The 15 best things to do in Belfast that are 100% worth it
A few months ago, some friends called me up. They were excited about their trip to Belfast and asked me to show them around. They probably thought I’d have the perfect itinerary ready to go, but honestly, I don’t explore the city as much as I should.
Instead of stressing, I saw it as the perfect excuse to finally check out some spots I’d been meaning to visit myself. When the day came, we had an absolute blast. And of course, we’re not gatekeeping our adventures!
If you ever find yourself wondering what to do in Belfast, whether you live here or you’re just visiting, stick around. You might just find your next weekend plan.
Historical and Cultural things to do in Belfast
1. Explore the city’s maritime past at Titanic Belfast
Media credits: titanicbelfast
Address: 1 Olympic Wy
Contact details: +44 28 9076 6386
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
Visiting Titanic Belfast was such an experience because of the level of detail in the exhibits, the immersive storytelling, and the stunning architecture. At first, the ticket price seemed a bit steep, but we found it worth every penny after spending nearly three hours exploring the museum.
We learned so much about the Titanic’s history, starting with Belfast’s shipbuilding industry all the way to the tragic sinking. The ride that took us through the construction process was an exciting part because of the sound design and audiovisuals, too.
We wanted to explore the SS Nomadic but by the time we finished the main exhibit, it was already closed. We’d recommend going earlier in the day if you want to experience it properly.
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:
If you’re travelling with luggage, Titanic Belfast has lockers available downstairs for secure storage. They’re spacious enough for carry-ons, so you can take advantage of them to explore the museum without the hassle.
2. Dive into ancient relics at Ulster Museum
Address: Ulster Museum
Contact details: +44 28 9044 0000
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: Free
Ulster Museum is massive but really well laid out, so it was easy to find our way around. Best part? It’s free! Although we were more than happy to drop a donation.
The Spanish Armada, especially The Troubles section, was moving. The way they presented personal stories hit hard and gave us a better understanding of that period. Even though we’d read about it before, seeing the artefacts and real accounts made it feel much more real.
We also checked out the natural history section. One of us was excited about the dinosaur fossil, and we all got a kick out of the dodo replica.
The museum also has a fun hands-on Discovery Zone where we explore minerals, fossils, and preserved insects.
Pro tip:
Before you head out, stop by the on-site Wynn & Pym Cafe for a coffee break. It’s a great spot to sit down and recharge after exploring the museum.
3. Sign up for an eerie tour at Crumlin Road Gaol
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Address: 53-55 Crumlin Rd
Contact details: +44 28 9074 1500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
The dark atmosphere in Crumlin Road Gaol is enough to make your hair stand on the end. The padded cell was particularly unsettling, and standing in the execution room sent chills down our spines.
Discovering that the prisoners were buried within the very walls? Even more chilling.
There were plenty of video presentations, including one on the Troubles. It was engaging and easy to follow, giving a great introduction to the complex history of Belfast.
Seeing the old armoured vehicles up close was surreal, especially since some of us grew up seeing them in news reports and films.
We also appreciated how it covered different perspectives, including children, men, and women, all of whom were incarcerated here. It made the experience even more thought-provoking.
Pro tip:
Consider skipping this one if you’re with young kids, as the content is quite heavy. However, you can bring teenagers and adults for an eye-opening experience.
4. Appreciate the stunning interiors of the Belfast City Hall
Media credits: belfastcitycouncil
Address: Donegall Square N
Contact details: +44 28 9032 0202
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: £
Belfast City Hall is right in the heart of the city with massive and stunning architecture.
There’s a guided tour available, but you can also just do the free self-guided tour since it’s super easy to follow. Just start room 1 and follow all the signs.
The exhibition inside has 16 rooms packed with Belfast history. One room focused on the Belfast accent, which we had a good balance of info without feeling like a history overload.
Outside, we took a moment at the Titanic Memorial, which was both beautiful and a little sobering. The whole area has plenty of benches if you want to sit and take it all in.
Pro tip:
If you want a stunning sight and picture-perfect photos, visit Belfast City Hall after sunset. You’ll see how the building lights up in different colours.
5. Wander through the St. George’s Market
Media credits: stgeorgesbelfast
Address: 12 East Bridge St
Contact details: +44 28 9043 5704
Operating hours:
- Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Monday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
When we visited St. George’s Market, we were immediately surrounded by traders chatting, live music, and the mouthwatering scent of sizzling street food. We also felt Belfast’s history in its gorgeous Victorian architecture.
With around 200 stalls, there was so much to see. There was fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and international foods.
