28 Best Things To do In Belfast In 2025

Take every guide on the best things to do in Belfast with a pinch of salt (including this one).

When it comes to what to do in Belfast, there’s endless options, so crowning any one of the many Belfast attractions as ‘the best’ does the rest a disservice.

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital – it’s home to mighty hikes, like Cave Hill, exceptional tours, like Crumlin Road, and a brilliant food and pub scene.

In the guide below, you’ll discover what we think are the best places to visit in Belfast, based on 10+ visits to the city.

The best things to do in Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital is seen by some as a place that’s only good as a drinking destination, but that couldn’t be further than the truth.

With the likes of the Black Cab Tours, Titanic, Divis Mountain and more, there’s plenty of places to visit in Belfast to keep you entertained.

1. Black Cab Tour

A Black Cab Tour is up there as one of the best things to do in Belfast City. On a Black Cab tour, you’ll be brought on a trip around Belfast by a seasoned guide that’ll masterfully take you through the city’s turbulent past.

The Black Cab tour will take you past many of Belfast City’s murals, which are arguably the most well known politicly themed murals in Europe and depict the city’s dense history and culture.

You’ll also see the Belfast Peace Walls and be taken through the now-infamous Shankill Road and Falls Road.

This is a perfect tour for those of you wondering what to do in Belfast when it’s raining, as you can just chill in the car for the duration.

2. Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill Country Park offers magnificent panoramic views across Belfast from a number of different vantage points.

Now, the Cave Hill walk is between 2.4m/1.3km and 4.5m/7.2km and varies from handy to hard depending on the trail you choose.

It’s said that Cave Hill’s most famous feature, known as Napoleon’s Nose, was the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels.

You’ll often see a visit here at sunrise listed as one of the most romantic things to do in Belfast for couples by the big US travel guides.

3. The Crumlin Road Gaol

The Crumlin Road Gaol, which dates back to 1845, closed it’s doors as a working prison in 1996 and is now a popular tourist attraction (currently number 2 for fun things to do in Belfast City on TripAdvisor).

The story here begins at a time when women and children were held within its walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and ultimately to its closure.

Walking through the building you can’t help but feel a chill at times. It’s most notable when you’re standing at the tunnel that used to connect the Gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse.

If you’re looking for unique things to see in Belfast, a visit to the gaol is well worth doing (especially on a rainy day).

4. Titanic Belfast

A visit to Titanic is arguably one of the most popular things to do in Belfast City Centre. It’s within the walls of Titanic Belfast that you’ll find the monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage.

The attraction opened in 2012 on the exact site where the former Harland & Wolff shipyard was based (you can see the Harland & Wolff cranes nearby) in the city’s Titanic Quarter.

The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and offers some top-class photo opportunities from every angle.

The Titanic Experience spans over nine magnificent galleries that draw together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and interactive features that tell the story of the Titanic in great depth and detail.

5. Divis and Black Mountain

Those that fancy escaping the city for a while will be treated to a spectacular view out over Belfast (and every county in Ulster, in fact) from up Divis Mountain.

There’s a specifically designed 3-mile/4.8km loop walk on Divis Mountain that was designed to maintain the condition of the mountain slope while providing handy public access.

Difficulty wise, it’s moderate, but if you’re wondering what to do in Belfast that’ll treat you to glorious views without having to travel far, get yourself here!

Need an itinerary for the city? See my tried-and-tested one day in Belfast itinerary!

6. Belfast Castle

Our next stop takes us to one of the most impressive castles in Northern Ireland – the fairytale-like Belfast Castle on the lower slopes of Cave Hill country park.

The castle and its grounds are called home by a whole host of wildlife, from long-eared owls, sparrow-hawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clockto.

The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in the city center in the late 12th century.

A second castle, made out of stone and timber, was later constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611. Here’s a guide to visiting.

7. The Botanic Gardens

Although the Botanic Gardens are in fact in the city, it’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. 

The Botanic Gardens were established as a private park in 1828, it wasn’t until 70 years later that they were fully opened to everyday people.

The big attraction here is the Palm House. It was built in the mid-1800s and was one of the first curvilinear glasshouses in the world. Head in here for a stroll and chillllllll for a bit.

Related reads: Check out our guide to the best hotels in Belfast and the funkiest Airbnbs in Belfast (or, if you’re feeling fancy, the finest 5 star hotels in Belfast).

8. The Belfast bus tour

If you’re wondering what to do in Belfast that’ll ensure you see all the main attractions without having to walk to each of them, the bus tour is worth considering.

That’s where tours like this one (4.5/5 from 700+ reviews) come in handy. This is a 1 or 2-day hop-on/off tour that takes in the best Belfast attractions.

Over the course of the tour, you’ll see Titanic Belfast, Albert Memorial Clock, the Cathedral Quarter and Northern Ireland War Memorial, Stormont and the political murals.

