Beautiful Belfast is brimming with interesting things to do. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a foodie, an explorer or just looking for a fun place to spend a weekend, there’s something for everyone here.
Belfast city centre is full of surprises. Its rich history, vibrant arts and culture, leafy green spaces and excellent food are just a few of the top things to enjoy.
Want to see the best of Belfast? Here are some of the must-visit sights and experiences waiting for you.
Iconic local landmarks
Don’t miss the most famous and renowned places in Belfast city centre.
- Titanic Belfast: This is probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Belfast. Located in the old shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built, the Titanic Museum blends interactive exhibits with compelling storytelling. You also gain access to the SS Nomadic which was built at the same time as the Titanic and the only ship by White Star Line that remains today.
- Belfast City Hall: A beautiful neoclassical building in the heart of the city, Belfast City Hall first opened in 1906. You can join free tours inside and check out the impressive architecture and stained glass.
- The Big Fish: This quirky, colourful mosaic sculpture is right near the River Lagan. Each scale of the fish relates to an aspect of Belfast’s story. It’s a lovely photo stop along a pleasant riverside walk.
- Belfast Cathedral (St Anne’s Cathedral): This Romanesque-style Anglican cathedral has a striking steel spire (the Spire of Hope). It’s the focal point of the Cathedral Quarter – an area rich in history and culture, foodie spots and great nights out.
- Queen’s University: It’s not just a world-class university. It has some of the most impressive buildings in Belfast. In particular, the Lanyon Building, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, is worth a look.
- Grand Opera House: As the official travel partner for Grand Opera House in Belfast, we cannot recommend the wide selection of shows on at GOH, enough. Take a loved one to watch a classic or a modern rendition of the best theatre has to offer in Northern Ireland.
Explore the Great Outdoors
There are verdant green spaces in the heart of the city. But venture a short distance outside and you’ll find totally different scenery and incredibly fresh air.
- Cave Hill Country Park: A relatively short trip from the city centre, Cave Hill is home to trails, ancient forts and wide open skies. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Mourne Mountains and even parts of Scotland. Belfast Castle is also here. It makes a great day trip from the city.
- Botanic Gardens: These lovely Victorian gardens provide a tranquil green space which is ideal for a stroll. It’s also right next to the Ulster Museum, so you can pair culture and nature.
- Ormeau Park: This spacious park in the city is ideal for picnics, quiet solitude or to stretch your legs. It’s dog-friendly and family-friendly and around a 30 minute walk from our hometel.
- Giant’s Causeway: A little over an hour’s drive from the city, the Giant’s Causeway is a stunning rock formation and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Culture fix
From world-class museums to buzzing art spaces, there’s no shortage of places to feed your curiosity and creative thinking.
- Ulster Museum: Get up close to dinosaurs, fossils and meteorites. Plus, get a better idea of what Belfast and Northern Ireland have been through, and where they are now.
- The Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC): This is a great place to soak up creative energy. It hosts an inventive array of art exhibitions, film and theatrical performances.
- Street art: Belfast is known for its vibrant street art. Walking around the murals and street art is highly recommended. It provides valuable insights into the city’s recent history and ‘the troubles.’ Head to Cathedral Quarter, the Falls and Shankill Roads areas.
- Glass of Thrones: A must-visit for Game of Thrones fans, this glass trail features a series of windows depicting key scenes from the legendary drama.
- Grand Opera House: Head to the Grand Opera House, a 5 minute walk from room2 Belfast, to get your theatre, musical or opera fix at our official entertainment partner’s premises. Pssst… ask the room2 staff for a special pre theatre menu curated and created for theatre fanatics.
- Live music: Every night at 6pm, you can see local talent performing at Winnie’s cafe & bar at room2 Belfast.
Foodie destinations
From bustling markets and cosy pubs to contemporary dining experiences, there’s plenty of local flavour to sample.
- St George’s Market: A lively market running Friday to Sunday, it’s packed with fresh produce, local food, street food and crafts. It’s the place to immerse yourself in local flavour.
- Common Market: Are you after Asian noodles, authentic Italian pizza or something totally different? This relatively new destination boasts some of the best street food in Belfast.
- The Crown Liquor Saloon: Lovingly restored by the National Trust, this Grade A listed pub is packed with original features. It was once one of the iconic Victorian Gin Palaces. The elaborate stained glass windows were originally designed to obscure the shenanigans inside from passers-by.
- Fine dining: Indulge in Michelin Star cuisine at three Belfast restaurants, namely The Muddlers Club, Ox and Eipic.
Local history
Dive into the city’s fascinating history and discover its stories of resilience, innovation and community.
- Crumlin Road Gaol: A former prison, Crumlin Road Gaol is now a museum. You’ll see the cells, hear tales of inmates and get a sense of the harsh realities of prison life.
- Belfast Peace Wall: Built to separate Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods, peace walls were a bid to quell the violence. The most prominent is over 800m long and is on Cupar Way. It’s covered in murals, street art and poignant messages.
- Ulster Folk Museum: A rather lesser-known gem, this museum showcases local transport and past history. You’ll get a real understanding of how people lived and worked. There’s even a reconstructed town from the 1800s.
Shopping hotspots
Belfast is fantastic for a little retail therapy, whether you’re after big-name brands or unique local finds.
- Victoria Square: The city’s modern shopping mall houses over 70 stores, restaurants and a striking glass dome offering 360° views of Belfast.
- CastleCourt: Another city centre shopping centre, it’s great for high-street favourites.
- Queen’s Arcade: This beautiful Victorian arcade is filled with boutique shops, jewellers and luxury finds.
- Local independents: Around the Cathedral Quarter and Lisburn Road you’ll find quirky independent shops, from local designers to vintage treasures.
FAQs
What to do in Belfast in one day?
Here’s a suggested itinerary if you’ve only got one day. Start at Titanic Belfast in The Titanic Quarter to dip your toe in the area’s maritime history. Then, head into the city centre to see City Hall, The Big Fish and take stroll along the River Lagan. Stop for lunch at St George’s Market. Spend your afternoon walking around the Botanic Gardens and visiting the Ulster Museum. In the early evening, visit the Cathedral Quarter for dinner and maybe some live music or a performance at the Grand Opera House.
How to spend two days in Belfast?
With two days, you can spread it out more. Follow our one day itinerary above. Day two could include a trip up Cave Hill and Belfast Castle. Or spend more time in the city centre museums or the MAC. Explore different neighbourhoods like the artsy Cathedral Quarter or the trendy areas around Lisburn Road for shopping and local foodie hotspots. A Black Taxi Tour can be a good way to better understand the political and social history visually.
Is Belfast Castle free to enter?
Yes, Belfast Castle, including its visitor centre, is free to visit. It’s a wonderful place to drink in incredible views of the city, explore the grounds and historic castle, as well as letting kids blow off steam in the adventure playground.
What to do for a date in Belfast?
A classic is dinner in one of Belfast’s fine restaurants, perhaps in the Cathedral Quarter which has a lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along the river or through the Botanic Gardens. Or get cosy in one of the inviting gastro pubs for local food and craft beers and cocktails.
Are there good guided tours of Belfast?
Yes, there are many. You can take a self-guided walking tour. But if you want to put your feet up, you can choose from open top bus tours, taxi tours, hop on hop off bus tours and black cab tours for starters.
For a general bus tour, try City Sightseeing Belfast or City Tours Belfast which both start from Donegall Square West besides the City Hall.
If you want to delve into Belfast’s turbulent past, Black Taxi Tours come recommended. You won’t just see the murals and the sites of The Troubles. Importantly, you’ll hear the stories.