One of our favourite finds was the seafood section. Even half an hour before closing, there were still a few stalls open, offering oysters. The wild ones were even better, and the crab claws? Juicy, briny, and worth figuring out how to eat them.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to beat the crowds and get first pick of the freshest produce and unique handcrafted goods. Plus, navigating the market is much easier before the midday rush.
Entertaining and fun things to do in Belfast
6. Catch a show at the Grand Opera House
Media credits: gohbelfast
Address: 2-4 Great Victoria St
Contact details: +44 28 9024 1919
Operating hours:
- Depends on the show’s schedules
Price: ££
We visited the Grand Opera House for the matinee showing of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical. The theatre has deep red decor and a grand four-floor layout. Even from the upper levels, the view was great, and the slim columns didn’t obstruct the stage at all.
Before the show, we had a look around the newly designed section, which has a nice open seating area with a bar. The stalls were comfortable, and it’s great to see how accessible the space is for wheelchair users. It’s a shame that the private boxes aren’t wheelchair-accessible.
We grabbed some drinks and snacks during the break, and the bars on each floor make it easy to get what you need without long waits. Bonus point for having ice cream, too!
Pro tip:
Grab your tickets online or at the box office early, especially for big shows or Christmas pantos. They sell out fast, and you’ll get better seat options.
7. Rock out on the music scene at Oh Yeah Music Centre
Media credits: ohyeahcentre
Address: 15-21 Gordon St
Contact details: +44 28 9031 0845
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
Oh Yeah Music Centre celebrates the rich musical heritage of the city. We caught Skaar live, and the energy was unreal. The sound was pretty intense, but we really had fun with the performance.
If you arrive early, you can take some time to check out the NI Music Exhibition. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re into Belfast’s music history. There’s memorabilia from bands like Divine Comedy and Therapy?, and one of us even spotted a gig flyer from years ago.
The venue also has a bar and a record shop called Star Records. We had a quick browse and found some great memorabilia, including stuff from legends like Van Morrison.
Pro tip:
Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds. The venue is small, which means you’re right in the middle of the action. This also means the sound can get pretty intense, especially during high-energy performances.
8. Explore tech exhibits at W5 Interactive Discovery Centre
Media credits: w5belfast
Address: The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay
Contact details: +44 28 9066 6644
Operating hours:
- Thursday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: ££
W5 Interactive Discovery Centre is one of the most engaging science centres we’ve been to. With four floors packed with hands-on exhibits, it’s the kind of place where both kids and adults can get stuck in and actually enjoy learning.
We saw kids loving the “Over the Hills & Faraway” storytelling zone on the second floor. They were busy building the Three Little Pigs’ house, shopping in a pretend market, and even sailing on Captain Hook’s private ship. It’s a creative space, and way better than most soft play areas.
If you’re into science, check the “Go” where you can climb walls and structures, and “Invent and Make,” where you can get creative with design and engineering. The top floor also has an exhibition on mythical creatures when visited, featuring animatronic dragons.
Pro tip:
Consider getting the annual pass if you live nearby. It offers great value, especially if you plan to visit often, as single-entry tickets aren’t the cheapest.
9. Test your skills at the Prison Island Belfast
Media credits: prisonislandbelfast
Address: Unit 3, 17 Balmoral Rd
Contact details: +44 28 9038 0862
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 9:45 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 9:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: ££
Prison Island Belfast is the perfect mix of mental, physical, and skill-based challenges.
All the staff during our visit made us feel welcome. They guided us through the briefing, got us up to speed on how everything worked, and kept the energy high throughout.
The challenge cells had a mix of teamwork and strategy, while others tested pure speed and reflexes. We got competitive quickly, especially with the leaderboard pushing us to beat other team’s scores.
We also got to try the interactive axe throwing which had different game modes, like hangman, Trivial Pursuit, and Connect Four. There was also a leaderboard where you could mark your name if you hit a bullseye or a kill shot.
Pro tip:
Book the 2-hour slot to maximise your experience. That way, you’ll have enough time to try every room and even revisit a few for a second attempt.
10. Unleash your inner Viking at Black Axe Throwing Co
Media credits: blackaxethrowingcobelfast
Address: Black Axe Throwing Co Cityside Retail & Leisure Park, 100-150 York St
Contact details: +44 7809 351301
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 3 PM – 9:15 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 1 PM – 9:15 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: £
Our group decided to spend an afternoon at the Black Axe, and we loved the great music and the real sense of friendly competition.
The instructors were very knowledgeable but also had us in stitches the entire team. They took the time to make sure everyone felt comfortable, especially those of us who were a bit nervous at the first try. They broke everything down step by step and gave us points on grip and stance.
The whole experience started with a safety briefing, then some practice rounds, and finally, a full-on competition that got everyone hyped. Soon enough, we were all feeling like axe-throwing pros.
