When it comes to the best things to do in Belfast, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In an enchanting city that has something for everyone, you can enjoy a fun-filled family holiday just as much as a weekend away with friends. From romantic walks and beautiful gardens to crazy golf and historical museums, Belfast has the lot!
Read on to find out more about this great city and get your holiday underway in style.
Best things to do in Belfast: Day trips
Giant’s Causeway
If you’re looking at what the surroundings of Belfast have to offer, the Giant’s Causeway should be top of your list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this popular tourist attraction boasts a series of geometric basalt columns that create a road-type structure leading into the sea. The true wonder of this attraction is that it looks more like a man-made design than a natural phenomenon. Irish folklore has it that the Giant’s Causeway was created once upon a time by the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill after his battle against the Scottish giant Benandonner.
You can reach this popular tourist destination in just over an hour by car, and there is a car park at the visitors’ centre. If you’re visiting during peak season, you might want to consider driving to the nearby town of Bushmills, where there is a park and ride service to the attraction. Alternatively, the 221 Bus also brings you from the centre of Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway in approximately 1h 30min.
Best things to do in Belfast with children
Belfast Zoo
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Belfast with your children, a sure-fire way to impress them is to take them to the zoo. With over 120 species from all around the globe, your kids (and you) will love what Belfast Zoological Gardens has to offer. From giraffes and lions to penguins and pandas, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about a range of species and their habitats. It’s also a great way to educate your kids about the importance of conservation and how the future of many of the species is in our hands.
For those that want to learn more about the individual species, there is an audio tour which tells you everything you need to know about the animals that call Belfast Zoo their home. From Belfast city centre, it’s about a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus journey to the zoo, so it’s a quick and convenient trip to take if you’ve got eager kids with you.
The Lost City Adventure Golf
The Lost City Adventure Golf park is also one of the best things to do in Belfast with children. Boasting two indoor jungle-themed courses with a range of interactive obstacles, it makes for a fun-filled day out for all ages. Competing against simulated thunderstorms and a variety of moving walls, your family will enjoy a great day seeing who can hold their nerve to the 18th hole.
A great activity all year round, the park comes into its own during adverse weather as it gives you somewhere to shelter for a few hours. There’s a selection of food and drink on offer at the park, so you’ll be able to keep the little ones well-fed throughout. Located centrally in Belfast, you can get to The Lost City Adventure Golf Park in about 15 minutes on foot from popular attractions such as St Anne’s Cathedral.
Best things to do in Belfast this weekend
Cathedral Quarter
A trip to the Cathedral Quarter is always one of the best things to do in Belfast. A posh, upmarket neighbourhood that is lined with impressive buildings, cafes and restaurants, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. Add to that a visit to the impressive St Anne’s Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century, and you’ll have an itinerary to be envious of. If you’re with kids, you can also take a trip to the nearby Cathedral Gardens which has a play park for them to enjoy.
Check out the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, which offers exhibitions that look back at life in the city during the Second World War. Then go shopping at one of the boutique shops along the narrow, cobbled lanes. You can finish off your day enjoying some evening entertainment at a venue such as The Black Box, where you can expect music, theatre and comedy.
Botanic Gardens
No matter the time of year, one of the best things to do in Belfast at the weekend is to visit the Botanic Gardens. Established in 1828, this public park offers an impressive rose garden, rare oak trees, an iconic Palm House and a Tropical Ravine. With thousands of plant species to see, the Botanic Gardens have become a favourite with tourists and locals alike.
It’s also an excellent place to go if you have children; you can find a kid’s playground on-site to help keep them entertained. For visitors that enjoy walking, there are numerous walks you can take around the grounds. In addition, the Botanic Gardens is a popular location for festivals and concerts, so it’s worth checking the events calendar to see if there is anything that takes your fancy. You can walk to the gardens in about 30 minutes from the centre of Belfast, or alternatively, take the number U2 bus for a journey of around 20 minutes.
Best museums in Belfast
Ulster Museum
Belfast is a city full of fantastic museums, with the Ulster Museum being one of the top attractions. Offering a selection of treasures from Northern Ireland’s past, you’ll be able to enjoy a fascinating range of artefacts from the arts, history and science during your visit. Ideal for all ages, there is also a range of interactive exhibitions which will keep the whole family entertained.
The museum is located in the Botanic Gardens, so it’s a great way to combine two of the most popular attractions in one day. Located about a six-minute drive from the centre of the city, it won’t be long before you’re delving into the history of this wee country.
Titanic Belfast
Another of the best things to do in Belfast is to visit the Titanic Belfast. Located next to the Hamilton Graving Dock, the location where the Titanic was built, this museum tells the story of the world-famous, ill-fated liner. The self-guided tour of the museum takes you through nine interactive galleries which immerse you in the sights, sounds and smells of the Titanic.
An unmissable museum that’s suitable for all ages, the Titanic Belfast experience is sure to stick in your memory for years to come. Located in the Titanic Quarter, which is about a 30-minute walk from the centre of the city, you’ll get to enjoy great views along the River Lagan on your way to the museum.
Best things to do in Belfast for couples
Cave Hill Country Park
One of the best things to do in Belfast for those who want a romantic trip away is to visit Cave Hill Country Park. Here, you can enjoy a romantic walk up Cave Hill, where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Belfast and the Irish Sea. On your way down from the summit of Cave Hill, you can check out Belfast Castle, a 17th Century building where you can enjoy a romantic meal whilst soaking up the breathtaking scenery.
Whether it’s a first date or an anniversary, walking hand-in-hand along the eco-trails will reward you with memories and views that will stay with you forever. A walk around Cave Hill Country Park also offers a great picture opportunity for smitten lovers to get the perfect shot for their next profile picture.
