The Northern Irish capital of Belfast is a city that had a bit of a tourism renaissance in recent years, with visitor numbers climbing steadily thanks (in large part) to a certain fantasy series that made its surrounding beauty known to the world.

And honestly? They deserve it.

With some knockout attractions, tons of gorgeous day trip possibilities, and cozy pubs aplenty, Belfast has a lot to offer visitors… a fact that is finally now overshadowing the more troubled chapters of the city’s recent past. 

And for Game of Thrones fans? Oof – this is truly a dream destination. But more on that later.

So what is there to do in Belfast? Read on for a list of the top Belfast must-dos, from ornate Victorian pubs and epic museums to nerdy activities that will bring any GoT fan to tears.  I hope you find it helpful! 

1. Titanic Belfast

We’ll start with a big one – Belfast’s #1 attraction and actually the largest attraction of its kind in the world – Titanic Belfast.

This unique experience offers an immersive journey through the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, from its conception and construction in Belfast’s shipyards to its tragic sinking in 1912.

Designed to resemble four hulls of ships, the building itself is an architectural marvel, but step inside and you’ll find interactive exhibits, full-scale reconstructions, and multimedia presentations that bring the Titanic’s history to life. If you’re at all interested in Titanic history (or maritime history in general), this is definitely a Belfast must-do.

2. Explore more around the Titanic Quarter

Of course, there’s much more to see in this part of town than just Titanic Belfast…. especially given that they’ve built an entire waterfront development around it, aptly named the Titanic Quarter.

Located on the banks of the River Lagan, this is the very place where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched over a century ago. Today, the neighbourhood offers a vibrant mix of historic landmarks and modern attractions.

Highlights include…

• SS Nomadic: the world’s last remaining White Star Line ship, now beautifully restored and open to visitors, with displays about the part this ship played in the Titanic story.
• HMS Caroline: a decommissioned navy ship that served during WWI and was later used as a training ship is now a fascinating museum ship.
• Titanic Studios: the main studio used for filming Game of Thrones. You can’t go inside (don’t worry – there’s a whole GoT Studio Tour we’ll discuss later), but hey you never know who you might see around if something is being filmed while you’re in the area.

NOTE: If you plan to explore a lot around the Titanic Quarter, you can get a combo ticket like this one that includes entry to both the Titanic Experience and SS Nomadic.

3. Belfast City Hall

Located at Donegall Square, Belfast’s City Hall is another landmark that every visitor needs to see.

Completed in 1906, this grand building serves as the seat of Belfast City Council and is renowned for its exquisite Baroque Revival architecture, featuring a magnificent copper dome, ornate stonework, and elegant marble interiors.

As city hall, it’s no surprise that countless important events have taken place here, perhaps the most important being when the city was granted its municipal charter in 1888.

Today, visitors can explore the building’s stunning Great Hall, adorned with marble columns and stained glass windows, as well as its beautifully landscaped grounds, which include a memorial garden and statues commemorating key figures in Belfast’s history.

Or, better yet, book yourself on one of the many guided tours offered daily!

4. Crumlin Road Gaol

And for those who fancy a visit to prison, don’t forget to add the Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail) to your list.

Built in the mid-19th century, this Belfast jail-turned-museum once served as a site of incarceration for prisoners from all walks of life, including political dissidents, common criminals, and even children.

Its imposing Victorian architecture and somber atmosphere reflect the harsh realities of incarceration during its operational years… notably as a holding place for political prisoners during the Troubles.

Today, visitors can take a guided tour like this one of the inside, gaining insight into the lives of prisoners, the conditions they endured, and the role of the gaol in shaping Northern Ireland’s social and political landscape. Highlights include the condemned prisoner’s cell, the underground tunnel system, and the gallows where executions took place. If you’re looking for a darker Belfast activity, then this would definitely fit the bill!

5. Grab a pint in a cozy pub

As I mention in my Ireland travel tips post, one non-negotiable activity in any Irish city is a visit to a pub. Luckily, Belfast has many to choose from!

Touristy and popular as it may be, I loved visiting The Crown Liquor Saloon, a historic pub known for its ornate Victorian décor. I even managed to snag one of the coveted snugs, a little booth with its own door for privacy!

The Cathedral Quarter is also home to lots of great options – Commercial Court is an especially cute little street crammed with pubs (and people) but it makes for a great time. I enjoyed both the Duke of York and the Dark Horse here.

Or, for ease, you can book a food/pub tour like this one that brings you to a range of cool spots.

6. Visit the Cathedral Quarter

Named for St Anne’s Cathedral, which serves as the neighbourhood’s centerpiece, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is a dreamy piece of the city centre characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and bustling atmosphere.

Besides plenty of great pubs, this part of town is renowned for its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, music venues, and artisanal shops lining its streets.

