A visit to Belfast is not complete without a few drinks! Embark on a pub crawl with Wee Toast Tours and drink your way around the top bars in Belfast.
One of the most popular family-friendly activities in Belfast is The Gruffalo Trail. You’ll find the characters from the book brought to life as sculptures along the forest trail.
Titanic Belfast
Designed by prolific Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham, this magnificent building hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Its exterior is instantly recognizable thanks to the two yellow cranes that stand tall above the Titanic Quarter. Inside, the magnificent Victorian auditorium will catch your eye. If you plan on visiting both Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic, an online ticket purchase allows entry to both for one price.
A short walk from Titanic Belfast is the historic Harland & Wolff shipyard headquarters. The museum offers visitors a chance to see the actual slipways where Titanic and many other famous ships launched. You can also tour the SS Nomadic, the original tender vessel to Titanic that was built alongside the White Star liner in 1911.
For some retail therapy, Victoria Square is the place to be. This shopping mall is home to a number of well-known brands including Mango, Urban Outfitters, Pull & Bear, Reiss, Flannels, and Ireland’s only Apple Store. For more outdoor activities, you can take a stroll in Belfast Botanical Gardens which is home to exotic plants and the stunning Palm House. For a more challenging hike, visit Cave Hill, a basaltic hill that offers spectacular views of the city (you can even see as far as the Mourne Mountains on a clear day).
The Titanic Experience
Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to the legendary ocean liner. Guests are transported back in time to 1912 and can walk through the 10 galleries that tell the story of the ship’s tragic maiden voyage.
The exhibits are very moving and informative, from the ship’s three different classes of cabins to a life-sized version of the Grand Staircase. Guests can also learn about the people who lived aboard the ship, and listen to testimonies of survivors on a dynamic audio guide.
It is also possible to visit the original slipways where the Titanic and Olympic were built. A walkway from the Titanic Experience leads to these slipways, as well as the SS Nomadic.
The Titanic Experience is located right in the heart of Belfast’s historic shipyards. Several hotels are located nearby, including the easyHotel (a budget option with no-frills rooms), and Rose Holiday Home (a self-catering option with themed rooms). The Odyssey arena is a short 33 minute walk away, home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. It is a great location to watch concerts and other big events.
Dundonald Ice Rink
One of the more unique things to do in Belfast, the Dundonald Ice Rink is a fun-filled activity that’s great for kids and adults alike. Skate on the ice rink, or have a go at bowling in their 30-lane alley. The kids will love Indiana Land, a special play area with tunnels, rope bridges and a vertical slide.
For a unique night out, join a Black Cab Tour. These tours will take you around Belfast’s different areas, giving you a fascinating insight into the city’s history.
Alternatively, visit the SSE Arena to watch the Belfast Giants play their home games in the UK’s elite Ice Hockey League. This is a must-see for any sports fan.
Belfast City Hall
There’s more to do in Belfast than meets the eye and you can experience many of them a stone’s throw from City Hall. For example, the Grand Opera House is a popular theatre venue where legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Luciano Pavarotti have performed over the years. Jump on a heritage tour to learn more about its history.
The iconic building is located in Donegall Square and was built in 1906. Inside you can register births, deaths and marriages as well as take a guided tour. It’s also a prime spot for viewing public art.
A short stroll away from the City Hall is the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The lush park is home to a rose garden, long herbaceous borders and some rare oak trees including the exotic hornbeam-leafed one.
If you’re a fan of rugby then a trip to watch the Ulster Rugby team is a must. Ireland is famous for its world-class rugby and the Belfast Giants are no exception. They play in the SSE Arena and their matches are some of the best things to do on a day out in Belfast.
The Belfast Gaol
One of the most popular things to do in Belfast is to take a stroll through the beautiful Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. This sprawling park is home to meadows, thickets, woodlands, and gardens. It’s also a great place for jogging, dog walking, or simply relaxing.
Another must-see attraction in Belfast is the Crumlin Road Gaol. This former prison was built in 1845 and closed in 1996. It’s considered one of the most haunted places in Ireland and is a hit with ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. The Gaol offers a self-guided tour that lets you learn about the daily lives of prisoners and staff during its 150-year history. You’ll also be able to explore the Tunnel, Historic Holding Cells, and the Gaol Circle.
The Ulster Museum is a cultural hub that offers something for everyone. It has an incredible collection of art, archaeology, and ethnography from all over the world. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Belfast.
