The 15 best things to do in Belfast that are 100% worth it

Belfast offers a diverse array of historic landmarks, cultural exhibitions, and dynamic culinary experiences. From its deep-rooted maritime heritage to a thriving modern arts scene, the city provides ample options for both residents and visitors seeking to explore its unique character.

The following curated itinerary highlights the best attractions Belfast has to offer, combining classic sightseeing with hidden gems and practical visitor recommendations.

Historical and Cultural things to do in Belfast

1. Explore the city’s maritime past at Titanic Belfast

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9076 6386

Operating hours:

• Monday to Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: ££

Titanic Belfast offers an immersive experience, distinguished by detailed exhibits, engaging storytelling, and iconic architecture. Although ticket prices are premium, the depth of the self-guided tour easily justifies the cost, with most visitors spending approximately three hours exploring the galleries.

The exhibits chart the liner's history from Belfast's early shipbuilding era to the tragic sinking. A particular highlight is the shipyard ride, which replicates construction conditions using advanced sound design and audiovisual effects. The admission price also includes entry to the SS Nomadic, situated nearby, though early arrival is recommended to ensure both sites can be viewed before closing.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, there’s an exhibition right next door, so you can visit that in the afternoon.

Pro tip:

Lockers are available on the lower ground floor for luggage storage, allowing visitors to tour the exhibition hands-free.

2. Dive into ancient relics at Ulster Museum

Website

Contact details: +44 28 9044 0000

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Monday: Closed

Price: Free

The Ulster Museum is a spacious and well-organised facility situated in the Botanic Gardens. Admission is complimentary, though donations are welcomed. The galleries cover art, history, and natural sciences, including a detailed exhibit on the Spanish Armada and a poignant section dedicated to the history of the Troubles.

The natural history galleries feature dinosaur fossils and a replica of the dodo, while the hands-on Discovery Zone allows visitors to inspect minerals, fossils, and preserved specimens directly.

Pro tip:

The on-site Wynn & Pym Cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshments and a rest after touring the extensive galleries.

3. Sign up for an eerie tour at Crumlin Road Gaol

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9074 1500

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Price: ££

Crumlin Road Gaol offers an atmospheric look into Belfast's penal history. The self-guided or guided tours lead visitors through the cell blocks, the execution room, and the graves within the prison walls. Immersive video presentations provide historical context, detailing the prison's role during the Troubles.

Exhibits display historic armoured vehicles and document the diverse stories of the men, women, and children once incarcerated here.

Pro tip:

The historical subject matter is mature, making this attraction most suitable for teenagers and adults rather than young children.

4. Appreciate the stunning interiors of the Belfast City Hall

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9032 0202

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: £

Belfast City Hall stands as a landmark of Edwardian Baroque architecture in the city centre. While guided tours are available, visitors can also access a free, self-guided exhibition spanning 16 rooms that detail the history of Belfast. The grounds contain the Titanic Memorial Garden, offering a quiet space for reflection alongside ample seating.

Pro tip:

Visiting after dusk allows guests to see the exterior of the hall illuminated in seasonal colours, which is excellent for photography.

5. Wander through the St. George’s Market

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9043 5704

Operating hours:

• Friday: 8 am to 2 pm
• Saturday: 9 am to 3 pm
• Sunday: 10 am to 3 pm
• Monday to Thursday: Closed

Price: £

St. George’s Market is a historic Victorian market featuring around 200 stalls, accompanied by live music and local street food vendors. The market showcases fresh regional produce, artisanal crafts, and international delicacies. The fresh fish and seafood stalls are particularly popular, offering local specialities such as wild oysters and crab claws.

Pro tip:

Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid the midday crowds and secure the freshest seafood and produce.

Entertaining and fun things to do in Belfast

6. Catch a show at the Grand Opera House

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9024 1919

Operating hours:

• Varies by performance

Price: ££

The Grand Opera House is a beautifully restored theatre featuring a grand auditorium with excellent sightlines from all four levels. The venue hosts touring West End musicals, plays, and operas. Practical amenities include comfortable seating, accessible spaces for wheelchair users in the main auditorium, and multiple bars on each floor serving refreshments during intervals.

Pro tip:

Early booking online is advised for popular touring productions and seasonal performances to secure preferred seating.

7. Rock out on the music scene at Oh Yeah Music Centre

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9031 0845

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
• Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm

Price: ££

The Oh Yeah Music Centre serves as Belfast's dedicated music hub, hosting live performances and community events. The venue houses the NI Music Exhibition, which details the city’s musical heritage with memorabilia from artists such as Van Morrison, Divine Comedy, and Therapy?. The facility also includes a licensed bar and an independent record shop.

