15 Best Things to Do in Belfast: Local Guide 2025

15 Best Things to Do in Belfast: A Local's Guide

Belfast has undergone one of the most remarkable urban transformations in Europe. The city that was once synonymous with conflict is now a vibrant, welcoming destination bursting with culture, history, incredible food, and warm Irish hospitality. As someone who's called Belfast home my entire life, I've watched this transformation with pride and amazement.

Today's Belfast offers world-class museums, a thriving food scene that rivals any European city, stunning Victorian architecture, fascinating political history, brilliant nightlife, and friendly locals eager to share their city's story. Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or longer, Belfast rewards curious travelers with experiences they'll never forget.

This guide covers the absolute best things to do in Belfast, from must-see attractions to hidden local favorites, helping you make the most of your time in Northern Ireland's dynamic capital.

1. Titanic Belfast: World's Largest Titanic Experience

Why It's Essential: The Titanic was built in Belfast, and this stunning museum tells the complete story from conception to sinking to rediscovery. It's not just a ship museum—it's an immersive journey through Belfast's industrial heritage.

Location: Titanic Quarter, 1 Olympic Way, BT3 9EP
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Cost: £21.50 adults, £8.50 children
Best Time: Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) to beat crowds

What to Expect

The building itself is architectural marvel—shaped like ship prows with aluminum shards reflecting Belfast's maritime history. Inside, nine interactive galleries guide you through shipbuilding, launch, maiden voyage, sinking, and the wreck's discovery. The "Ship yard Ride" lets you experience life as a Titanic worker. The underwater exploration gallery with footage from the wreck is haunting and beautiful.

Insider Tip: Buy tickets online to skip queues. After your visit, walk around the Titanic Quarter to see the slipways where Olympic and Titanic were built (now marked out on the ground—they're enormous!), HMS Caroline (Britain's last WWI warship), and SS Nomadic (Titanic's tender ship).

Combine With: Titanic Quarter walking tour or our guided Titanic tour for deeper historical context.

2. Belfast Political Murals and Peace Walls

Why It's Essential: You can't understand Belfast without understanding its recent history. The murals are powerful outdoor galleries telling stories of conflict, peace, resistance, and hope.

Location: Falls Road (nationalist) and Shankill Road (loyalist), West Belfast
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Cost: Free to visit independently; £10-15 for black taxi tour
Best Time: Midday to late afternoon

What to See

Falls Road features the famous Bobby Sands mural, solidarity murals with international struggles, and political prisoner memorials. Shankill Road shows loyalist paramilitary murals, King Billy (William of Orange), and British military tributes. The peace walls physically separating communities are sobering—you can sign them with messages of hope.

Tour vs. Independent: A black taxi tour or guided political history tour is highly recommended. Local guides provide invaluable context and personal stories you won't get from just looking at murals.

Sensitivity Note: Approach with respect—these neighborhoods lived through real trauma. Read our complete murals guide for etiquette tips.

3. Cathedral Quarter: Belfast's Creative Heart

Why It's Essential: This cobblestoned neighborhood embodies modern Belfast—street art, live music, independent shops, craft beer bars, and some of the city's best restaurants.

Location: Northern city center, around St. Anne's Cathedral
Time Needed: 2-4 hours (or a full evening)
Cost: Free to explore
Best Time: Afternoon into evening; Thursday-Saturday nights for nightlife

What to Do

• Street Art: Colorful murals by international artists—completely different from political murals
• St. Anne's Cathedral: Beautiful modern mosaics, Spire of Hope viewpoint (£5)
• Shopping: Unique boutiques, vintage shops, local designer stores
• Food & Drink: Duke of York (historic pub with street seating), Dirty Onion (live trad music), Made in Belfast cathedral quarter (tapas), The Merchant Hotel (afternoon tea in stunning surroundings)
• Music: Multiple venues with live music nightly—traditional Irish, rock, indie

Insider Tip: The Duke of York's outdoor courtyard ("Commercial Court") is Belfast's most Instagrammable spot—fairy lights, umbrellas overhead, historic atmosphere.

