Heading up north and looking for things to do in Belfast? With its rich cultural history, postcard-worthy architecture and lively pubs, Belfast is a real treat to explore. This guide covers the top attractions and activities in Belfast and beyond for an unforgettable adventure. Let’s jump right in!
Tip: While you’re in Northern Ireland, why not have a look at the exciting things to do in Derry-Londonderry?
About Belfast: Quick Facts
Before we explore the top things to do, let’s get to know this city a bit better.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, situated on the River Lagan. It is about an hour away from London Stansted by plane. Here is a quick overview of some of the key historic moments that shaped the Belfast of today.
Home of the RMS Titanic
Belfast is perhaps best known for its maritime history. It is home to the iconic Harland & Wolff, the company that designed and built the RMS Titanic. Many other incredible ships were built in this city’s harbour, and its ports served as key trading hubs. As a nod to its maritime history, Belfast’s symbol is the seahorse, which features in its coat of arms and throughout the city.
The World’s Linen Capital
The city was also once known as the world’s linen capital, earning the nickname “Linenopolis” by the end of the 19th century. This booming industry dramatically contributed to the city’s growth and development. Thousands of workers flocked to the area, while many buildings were erected to expand production and trade.
“The Troubles”
The Troubles was a period of violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland which lasted roughly from 1968 to 1998. This conflict existed between the predominantly Protestant unionists and the predominantly Roman Catholic nationalists. The unionists wished to remain part of the United Kingdom, while the nationalists wanted to become part of the Republic of Ireland. This conflict was rooted in centuries of political and religious division between the Protestant British rule and Catholic Irish independence.
What to Do in Belfast: At a Glance
In a rush for some trip inspiration? To spur tourism, the city is divided into distinct quarters or zones, each with a unique cultural or historical focus. Have a quick look at some of the top Belfast attractions in each quarter:
- Gaeltacht Quarter: Explore Belfast’s history and heritage with a traditional black taxi cab tour.
- Market Quarter: Visit St George’s Market for bites and baps, eclectic finds and live music.
- Titanic Quarter: Titanic fan? Explore the interactive Titanic Belfast museum and have a drink in the original drawing room where it was designed.
- Cathedral Quarter: Immerse yourself in Belfast’s lively nightlife with a pint at popular spots like The Duke of York and The Dark Horse.
- Queen’s Quarter: Unwind with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens and a visit to the Ulster Museum.
- Linen Quarter: Grab a pre-theatre bite in the Linen Quarter. Once the hub of Belfast’s linen industry, it is now home to buzzing restaurants, chic bars and cultural venues.
Top Things to Do in Belfast City
Let’s take an in-depth look at the unmissable activities and sights to see in Belfast.
Take a Cab Tour of Gaeltacht Quarter & West Belfast
One of the best ways to get to know the heart of a city is to explore its cultural and historic centres. Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter is a thriving hub of art, culture, music and language.
This makes it the perfect place to take a traditional black taxi cab tour. Learn about The Troubles and admire the incredible expanses of street art with a local who lived through this tumultuous time.
You can also visit the Chultúrlann Irish language, culture and arts centre, which houses a gallery, gift shop and café. Or stop by Clonard Monastery to admire the ornate interiors.
Tip: Planning a visit around early August? Add Féile an Phobail to your itinerary! Also known as the West Belfast Festival, Féile is the largest community arts festival in Ireland. This festival is a celebration of Irish music, theatre, sports, visual arts and so much more.
Eat Your Heart Out in Market Quarter
Take your taste buds on tour with a visit to the famous St George’s Market in Market Quarter. Completed in 1896, this bustling spot is the oldest continually operating market in Ireland. Long before the current building was constructed, this site hosted markets as far back as 1604.
The St George’s Market runs weekly from Friday to Sunday.
- Friday Variety Market (8am-2pm): Browse over 200 stalls selling flowers, homeware, fresh produce, meats and antiques.
- Saturday City Food and Craft Market (9am-3pm): Sample local eats and international treats from diverse food stalls.
- Sunday Craft and Antiques Market (10am-3pm): A combination of Friday & Saturday’s stalls, with an emphasis on local craft goods.
There are new live bands and soloists performing each day, further livening up the atmosphere.
Fancy a challenge? Seek out the Belfast Bap Company and see if you can finish their gargantuan white crusty roll filled with a full Irish breakfast. For the veggie travellers, I managed to find an excellent veggie bap the size of my head at Harlem Café.
Catch the free market bus every 20 minutes from Donegall Place or Castle Place in the city centre. The bus runs from 8am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tip: Get a taste of Belfast with a guided traditional food and pub tour.
