning registered museum displaying works from the University’s own collection, touring exhibitions and shows by local and international artists.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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 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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Winterfell Trek from Belfast

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9568 0023

info@gameofthronestours.com

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Morning trek at Old Castle Ward aka Winterfell and to Audley’s Castle aka Walder Frey’s Twins. Inch Abbey, where Robb became King in the North. Afternoon trek in Tollymore Forest to the wildling pit and where the Starks found the direwolf pups.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

More Info
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

More Info