9. Traditional pubs

There’s some brilliant nightlife in Belfast, once you know where to look. In our guide to the best pubs in Belfast, you’ll find loads of old-school pubs worth nipping into.

Some, like the brilliant Bittles Bar, is an attractions in itself, thanks to its unique exterior.

If you fancy something a bit different, there’s everything from nightclubs to cocktail bars on offer. Here’s some guides to hop into:

• Live Irish music in Belfast
• Cocktail bars in Belfast
• Nightclubs in Belfast

10. Belfast’s history walking tour

It’s rare you see any tour rack up 1,000+ nearly 5/5 reviews, but this 3-hour walking tour that costs around €26 has achieved just that.

The tour takes you through the city’s vast history and along both sides of the Peace Line near the Falls and Shankill Roads.

You’ll hear stories from both the Loyalist and Republican communities and get an insight into how the conflict affected by sides.

If you’re wondering what to do in Belfast to get an insight into the city’s past, this is well-worth doing.

11. St. George’s Market

No day of successful exploration has ever been fulfilled on an empty stomach. Doubly so when there’s a hangover present…

One of the best things to do in Belfast, or any city for that matter, is to start the day off in style with a solid feed.

The second you step foot inside St. George’s Market you’ll feel your stomach give an approving rumble as the aroma from fresh produce hailing from every corner of the earth wafts over you.

Interestingly enough, there’s been a Friday market here since 1604 and every week over 240+ traders take to the market every Friday to Sunday.

12. The murals

The Belfast Murals are some of the best known in Europe and they display important aspects of each community’s history, culture and often bloody past.

The murals come in every shape and size and you’ll find them scattered across the city. You can visit them solo, or you can visit them on a tour (recommended – see below).

It’s also worth mentioning that you shouldn’t seek out the murals late in the evening/at night, as many are located in areas to avoid in Belfast after dark.

13. The Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum offers something for art lovers (see our guide to art galleries in Belfast for more artsy stuff!), history buffs, kids, and the curious.

The collections that you’ll find here will take you across Ireland and to all corners of the world.

You’ll come face to face with dinosaurs, get up close and personal with an Egyptian mummy, and dive into discovery zones.

An afternoon spent here will be packed to the brim with fine art, archaeology, ethnography, treasures from the Spanish Armada, local history and so much more.

The best part? It’s completely free! This is another handy one for those of you wondering what to do in Belfast when the weather’s crap!

14. Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a stroll. And you’re spoiled for choice with trails here (the History, Woodland, and Environment trails)

The extensive Stormont Estate is home to a lush woodland park where entry is free, and it’s open to the public year-round.

The estate is also home to the Government of Northern Ireland (see the differences between Northern Ireland vs Ireland) and several historic buildings whose history you can explore while you’re visiting.

15. St Anne’s Cathedral

St Anne’s Cathedral was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of the old St Anne’s parish church.

The cathedral is home to countless works of art, mesmerizing mosaics that depict St. Patrick and historical relics.

When visiting, spend some time admiring the detailed façade of the church. You’ll get a good look at the 130-foot pointed Spire of Hope that rises from the glass ceiling in the cathedral’s roof.

When you move inside, you’ll be able to look up at the spire from below, thanks to the clear glass ceiling that it stands upon.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Northern Ireland (hikes, walks, historic sites and more).

16. The Grand Opera House

Next up is another handy spot for those of you looking for things to do in Belfast at night! Belfast’s Grand Opera House opened just before Christmas in 1895.

The building, which was magnificently designed by the most prolific theatre architect of the period, Frank Matcham, boasts a majestic Victorian auditorium that’ll catch your attention as much as what’s going on on stage.

There’s a packed schedule of shows taking place here throughout the year. A handy place to head to if you’re wondering what to do in Belfast when it’s raining.

17. The SS Nomadic

The SS Nomadic was the original tender ship to the Titanic, and it was built alongside the now-infamous vessel in 1911.

In April 1912, the Nomadic successfully transferred the first and second-class passengers from the shallow dockside in Cherbourg out to the Titanic, which was moored in deeper water nearby.

Stretched out over four decks a visit to Nomadic will immerse you in over 100 years of authentic maritime history via a variety of interactive, hands-on, technical and traditional storytelling methods.

Struggling to decide which part of the city to stay in? See my guide on where to stay in Belfast!

18. The Cathedral Quarter

Although the Belfast Cathedral Quarter tends to be popular for nights out, making it one of the livelier places to visit in Belfast, it’s also home to some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings and streets, along with a wide variety of pubs and restaurants.

It’s also in and around the Cathedral Quarter that you’ll discover some of the finest street art in Belfast!

Go for the impeccable architecture, stay for the delicious food and drink. Here’s the best places to eat in the Cathedral Quarter.

19. Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall first opened its doors way back in 1906. The construction of the building came about after Queen Victoria gave Belfast ‘City Status‘ in 1888.

The building, constructed beautifully from Portland stone, is one of the most significant buildings in the city’s history.

It’s worth stopping by just to gawk at the building itself. The grounds around the building are full of monuments and statues that detail the history of both Belfast and the building itself.

Traveller Tip: There are free public tours of Belfast City Hall available from Monday to Saturday, led by an experienced guide.

20. Colin Glen Forest Park

If you’re in search of fun things to do in Belfast with kids, The Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest Park is worth checking out.

This is a recent addition to the park and now one of the most popular family-friendly activities in Belfast.

The trail is home to each of the colourful characters from the picture book, The Gruffalo, and they’re brought to life as sculptures along the trail.

The Gruffalo sculptures are scattered throughout the forest along the river, with the highlight being the 8-foot Gruffalo (above). 

Just keep in mind that, as this is one of the more popular family-friendly activities in Belfast, it can get busy.

21. Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo opened its doors to the public in 1934, making it one of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland. 

The zoo is home to a whopping 140+ species of animals, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat.

Popular attractions include Asian elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, California sea lions, penguins, apes, Malayan tapirs, Visayan warty pigs and much much more.

As this is one of the more popular places to visit in Belfast, it’s worth booking your ticket in advance of your trip.

22. Belvoir Park Forest

Belvoir Park Forest is one of the most overlooked places to visit in Belfast, in my opinion. This is a working forest within the city that’s connected to Lagan Valley Park.

There’s a short, 1.5 mile ramble here or, if you fancy a longer stroll, you can combine your walk with a visit into the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Two other great parks around the city are Ormeau Park and Lady Dixon Park.

23. An exceptional food scene

If you’re wondering what to do in Belfast after a long day spent exploring, or if you fancy a ridiculously good breakfast or lunch, you’re in luck.

There’s an endless number of great places to eat in the city, from fine dining and dive cafes to pancakes, the best brunch in Belfast and more. Here are some guides to check out:

• Best Restaurants in Belfast
• Bottomless Brunch in Belfast
• Best Breakfast in Belfast
• Vegan Restaurants in Belfast
• Best Coffee in Belfast
• Afternoon Tea In Belfast
• Sunday Lunch Belfast

24. W5 Belfast

W5 is another handy one for those of you wondering what to do in Belfast with kids on a miserable day. It’s here that they’ll discover 250 exhibits spread across four brilliantly put-together galleries.

There’s the Spacebase (for the 3-7 year-olds), a popular VR Zone and W5’s very own humanoid robot, Robothespian.

There’s also loads of seasonal exhibits and programs for them to get stuck into. There are few kids activities in Belfast that can go toe-to-toe with this place.

25. Victoria Park

I’d argue that Victoria Park is one of the most overlooked places to visit in Belfast by visiting tourists. You’ll find it in East Belfast, near the airport.

Visitors here can soak up lake views, watch the birds or tackle one of several walking trails (see our guide to the best walks in Belfast for more).

There’s also a football pitch, a bowling green and a BMX track, if you’re looking for more high-energy activities in Belfast.

26. The Belfast Christmas Markets

One of the best things to do in Belfast City in November and December is to make your way to the grounds of mighty Belfast City Hall and wander around the Belfast Christmas markets.

The markets boast a combo of top-notch international cuisine and a curated mix of crafts, bespoke artisan products, and yuletide tipples.

Now, obviously these are only going to be running around November/December time, but if you’re visiting during the summer, City Hall is still well worth a nosey around.

27. Day trips from Belfast

If you’ve ticked-off the various Belfast activities mentioned above and below and you fancy exploring some places near the city, you’ve plenty to choose from.

There’s heaps of day trips from Belfast that you can head off on (either solo or via an organised tour – more info here). 

For those with their own transport

• Causeway Coastal Route (starts 15 mins from the city)
• Hillsborough Forest Park (25 min drive)
• Glens of Antrim (45 min drive)
• The Gobbins (35 min drive)
• Beaches near Belfast (from 25 mins away

For those who need an organise tour

• A guided tour of the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
• Game of Thrones filming locations tour from Belfast

28. Road trips from Belfast

Starting your Irish road trip in Belfast? We’ve recently published the largest library of Irish road trips guides available anywhere.

One of the starting points is Belfast. You can pick the number of days you have (2 to 21) and then select a route.

Each itinerary takes in the best things to do in Belfast, first, before moving on to another county.

What to do in Belfast: Where have we missed?

I’m sure that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Belfast City Centre from the guide above.

If you have any things to do in Belfast City to recommend, let me know in the comments section below and I’ll check it out.

FAQs about Belfast attractions

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best things to do in Belfast at night to what to do in Belfast when it’s raining.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.