Pro tip:

Given the intimate size of the venue, sound levels can be intense during live gigs; bringing hearing protection is recommended.

8. Explore tech exhibits at W5 Interactive Discovery Centre

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9066 6644

Operating hours:

• Thursday: 10 am to 3 pm
• Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Monday to Wednesday: Closed

Price: ££

W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre situated at the Odyssey Complex. Spread across four floors, the facility features interactive exhibits covering physics, engineering, and technology. Highlights include specialised creative play areas for younger children, climbing structures, and rotating seasonal exhibitions on the upper floor.

Pro tip:

For local residents, the annual membership pass offers excellent value compared to individual day ticket prices.

9. Test your skills at the Prison Island Belfast

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9038 0862

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:45 am to 9:30 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 9:45 am to 10 pm
• Sunday: 9:45 am to 9:30 pm

Price: ££

Prison Island Belfast offers a collection of team-based challenge rooms requiring combinations of physical coordination, problem-solving, and speed. The venue is ideal for groups and features live leaderboards to track performance. The complex also offers interactive axe throwing with digital target systems hosting various game modes.

Pro tip:

Booking a two-hour session provides sufficient time to experience all the challenge cells and repeat preferred tasks.

10. Unleash your inner Viking at Black Axe Throwing Co

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Website

Contact details: +44 7809 351301

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Wednesday: 3 pm to 9:15 pm
• Thursday to Friday: 1 pm to 9:15 pm
• Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
• Monday: Closed

Price: £

Black Axe Throwing Co offers structured lane-throwing sessions led by experienced instructors. Each session begins with a mandatory safety briefing and technique coaching before progressing to practice throws and a group tournament. The venue features a lively atmosphere suitable for social groups and corporate outings.

Pro tip:

Advance booking is required, and participants must wear closed-toe footwear. Safety protocols are strictly enforced.

Food and drink spots to try at Belfast

11. Indulge in fresh seafood at Mourne Seafood Bar

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9024 8544

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 3:15 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 5:45 pm

Price: ££

Mourne Seafood Bar is a highly regarded restaurant specialising in locally sourced shellfish and fresh fish, cooked to order in a coastal-themed setting. The menu features regional specialities such as locally harvested mussels and oysters, alongside fresh catches including seabass and rich seafood casseroles.

Pro tip:

Oysters are a key specialty but can sell out early, particularly during the winter months when local supply is limited.

12. The Crown Liquor Saloon

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9024 3187

Operating hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 11:30 am to 12 am
• Sunday: 12:30 pm to 12 am

Price: ££

Owned by the National Trust, The Crown Liquor Saloon is one of Belfast’s most famous historic pubs, renowned for its Victorian stained glass, detailed mosaics, and private wooden snugs. The menu features classic pub fare including traditional Irish stew, alongside sticky toffee pudding. The bar serves well-kept local stouts and an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys.

Pro tip:

Guinness 0.0 is available on tap for visitors seeking the traditional stout experience without alcohol.

13. Have a delicious brunch at The Pocket

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Website

Contact details: Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 3 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm
• Sunday: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Price: ££

Situated in a converted historic building, The Pocket is a popular spot for specialty coffee and brunch. The menu features contemporary dishes such as artisanal French toast with seasonal fruits, alongside savory plates like the chorizo hash served with poached eggs. The venue fills quickly on weekends, often resulting in queues.

Pro tip:

Portion sizes are generous, which is worth noting when ordering multiple items or pastries.

14. Taste some cocktails and drinks at the Flame

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9033 2121

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Price: £££

Flame Restaurant offers a stylish setting that preserves original architectural details alongside a modern dining room and bar. The venue features an extensive cocktail menu alongside a curated list of wines and local beers. The service is attentive and professional, offering pairing recommendations and bespoke creations.

Pro tip:

The pre-theatre menu, available Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, offers excellent value with two or three courses at set prices.

15. Enjoy live music and drinks at The Tipsy Bird

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Website

Contact details: +44 28 9099 3542

Operating hours:

• Thursday: 4 pm to 1 am
• Friday to Saturday: 1 pm to 1 am
• Sunday: 1 pm to 10 pm

Price: ££

The Tipsy Bird is a popular late-night bar featuring eclectic decor, ambient lighting, and regular live music sessions. The bar offers a tailored list of signature cocktails, including fruit-infused mixes and well-crafted classic serves. The musical lineup covers diverse genres, contributing to the venue's lively, social atmosphere.

Pro tip:

The upstairs roof terrace features its own bar and a designated outdoor area, providing a quieter space away from the main lounge.