4. Crumlin Road Gaol: Victorian Prison Tours

Why It's Worth It: This Victorian prison operated 1845-1996, holding murderers, suffragettes, and political prisoners. It's fascinating, eerie, and provides crucial context for Belfast's history.

Location: 53-55 Crumlin Road, BT14 6ST
Time Needed: 1.5 hours (guided tour only)
Cost: £13 adults
Best Time: Book morning tours online

What to Expect

Guided tours take you through the holding cells, the execution chamber, the tunnel under the road to the courthouse, and even onto the hanging beam. Your guide brings history alive with stories of famous prisoners, escapes, and daily life. It's chilling but compelling.

Not For: Young children or those sensitive to dark history (17 people were executed here).

5. St. George's Market: Food, Crafts, and Atmosphere

Why It's Essential: Belfast's oldest attraction (1896) and still one of its best. Victorian covered market bursting with local food, crafts, live music, and the best atmosphere in the city.

Location: East Bridge Street, BT1 3NQ
Open: Friday (6 AM-3 PM - Variety Market), Saturday (9 AM-3 PM - City Food & Craft Market), Sunday (10 AM-4 PM - Food & Antiques)
Cost: Free entry
Best Time: Saturday morning (busiest but best atmosphere)

What to Buy/Eat

• Food Stalls: Fresh oysters, artisan breads, international street food, local cheeses, traditional baking
• Coffee: Excellent independent roasters
• Crafts: Local jewelry, art, vintage finds, handmade goods
• Live Music: Buskers and scheduled performances create brilliant atmosphere

Insider Tip: Arrive hungry around 11 AM—have brunch at the market sampling from multiple stalls. The traditional Ulster fry stall, fresh crepes, and craft beer are highlights.

6. Belfast City Hall: Free Tours of Architectural Gem

Why It's Worth It: This Edwardian Baroque masterpiece dominates central Belfast. Free guided tours reveal stunning interiors most visitors miss.

Location: Donegall Square, BT1 5GS (city center)
Time Needed: 1 hour guided tour
Cost: FREE (must book online)
Tours: Multiple daily, book at belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall

What to See

The tour covers the Grand Staircase, Council Chamber with oak paneling and stained glass, Robing Room, and Great Hall. The marble work, mosaics, and artwork are spectacular. Guides share Belfast history and political context.

Don't Miss: The Titanic Memorial Garden outside (free to visit anytime).

7. The Crown Liquor Saloon: Historic Victorian Pub

Why It's Essential: Ireland's most beautiful pub, owned by the National Trust. Victorian gas lighting, snugs with carved wood and tile work, original details throughout.

Location: 46 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7BA (opposite Europa Hotel)
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Cost: Free to visit (buy a drink!)
Best Time: Early afternoon to appreciate details before evening crowds

What to Do

Order a pint of Guinness, grab a snug (private booths with doors), and admire the extraordinary tile work, painted glass, and carved woodwork. It's like drinking in a museum, except more fun.

Food: Traditional pub food—oysters, stew, fish and chips. Quality is good though atmosphere is the main draw.

8. Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum

Why It's Worth It: Beautiful Victorian gardens and an excellent free museum in Belfast's university area.

Location: Botanic Avenue / Stranmillis Road, BT9 5AB
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
Cost: Both FREE
Best Time: Afternoon, especially spring/summer

Botanic Gardens

Peaceful green space with rose gardens, tropical ravine (stunning Victorian Palm House with tropical plants), and plenty of spots to relax. Popular with locals, students, and families.

Ulster Museum

Free museum covering art, history, and natural sciences. Highlights include the Spanish Armada treasures, Egyptian mummy, modern art collection, and "Troubles" exhibition. Excellently curated.

Combine With: The university area has great cafes—try Maggie Mays or Clements for lunch.

9. Belfast Castle and Cavehill

Why It's Worth It: Scottish Baronial castle on the slopes of Cavehill with stunning city views. Cave Hill itself inspired Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels.

