21 Must Visit Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Belfast

Belfast is the national capital city of Northern Ireland. The name of the city means mouth of the sandbank ford, which is a reference to the confluence of rivers Lagan and Farset. The country where this city stands was granted city status in 1888 by Queen Victoria. It then flourished greatly in the 19th century as a port and held great significance during the Industrial Revolution. You will get to notice these elements of the city’s history at many of the places to visit in Belfast.

The city is also well known for its ship manufacturing history and is the birthplace of the famous Titanic ship. The well-known mighty ship that sank on its maiden voyage was built on the coast of this very city. In the itinerary section below, check Belfast tourist attractions of Day 2 and you will find several places associated with the Titanic. If you are further interested in the naval and ship-building history of the city, you can visit museums and recreated ships during Belfast sightseeing. You find several such places in the section after the itinerary.

Belfast has also faced darker times of social, political, and religious conflict and civil unrest. These darker parts of the city’s history are depicted in the form of murals and street art on many walls, which were once built due to the conflicts that they depict. If you want to get a deeper perspective on the history of Belfast, you should begin your exploration with Belfast City Museum. This will help you get an insightful perspective on the rest of the Belfast attractions you visit.

The city is also well known for its culture, nightlife, and Belfast beaches. Even in terms of outdoor adventure and nature exploration, there are numerous fun things to do in Belfast. The city and its locations have been depicted in several popular media, including the famous TV show Game of Thrones. People love to explore these places which are scattered in and around the city. The Game of Thrones tour is in fact among the top things to do in Belfast.

3 Days Trip Itinerary To See The Best Tourist Attractions of Belfast

This section explores some of the best places to visit in Belfast in a span of 3 days.

Day 1

1. Queen’s University

This is one of the lesser known Belfast tourist attractions, but is an important part of the city’s history and culture. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture which blends old styles with new. You will need about an hour to explore this university.

2. Belfast Botanic Gardens & Palm House

The botanical gardens houses several species of plants and trees. It is among the top things to do in Belfast for families. The garden will require an hour to explore these gardens.

3. Ulster Museum

This museum has a plethora of exhibits from different periods of time. In the same venue you can also explore contemporary fine arts and applied arts. It is one of the most interesting Belfast attractions as you get to explore so much in a single venue. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

4. Falls Road

This wall is a remnant of the 20th century division between protestants and catholics in the country. The wall is now known for social and political themed murals. It is an integral part of Belfast sightseeing. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes for Falls Road.

5. Shankill Road

The murals in this road again tells the story of political and religious conflicts and the subsequent healing of the city. The murals and street art are among the most interesting things to see in Belfast and you can find plenty of these on this road. This street will require 30 to 45 minutes of your time.

6. Crumlin Road Gaol / HMP Belfast

This 19th century prison is a place with a painful history. It is among the most significant historically significant places to go in Belfast. It will take you about an hour to explore this prison and its history.

Day 2

1. Belfast Castle

Sitting atop the Cave Hill, this castle has been around since the 12th century and is surrounded by a few superstitions and local legends. It is among the most popular places to see in Belfast for its history, legends, architecture and location. You will need about an hour to explore it.

2. St. Anne’s Cathedral

This cathedral is known for its romanesque style of architecture and is considered one of the most important parts of the city’s heritage. It is hence among culturally significant places to visit in Belfast. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this cathedral.

3. Northern Ireland War Memorial

This memorial is dedicated to those who fought for Ireland in the second world war. You can take a couple of minutes to pay your respects and learn about their stories.

4. Albert Memorial Clock Tower

This clock was designed by Fred Heatley and is dedicated to Prince Albert. It is one of the most iconic landmarks to witness among Belfast tourist attractions. Though you won’t need more than a couple of minutes to admire it and click pictures.

5. Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Shopping is among top things to do in Belfast and this is the top place to do it. This huge complex is popular for leisure, entertainment, dining, and nightlife as well. You will need about an hour for this Victoria Square.

