Did you know the birthplace of the world-famous RMS Titanic ship? Do you know the scenic locations where the popular Game of Thrones (GOT) dramatic series was shot?
If you have the least idea about the same, welcome to Belfast. The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is home to several historic attractions and scenic places to visit, and it is full of cultural experiences. That implies several things to do in Belfast, Ireland, depending on your preferences.
So, in this blog post, we will take you through the valuable information of knowing fun things to do in Belfast across popular Belfast tourist attractions.
Let’s get started on the same.
Where is Belfast?
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. It’s part of the United Kingdom and strategically located in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. It’s well-positioned at the mouth of the River Lagan. Thus, the city features breathtaking mountain surroundings, astonishing waterfronts, a natural amphitheatre, and a wide spectrum of Belfast sightseeing places to experience its diversity.
Key facts about Belfast
- Belfast is located close to the north of Dublin at a distance of 100 miles
- This city lies on the eastern coast, facing the Belfast Lough as a popular harbor area.
- The city has two airports: Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
Top Reasons to Explore Belfast
Visiting Belfast tourist attractions is a great experience. You get to explore the city’s natural sites, experience its cultural energy and musical sensations, take scenic tours, and find several things to do in Belfast.
There are various reasons for you to visit Belfast.
- Visit the Famous Museums: Belfast’s historical charm dates back hundreds of years, comprising the construction of the world’s largest ship, the Titanic, interactive galleries, and stories to uncover. This implies that Belfast gives you all the good reasons to explore different museums to get acquainted with the city’s rich history and get to know its glorified past.
- Experience the Music: It’s interesting to know that Belfast has earned the reputation of being the UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland. That means all music lovers would love to explore the famous musical venues, including Ulster Hall, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Bert’s Jazz Bar, and more. Here, you will uncover the fascinating stories of famous musicians from Belfast, including some popular names like Stiff Little Fingers, Snow Petrol, etc.
- Find Different Cultural Venues: If culture is something you want to experience in a new destination, there are different culturally rich things to see in Belfast. See it all, from The MAC, dance workshops, theatre performances, and modern exhibitions to photography spots.
- Book a Wide Range of Tours: The final and most important reason to visit Belfast’s tourist attractions is to take different city tours. You can book a Taste & Tour to try the city’s delectable dishes. An Exclusive Belfast Black Cab Tour is also available to uncover the city’s historical sites.
Top Things to Do in Belfast
There are numerous fun activities to do in Belfast, from historical exploration, walking tours, mountain views, and cultural experiences. Let’s explore the different things you can experience.
1. Visit Titanic Museum
When it comes to finding the best things to do in Belfast, indeed the historical significance of the Titanic is something you cannot miss. Visit the famous Titanic Belfast Museum, the exact spot where the gigantic ship was built, and took its first and last voyage in 1912. Witness the ship’s architectural marvel by exploring the museum’s nine magnificent galleries.
Additional things to do:
- Take the Shipyard Ride for an immersive experience.
- Explore the SS Nodamic, which is Titanic’s tender ship.
- Learn about the Belfast’s maritime history.
- Walk on the slipaway where the Titanic was constructed.
- Check out special exhibitions at the museum and witness film screenings and live performances.
- From the gift shop, buy Titanic-themed souvenirs.
2. Explore The Ulster Museum
Another museum you can visit in Belfast is the Ulster Museum. This place has something for everyone, including interactive exhibitions, a children’s section, historical artwork, art galleries, dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and more.
Additional things to do:
- Admire the work of local and international artists.
- Walk through the exhibition covering Ireland’s rich history.
- Discover interesting artifacts from different regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
- The exclusive discovery zone at the museum offers family-friendly activities and interactive displays.
- Visit the gift shop to buy souvenirs and the café for snacks.
3. Black Cab Tour
One of the key highlights of things to do in Belfast is taking the Black Cab Tour. The iconic black cab of the city will take you through different streets and areas to experience its historical charm. The seasoned guide will tell you interesting stories about Belfast and take you to amazing sights.
Additional things to do:
- Visit the famous murals of Belfast and learn about the symbiotic stories behind such attractive artwork.
- Explore the Peace Wall that separates Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in the city.
- Visit the historical areas of Belfast, including Falls Road and Shankill Road.