Location: Antrim Road, BT15 5GR (15 minutes north of center)
Time Needed: 1-2 hours (3-4 if hiking Cavehill)
Cost: Castle grounds FREE; interior access limited
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for best light

What to Do

• Castle: Explore grounds, gardens, and enjoy the views
• Cavehill Hike: 2-3 hour round-trip hike to "Napoleon's Nose" summit (368m) with panoramic Belfast views
• Cat Trail: Find 9 hidden cat mosaics in the castle (local tradition says finding all brings good luck)

Food: Castle cafe serves decent lunch with a view.

10. SS Nomadic: Titanic's Little Sister

Why It's Worth It: The last remaining White Star Line ship and Titanic's tender vessel. You can actually board and explore.

Location: Hamilton Dock, Titanic Quarter (next to Titanic Belfast)
Time Needed: 45-60 minutes
Cost: £7 adults or £26 combined ticket with Titanic Belfast
Best Time: After visiting Titanic Belfast

What to Expect

This ship ferried passengers from Cherbourg to Titanic. Restored to period detail, you can explore the promenade deck, first-class areas, and engine room. It's atmospheric and complements Titanic Belfast perfectly.

11. Belfast Food Scene: Eat Your Way Through the City

Why It's Essential: Belfast has quietly become one of Europe's best food cities—Michelin stars, brilliant street food, and everything in between.

Must-Try Experiences

• Ulster Fry: Belfast's legendary breakfast—try Maggie Mays or any cafe
• St. George's Market: Saturday street food (see #5 above)
• Fish & Chips: John Long's (family-run since 1914) or Fish City
• Fine Dining: Ox (Michelin-starred), Eipic (Michelin-starred), James St South
• Casual Dining: Holohan's Pantry, Mourne Seafood Bar, Home Restaurant
• Afternoon Tea: The Merchant Hotel (spectacular setting), Titanic Belfast
• Craft Beer: Boundary Brewing, Bullhouse, Lacada Brewery taproom

Foodie Tip: Book restaurants in advance, especially weekends. Belfast's food scene has blown up, and the best spots fill quickly.

12. Shopping: From Victorian Arcades to Modern Malls

Where to Shop

• Victoria Square: Modern shopping center with 70+ stores, plus viewing dome with city views (free)
• CastleCourt: Central mall with high street brands
• Cathedral Quarter: Independent boutiques, vintage shops, local designers
• Lisburn Road: Upscale shopping street (20-minute walk/short bus from center)
• St. George's Market: Crafts, antiques, local products (Fri-Sun)

Uniquely Belfast: Look for linen products (Belfast's industrial heritage), Bushmills whiskey, Yellowman honeycomb candy, and Game of Thrones merchandise.

13. Belfast Nightlife: Pubs, Clubs, and Live Music

Best Areas for Nightlife:

Cathedral Quarter

Best for: Live music, craft beer, creative crowd. Try Duke of York, Dirty Onion, Laverys, The Harp Bar (traditional music).

Great Victoria Street / Shaftesbury Square

Best for: Pub crawls, late night. Lavery's, Filthy McNasty's, Botanic Inn ("Bot"), Empire Music Hall.

Limelight & Springhill Hall Complex

Best for: Live bands and clubs. Belfast's main venue for touring acts.

Insider Tips:

• Traditional music: Kelly's Cellars (oldest pub in Belfast), Maddens, The John Hewitt
• Craft cocktails: Babel Rooftop Bar, The Merchant Hotel, Filthy Quarter
• Late night: Most clubs open until 1-3 AM Thursday-Saturday
• Safety: Belfast nightlife is friendly and safe—locals are welcoming to visitors

14. Day Trips from Belfast

Belfast's location makes it perfect for day trips to Northern Ireland's top attractions:

• Giant's Causeway & Coastal Route: Full day, stunning (90 mins each way). Our most popular tour
• Game of Thrones Locations: Castle Ward (Winterfell), Tollymore Forest, Dark Hedges. Join our Game of Thrones tour
• Mourne Mountains: Hiking, scenic drives, picturesque villages (1 hour south)
• Derry/Londonderry: Walled city, history, culture (90 mins west)

Read our complete day trips guide for detailed information.

