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
489 reviews
Cave Hill Country Park

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 9629

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Cave Hill by Night with Big Dave

Belfast

Address

Cave Hill Country Park, Upper Cavehill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 1AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7915 656 354

davidjohnirwin@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Welcome to the original Cave Hill walking tour with your experienced local guide, Big Dave from Belfast!
When you book this tour I will meet you at the west gate of Cave Hill Country Park (approximate meeting time is 6.30pm in winter or 8.30pm in…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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.

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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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
221 reviews
Kingspan Stadium and The Nevin Spence Centre

Belfast

Address

Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 0DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 3222

Nevinspencecentre@ulsterrugby.com

Type

Type:

Sports Ground

Journey through the history of rugby in Ulster with a self-guided tour of The Nevin Spence Centre. Using archive objects, footage and interactives, visitors can discover the roots of Ulster Rugby.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1114 reviews
Experience Belfast

Donegall Square

Address

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7771 640 746

info@experiencebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

We're qualified objective guides and authors and historians. We know Belfast and can cover all bases. Whether it’s a walking tour, a private tour around Belfast or a group tour on a coach, you’re guaranteed a wonderful experience that’s engaging…

Dates

From:

1 May 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 12:30

From:

1 Oct 2025to30 Apr 2026Various Opening Times

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Divis Heath Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk that circumnavigates Divis Mountain

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
ArtisAnn Gallery

Belfast

Address

70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 5AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7905 339 569

mail@artisann.org

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

ArtisAnn Gallery is a gallery based on Bloomfield Avenue in East Belfast You will be able to find high quality art at this friendly gallery, featuring emerging and established artists working in a range of styles and mediums.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Clifton House - Experience the Belfast Poor House Tour

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Price
Price £9.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through our door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poorhouse – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

Dates

From:

6 Mar 2025to26 Nov 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £9.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Clandeboye Golf Club

Conlig

Address

51 Tower Road, Conlig, County Down, BT23 7PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1767

office@cgc-ni.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

36 Holes. There are two courses in wooded undulating parkland/heathland with clusters of gorse bushes and copses ready to claim the wayward shots.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Colin Glen Golf

Belfast

Address

115 Blacks Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT10 0NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 1133

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Colin Glen offers an exceptional leisure site which is home to premium golf facilities catering for people of all ages and playing abilities. With everything from Northern Ireland’s first TrackMan Driving Range, Indoor TrackMan Suite to a 9-hole…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Belfast Print Workshop

Belfast

Address

Cotton Court, 30 – 42 Waring Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1323

office@bpw.org.uk

Type

Type:

Art & Photography

The longest established resource in Northern Ireland for artists wanting to work in the various printmaking media to create original art work.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

Plan your day out at Airtastic Bangor! Our newly upgraded centre features a fantastic range of activities, including our soft play area for younger children, action-packed laser tag, a modern bowling alley, and an incredible Play to Win amusements…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

20 Mar 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
City Tours Belfast

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square West, Opposite Visit Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1912

info@citytoursbelfast.com

Price
Price £11.00 to £73.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Enjoy an open top bus tour across the beautiul city of Belfast, see the historic landmarks and listen to an entertaining and informative live commentary on the city's history, its present and its future. 72 hour Ticket.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £11.00 to £73.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
381 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
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.

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Bangor Abbey

Bangor

Address

Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bradshaws Brae Driving Range

Newtownards

Address

115 Old Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3484

info@bradshawsbraedrivingrange.co.uk

Type

Type:

Driving Range

18 covered floodlit bays, 10 outside bays.
Also Explanar Teaching centre, resident PGA professional Gordon Fairweather.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Castle Park

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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