Things to do & places to visit in Belfast, United Kingdom

With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energizing getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theaters.

Belfast #17 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.49 based on 65.2k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 11:26.

Belfast Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

56°F - 45°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

27%

Chance of rain

86.0 millimeters

Amount

16.6 mph

Wind speed

81%

Humidity

16.0

Daylight length

5:19 AM

Sunrise

9:21 PM

Sunset

42%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (26)

Upcoming events in Belfast 3

Date	Event	Location	Price	Category
Fri May 31 2024 at 08:00 pm to 11:00 pm (GMT+01:00)	Michael McIntyre Live in Belfast	Belfast		Literary Art
Sat Jun 01 2024 at 05:30 pm to 09:30 pm (GMT+00:00)	Michael McIntyre Live in Belfast	Belfast		Literary Art
Fri Jun 28 2024 at 09:00 pm to Sat Jun 29 2024 at 02:00 am (GMT+01:00)	BELFAST MUSICAL THEATRE RAVE LAUNCH 24	Belfast	Starts at GBP 10	Theatre

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 HMS Caroline (745 reviews)
- Dad and daughter trip
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Much of HMS Caroline has undergone extensive restoration to her 1916 appearance from the Battle of Jutland. Visitors can discover a wide range of historic spaces, including the Captain's Cabin, Royal Marines Mess, and Seamen's Wash as well as the very important engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen. During their visit, visitors will discover the importance of the Battle of Jutland, learning what life at sea was like the over three hundred crew who served on board HMS Caroline during 1916. Visit the Torpedo School and explore the role of naval weaponry; peruse the Virtual Access Suite a contemporary, comfortable space where all visitors can explore the ship; Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the Mess Deck Cafe, and finally visit the Gift Shop, to bring home a reminder of your visit to HMS Caroline. See more..
5.0 Irish FA Tours (354 reviews)
- Highly recommend
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Arenas & Stadiums

Tour the iconic stadium and relive some of Northern Ireland's most iconic football history at the Irish FA's Education and Heritage Centre. See more..
5.0 Windsor Park (81 reviews)
- Brilliant tour
Wednesday: Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Arenas & Stadiums

Whether you Love or tolerate football you'll love the stadium tour of winsor park. A real behind the scenes tour packed with history and fun. Great interactive activities in the museum part and access all areas. 7 year old loved it and so did I!! Brilliant tour guides, Gary and Whitie, they love the team and it shows. They engaged with everyone and were great with all the kids on the tour. Brilliant banter too! Tour is well worth the cost and very reasonably priced, highly recommend it, we already want to go back! See more..
5.0 Clifton House (60 reviews)
- An excellent way to spend a Sunday morning
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, it was used until 1882 as the Poor House. Today it is operated as a heritage and conference centre. Come on a tour and hear tales about Belfast's original Poor House as your guide takes you through the interesting, and at times turbulent, history of the Belfast Charitable Society as you walk in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families and the poor who sought refuge in its walls. Experience the Poor House Augmented Reality Tours every weekend at 11am. Mary Ann McCracken's Belfast Walking Tour Fridays at 2pm. Booking essential- please visit our website for the most up to date tour information and to book: cliftonbelfast.com Free car parking on site. See more..
5.0 HMS Caroline (745 reviews)
- Dad and daughter trip
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Much of HMS Caroline has undergone extensive restoration to her 1916 appearance from the Battle of Jutland. Visitors can discover a wide range of historic spaces, including the Captain's Cabin, Royal Marines Mess, and Seamen's Wash as well as the very important engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen. During their visit, visitors will discover the importance of the Battle of Jutland, learning what life at sea was like the over three hundred crew who served on board HMS Caroline during 1916. Visit the Torpedo School and explore the role of naval weaponry; peruse the Virtual Access Suite a contemporary, comfortable space where all visitors can explore the ship; Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the Mess Deck Cafe, and finally visit the Gift Shop, to bring home a reminder of your visit to HMS Caroline. See more..
4.5 Titanic Belfast (25.5k reviews) from $30.35
- Solo visit
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Titanic Belfast visitor attraction extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre. See more..
4.5 Crumlin Road Gaol (9.073 reviews)
- A Very Good Museum
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 3:15 PM Historic Sites

The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed it's doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. Today you can take a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site from when women and children were held within it's walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.During the tour of the gaol you will be taken by your tour guide to visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, you will get a chance to sit in the Governor's chair, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned mans cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were hanged. See more..
4.5 City Hall (4.772 reviews)
- What a beautiful building
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

