Things to do in Belfast
Published on: 23/04/24
Belfast, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Belfast Cathedral, steeped in centuries of history, or wander through the ruins of the medieval Belfast Castle.
Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Ulster Museum showcasing both contemporary and historic artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the nearby Giant's Causeway provides opportunities for hiking, exploring unique geological formations, and taking in breathtaking coastal views. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional Irish pubs serving hearty meals to modern eateries offering innovative cuisine.
And no visit to Belfast would be complete without experiencing its renowned music scene; catch a live performance at iconic venues like the Ulster Hall or the SSE Arena Belfast. Whether exploring its rich history, enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its vibrant music culture, Belfast promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Fun Activities
If you’re looking for a really active activity, get yourself down to We Are Vertigo, one of Europe’s largest indoor trampoline parks, which is right in the centre of town. Whatever your age or level of fitness, you can have a go on one of their massive trampoline rooms, as the activity is gentle on the joints.
They even have dedicated autism-friendly sessions and welcome big groups bookings too. As well as this you also have a hugh list of activities and days out all over Belfast which include Canoeing & Kayaking, Escape Rooms, Laser Tag, Go Karting and much more.
Eating Out
If you’re one of those people that can never decide where to eat out on holiday, Belfast Taste & Tour Food & Drink Tours are the perfect choice for you. The guides take you all over Belfast to visit the top food and drink places, where you’ll enjoy over 25 different dishes over four hours.
For something fancier, you can dine at the Michelin-starred Eipic, which offers tasting menus from £40. There also a growing independent restaurant scene in the Ballyhackamore area, with hidden gems like Graze.
Culture Vulture
The fateful ocean liner the Titanic was built in Belfast, and they’ve truly paid homage to her tragic story with the impressive Titanic Belfast Museum. You learn everything about the famous ship, from her construction to the myths and legends that surrounded her sinking and can even eat the exact nine-course meal that was the last one served on board.
Other key parts of history in Belfast can be explored by looking at the amazing murals dotted throughout the West of the city, either with a guide or on a self-guided tour (the former is highly recommended to get a real understanding of the stories behind the images).
After Dark
For a real feel for Belfast’s history, order a drink at Kelly’s Cellars, which has kept most of its original features from when it was built in 1720 and serves pints of Guinness to wash down the traditional beef stew.
The eye-popping décor in former gin palace the Crown Liquor Saloon has been sympathetically restored and the pub is now owned by the National Trust, so pop in for a visual feast to go with your real ale. If you’re looking to go where the lively action is, head to the Cathedral Quarter and choose from a variety of theatre and live music performances.
Something a bit different…
Have you ever wanted to wander around a museum without all the crowds? You can have a unique ‘Night at the Museum’ experience at Ulster Museum, which hosts sleepovers! They also take you around the collections in the dark, which gives a whole different spin to the dinosaur skeletons and preserved Egyptian mummies on display.
We hope that you enjoyed reading our article Things to do in Belfast, so get planning your trip to Belfast now, and we’re sure you’ll find it lives up to the hype!