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: 264

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
58 reviews
Belvoir Park Forest

Belfast

Address

Belvoir Drive, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7QT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 2240

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Managed by the Forest Service, Belvoir Park Forest is unique in the UK as it is a working forest within a city. Walks within the forest link to the Lagan River 'Towpath' and the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Minnowburn

Belfast

Address

Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Minnowburn is 128 acres of woodland and countryside, owned by the National Trust and situated between the Giant's Ring and Lagan. A network of paths allow visitors to enjoy all of the property, including a stunning viewpoint over the Lagan Valley.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Belfast

Address

Golden Thread Gallery, 23-29 Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 0920

info@gtgallery.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Welcome to Golden Thread Gallery, Northern Ireland's leading contemporary visual arts gallery,

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Grey Point Fort

Helen's Bay

Address

Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

Price
Free

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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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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

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Belfast Music Bus Tour

Belfast

Address

Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0845

hannah@ohyeahbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture tours

Experience Belfast's vibrant music scene with the Belfast Music Bus Tour, celebrating its UNESCO City of Music status.

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Ulster Historical Foundation

Newtownards

Address

Ulster Historical Foundation, Bradley Thallon House, Unit 44D, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2073

enquiry@uhf.org.uk

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

The Ulster Historical Foundation, est. 1956, is a not-for-profit educational charity. Learn about the history of Ulster and your ancestors' lives and migration experiences first-hand through talks and tours to some of Ulster's most historic sites.

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Carr Golf Travel

Castleknock

Address

Elmgreen Golf Centre, Castleknock, Dublin, BT1 1NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 0353 18226662

enquiries@carrgolf.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

Carr Golf Travel offer tailor made golf trips to Northern Ireland and Ireland. With 25 years’ experience in the golf industry, we understand what turns a great trip into an unforgettable vacation.

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North Down Coastal Path

Address

Extends from Holywood to Orlock near Donaghadee, County Down

Telephone
028 9127 0069

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This relatively flat scenic coastline known as the North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Market Cross

Newtownards

Address

High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was destroyed by Commonwealth troops in 1653.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Templemore Baths Heritage Tours

Belfast

Address

96 Templemore Avenue, Belfast, Country Down, BT5 4FW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

templemorebaths@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Ireland's only remaining Victorian public bath house. Step inside and immerse yourself in Titanic heritage, Belfast's industrial past and social history and wonder at the amazing architectural restoration.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Indoor pool
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Surf Belfast

Belfast

Address

Andersonstown Leisure Centre, 132 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT11 9BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 726 311

andersonstown@gll.org

Type

Type:

Surfing

Catch a wave, whatever the conditions outside at Northern Ireland’s first ever indoor surf simulator. Pumps fire a constant 5 metre wide wave sheet to challenge riders.

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Bangor Seafront

Bangor

Address

Bangor Seafront, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Picturesque promenade, leading from town centre to coastal path, past the prestigious marina. Sites include historic McKee Clock, Bregenz House the Headquarters of HM Coastguard, and Pickie Funpark.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Highway to Health, Castlereagh

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This short walk leads through Belvoir Park Forest in the south of Belfast, with views over River Lagan.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Lost City Adventure Golf

Belfast

Address

Unit 10 Cityside Retail Park, 100-150 York Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT15 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 5118

belfast@lostcityadventuregolf.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Start your epic adventure at The Lost City Adventure Golf, Northern Ireland’s first indoor adventure golf course.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Secret Day Spa

Belfast

Address

30 Belmont Road, Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 2AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9067 1914

contact@thesecretdayspa.co.uk

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

The Secret Day Spa on Belfast's Belmont Road is a dedicated deluxe boutique spa with gorgeous surroundings and great pampering packages.

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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.

More Info
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