Sail Back in Time in the Titanic Quarter
The Titanic was considered to be one of the most incredible feats of modern engineering at the time. Measuring over 250 metres in length and weighing over 46,000 tonnes, it was the largest manmade movable object in 1912.
It took over two years and over 15,000 workers to construct the Titanic in the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Today, you can get a sense of its majesty in the Titanic Quarter, a tourist hub built on the former shipyard. It’s one of the best things to see in Belfast if you’re a history buff.
Explore Titanic Belfast
The Titanic Belfast is as impressive externally as it is inside, and it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever visited. This 11,000 m² interactive museum is built beside the Titanic’s original slipways.
Nine immersive galleries guide you through Belfast’s industrial boom to the Titanic’s launch, sinking and eventual rediscovery. You’ll see some interesting wreckage remains on display. Past exhibitions have featured rare artifacts, such as Wallace Hartley’s violin.
Have a Bite in Drawing Office Two
Dine in the very room where the Titanic and many other impressive ocean liners were designed at the Titanic Hotel Belfast. The hotel has maintained many of the historic features of the former Harland & Wolff headquarters, including the original offices.
Drawing Office Two is an architectural treat in itself, with three-story barrel-vaulted ceilings allowing light to stream in. It’s the perfect setting for a quick morning bite or a comforting lunch or dinner after your visit to the museum.
Sample Whiskey at Titanic Distillers
Titanic Distillers is housed within the historic Thompson Dock and Pump House. This is where the Titanic last rested on dry land before it set sail for New York. As Belfast’s first operating distillery in almost 90 years, Titanic Distillers truly set the bar for exceptional Irish whiskey.
This distillery not only sells its whiskies but also offers various immersive tours and tastings. While I’m not much of a whiskey drinker, I really loved the whiskey I tried here. Perhaps it’s because Irish whiskey is triple-distilled. Perhaps, as my guide put it, I’d been drinking the wrong whiskey until that day.
Commune Over Drinks in Cathedral Quarter
Follow a maze of cobbled lanes in Cathedral Quarter and you’ll soon come across a bustling bar. The beating heart of Belfast’s nightlife, Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place to get to know the locals over a pint of Guinness.
You’ll find plenty of traditional pubs around Commercial Court. This alley is a photographer’s dream, with its iconic murals and neon umbrellas lighting the way. Here, you’ll find the Duke of York and The Dark Horse, while other must-visit pubs are just a stroll away.
- Pop into the Duke of York for the quintessential Belfast pub experience. Expect mirrors, historic memorabilia and enamel signs galore adorning nearly every surface.
- The Dark Horse sits across from the Duke of York, its sister venue. This bar boasts an impressive courtyard-turned-gallery, with Irish street art truly bringing the walls to life.
- The Dirty Onion (and Yardbird) around the corner is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Belfast. Grab a bite upstairs before heading to the downstairs beer garden for a drink, live music and an incredible atmosphere.
While in the area, pop by A Friend At Hand to admire the largest collection of Irish whiskey on display. This whiskey boutique-meets museum has a selection of over 600 Irish whiskeys. More than half of them are so rare they’re “Never, Never, Never for Sale”. You might just pop in to admire the beautiful shop, but you’re likely to leave with a truly unique whiskey in hand.
Take a Royal Stroll in Queen’s Quarter
Looking for free attractions in Belfast? Retreat to Queen’s Quarter for a break from the city bustle. Home to Queen’s University and the lovely Botanic Gardens, this area is ideal for quiet mornings or photo walks.
Stroll Through the Botanic Gardens
Established in 1828, the 28-acre Botanic Gardens sit in the heart of Queen’s Quarter. It’s one of the longest herbaceous borders in Ireland and the UK, boasting a diverse collection of plant species. Look out for the two glasshouses, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine House, both built in the 1800s. The Palm House is an utterly impressive curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse, one of the first of its time.
Explore Ulster Museum
While at the gardens, why not stop by the Ulster Museum? The Ulster Museum is the largest museum in Northern Ireland, highlighting art, history and natural science to understand Ireland’s past, present and future.
Savour Dinner in the Linen Quarter
The Linen Quarter was once the headquarters of Belfast’s booming linen industry. Today, many of the old warehouses have been converted into upscale restaurants, bars and charming cafes.
This quarter is also home to some of the city’s most well-known landmarks. These include the Grand Opera House, Belfast City Hall and The Linen Hall. With its variety of restaurants and bars, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pre-theatre dinner spot.
Here are some of my favourite restaurants and bars in the area:
- James St: A brick-walled, contemporary restaurant specialising in aged and chargrilled steaks. If you’re veggie, don’t fret; there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes. Be sure to try the champ, a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and scallions.