At the centre of Donegall Square proudly stands City Hall; the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. City Hall is open to the public 7 days a week. It is a multi-purpose venue hosting a large number of events in its large functions rooms or outdoors on the beautiful lawns. Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Guests can relax and refresh in the Bobbin Coffee Shop or pick up souvenirs in the Gift Shop. A 16 room visitor exhibition explores the history of the city through themed and interactive displays. City Hall grounds are the primary green space in Belfast City Centre and host continental markets and open air concerts. The grounds feature a number of statues and memorials relating to Belfast’s leading figures and historic past, including the Titanic Memorial Garden. See more..
4.5 Ulster Museum (3.703 reviews)
- Very well presented museum
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Housed in an iconic building in the beautiful surroundings of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is a place of awe and wonder; a place with open doors for open minds. Uniquely, it is a resource that locates Ulster's shared and contested past within the broader context of the museum's multidisciplinary Art, History and Natural Sciences collections; offering new perspectives and complementary prisms on the wider world. Free to enter, the museum is a welcoming and inspiring destination for locals and tourists alike. See more..
4.5 SS Nomadic (3.314 reviews) from $30.35
- SS Nomadic
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The SS Nomadic is known as Titanic's little sister. Built at the same time, by the same people, in the same Harland and Wolff shipyard as Titanic, Nomadic brought those boarding the great liner at Cherbourg to the ship. That was the start of an adventurous life, as she played a part in WW One and Two, carried many famous people to the great trans-Atlantic liners, became a floating restaurant in Paris and was saved from being scrapped by the people of Belfast.Now completely refurbished as a visitor attraction, you can walk in the footsteps of history, learn her story, and become part of the new chapter of her dramatic existence. See more..
4.5 Botanic Gardens (1.930 reviews)
- Well Maintained Gardens
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM Gardens

We would have liked to spend a lot more time here, but very much enjoyed our quick visit. There is a very well preserved 19th century palm house. We also walked through the Tropical Ravine house. It was full of interest, free to enter and certainly warmed us up on a chilly November day in Belfast. See more..
4.5 St. George's Market (1.687 reviews)
- A Great Sampling of Belfast Culture!
Wednesday: Flea & Street Markets

At the time of our visit, St. George's Market is only open on the weekends. But, it is bustling with energy and filled with goods from a wide variety of artisans. Whether you are seeking fresh seafood, jewelry, paintings by local artists, handcrafts, or a sampling of the local cuisine, you will find a bit of it all here. The Market is well worth a visit and one could easily spend a couple of hours just browsing through the many vendor booths. Be sure to bring cash, though, because some merchants are not set up to accept credit/debit cards. See more..
4.5 Grand Opera House (1.295 reviews)
- Book a tour - if you can
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Theaters

The Grand Opera House in Belfast is Northern Ireland's premier theatre, presenting a range of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, pantomime, family and West End shows. Established in 1895, the theatre boasts the majestic Victorian main auditorium designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. See more..
4.5 Peace Wall (1.218 reviews)
- Wow
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We drove past the peace wall a couple of times on the hop on hop off bus and the information given by the tour guides was highly educational. Just driving past the wall and through the gates you can feel the changes that took place. Eye opening and very educational. See more..
4.5 Parliament Buildings (1.204 reviews)
- Must do !
Historic Sites • Government Buildings

We last did a tour of the parliament buildings 4 years ago and decided to do it again whilst visiting Belfast. The guide was Micky, who was our guide last time. Micky displayed a fantastic knowledge of the history of Ireland linked with the history of Scotland where cross overs occured. His stories were delivered in an interesting, informative manner with lots of humour thrown in. He kept the groups attention throughout. A fantastic experience and well worth a visit. Thanks Micky ! See more..
4.5 W5 (1.196 reviews)
- The Dark - a scarily fun experience!
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

W5 is an interactive science and discovery centre with over 250 world-class exhibits, 8 interactive zone, daily science shows and much more. See more..
4.5 Falls Road (959 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A sad but important part of our history. The artwork really helps understand the politics. Easy to walk around and see lots of murals. The dividing wall and gates between the communities is still there and a stark reminder of events. See more..
4.5 Cathedral Quarter (903 reviews)
- Stroll the Cobbled Streets
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Posh, upscale neighborhood lined with glass and chrome buildings, cafes and wine bars. See more..
4.5 Visit Belfast (728 reviews)
- First stop for information and help
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Contact the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre for visitor information, tour and event tickets, maps and local souvenirs, and travel advice for your trip to Belfast and beyond. Services provided: Tourist information tickets for tours and events, gift shop, left luggage and Wi-Fi. See more..
4.5 Queen's University (641 reviews)
- Beautiful
Architectural Buildings • Educational sites

Belfast's largest university is well known for its beautiful campus. See more..
4.5 Stena Superfast VIII (487 reviews)
- friendly and efficient
Ferries

We had to travel at fairly short notice because our daughter who lives in Yorkshire had broken both her ankles. Booking was easy, despite the complication of different numbers of people in the car and different requirements there and back. The terminals were tidy and clean, and boarding and disembarkation were quick and painless on both legs of the trip. Staff, especially Gillian, were really helpful when we had wheelchair accessibility issues on the return journey. The ship is clean, bright and modern. Although we're normally sceptical about the quality of catering on the move, the food in "Taste" looked and smelled so good on our outward journey that we tried a meal on the way home, and it didn't disappoint. The convenience of access to the Belfast port doesn't quite compensate for the relative remoteness of Cairnryan, but when you balance cost and quality of service against a couple of extra hours on the road, it still works out as a good option. See more..
4.5 Cave Hill Country Park (484 reviews)
- Cave Hill Belfast
Parks

