Don’t let rain stop play during your stay in Belfast. There’s so much to do in this vibrant city of ours, even if you’re dodging the rain.
You may be surprised to learn that the wettest month in Belfast is August (yep, right in the school summer holidays). And the driest month is March. But whatever the weather, there’s plenty to keep you entertained around Belfast.
We’ve gathered together a selection of activities for visitors of all ages. Rain or shine, you’ll have a great day. Whether you love art, cosy pubs and cafés, immersive experiences or action-packed adventures, Belfast has plenty of places where you can dodge the drizzle and have a brilliant day out.
Where to go on rainy day in Belfast?
Don’t let a downpour leave you downhearted. The city centre’s packed with indoor activities to delight and entertain visitors of all ages. Cultural, foodie, immersive or active, there’s plenty of options.
Here, we’ll share our weatherproof suggestions for days out in Belfast city centre and beyond. We have family-friendly ideas, as well as places that grown ups will love.
Best for first-time visitors: Must-see Belfast attractions
1. Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic
Iconic, immersive and unmissable. You must visit this top attraction that explains the Titanic story in a truly engaging way. Plus, your entry tickets allows you to board SS Nomadic which was built at the same time as RMS Titanic in 1911.
2. Ulster Museum
Set within the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum gives a brilliant overview of Belfast’s heritage. From dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to meteorites and exciting exhibitions, the museum is pack with rich collections of art, history and natural sciences. It also has free entry.
3. St George’s Market
Open Friday to Sunday, this covered market is the perfect place for a potter. You’ll find locals selling everything from fresh food to handmade crafts. It’s packed full of flavour, music, unique gifts and local charm.
4. Belfast Cathedral
For a moment of peace and serenity, visit Belfast Cathedral (also known as St Anne’s Cathedral). Calm, beautiful and atmospheric, it makes a lovely counterbalance to busy sightseeing.
5. Black Taxi or Bus Tour
Take a tour of the city for the ultimate sightseeing experience. There are hop on, hop off bus tours or Black Taxi Tours that provide sheltered transport to key sights like museums, tourist attractions and the Belfast Peace Wall and murals.
Best for little kids: Where to go with a toddler on a rainy day
1. W5 Interactive Discovery Centre
The perfect place for little explorers, W5 is fun, colourful and informative. The hands-on learning zones and interactive exhibits will enlighten and entertain visitors of all ages. With topics ranging from dinosaurs to outer space, there’s heaps to discover.
2. Airtastic Soft Play
Little ones can burn off some energy during a 90-minute soft play session. Airtastic has three levels of slides, swings, tunnels, obstacles and crawl tubes. That’s endless fun for the young ones, plus a cafe where the grown ups can refuel.
3. Ulster Transport Museum
Does your toddler point out every plane and car that passes by? This is the place for them. From vintage buses, trams and trains to innovative engineering, there’s lots to fascinate transport enthusiasts (both big and small).
4. Belfast Zoo
There’s so much to look around at Belfast Zoo. Yes, there’s a lot to see outdoors, but there are plenty of indoor habitats too. There’s the Reptile House, the Giraffe House and the Rainforest House for starters.
5. Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park
Get wet indoors rather than outdoors! This indoor aqua park is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. There’s a great children’s wet play area, as well as exciting water slides and a surf simulator for older kids.
Best for families: Family-friendly entertainment for all ages
1. Prison Island Belfast
This unique experience has 31 prison-themed escape rooms to race through. Work as a team to complete the tasks at hand. It’s fun, competitive and engaging. Or for a taste of the real thing, visit Crumlin Road gaol for an insider view of this historic prison.
2. Lost City Adventure Golf
Play a round at this indoor, tropical-themed mini-golf course. It’s made all the more engaging by its glowing features, amazing special effects and fun, interactive obstacles.
3. Cave Hill Park
There’s something for everyone here. For history enthusiasts, there’s Belfast Castle, a visitor centre and archaeological sites. And if the rain isn’t stopping play, there’s an excellent adventure playground too.
4. Dundonald Ice Bowl
There’s a range of exciting indoor activities here for all ages. There’s an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, state-of-the-art ten pin bowling and an adventure play kingdom too.
5. Colin Glen
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities here. Try out the SKYTrek high-ropes course, archery, laser tag, golf course and an indoor sports dome. And little ones might enjoy following the Gruffalo Trail. Don’t forget your wellies.
Best for couples: Great days out for the two of you
1. The Metropolitan Arts Centre(The MAC)
Located right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the MAC is Belfast’s cultural home of international exhibitions. Take your time over the art gallery. Enjoy the best live theatre and events. There’s always something weird and wonderful going-on at this inclusive venue.
2. Queen’s Arcade
This isn’t just another shopping centre. It’s the last remaining Victorian arcade in Belfast. Look up at the stylish, historic architecture. And enjoy the unique, luxury boutique shopping vibes.
3. Grand Opera House
Take your loved one to a show at the Grand Opera House. There’s always an amazing offering of theatre, musical or opera productions here. It’s the perfect place to get your culture fix and it’s only a five-minute walk from room2 Belfast.
4. Belfast Pottery Painting Studio
Try your hand at something creative. Channel your inner Demi Moore in Ghost and throw yourselves into pottery making and painting. It’s a relaxing and fun way to spend time.
5. Cosy pubs and cafes
Belfast does comfort food very well on rainy days. There are brilliant pubs serving delicious food across the city centre. Or cosy up in a welcoming cafe in the Cathedral Quarter. The charming Neighbourhood Café on Donegall Street is a lovely place to press pause on your day out.
Enjoy your stay in Belfast
There’s so much to see and experience in Belfast and the surrounding area. Whatever the weather, it’s a vibrant and interesting city to look around. room2 Belfast makes an ideal place to stay, with its central location and home-from-home feel.
Explore must-see destinations including Lisburn, Derry, Dublin and the Antrim coast. See our best days out from Belfast.