15. Free Things to Do in Belfast

Belfast offers plenty for budget travelers:

• City Hall tours
• Ulster Museum
• Botanic Gardens
• Political murals (self-guided)
• Belfast Castle grounds
• City center walking (Victorian architecture)
• St. George's Market (entry free, food/items to purchase)
• Parks: Ormeau Park, Cave Hill Country Park
• Street art in Cathedral Quarter
• Live music in many pubs (no cover charge)

Practical Information

Getting Around Belfast

• Walking: City center is very walkable. Most attractions within 20-30 minute walk of each other.
• Bus: Glider and Metro services cover the city well. £2-3 per journey or day tickets available.
• Black Taxi: For political murals tours specifically. Regular taxis available via apps (Uber, FreeNow) or taxi ranks.
• Bike: Belfast Bikes scheme (similar to Boris Bikes in London). Good infrastructure.

How Long to Spend in Belfast

• 2 Days: Cover main highlights (Titanic, murals, city center, one evening out)
• 3 Days: Comfortable pace for main attractions plus day trip
• 4-5 Days: Thorough exploration including multiple day trips

Best Time to Visit

• May-September: Best weather, longest days, all attractions open
• September-October: Great weather, fewer crowds, autumn colors
• March-April: Spring, decent weather, lower prices
• December: Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, Continental Market

Avoid: July 11-13 (Orange Order parades—city center can be tense and crowded).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belfast safe for tourists?

Yes, very safe. Belfast is now one of the safest cities in the UK and Ireland with very low crime rates. The Troubles are history—modern Belfast is a peaceful, welcoming city. Exercise normal urban awareness, but you'll find locals friendly and eager to help visitors.

Do I need a car in Belfast?

No, not for the city itself—it's very walkable with good public transport. However, a car (or tours) is useful for day trips to places like the Giant's Causeway, Mourne Mountains, or other countryside attractions.

What's the number one thing to do in Belfast?

Titanic Belfast is the most visited attraction and genuinely world-class. However, the political murals tour offers the most uniquely Belfast experience you can't get elsewhere. Do both if possible!

Can you walk to Titanic Belfast from the city center?

It's about 2 miles (30-40 minute walk) from City Hall. Pleasant walk along the waterfront, or take bus/taxi (10 minutes, £6-8 taxi). The Glider bus rapid transit stops near Titanic Belfast.

Is Belfast expensive?

Moderate. Cheaper than Dublin, London, or most Western European capitals. Budget £60-80/day for mid-range travel (meals, attractions, local transport). Accommodation £70-120/night mid-range. Attractions mostly £10-20. Pints £4-5.

Do people speak English in Belfast?

Yes, English is the primary language. You'll hear Northern Irish accents which can take a moment to attune to, but everyone speaks English. Some Irish (Gaelic) signage in nationalist areas and official buildings, but English is universal.

Can you use Euros in Belfast?

No, Belfast uses pound sterling (£) as it's part of the UK. Most places don't accept euros. Some shops near the border might, but at poor exchange rates. ATMs are widely available. Cards accepted everywhere.

Final Thoughts: Belfast Awaits

Belfast has come so far in recent decades that it's almost hard to believe. The city that once dominated news for all the wrong reasons now makes headlines for its tourism awards, Michelin stars, and cultural renaissance. But what hasn't changed is the warmth of Belfast people—we're genuinely proud of our city and love sharing it with visitors.

Yes, come for the Titanic and the murals—they're both unmissable. But also come to wander the Cathedral Quarter on a summer evening listening to live music spill from pub doors. Come to eat incredible food you didn't expect in Belfast. Come to hear locals tell stories that will make you laugh and occasionally make you cry. Come to discover that Belfast has this remarkable combination of gritty authenticity and emerging sophistication that few cities manage.

Most visitors tell me they wish they'd planned more time in Belfast. The city sneaks up on you. Don't just use it as a base for day trips (though it's perfect for that)—give Belfast itself the time it deserves. The Titanic took years to build, but you can experience its legacy and the fascinating city that created it in just a few days.

Ready to explore Belfast? Browse our Belfast tours or contact us for personalized recommendations based on your interests. Whether you're here for history, food, culture, or adventure, Belfast has something special waiting for you.

Céad Míle Fáilte—a hundred thousand welcomes to Belfast!