Highlights include…

• Belfast Cathedral and Writer’s Square: Make sure you check out the beautiful cathedral itself, along with the square in front of it which features quotes from local writers inscribed on stone at different points.
• The Dark Horse Courtyard: I know I already mentioned the Dark Horse as a good pub, but if you’re not interested in drinking but are into street art, make sure you check out their little courtyard (if it’s open) which is crammed with awesome murals!
• Belfast Exposed Photography: If you’re into photography then this lovely little gallery focuses on local artists’ work with rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
• The Merchant Hotel: Even if you’re not staying here, it’s well worth popping in to see Ireland’s largest chandelier in the Great Room and have a cocktail in the cocktail bar.

7. St. George’s Market

Another fun must-do in Belfast is a visit to St George’s Market, where you can sample local cuisine until you implode, purchase artisan crafts, or just soak in the buzz of local life.

This covered market dates back to the 1890s, but there’s been a market on the site since at least 1604. It’s only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a different ‘theme’ for each day.

Friday is the variety market, when you can find a jumble of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, antiques, books, clothes, hot food, cakes, crafts and a large selection of fresh fish. This is also a great time to visit for lunch to sample the many delicious foods available.

On Saturday there’s a food, craft, and garden market, with specialty foods like meat and fish, cheese, coffee beans and tapas on offer, along with handmade crafts, flowers, plants, local photography, pottery, glass and metal work.

And the Sunday market is a combination of what’s available on Friday and Saturday, with the addition of antiques and more of a focus on crafts.

Regardless of the day you visit, there’s also usually live music as well, so the atmosphere is buzzing no matter when you go.

8. Murals of the Falls and Shankill Roads

Another unique must-see in Belfast? The Murals of the Falls and Shankill Roads.

Located in the heart of West Belfast, these murals initially emerged during the Troubles, a period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland, when murals were mostly painted by Irish Republicans to highlight issues or remember events – like the famous mural of Bobby Sands who died during the 1981 Irish hunger strike .

Today, murals continue to line the walls of buildings, depicting scenes of political strife, social justice, and cultural heritage, reminding visitors of Belfast’s troubled past and the ongoing quest for peace and justice.

Need some help finding the murals? You can book a taxi tour like this one that brings you to all the locations while providing a locals’ perspective to get some further context.

9. Ulster Museum

Situated in the city’s botanic gardens, the Ulster Museum is home to a rich and diverse collection spanning art, history, and science, with highlights including the collection of works by Sir John Lavery, a Belfast-born painter.

In addition to its art, the Ulster Museum is home to an extensive natural history collection, featuring everything from fossils and minerals to an Egyptian mummy named Takabuti, which has become a beloved exhibit over the years. The museum’s archaeology collection is also noteworthy, with treasures like the Bronze Age Ballynahatty gold hoard and the medieval Devenish crozier.

And, of course, there are regular temporary exhibitions that might be of interest, so it’s always worth checking to see what’s on when you’re in Belfast. After all, it’s completely free to visit!

10. Belfast Botanic Gardens

Of course, while visiting the Ulster Museum, you should also make sure to explore the city’s beautiful botanic gardens, home to gorgeous glasshouses, vibrant flowerbeds, lawns and tree-lined paths.

Established in 1828, the gardens cover 28 acres and are steeped in Victorian charm. One of the most iconic features of the Botanic Gardens is the Palm House Conservatory, a stunning cast-iron and glass structure that dates back to the mid-19th century. Designed by Charles Lanyon, it is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear glasshouse and houses an impressive collection of tropical plants.

Obscure glasshouse accolades aside, these gardens are just a lovely spot for a wander or picnic when the weather is nice, plus there are regular outdoor events in summer, including concerts, cultural festivals, and art displays.

11. Visit a smaller museum

Of course, besides the Ulster Museum, there are a number of smaller museums worth checking out in and around Belfast.

Some of the most popular picks include…

• Ulster Folk Museum: an open-air museum featuring 19th century buildings that shows what life was like for people in Northern Ireland in the past. It regularly hosts festivals with craft and trade workshops as well.
• Áras Uí Chonghaile (James Connolly Visitor Centre): a modern visitor centre that tells the story of James Connolly, an Irish republican, socialist, and trade union leader, who was executed for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising.
• Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum: a museum about the role Northern Ireland played in WWII, and the impact the war had on the people at home, including information about the Belfast Blitz.
• Museum at The Mill: a museum all about Mossley Mill and the people who worked there from the height of its linen production in the 1800s until it closed in 1996.
• Museum of Orange Heritage: an interactive museum is all about the history and traditions of the Orange Institution: a Protestant fraternal order which is most famous for its yearly marches in summer.

While a lot of Game of Thrones was filmed at Titanic Studios, or on location in places like Iceland and Croatia, much of it was also filmed at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, about a 40-minute drive from central Belfast. Today, this spot is the home of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, a must-visit for any GoT fan!

The studios were created on what was formerly a mill, hence the name, and after the 8th season of the series wrapped work began to turn Linen Mill Studios into a studio tour for fans to explore. It’s similar to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour in London in that you get to admire set recreations, ogle costumes and props from the show, and enjoy plenty of fun photo opportunities along the way.

Do be aware that you need to book tickets ahead of time, but if you won’t have a car during your trip or don’t want to mess around with public transport, there is also an option for a ticket with round-trip coach transfer included.