- Explore places like the International Wall, Stormont, Clonard Monastery, and more.
4. Explore the Crumlin Road Gaol
When it comes to unforgettable things to do in Belfast, Ireland, the guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol will surely catch your attention. It’s a must-visit site for history buffs and those looking to visit a place that used to be a prison, see stunning architecture, and learn about its historical significance.
Additional things to do:
- Explore the historic prison built in 1845. The infamous prison of Northern Ireland allows you to explore the cells, execution chambers, and underground tunnels, take ghost tours, and attend events and concerts.
- Find the striking courthouse on the road that reflects rich architectural marvels.
- Visit nearby attractions on Crumlin Road, such as Cave Hill, the Cathedral Quarter, and Belfast Castle.
5. Explore the Belfast Castle
One of the best attractions in Belfast for families and people of all groups is the Belfast Castle. Located on the slopes of Cave Hill, this breathtaking castle offers a tour of its stunning interior, spacious areas, lush green garden, and more.
Additional things to do:
- Admire the Scottish Baronial architecture, elegant rooms, and the castle’s grand halls.
- Explore the castle’s surrounding gardens with terraces, sculptures, and fountains.
- Visit the cat garden, which includes cat mosaics.
- Explore the nearby getaway of Cave Hill Country Park, which offers adventurous hiking trails, woodland paths, and more.
6. Explore St. George’s Market
Indeed, no tour to any destination is complete without visiting the lively marketplaces. In Belfast, you can also visit St. George Market, famous for its authentic food offerings, local and international food stalls, shopping arcades, live music, fresh produce, and much more.
Additional things to do:
- Taste a variety of traditional dishes and global delicacies in the marketplace.
- Shop for souvenirs, textiles, and jewelry at cost-effective prices from stalls.
- Enjoy watching live performances by local musicians and bands.
- Taste sweet delicacies from baked items and pastries to chocolates.
7. View from Divis Mountain
Take a short break from the city’s internal surroundings and head towards the scenic Divis Mountain to experience nature at its best. Here, you will find several adventure things to do in Belfast.
Additional things to do:
- Capture the stunning views of Belfast from the Mourne Mountains.
- You can take on different hiking trails, ranging from a 4.2-mile circular route, a 2.6-mile loop, or a 0.8-mile path, according to your expertise.
- Spot native birds like kestrels, falcons, and skylark
- Capture the landscape of the mountain area in crystal-clear pictures.
- Experience stargazing, picnicking, guided walks, adventure activities, etc.
8. Game of Thrones Studio Tour
If you drive a short distance from Belfast to Bandbridge, you will encounter the most promising site of your exploration. Experience the unique Game of Thrones Studio Tour to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the series, attractive costumes, authentic sets, interactive displays, and more.
Additional things to do:
- Explore the authentic and recreated sets of the iconic series, including The Dragonstone Throne Room, The Great Hall of Winterfell, Castle Black and the Wall, and The King’s Landing Red Keep.
- See the famous props of the series, like Needle, Iron Throne, and Dragonglass weapons.
- Take on the guided audio narration of the cast and the crew.
- Enjoy having the series-themed food and beverages at the in-house café.
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Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, it’s right to say that Belfast offers manifold things to do for people of all ages. Here, you will experience culture, historical charm, nature, a music scene, and much more to create unforgettable experiences. From the iconic Titanic Belfast Museum, colorful murals, Belfast Castle, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, you can have it all.
Things to Do in Belfast FAQs
What are some free things to do in Belfast?
Here’s the list of free experiences to do in Belfast:
• Visit the Ulster Museum
• Hike to Cave Hill
• Walk the Maritime Mile
• Explora Belfast Murals
• Visit St. George Market
What are some of the best things to do with kids in Belfast?
There is a wide range of kid’s activities available in Belfast:
• Go for the Belfast hop n hop off tour
• Book Belfast black cab tour
• Visit the W5 Interactive Discovery
• Go for Lazer Quest @OZONE
• Visit Aunt Sandra’s Candy factory
Is it worth visiting Game of Thrones filming locations?
Yes, you can visit the filming locations of Game of Thrones by traveling a short distance away from Belfast. The locations will allow you to explore the scenic sites where some promising shots were taken.