10 Best Things to Do in Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a fascinating museum dedicated to the ill-fated vessel which was largest ocean liner of its time. She was built in Belfast in the early-20th century and captivated people across the world, both for her size and her promise of luxury. When she sunk on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic, it created a furore. Over 1,500 people perished in the icy waters, and the stories of those on board are told in dramatic detail at this museum in the docklands of Belfast, close to where the ship was originally built. This fascinating museum is one of the best things to do in Belfast and highly recommended.

Belfast’s City Hall is the city’s most impressive landmark, and it’s a great place for you to start your day. In the warmer months, you can find cafés and restaurants in Donegall Square in front of the civic building. During the festive season, the whole area is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a Christmas market and decorations.

As well as enjoying the grand building’s exterior, you can visit the museum inside City Hall and there are regular tours of the hallowed halls, all for free. The tour lasts 1 hour and you can just turn up and register at reception.

Walking the streets is a great way to soak up the real spirit of a city, and in Belfast, that means heading for the Cathedral Quarter. Top landmarks include St Anne’s Cathedral, the Albert Memorial Clock, the Opera House, and several museums, including the powerful Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum. If you get thirsty after all that walking, you should seek out The Duke of York pub on the narrow, cobblestoned Commercial Street.

This Victorian market is a cherished relic of times gone by. You’ll find 300 traders here, selling fresh produce, arts and crafts, antiques, and freshly prepared food. It’s most fun on Saturdays thanks to live musicians and a festive vibe. The fresh fish section is especially praised, and you should certainly seek out some Irish oysters to try. A free shuttle bus runs from Royal Avenue in the city center to St George’s Market every Saturday from 8am to 3pm.

Belfast Castle is an important Northern Ireland landmark. Sitting 400 ft above sea level on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, this Victorian structure offers unobstructed views of the city and Belfast Lough.

It dates back between 1867 and 1870, atop a fortress that once stood in the same spot in the 12th century. The grounds surrounding Belfast Castle are home to different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls and sparrowhawks. You can find an Adventure Playground, archeological sites, and ample walking trails. Feeling peckish? Castle Tavern serves a range of pub food and Irish ales.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of fantasy novels written by Belfast-native CS Lewis in the 1950s. These cherished novels are firm family favorites, and this public square in east Belfast allows you to get photos with many of the characters, such as the White Witch, Mr Tumnus, and Aslan the lion. This public square is next to the East Side Visitor Center, which has some interesting tourist information and displays. You can walk here from Titanic Quarter train station.

Belfast Botanic Gardens are a fantastic spot for a sunny day in the city. Located next to Queen’s University, you’ll see many students relaxing on the grass and enjoying the wide range of plants and flowers. Check out the Palm House enclosure with its exotic species from across the world. The Ulster Museum is in the north of the garden.

This former jail hosted many of the main protagonists from the infamous Northern Ireland conflict, known locally as The Troubles. The Victorian-era building closed as a jail in 1996 and has been repurposed into a museum documenting the plight of the men who were sent here. The guides are terrific and present facts clearly and without bias. You can also visit the section of the prison where prisoners were once hanged, so it’s not recommended for kids.

During the political troubles of the 1970s, Belfast was a different place to the thriving multicultural city we see today. These urban art pieces are important remnants from Belfast’s troubled past, when the 2 halves of the city were directly opposed about the sovereignty of Northern Ireland. The ongoing conflict was between the mainly Protestant unionists who wanted to remain part of the UK, and the mainly Catholic nationalists who wanted a united Ireland.

The best place to see these important artistic expressions is along the Falls Road, a short drive west of the city center. You can take the 10-minute taxi ride there or book a guided tour with an experienced guide to give context to the art you see.

Belfast pubs are a cultural experience not to be missed. Many of the city's best local pubs have live music, great food, and a range of Irish beers and whiskeys. Head to the Cathedral Quarter for a nice selection of bars and pubs to choose from, many of which have been serving ‘a drop o’ the black stuff’ for centuries. Recommended pubs include The Dirty Onion, Duke of York and The John Hewitt Bar.