13. Glass of Thrones

Of course, that’s not all there is to do in Belfast for Game of Thrones nerds. Another highlight you’ll encounter in the city is ‘Glass of Thrones’, a cool attraction consisting of six gorgeous stained glass windows scattered around Belfast depicting iconic scenes/moments from the show.

Originally unveiled as part of promotional celebrations for GoT Season 8, the Glass of Thrones windows are each based on a different house or GoT icon, so imagine a window dedicated to the Starks, a window dedicated to the Lannisters, a White Walker window, and more.

So, be sure to follow the Glass of Thrones trail and check them out! They’re truly beautiful works of art (whether you’re into Game of Thrones or not).

You can read about locations and more in my full Glass of Thrones guide.

14. Stormont Estate

For a nice blend of history and recreation in Belfast head to Stormont Estate, a grand site that serves as both the seat of Northern Ireland’s government and a beautifully landscaped public park.

Spanning over 235 acres, the estate is dominated by the iconic Stormont Parliament Buildings, a striking neoclassical structure that houses the Northern Ireland Assembly. Beyond its political significance, Stormont Estate offers many recreational opportunities for visitors, with a series of scenic walking or cycling trails that meander through its vast woodlands and open spaces.

Among the highlights is the “Stormont Mile,” a picturesque, tree-lined, mile-long avenue that leads up to the Parliament Buildings from the main road. There’s even a weekly Stormont Park Run held here on Saturday mornings if you fancy going for a run during your time in Belfast! Or not, if you’re anything like me.

Of course, Stormont Estate is also home to several monuments and points of interest, including the impressive statue of Sir Edward Carson, a key figure in Northern Ireland’s history, along with the tomb of Viscount Craigavon, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. There’s even a Stormont Castle on the estate, although this is only open to visitors once a year on the European Heritage Open Day weekend.

15. Linen Hall Library

For my fellow nerds who love nosying through an old library, Belfast has a beautiful one: Linen Hall Library.

Established in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast and one of the last remaining subscription libraries in Ireland. The library’s origins are tied to Belfast’s history as a center of the linen trade, hence its name, but today it offers a diverse collection that spans centuries of literature, history, and political thought. One of the key attractions is its extraordinary collection of Irish and local history, including the world-renowned Northern Ireland Political Collection.

The building itself is quite grand, although the entrance is sandwiched in between two shops – one of which is Hotel Chocolat which is well worth a stop for chocaholics. There’s also a lovely café upstairs in the library where you can look out over Donegall Square and the Belfast City Hall while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

16. Catch a live performance

And for those in search of cultural things to do in Belfast, great news – you have a lot of options.

The arts scene in Belfast is varied and vibrant, with many cool venues to check out, including…

• Grand Opera House: an iconic venue that hosts an array of theatrical performances throughout the year.
• The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre): a contemporary arts venue hosting a wide range of performances, from comedy to dance, along with talks and workshops.
• Ulster Hall: a beautiful Victorian music hall that still hosts live music, from classical performances to pop concerts.
• Waterfront Hall: a modern entertainment hall that hosts mostly music and comedy shows.

17. Cave Hill

For sweeping views over Belfast, one of the best things to do is the hike up Cave Hill.

Rising to a height of over 1,200 feet, the hill is named after the five distinct caves that dot its slopes and has long been a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a panoramic view of Belfast.

One of the hill’s most iconic features is its striking silhouette, known locally as “Napoleon’s Nose,” which is said to resemble the profile of the famous French emperor. This distinct shape is thought to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s depiction of the sleeping giant in Gulliver’s Travels.

Cave Hill is additionally home to Belfast Castle, a beautiful 19th-century estate nestled on its lower slopes. There’s also the ancient McArt’s Fort located near the summit and Belfast Zoo at the foot of the hill.

18. Clifton House

If you’re at all into Georgian architecture and/or visiting museums that recreate the past, then a visit to Belfast’s Clifton House is another must-do.

Originally built in 1774 as the Belfast Poor House, this house ranks among the city’s oldest buildings. Established by the Belfast Charitable Society to provide shelter, food, and medical care to the city’s most vulnerable residents up until the 1880s, it was used as a hospital and nursing home for the following century.

Today, Clifton House is a heritage center with guided tours, while still serving as residential and sheltered housing. These tours bring to life the stories of the many people who passed through the Poor House, including orphaned children, elderly residents, and even political prisoners who were housed there during the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

19. Do a cool day trip

Finally, as cool as Belfast is, one of its greatest assets is its proximity to many other cool places.

If you have the time, make sure you add one of these classic day trips to your itinerary:

• Giant’s Causeway: This dramatic natural sight in one of the most famous in Northern Ireland. Most tours also include stops along the way to see other sights like the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle. Book this tour.
• Game of Thrones Tour: If you’re a GoT fan, and especially if your fave house was House Stark, then you won’t want to miss out on seeing the filming locations used to bring Winterfell to life, as well as other key moment from the series! Book this tour.
• Giant’s Causeway AND Game of Thrones Day Tour: And if you’re short on time then you can also combine a visit to the Giant’s Causeway with iconic filming locations from Game of Thrones. Book this tour.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Belfast?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Belfast activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