Pro tip:
Book ahead because it gets busy, wear closed-toe shoes, and don’t show up tipsy as they take safety very seriously.
Food and drink spots to try at Belfast
11. Indulge in fresh seafood at Mourne Seafood Bar
Media credits: mourneseafoodbelfast_
Address: 34-36 Bank St
Contact details: +44 28 9024 8544
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 3:15 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5:45 PM
Price: ££
From the moment our group walked into Mourne Seafood Bar, we were amazed by the decor which has a charming, coastal feel. We were greeted with a warm welcome and all the staff were incredibly friendly, even sharing a few laughs with us throughout the evening.
We ordered mussels and squid for starters. The mussels were plump and tender, bathed in a salty brine with a light cream sauce. The squid was also well-cooked and tasty, but the portion size was a bit small for the price.
For mains, some of us went for the seabass on the bone, which was beautifully seasoned and had a great texture. The others went for the seafood casserole, which was packed with fresh seafood and a rich flavourful broth.
Pro tip:
Go early if you want oysters. They’re a speciality here, but they can sell out, especially in the evenings and during the winter months (December to February) when supply can be more limited.
12. The Crown Liquor Saloon
Media credits: crownliquorsaloon
Address: County Antrim, 46 Great Victoria St
Contact details: +44 28 9024 3187
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 12 AM
Price: ££
Walking into The Crown feels like stepping back in time with its stained glass, intricate mosaics, and dark mahogany woodwork. Our group was lucky enough to get a snug, which felt like our own little world, complete with a bell pull to alert the bartender.
We were craving a proper Irish stew, and theirs was exactly what we had hoped for. The lamb shoulder was very tender. It was paired with carrots, onions, and potatoes in a rich, flavourful gravy.
For dessert, we had no choice but to go for the sticky toffee pudding. Rich, warm, and absolutely drenched in toffee sauce, it was the perfect ending to an already fantastic meal.
The Guinness here has the perfect balance of roasted malt and subtle sweetness, and there’s a great selection of Irish whiskeys if you’re up for that.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a drinker, try the Guinness 0.0. It lets you enjoy the classic smooth, creamy taste without the alcohol.
13. Have a delicious brunch at The Pocket
Media credits: thepocketcoffee
Address: 68 Upper Church Ln
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
We stopped by for brunch on a Sunday morning at The Pocket, and we managed to grab a table just before the queue started forming. The warm space also sets the perfect vibe. The counter was stacked with tempting pastries, but we were there for something heartier.
After some deliberation with the menu, we went for the French toast and the chorizo brunch. The French toast was almost too pretty to eat since it was beautifully plated with seasonal toppings. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with flavour.
The chorizo brunch was just as delicious with its rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavours. The eggs with it were beautifully cooked, too.
Pro tip:
The dishes here come in generous portions, so if you’re not super hungry, consider sharing meals or skipping pastries.
14. Taste some cocktails and drinks at the Flame
Media credits: flame_belfast
Address: Ground Floor, The Ewart, 3 Bedford St
Contact details: +44 28 9033 2121
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: £££
The setting in Flame is a nice mix of modern and historic. We found ourselves admiring the old coving and plasterwork on the ceiling, wondering what the building had been before.
They have food, but we decided to dig more into their drink selection, especially the cocktails since they all have a beautiful presentation. Some of us ordered the “Peach Please,” and its citrusy flavour was really refreshing. The bar also had a great selection of wines and beers.
The staff were also attentive, checking in regularly without being intrusive. They were full of great suggestions, which added to the experience.
Pro tip:
For a great meal at a great price, go for the pre-theatre menu, which is available from Monday to Friday from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. You’ll get two courses for £23 or three for £28.
15. Enjoy live music and drinks at The Tipsy Bird
Media credits: thetipsybirdbelfast
Address: 90-100 Ann St
Contact details: +44 28 9099 3542
Operating hours:
- Thursday: 4 PM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 1 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM
Price: ££
We could tell right away why The Tipsy Bird is a famous spot because of its funky vibe. The place has dim lighting, quirky decor, and just the right amount of neon to set the mood. We were there early evening so it wasn’t overly crowded that time.
While their official cocktail list is a bit short, every drink is unique. The “Birds of Paradise” has a well-balanced mix of fruity sweetness with a hint of citrus tang, likely from passion fruit. As for the espresso martini, it was slightly bitter balanced out by the sweetness of coffee liqueur.
The live music that night also covered different genres and artists, from Ed Sheeran to Dolly Parton. It really set the perfect tone for the evening.
Pro tip:
If you want to smoke, they have a designated area upstairs. It doubles as a roof terrace with its own bar, making it a great spot to escape the crowd while still enjoying the atmosphere.