Things To Do In Belfast Today

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, located on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast of Ireland. It is the second-largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin, which is located on the south coast. Belfast is known for its vibrant culture, its maritime heritage, and its friendly people.

The city has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, when it was known as a port trading with the Roman Empire. Belfast has been an important port and trading center since the 1600s, when it began to boom as a result of the linen and shipbuilding industries. The city played an important role in both World Wars, with its shipbuilding yards playing a major part in supplying ships for the Royal Navy.

Today, Belfast has become a bustling city with a unique atmosphere and an exciting range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From world-class cultural institutions to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Belfast. Here are some of the best things to do in Belfast today:

Visit Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, it was built in 1906 and is one of the most beautiful civic buildings in Europe. The building is open to visitors, with guided tours available to learn more about its history, architecture, and art. From City Hall you can also explore the nearby St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s most popular markets.

Take a Walking Tour

Belfast is full of interesting historic buildings, monuments, and landmarks that are best explored on foot. There are many walking tours available in Belfast, from general city tours to themed tours such as the Titanic Quarter walking tour or the Troubles walking tour. Whichever tour you choose, it’s a great way to learn more about the city and its history.

Tour the Titanic Quarter

The Titanic Quarter in Belfast is a popular tourist attraction with something for everyone. The area is home to the Titanic Belfast attraction, which tells the story of the Titanic’s construction at Harland & Wolff shipyard. Other attractions include the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel built for trans-Atlantic service, and the Titanic Drawing Office, where the doomed ocean liner was designed.

Visit Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is a 19th-century castle set on Cave Hill overlooking Belfast Lough. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction and home to a restaurant and function rooms. The grounds are open to visitors, who can explore the gardens and take in the stunning views over Belfast Lough.

Take in a Show at Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House has been entertaining audiences in Belfast since 1895. It’s one of Belfast’s most iconic venues and plays host to a range of productions including musicals, operas, ballets, plays, and comedy shows. Whether you’re looking for a night of family entertainment or an evening of culture, you’ll find something to enjoy at Grand Opera House.

Explore the Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is one of Belfast’s most popular attractions, offering visitors a fascinating insight into Irish history and culture. The museum contains a wide range of artifacts from prehistoric times through to the present day. There are also interactive exhibits and a range of activities for children to enjoy.

Go Shopping

Belfast is a great place to go shopping, with a wide range of stores offering everything from designer fashion to antiques. The city center has many department stores and independent boutiques as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants. For something truly unique, head to St George’s Market on Saturday mornings for fresh local produce, crafts and antiques.

Explore Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions and offers something for all ages. Visitors can explore the many animal enclosures, learn about conservation projects at the zoo, or take part in one of the daily animal encounters.

Learn More About Irish History

Belfast is full of historic sites that offer an insight into Ireland’s past. These include St Anne’s Cathedral, St George’s Church, and Crumlin Road Gaol. There are also many museums dedicated to Irish history such as The Ulster Museum and The Linen Hall Library.

Go on a Sightseeing Tour

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore Belfast and its surroundings, why not go on a sightseeing tour? Tours are available by bus or train and usually include stops at all the major attractions. This is a great way to get an overview of the city and take in some of its iconic landmarks such as City Hall or Cave Hill Country Park.

Visit Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive castles. It dates back to 1177 and offers visitors a unique insight into medieval life in Northern Ireland. The castle is open to visitors all year round and guided tours are available from April to October.

Take a Boat Trip

Belfast Lough is home to many species of birds and other wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching or just taking in the scenery. There are many boat trips available from Belfast Harbour including cruises along the lough or fishing trips. For something more adventurous, why not try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding?

Popular Tours in Belfast

Titanic Experience Tour

The Titanic Experience Tour offers visitors an opportunity to take a step back in time and experience what it was like to be onboard the Titanic as she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1912. This tour takes you through all nine interactive galleries that bring this iconic story to life with state-of-the-art audio-visual displays, recreations of actual areas from inside the ship, and authentic artefacts from her tragic voyage. You can also visit the Titanic Drawing Office where she was designed along with other iconic attractions such as SS Nomadic, Titanic’s Little Sister vessel. Book your Titanic Experience Tour here.

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations Tour

This tour takes you on a journey through some of Northern Ireland’s best Game Of Thrones filming locations with stops at iconic sites such as Castle Ward (Winterfell), Tollymore Forest (The Haunted Forest), Downhill Strand (Dragonstone), Mussenden Temple (Dragonstone), Ballintoy Harbour (Pyke), and Cushendun Caves (Stormlands). The tour also includes a visit to Cairncastle where Ned Stark beheaded Will for desertion from the Night’s Watch and guided tours of Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Book your Game Of Thrones Filming Locations Tour here.

Antrim Coast Sightseeing Tour

This tour takes you along Northern Ireland’s stunning Antrim Coastline with breath-taking views across Belfast Lough and onto Scotland on a clear day! Along your journey you’ll visit several iconic sites such as Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (Game Of Thrones filming location), Larrybane Quarry (Renly Baratheon’s camp), Cushendun Caves (Stormlands) where Melisandre gave birth to her shadow baby in season 2, Dunluce Castle (House Greyjoy’s castle) and much more! Book your Antrim Coast Sightseeing Tour here.

Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast

This day trip from Belfast takes you along Northern Ireland’s rugged Antrim Coastline towards Giant’s Causeway – UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986! Along your journey you’ll pass by many iconic sites such as Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (Game Of Thrones filming location), Larrybane Quarry (Renly Baratheon’s camp), Dunluce Castle (House Greyjoy’s castle) before arriving at Giant’s Causeway where you’ll have time to explore its beautiful coastal scenery including over 40 000 interlocking basalt columns! Book your Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast here.