Top Things To Do In Belfast

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. Located on the eastern coast of Ireland, Belfast is a dynamic and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. From its charming old-world pubs to its modern contemporary attractions, Belfast offers something for everyone.

The city is known for its stunning architecture, such as the Belfast City Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock Tower. It’s also home to a wide array of museums and galleries, such as the Ulster Museum and the Titanic Belfast Museum. Belfast also offers a variety of parks and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers.

Belfast is a city of contrasts. Its vibrant culture and history are complemented by its modern, cosmopolitan feel. The city is home to an array of bars, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to sample the local cuisine or enjoy a relaxing evening on the town. Meanwhile, the city’s vibrant nightlife offers an exciting array of options for night owls.

The city has a long and fascinating history. From its origins as a Viking settlement to its present-day status as an important cultural and economic hub, Belfast has seen it all. It’s a city that has weathered wars, civil unrest, and political upheaval and still stands strong today.

With so much to see and do in Belfast, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s our top list of things to do in Belfast:

Explore the Historic Belfast City Hall

No visit to Belfast is complete without a visit to the historic Belfast City Hall. This imposing building was built in 1906 and designed in the Baroque Revival style by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas. The grand building stands in the heart of the city and is still used today for civic receptions, conferences, and public events. Visitors can explore the grandiose interior of the building and take part in guided tours of the building’s many fascinating features.

Visit the Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House is one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks. Located on Great Victoria Street, this grand Victorian theatre was built in 1895 by Frank Matcham. It has since become one of the city’s most important cultural venues, hosting plays, musicals, ballet, operas, and concerts. Visitors can explore the theatre’s beautiful interior and take part in guided tours of the building’s history and architecture.

Tour Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a must-see for visitors to Belfast. This interactive museum tells the story of the construction, launch, and sinking of the RMS Titanic. Located in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, this state-of-the-art museum features nine interactive galleries which explore every aspect of Titanic’s story. Visitors will get an up close and personal look at one of history’s most famous ships, as well as learn about some of the remarkable people who built her.

Visit the Ulster Museum

For those looking to explore the art and culture of Belfast, the Ulster Museum is a must-see. This museum is home to an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and archaeological finds from both Northern Ireland and around the world. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries which showcase everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary Irish art.

Take a Stroll Around Belfast Botanic Gardens

One of Belfast’s most beautiful attractions is Belfast Botanic Gardens. Located in the heart of the city, this stunning park covers over 16 acres and is home to an array of plants and wildlife. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds or explore one of the many greenhouses which house rare plants from around the world.

Experience a Walking Tour of Belfast

For those looking to get a real feel for Belfast, a walking tour is a great way to do so. Visitors can join a guided tour to explore the city’s historic streets and learn about its turbulent past. From exploring the backstreets of East Belfast to learning about the city’s political history, walking tours offer visitors a chance to see another side of this vibrant city.

Take a Boat Tour Along Belfast Lough

Belfast Lough is one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful coastal areas. Visitors can take a boat tour along the lough to explore its stunning scenery and learn about its rich maritime history. Boats depart from Belfast Harbour and travel along the lough all the way to Carrickfergus Castle where visitors can explore this stunning medieval structure.

Visit Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill Country Park is one of Belfast’s most stunning green spaces. Located just outside of the city centre, this park covers over 400 acres and offers stunning views over Belfast Lough and beyond. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along one of the park’s many trails or explore its amazing network of caves which have been carved out over millions of years.

Experience Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate is one of Belfast’s most important political landmarks. Located just outside of the city centre, this estate was once home to Northern Ireland’s parliament buildings. Today, visitors can explore its beautiful grounds which are home to a variety of wildlife including deer and badgers. There are also regular events held at Stormont Estate throughout the year.

Explore St George’s Market

St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. This bustling market has been running since 1604 and today it’s home to a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visitors can explore one of Europe’s oldest covered markets which also has live music performances throughout the year.

Tour Two Popular Activities

Belfast Black Cab Tour

The Belfast Black Cab Tour offers visitors an up close look at some of Belfast’s most famous landmarks and streetscapes. During this two-hour tour you’ll experience some of Belfast’s history as you travel through residential areas such as Sandy Row, Shankill Road and Falls Road as well as through iconic streets such as Royal Avenue and Donegall Place. You’ll also experience some of what makes this city so unique such as murals depicting troubled times from The Troubles as well as street art depicting peace and love for all sides of Northern Ireland’s past. Along with learning about sights such as Harland & Wolff Shipyard where Titanic was built, you’ll also get an inside look at what everyday life is like in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.Book a Black Cab Tour here.

Giant’s Causeway Day Trip

A day trip to Giant’s Causeway is one of Belfast’s most popular activities due to its proximity to Northern Ireland’s most stunning natural landmark. During this full-day tour you’ll get to explore The Giant’s Causeway itself, made up of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns extending into the sea that were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. You’ll also get to visit Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which was originally used by fishermen to access their catch before it was opened up to tourists in 2000. The tour also includes visits to other sights such as Dunluce Castle and Bushmills Distillery where you can sample some of their delicious whiskeys.Book a Giant’s Causeway Day Trip here.

Game Of Thrones Tour

For fans of HBO’s hit series Game Of Thrones there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a day trip to some of its filming locations around Northern Ireland which have become popular tourist destinations in recent years. This full-day tour takes you to locations such as Cushendun Caves where Melisandre gave birth to her shadow baby as well as Ballintoy Harbour which served as Pyke Harbour in Season 2. Other stops include The Dark Hedges where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing disguised as a boy as well as Castle Ward which served as Winterfell in Season 1.Book a Game Of Thrones Tour here.

No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone in Belfast. From exploring its vibrant culture and history to sampling its delicious cuisine or simply enjoying its stunning scenery, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable experience when they visit this amazing city.