6. Titanic Belfast

This museum is dedicated to iconic Titanic ship and its story. The building housing this museum is also an architectural marvel to admire among things to see in Belfast. You will truly see Titanic come to life at this place and you can easily enjoy a couple of hours exploring here.

7. SS Nomadic

Closely linked with the story of Titanic is SS Nomadic which ferried passengers from the docks to the ship as Titanic was too large to be docked at the port. You can explore this restored ship and see it as it was in its glory days. It will take you an hour or so to explore it.

8. Titanic’s Dock & Pump House

Another one of Belfast’s attractions associated with the Titanic. This is where the Titanic was built. Exploring the to-scale model of the ship is among the best things to do in Belfast. You will need about an hour to explore the docks and the pump house.

Day 3

1. Stormont Parliament Buildings

This building has a deep symbolic association with the country. The six stories and six pillars of this building represent the counties of Northern Ireland. You will not need more than 30 to 45 minutes to explore this building as only a few parts of the buildings are accessible for visitors.

2. Waterfront Hall

This is the venue for several events and conferences in the city. It is famous for playing host to several famous people and brands from different fields. You will need about half an hour to explore it.

3. St. George’s Market

This indoor market will let you peak into the lives of Belfast’s residents. The market changes form each day of the week and is also a great place for souvenir shopping when food and handicrafts is the theme of the day. You will need about an hour to explore this market.

4. St. Malachy’s Church

This is the oldest catholic church in the city is greatly admired for its Tudor Revial architecture. It looks simple from outside but from inside, it is quite picturesque venue among places to see in Belfast.

5. City Hall

The city hall building is included among the most wonderful architecture buildings in the city. It also houses a memorial dedicated to the passengers of the Titanic. You will need about an hour here.

6. Grand Opera House

This theatre is among the most important cultural places to go in Belfast. It is considered to be the premier theatre of the country and still hosts several events and performances. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

7. Crown Liquor Saloon

This victorian themed saloon is very popular for its period decor. You will feel transported back in time at this place and is among must visit places during Belfast travel. Keep an hours time to enjoy the bar.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Belfast, check out the section below.

Things to do in Belfast

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Belfast

1. Titanic Belfast
2. Ulster Museum
3. Belfast City Museum
4. Belfast Castle
5. Crumlin Road Gaol
6. Carrickfergus Castle
7. Ulster Folk Museum
8. Mount Stewart House
9. Saint Anne’s Cathedral
10. SS Nomadic
11. Grand Opera House
12. HMS Caroline
13. Cavehill
14. Parliament Buildings
15. Albert Memorial Clock
16. Ulster Hall
17. National Museums Northern Ireland
18. Linen Hall Library
19. Golden Thread Gallery
20. Irish Linen Center & Lisburn Museum
21. Belfast Exposed Photography
22. Scrabo Tower
23. Titanics’s Dock and Pump House
24. Helen’s Tower
25. Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
26. Ormeau Baths Gallery
27. Catalyst Arts Gallery
28. Irish Republican History Museum
29. Crescent Arts Center
30. Knockagh Monument
31. Clonard Monastery
32. Culturlann McAdam Fiaich
33. Museum of Orange Heritage
34. Fenderesky Gallery
35. St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
36. Island Arts Center
37. St. Malachy’s Church
38. Eakin Gallery
39. Sentry Hill Historic House
40. Patterson’s Spade Mill
41. Stormont Castle
42. Discover Ulster’s Scott Center
43. Ballintoy Harbour
44. Queen’s University

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Belfast

1. Cave Hill Country Park
2. Giant’s Ring
3. Divis Peak
4. Black Mountain
5. Barnett Demesne Trails
6. Belfast Lough
7. Belvoir Park Forest
8. Redburn Country Park
9. Minnowburn
10. Comber Greenway
11. Lagan Meadows
12. Kiltonga Nature Reserve
13. Carnmoney Hill Nature Reserve
14. Dark Hedges
15. Giant’s Causeway

