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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.

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Roar And Explore

Belfast

Address

Dairy Farm Shopping Centre, Stewartstown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 619588

info@roarandexplore.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Get ready to Roar and Explore at Belfast's newest indoor soft play area for children under 10. Including two multi-level play frames full of obstacles, twists and turns for little adventurers to enjoy. Plus Roary’s Café with hot drinks, yummy food.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Forestside Cookery School

Newtownbreda, Belfast

Address

Forestside Shopping Centre, Upper Galwally, Newtownbreda, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 6FX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7709 827 282

info@forestsidecookeryschool.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

With a wide range of classes, including Irish breads, Asian Street Food, Italian cookery and various Masterclasses there is something for everyone at Forestside Cookery School.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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)
Killynether Wood

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland walk with excellent views of surrounding countryside

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Bradley Gallery

Bangor

Address

105-107 High Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5BD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 3508

info@terrybradley.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Destination spot for Terry Bradley collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you are passing through or spending the day on the beautiful Peninsula, be sure to pop in and experience all that Bradley Art has to offer.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Quartered: Belfast, A Love Story

Belfast

Address

The Dark Horse, Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3343

zoe@kabosh.net

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture tours

Quartered: Belfast, A Love Story is an outdoor audio theatre walking tour that lets you see the city from a different perspective, making familiar streets seem brand new and allowing you to experience another side to Belfast.

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Divis Summit Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk on the summit of Divis

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bangor Marina

Bangor

Address

Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 3297

bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Experience Gaelic Games

Belfast

Address

St Galls GAA, 4 Milltown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6EU

Telephone
+353 1 25 44 292

info@experiencegaelicgames.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

You can't experience the island of Ireland without experiencing Gaelic Games. Develop a real understanding of our culture with our immersive experience, suitable for all ages.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Terrace Hill Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Beautiful trails along the Lagan and through woodland.

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Belfast Hills

Belfast

Address

9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0XS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 3466

info@belfasthills.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Experience the Belfast Hills, renowned for providing a unique backdrop to a thriving urban area. Being so close to the city, fantastic views over Belfast and beyond can be easily enjoyed at Cave Hill and Belfast Castle or Black Mountain.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
135 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
Bangor Castle (City Hall)

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 013 3333

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the council chamber.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Allen's Guided Giant's Causeway Tours

Belfast

Address

29 Donegall Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT12 5JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 915613

info@allenstours.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Spend a memorable day with Allen's Tour visiting what is undoubtedly Northern Ireland's most famous attraction; the unforgetable and unmistakable Giant's Causeway.

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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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
47 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…

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
The Maritime Mile

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3NG

hello@maritimebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

Explore Belfast’s historic waterfront. The Maritime Mile is home to some of Belfast's greatest attractions, unique tours and iconic festivals.

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Lagan Towpath

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Scenic riverside walk along tarmac path

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Belfast

Newtownabbey

Address

38 Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

belfast@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Belfast for some fantastic fun! Check out our Inflata Park, Bowling Alley, Mini Golf Course, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling Hungry? We also have delicious food at our American Style NY Kitchen!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info