Things to do in Belfast

Belfast is no theme park-filled city and by no means the place to head if you are looking for a holiday with big purpose-built attractions. Visitors who enjoy history, nature and local culture however, will find plenty to keep themselves occupied, with some fine examples of classical architecture, scenic gardens and fascinating museums.

Belfast Castle

Located on the slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Castle is an imposing structure that was constructed during the 1870s for the third Marquess of Donegall. Built in an architectural style with Scottish baronial influence, the castle is set amid beautiful lush green gardens and contains a heritage centre as well as two restaurants. Views over the city from the castle’s highest vantage points are excellent and just one reason why visitors come to see this popular historical sight.

Belfast Botanic Gardens

Belfast Botanic Gardens are situated adjacent to the Ulster Museum and Queen's University of Belfast and are an ideal place for an afternoon visit for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. Comprising a tropical ravine, a Victorian Palm house, stunning rose gardens, well-tended lawns and flowerbeds, and a variety of species of trees; the gardens are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Situated in Cultra, some six miles east of the city of Belfast, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions, having once been awarded the title of Irish Museum of the Year. Comprising the two separate but adjoining folk and transport museums, the combined facility is committed to illustrating the way Northern Ireland’s citizens once lived and how they continue to do so. In an outdoor section of the Folk Museum, visitors will find various buildings from around the country that have been collected and faithfully reconstructed. The Transport Museum, meanwhile, features an impressive collection of railway-related memorabilia.

Belfast Tours

Open-top buses offering tours of the city leave daily from Castle Place in the city centre, taking in many of the city’s most popular sights. There are normally 11 tours per day during the high season and seven during the low season, with the first tour of the day beginning either 09:30 or 10:00. Buses offer tickets that allow visitors to hop on and off as they please during the day, allowing them to explore some of the area around chosen stops. Open-top buses are not ideal for rainy days.

Belfast Pub Tours

Visitors partial to a drink can sample a pint or a short at some of the city’s best watering holes during the 2 hours that make up the Belfast Pub Tours. A total of 13 of the city’s finest pubs have been carefully chosen, based on their historical interest, character and décor, and of course, their reputation for a good drink! Six of those 13 pubs are generally covered on average, giving visitors a good opportunity to kick back and enjoy a little organised insobriety.

Museums

Belfast offers a modest selection of museums, among which the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is one of the best known. Other good examples include the Ulster Museum, which dates back to 1821; Royal Ulster Rifles Museum; RUC Museum and the People's Museum at Fernhill House.