Great adventure walking up to the top Cave Hill Country Park on a nice dry October weekend. We walked from the Belfast Zoo path which took us up winding & zigzagging woodland paths until you reach the grassy top area. The paths also range from light gradient to very steep which makes the adventure more of a work out, plus I highly recommend wearing hiking boots and not trainers as the paths a mostly muddy tracks. The views from the top of Cave Hill are tremendous and give a complete panoramic view of not only Belfast City below but you can also clearly see areas like Carrickfergus, Bangor and even Newtownards from the top as well as views of what I suspect is Slemish and also the nearby Black Hill. Highly recommend a visit for anyone visiting Northern Ireland or Belfast on their holidays but make sure you are fit enough or it will be a struggle. See more..
4.5 Streamvale Open Farm (441 reviews)
- Day at the farm
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

Open every day from the 17th of March until 4th of November 2018. We are not just a farm but a fantastic family experience with many opportunities for children and parents to learn and play together. Our staff are always on hand to make sure you and your family have a fantastic day out and we all hope to see you soon! We try to make sure that the kids get a real hands on experience with our animals, letting them handle and feed them with our staff. We also have many different play areas for the kids to make sure they have as much fun as possible. We opened our new farm themed Play Village last year, this state of the art play center encourages children to learn and develop through role play. It is super fun and includes a milking parlour, farm shop and and vet's clinic to name a few. This year we have new alpacas and free tractor and barrel rides for everyone! Families typically spend around 3 hours with us and students are very welcome! Our pups are a big hit! See more..
4.5 MAC (353 reviews)
- Following in the footsteps
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

We're the MAC, Belfast's new arts venue. We select, create and mix up music, theatre, dance and art - bringing you the very best of local and international talent, all under one roof. Our world-class building is situated in the heart of Belfast's bustling Cathedral Quarter, right behind Saint Anne's Cathedral. We are home to international art exhibitions, the very best in live theatre, experimental works and all manner of weird and wonderful goings-on. One visit and you'll discover that the MAC has something for all ages and interests. We hope you love our building as much as we do. See more..
4.5 St. Malachy's Church (343 reviews)
- Superb building and enjoyed Sunday mass
Wednesday: 6:45 AM - 5:30 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Attended mass at St Malachy’s on Sunday 8th March at 11.30, first communion class took part. Priest gave a lovely sermon. Chapel is kept so well and beautiful flowers. The architecture is outstanding. See more..
4.5 Lyric Theatre (326 reviews)
- Excellent performance and venue!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Theaters

The Lyric Theatre is Northern Ireland's full-time producing theatre. The new theatre opened in May 2011 to great critical acclaim. The award winning building is built in traditional Belfast red brick, glass and iroko wood and the cafe bar offer beautiful views over the River Lagan and Stranmillis Embankment. The theatre is open seven days a week with performances usually running in the evenings from Tuesday through to Saturday and matinees on Saturday and Sundays. Contact our box office for more details or check online under "What's On". Our cafe serves coffee/tea and light lunches and is open every day. As well theatrical productions, we also offer backstage tours, a programme of theatre school and professional learning and corporate hospitality. Free Wifi is availble See more..
4.5 Linen Hall Library (275 reviews)
- A nice morning spent browsing this interesting building
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums • Libraries

Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast, a cultural centre with world-renowned collections and an accredited museum! It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collection, ranging from comprehensive holdings of Early Belfast and Ulster printed books to the 350,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection, the definitive archive of the recent ‘Troubles’. The Library is free to enter and enjoy, and is housed in a stunning Victorian former linen warehouse in the picturesque Donegall Square, across from Belfast City Hall. See more..
4.5 Titanic Belfast (25.5k reviews) from $30.35
- Solo visit
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Titanic Belfast visitor attraction extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre. See more..
4.5 Crumlin Road Gaol (9.073 reviews)
- A Very Good Museum
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 3:15 PM Historic Sites

The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed it's doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. Today you can take a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site from when women and children were held within it's walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.During the tour of the gaol you will be taken by your tour guide to visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, you will get a chance to sit in the Governor's chair, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned mans cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were hanged. See more..
4.5 City Hall (4.772 reviews)
- What a beautiful building
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

At the centre of Donegall Square proudly stands City Hall; the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. City Hall is open to the public 7 days a week. It is a multi-purpose venue hosting a large number of events in its large functions rooms or outdoors on the beautiful lawns. Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Guests can relax and refresh in the Bobbin Coffee Shop or pick up souvenirs in the Gift Shop. A 16 room visitor exhibition explores the history of the city through themed and interactive displays. City Hall grounds are the primary green space in Belfast City Centre and host continental markets and open air concerts. The grounds feature a number of statues and memorials relating to Belfast’s leading figures and historic past, including the Titanic Memorial Garden. See more..