- Home: As the name suggests, Home is a welcoming kitchen and bar serving bistro-style dishes made with locally produced, sustainable ingredients. I’d say it’s one of Belfast’s best restaurants, with an innovative and delicious veggie menu.
- Crown Liquor Saloon: A beautifully decorated historic bar dating back to the 1880s. Sip a pint while admiring the intricately carved mahogany booths, the stained glass and vintage gas lamps.
Beyond Belfast: Things to Do Nearby
Don’t just stay in the city! There are plenty of things to do just a short drive from Belfast.
Take a Dip at Helen’s Bay Beach
Helen’s Bay Beach is on the North Down Coast, only a 20-minute drive from Belfast city. With its scenic backdrop of woodlands and meadows and its clear waters, it’s a popular spot for wild swimming and summer picnics. There’s also an accessible walking path for quiet strolls.
Tip: If you’d like to skip the parking hassles, you can take a train to Helen’s Bay Station on the Belfast–Bangor line. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Admire the Gardens at Mount Stewart
Situated about a 25-minute drive from Helen’s Bay Beach, Mount Stewart is a 19th-century estate owned by the National Trust. Its 70-acre gardens are renowned as one of the top ten gardens in the world thanks to their intricate designs. Keep your eye out for upcoming events, ranging from jazz performances to Halloween celebrations.
Cruise the Scenic Mourne Coastal Route
Stretching 165km between Belfast and Newry, the Mourne Coastal Route passes through the Ards Peninsula and the County Down Coastline. It’s a breathtaking driving route that covers diverse landscapes ranging from rugged shorelines and quaint villages to lush forests.
There’s plenty to see along the way, but some of the key spots include:
- St John’s Point Lighthouse: This 40-metre lighthouse is the tallest and one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. It is known for its unique black and yellow stripes, and its old keeper’s quarters have been converted to charming holiday cottages.
- Slieve Donard: Take a hike up Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Standing over 850 metres high, this mountain offers beautiful panoramic views. The hike takes about 4–5 hours. Some sections are quite steep and challenging, so wear good hiking shoes and pack plenty of snacks and water.
- Kilkeel: This scenic fishing town is known as the “Seafood capital of the Mournes,” boasting the largest fishing fleet in Northern Ireland. It’s the perfect stop for a midday lunch, especially if you’re a seafood fan.
- Kilbroney Park & Restrover Forest: This beautiful, lush park is said to have served as the inspiration behind C.S. Lewis’s famous novel, Narnia. Keep a lookout for the magical themed artworks on the Narnia Trail. It’s the perfect stop if you’re travelling with kids.
Cycle Through Tollymore Forest Park
Established in 1955 as Ireland’s first state park, this 360-acre park sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. The arboretum was first planted in the 1750s, after which various fantastical structures were constructed. These include arches, bridges, Gothic gates and follies leading the way through rare fauna, flora and waterfalls. Some of the oak trees in this very park were used to build the White Star liners, including the Titanic.
I took an e-bike tour of the park with Bike Mourne. On our ride, I was thrilled to discover that this park was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones. You may recognise it as the “Haunted Forest” or as the lands surrounding Winterfell, where Ned Stark finds the direwolves.
FAQs About Visiting Belfast
Have a look at my answers to some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Belfast.
Is Belfast Worth a Visit?
Yes, Belfast is absolutely worth a visit. From the world-renowned Titanic Belfast museum to the striking political murals, Belfast provides a unique blend of the old and new. Plus, with its compact size, Belfast is both walkable and welcoming, offering diverse experiences that appeal to every traveller.
What is the best time to visit Belfast?
Visit Belfast during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) when the weather’s mild and the tourist crowds are fewer.
Can I See Belfast in a Day?
Absolutely. Belfast’s compact city centre makes it perfect for a one-day adventure. Here’s a suggested itinerary to get the most out of your visit:
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Titanic Belfast museum to immerse yourself in the city’s maritime history.
- Midday: Take a black cab tour to understand the political murals and the history of the Troubles.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, enjoy lunch at St. George’s Market, and visit the Ulster Museum.
- Evening: Relax with a pint at one of the traditional pubs in Cathedral Quarter.
While you can cover a lot in a day, a weekend outing may offer more breathing room to experience Belfast and beyond.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Belfast
Whether you only have a day or a multi-day itinerary, there’s no shortage of things to do in Belfast. With its natural beauty, intriguing history and friendly locals, this charming city will surprise and delight you around every corner.
If you’re looking for more city breaks, have a look at my favourite Autumn breaks in the UK. And if summer’s more your thing, explore my compilation of the best UK beach breaks.