10 of the best activities to do in Belfast
Combining fascinating history, natural beauty and brilliant attractions, discover why Belfast is a welcoming and vibrant short break destination.
Belfast is a friendly, exciting and charming city that’s packed with activities, attractions and history, just waiting to be discovered.
The vibrant city is also quick and easy to get to, as visitors can choose from frequent direct flights into Belfast’s two airports, or travel by sea with a car or as a foot passenger, directly into Belfast. Plus, there are no passport or visa requirements for visitors from Great Britain, making the trip a breeze!
To help tempt your clients, here are 10 of the best things to do in Belfast:
1. Discover the Titanic Quarter
The Titanic Quarter is one of Europe’s largest urban waterfront regeneration projects and the the best place to explore Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage. It’s home to the Maritime Mile, which offers fantastic eateries, excellent accommodation options and vibrant quaysides, with attractions including WWI warship HMS Caroline.
Titanic Belfast is the city’s most famous visitor attraction, housing nine galleries tracing the RMS Titanic’s story. Visitors will learn about its conception, construction, maiden voyage and tragic sinking, with gantry rides, an underwater cinema show and cabin recreations. Titanic Belfast is due to start a refurbishment, which will be unveiled in February 2023.
Titanic Belfast tickets include access to SS Nomadic, which was the ship’s tender, and can be found in Belfast’s historic Hamilton Dock. Then, visit the Titanic Dock and Pumphouse dry dock, where the mammoth liner waited before its ill-fated 1912 voyage.
2. Tuck in at Belfast’s markets
There’s a reason Belfast is famed as one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations. Tuck in to the freshest produce at delis and markets, sample exquisite dishes at sleek city centre restaurants and enjoy a traditional Ulster Fry breakfast.
Head to St George’s Market on a Saturday for a gastronomic adventure to meet local producers and taste their wares. The award-winning Belfast Food Tour starts from the market doors and takes visitors across the city to meet the innovative producers behind the market’s delicious creations.
3. Learn about the city’s history
Get an insight into Belfast’s history with a black taxi tour, driven by a local guide who takes passengers on a journey through Belfast’s past, covering the period known as the Troubles. They guide visitors through the stories behind the city’s political murals as well as offering invaluable local insights on the top things to see and do around Belfast today.
4. Go behind bars at Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol was built in 1845 and closed in 1996, but today visitors can learn about the escapes, executions, deportations and WWII bombings while it was in operation. Learn about those detained, from children of impoverished families to political prisoners and suffragettes. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to discover the 150 years of history inside.
5. Marvel at views from Cave Hill Country Park
From Cave Hill Country Park visitors can look across Belfast from the towering Cave Hill. The park is home to an adventure playground, archaeological sites, a visitor centre, an eco-trail, gardens, orienteering routes and walking trails. The stunning Belfast Castle is nestled on the slopes of the hill, overlooking the city.
6. Hear traditional local music
Belfast has an influential and thrilling music scene, with homegrown stars including musician Van Morrison and punk band Stiff Little Fingers. The city has a rich history of traditional music, often including pipe bands, fiddles and flutes. Belfast was awarded the City of Music status from Unesco in 2021, and one of the best ways to feel and hear the local beat is to join a fun-filled traditional music trail through local pubs, led by a local musician.
7. Explore the fascinating Cathedral Quarter
Also known as the Half Bap and Little Italy, the Cathedral Quarter has established itself as the cultural, creative and social heart of the city. Discover circus schools, find independent art and book a table at top Michelin-starred restaurants. The cobblestone streets are also filled with unique pubs and off-beat culture, making it a fascinating area to explore.
8. Take a tour of Belfast City Hall
It’s easy to do a self-guided tour of Belfast City Hall, which is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Look out for the stained glass window collection and the monuments and memorials in the grounds, alongside a host of artworks and artefacts. At night the building is illuminated, highlighting its architectural features.
9. Be inspired at the Ulster Museum
Explore Northern Ireland’s treasures of past and present at the Ulster Museum. From dinosaurs to meteorites and famous paintings, the museum has vast collections of art, history and natural sciences documenting the past and looking to the future. The museum is free to visit, and regularly features new events and exhibitions.
10. Raise a glass to Belfast’s vibrant nightlife
Belfast has a colourful and varied nightlife, with live music, nightclubs, cocktail bars, pubs and more. There are cool rooftop bars and terraces that are perfect for a chilled glass of wine with a view, or sip a Guinness at a traditional pub. The ornate Crown Liquor Saloon holds the title of the most famous pub in Belfast, with period gas lighting and welcoming snugs.
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