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Belfast

1. Game of Thrones Tour
2. Giant Tours
3. Direwolf Tours
4. Botanic Gardens
5. Belfast Zoo
6. Titanic Quarter
7. The Crown Liquor Saloon
8. Waterfront Hall
9. W5
10. The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
11. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
12. Let’s Go Hydro
13. Ormeau Park
14. We are Vertigo
15. Streamvale Farm
16. Victoria Park
17. Dundonald International Ice Bowl
18. Jordanstown Loughshore Park
19. Lagan Valley Leisure Plex
20. Hazelbank Park
21. Colin Glen
22. Lagan Towpath
23. Wallace Park
24. Musgrave Park
25. The Tropical Ravine
26. Woodvale Park

Shopping in Belfast

1. St. George’s Market
2. Victoria Square
3. Castle Court Shopping Center

Beaches in Belfast

1. Belfast Lough
2. Helen’s Bay
3. Crawfordsburn Beach
4. Murlough Beach
5. Ballywalter Beach
6. Tyrella’s Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Belfast

1. Hiking
2. Adventure Park

Sightseeing in Belfast

1. The MAC
2. The Big Fish Statue
3. CS Lewis Square
4. Peace Wall Belfast
5. Albert Bridge
6. Samson and & Goliath Cranes
7. Whites Tavern
8. Great Victoria Street
9. Bobby Sands Mural
10. Beacon of Hope Sculpture

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Belfast

1. Molly’s Yard
2. The Muddler’s Club
3. Hadskis
4. Coppi
5. Made in Belfast
6. The Ginger Bistro
7. Mourne Seafood Bar
8. James Street South Restaurant
9. Coco
10. Belfast Baking Company
11. The Barking Dog
12. General Merchants
13. Deanes at Queens
14. Granny Annies
15. House of Zen
16. Duke of York
17. Permit Room
18. Ulster Fry
19. James Street South
20. Cafe Parisien

How to Reach Belfast?

By Air

The easiest option for Belfast travel is George Best Belfast City Airport. You can get direct flights to the city from several places in Europe including London, Southampton, Alicante, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Barcelona, and so on. You can also opt for Belfast International Airport where you get more options of incoming flights from several cities in Europe. You can get direct flights to visit Belfast from Barcelona, Alicante, London, Berlin, Geneva, Faro, Liverpool, Krakow, Newcastle, Palma, Paris, Rome, Venice, Vienna and so on.

You can get the metro, bus, and cabs to reach places to visit in Belfast from the airport.

By Road

You can get trains and buses to reach Belfast from several destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. There are also trains connecting the city with cities in the UK. You will find more options for bus transit for cities in the UK to visit Belfast.

If you plan to travel by road, pick between routes M1, M2, and M22 depending on your journey origin.

By Water

You can get boats and ferries for Belfast travel from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Liverpool and so on. There are also boat and train combined packages to reach Belfast which can be availed from cities in the UK.

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Image Reference

• Queen’s University – William Murphy / Flickr
• Belfast Botanic Gardens & Palm House – Lee Osborne / PixaBay
• Ulster Museum – Reading Tom / Flickr
• Falls Road – Celeste Damiani / Flickr
• Shankill Road – thomasfyoung / Flickr
• Crumlin Road Gaol / HMP Belfast – Keith Ruffles / Wikimedia Commons
• Belfast Castle – Enda McLarnon / PixaBay
• St Anne’s Cathedral – William Murphy / Flickr
• Northern Ireland War Memorial –
• Albert Memorial Clock Tower – William Murphy / Flickr
• Victoria Square Shopping Centre – William Murphy / Flickr
• Titanic Belfast – Nico Kaiser / Flickr
• SS Nomadic – Nico Kaiser / Flickr
• Titanic’s Dock and Pump House – lizsmith / Flickr
• Stormont Parliament Buildings – Jordi Gabarró Llop / Flickr
• Waterfront Hall – William Murphy / Flickr
• St. George’s Market – Paul Wilkinson / Flickr
• St. Malachy’s Church – William Murphy / Flickr
• City Hall – Macnolete / Flickr
• Grand Opera House – Reading Tom / Flickr
• Crown Liquor Saloon – Matt Kieffer / Flickr