Things to do in Belfast

Activities, attractions and tours

Belfast City Hall which includes chateau or palace, a garden and heritage elements
Belfast City Hall which includes chateau or palace, a garden and heritage elements
Belfast City Centre showing markets, street scenes and signage
Victoria Square Shopping Centre featuring interior views and modern architecture
Stormont Parliament Buildings showing an administrative building, a monument and a statue or sculpture
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Top places to visit

1. Titanic Belfast

Inside, the stunning exhibition chronicles the history of the Titanic from its inception and launch to its 1912 sinking, all set against the story of Belfast of the time. The intertwining themes are brought to dazzling life by photographic galleries, multimedia projections, special effects and stunning virtual experiences.
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Titanic Belfast showing signage and modern architecture

2. Belfast City Hall

Plans for Belfast City Hall were first drawn up in 1888 after it was officially given the status of city by Queen Victoria. For a time, Belfast was Ireland’s largest city, overtaking Dublin, because of its industrial expansion with factories producing rope and linen, as well as the Harland and Wolff shipyard.
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Belfast City Hall featuring a park, heritage architecture and château or palace

3. Belfast Castle

History lovers mustn’t miss out on a visit to Belfast Castle, the much-loved structure that can be seen throughout Belfast and which offers wonderful views over the city and surrounding area. Explore the castle’s spacious grounds, hike up Cave Hill or have a bite to eat in the castle’s cellar.
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Belfast Castle which includes heritage architecture, a park and a castle

4. Waterfront Hall

Planning for the Waterfront Hall, on Lanyon Place on the riverfront, began in 1989 and construction finished in 1997, the same year it opened its doors.
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BA7NM1 Waterfront Hall Belfast Northern Ireland

5. Grand Opera House

It is Northern Ireland’s premier theatre and presents a range of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, pantomime, family and West End shows.
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Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture, interior views and theatre scenes

6. Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Whether you have expensive tastes or get your retail thrills from grabbing a bargain, Victoria Square Shopping Centre offers something to suit you. This bustling mall is at the heart of Belfast’s main shopping district. Head here to find everything you need to fill a whole day, from great shopping to entertainment and eating options. Make sure you bring a camera so you can capture the gorgeous views of Belfast that are visible through the building’s glass roof.
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Victoria Square Shopping Centre featuring shopping and interior views

7. Belfast Botanic Gardens

The Belfast Botanic Gardens is among the most colorful and lively sites in the city. The River Lagan runs through the eastern side of this large park, which also contains a museum and a sports complex. Marvel at the tropical specimens you might not expect to find in the cool climate of Northern Ireland.
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Belfast Botanic Gardens which includes flowers and a garden

What to do in Belfast

Popular places to visit

Titanic Belfast showing signage and modern architecture

Titanic Belfast

The world’s biggest Titanic museum experience, Titanic Belfast sits on the very slipway where the ill-fated ocean liner was built between 1909 and 1911. The location, Belfast’s former Harland and Wolff shipyard, is dominated by the towering exhibition space, with its glittering blocks recalling four ship hulls.

Titanic Belfast
Queen\'s University of Belfast featuring heritage architecture

Queen's University of Belfast

Explore the campus of Queen's University of Belfast during your trip to Belfast. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Queen's University of Belfast
Black and White Night Time Photo on Belfast Waterfront, Northern Ireland

SSE Arena

Catch an event at SSE Arena during your trip to Belfast. Discover the fascinating museums in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

SSE Arena
Belfast City Hall featuring a park, heritage architecture and château or palace

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is an imposing sight – it sits on the edge of the shopping district and looms over the shoppers, dividing them from the business area on the other side of the city centre. It has strong links with the Titanic – it was referred to before construction began 1898 as “the Stone Titanic” – and features a memorial garden for the sunken ship.

Belfast City Hall
Belfast Castle featuring heritage architecture, a fountain and château or palace

Belfast Castle

One of Belfast’s most popular attractions, this beautiful and historic sandstone building gives great views over the city below.

Belfast Castle
BA7NM1 Waterfront Hall Belfast Northern Ireland

Waterfront Hall

Sitting on the banks of the Lagan River in Belfast, the Waterfront Hall is a landmark of the city and ranks as one of the world’s leading conference venues, hosting a huge array of events from concerts and shows to exhibitions and competitions.

Waterfront Hall
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture, interior views and theatre scenes

Grand Opera House

Belfast’s majestic Grand Opera House opened its doors in 1895 and since then has played host to some of the biggest names from the world of entertainment. Located in the heart of Belfast’s bustling city centre, this magnificent Victorian building has provided enchanting theatre for over 100 years as well as engaging with the local community and igniting a love of the stage in the city.

Grand Opera House
Victoria Square Shopping Centre featuring shopping and interior views

Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Find upscale designers, chain brands, a wide selection of restaurants and a multi-screen movie theater under one roof in lively Belfast city center.

Victoria Square Shopping Centre
Belfast Botanic Gardens which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a park

Belfast Botanic Gardens

Appreciate the diverse range of tropical plants in the historic greenhouses of this park and visit Northern Ireland’s largest museum.

Belfast Botanic Gardens

Areas of Belfast

Belfast City Hall featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Belfast City Centre

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Cosy bars a university vibe and top sights from Crown Liquor Saloon to Grand Opera House – discover Belfast City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Belfast City Centre
St. George\'s Market featuring food and markets

Belfast Central District

4.5/5(1,121 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Belfast Central District. Make a stop by Ulster Hall or Belfast Christmas Market while you're exploring the area.

Belfast Central District
Metropolitan Arts Centre which includes a city and modern architecture

Cathedral Quarter

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

Cathedral Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to MAC Theatre and Belfast Customs House while you're in town.

Cathedral Quarter
Queens Quarter

Queens Quarter

4/5(263 area reviews)

Queens Quarter is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and picturesque gardens. You might also want to check out attractions like Belfast Botanic Gardens or Ulster Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Queens Quarter
Ravenhill Stadium which includes interior views

Ballynafoy

If you're spending some time in Ballynafoy, Ravenhill Stadium and Ormeau Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ballynafoy
Titanic Belfast featuring interior views

Titanic Quarter

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Titanic Quarter is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like SS Nomadic and Titanic Belfast.

Titanic Quarter

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Adobe

Bangor

Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a house and a garden

Newtownards

Frequently asked questions

Is Belfast worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Belfast is visit Grand Opera House. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's bars and pubs and nature.
How do I spend a day in Belfast?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Titanic Belfast and Belfast Castle. Then, explore different areas of Belfast for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Belfast?
Grand Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Belfast and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Belfast?
You can easily tour leading sights like Grand Opera House, Belfast Castle and Ulster Museum with a three-day escape to Belfast. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Ballymena.
Is Belfast a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Belfast is a great destination to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Grand Opera House and Ulster Museum. Then take a stroll around Belfast City Centre, located 0.97 kilometres from the centre, and Belfast Central District, which is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Belfast with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all ages, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Belfast with kids.

What to do in Belfast for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Belfast, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Waterfront Hall or Lisburn Road.
Are there free things to do in Belfast?
In Belfast, St. Anne's Cathedral is a must-see spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Belfast.