Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Sawyers Deli
Belfast
Crumlin Road Gaol
Belfast
Belfast Traditional Music Trail
An Droichead
Cathedral Quarter
Belfast, County Antrim

You are here: Home > Destinations > Belfast > Activities & Attractions in Belfast

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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 279

, currently showing 101 to 120.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Belfast Bikes: Public Cycle Hire

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 343 3571551

belfastbikes@nsl.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

The Frank and Honest Belfast Bikes scheme is an exciting way to link up the city. There are over 50 docking stations located throughout the city centre which offer residents and visitors to Belfast a new low cost and convenient way to get around.

More Info
Seacourt Print Workshop

Bangor

Address

75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44(0)28 9146 0595

info@seacourt-ni.org.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland

More Info
Carrickfergus Walking Tours

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7816 969350

johnomcilvenna@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Carrickfergus with over 1000 years of history under its belt, has lots of secrets to reveal. Enjoy a walking tour around the town with your guide John, and learn about castles, town walls, the palace, big houses, ghosts, salt mines, monarchs and so…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1118 reviews
Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9077 6925

bcr@belfastcastle.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Reopened May 2024 Opening hours Sunday - Thursday 12pm-7pm Friday and Saturday 12pm-8pm Booking essential (For menus and to book visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle/eat-drink/cellar-restaurant )
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi - Belfast Public Wifi on site
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Bangor

Bangor

Address

Units 3-5, South Circular Retail Park, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

bangor@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Bangor for some inflata and ninja fun. Try out some of the inflata activities including Beat The Wall, Freefall, Wipe Out and their Drop Slides.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
E-Bike Tour and Rental

Belfast

Address

Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+ 44 (0) 7908 111 720

umovee-bikes@outlook.com

Price
Price £35.00 to £75.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Explore Belfast like never before with our E-Bike rentals and tours. Glide effortlessly through the city’s top sights—from the Titanic Quarter to the bustling Cathedral Quarter — while skipping traffic and making a sustainable choice. Perfect for…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £35.00 to £75.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Movilla Abbey

Newtownards

Address

Movilla Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.
As important as Bangor, Movilla was associated with Saint Finian of the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century.

Price
Free

More Info
Funky Monkeys - Kennedy Centre, Children's Indoor Play Centre

Belfast

Address

Unit 57 Kennedy Centre, 580 Falls Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT11 9AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 2292

kennedycentre@funkymonkeys.ie

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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Laganview Golf Centre

Lisburn

Address

20 Ballyskeagh Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT275SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 2332

info@laganviewgolfcentre.co.uk

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Laganview Golf Centre is one of the best golf centres in Northern Ireland boasting 50 floodlit bays with PowerTee automatic machines and Inrange ball tracking technology that caters to golfers at all levels.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
375 reviews
Let's Go Hydro Resort & Spa

Carryduff

Address

1 Mealough Road, Carryduff, County Down, BT8 8GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9081 4662

info@letsgohydro.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

If you enjoy water-based fun, then Let’s Go Hydro is a must visit. The impressive outdoor attraction, including an inflatable floating obstacle course, provides fun for all. The course features an XXL Tower, slides, climbing wall, hurdles, wiggle…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Coiste Irish Political Tours

Belfast

Address

Coiste Mural at Divis Tower, Divis Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 200 770

tours@coiste.com

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Coiste Irish Political Tours operates political tours, educational talks and programmes, and provides associated services to visitors, which advances education for the public regarding the historical and political context of the conflict in Ireland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Ards Arts Centre

Newtownards

Address

Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town, the Ards Arts Centres a welcoming space which supports a wide range of community arts activities alongside our own initiatives.

More Info
Cliftonville Golf Club

Belfast

Address

44 Westland Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 6NH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9074 4158

cliftonvillegc@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Cliftonville Golf Club was founded in 1911. It is one of Belfast City’s oldest clubs with a wealth of history and experience.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1984 reviews
Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Belfast

Address

College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP

Telephone
028 9031 4762

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

Price
Free

More Info
Stricklands Glen

Bangor

Address

Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
332 reviews
Vertigo Titanic Park

Belfast

Address

Titanic Quarter, Queens Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 87 0066 1533

info@wearevertigo.com

Type

Type:

Skydiving & Parachuting

Vertigo Titanic Park, located just 5 minutes from Belfast's City Centre is home to two completely unique, adrenaline-fueled activities.
Indoor Skydiving and Ninja Master Course, suitable for ages 4+. It's a great day out for all ages.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Clip 'n Climb Dundonald

Address

Dundonald International Ice Bowl, 111 Old Dundonald Road, County Antrim, BT16 1XT

Telephone
+44028 90 487 777

info@clipnclimbdundonald.co.uk

Type

Type:

Climbing

Clip 'n Climb Dundonald is an exciting indoor climbing arena based at Dundonald International Ice Bowl.
With 24 different climbing challenges of varying skills and difficulty, Clip 'n Climb is ideal for all ages from school kids to retired kids.

More Info
North Belfast Heritage Trail including Clifton House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

archive@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

North Belfast’s unique built heritage is a hidden gem stretching back to the 18th Century. In just over one mile, 14 such buildings and sites sit, sometimes side by side, and collectively tell a fascinating story of our city’s past. This walking…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)