Belfast: 11 Things to Do

You’ll find Belfast isn’t just another European city break—it’s where ship-building history meets street art storytelling, and where your budget can actually stretch further than expected. From exploring the actual Titanic slipways to hiking hills that inspired C.S. Lewis, this Northern Irish capital offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re drawn to political murals, prison tours, or alpine coasters in the city limits, there’s something here that’ll surprise you.

Experience the Titanic Belfast Museum on the Original Slipways

When you visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, you’ll stand on the exact slipways where the world’s most famous ship took shape over a century ago. Slipway No. 3, where Titanic’s keel was laid in 1909 and launched in 1911, is now paved with white stone outlining the ship’s massive hull. You can walk this free historic site and see embedded railway tracks from the original shipbuilding infrastructure.

The towering Titanic Belfast museum sits directly overlooking these slipways, its 126-foot height matching Titanic’s hull. Inside, you’ll find a meticulously recreated Grand Staircase and exhibits detailing the ship’s construction. Ten etched glass panels throughout the slipways memorialize both the victims of the sinking and the eight men who died during Titanic’s construction.

The museum’s first-floor bridge offers perfect views of the historic slipways, connecting you visually to where 100,000 people witnessed Titanic’s launch.

Take a Black Taxi Tour Through Belfast’s Political Murals

Over 3,500 lives were lost during “The Troubles,” and Belfast’s black taxi tours offer you an authentic way to understand this complex 30-year conflict through the city’s powerful political murals.

You’ll ride in vintage London-style cabs that were actually used during the conflict, making the experience feel genuinely historical.

These 1.5-hour tours include free pickup from central Belfast and take you through West Belfast’s Falls Road (Catholic Nationalist) and Shankill Road (Protestant Loyalist) neighborhoods.

You’ll see murals depicting everything from Bobby Sands to Margaret Thatcher, plus visit the Peace Wall that still separates these communities.

Your guide—often a local, sometimes a former political prisoner—provides personal stories that bring the murals to life. The conflict ultimately resulted in nearly 50,000 injuries alongside the thousands of deaths, showing the widespread impact on Belfast’s communities.

You can get out for photos at multiple stops.

Explore St. George’s Market for Local Food and Crafts

Since 1604, St. George’s Market has been Belfast’s go-to destination for fresh local produce and handmade crafts. You’ll find this Victorian gem at Oxford Street’s corner with May Street, where red brick walls house 250-300 stalls under original cast-iron pillars.

Visit Friday for the Variety Market’s fruits, vegetables, and antiques.

Saturday focuses on food and garden products, while Sunday blends crafts with live music. The fish section is Ireland’s leading retail fish market, and street food vendors serve meals for around £5.95 during promotions.

Browse handmade jewelry, scented candles, books, and clothes across the market’s three days. You’ll experience Belfast’s community energy in this buzzing cultural hub that’s undergone a £3.5 million heritage-funded refurbishment. For a more peaceful shopping experience, visit during the quiet hours on Friday mornings (9-10am) or Sunday mornings (10-11am).

Hike Cave Hill Country Park for Panoramic City Views

Rising 368 meters above Belfast, Cave Hill Country Park delivers the city’s best panoramic views without costing you a penny. Choose from three marked trails: the challenging Cavehill Trail (7.2 km), moderate Estate Trail (3.9 km), or easy Castle Trail (1.3 km). Follow green arrows for the summit route, which takes under an hour each way.

You’ll reach McArt’s Fort and the Devil’s Punchbowl crater for stunning views over Belfast Lough and the city below. The trail passes through Ballyaghagan Nature Reserve and offers a diverse mix of forest and open terrain. Pack waterproof clothing since weather changes quickly on exposed sections. Wear hiking boots with good grip—rocky paths get muddy and steep.

Start from the second car park near Belfast Castle. All trails loop back to parking areas, so you won’t retrace difficult sections.

Visit Crumlin Road Gaol for Prison History

Built from black basalt rock in 1846, Crumlin Road Gaol housed everyone from petty criminals to political prisoners before closing in 1996. You’ll explore the four-wing Victorian prison designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, modeled after London’s Pentonville Prison.

The guided tours take you through holding cells, the execution chamber where 17 people were hanged, and the underground tunnel connecting to the courthouse.

Notable inmates included Éamon de Valera, Bobby Sands, and other figures from The Troubles. You’ll learn about harsh prison conditions, escape attempts, and hunger strikes that shaped Northern Ireland’s history.

The restored Grade A listed building offers standard tours and paranormal experiences. The prison opened with 100 prisoners transported from the old Carrickfergus county jail in a journey that took approximately four hours. It’s an essential stop for understanding Belfast’s complex past and the human stories behind these imposing walls.

Discover Interactive Science at W5 Discovery Centre

Whether you’re traveling with curious kids or you’re a science enthusiast yourself, W5 Discovery Centre at The Odyssey complex delivers hands-on learning that’ll keep everyone engaged for hours. With over 250 interactive exhibits across eight zones, you’ll explore everything from human biology in MED-Lab to energy experiments in Energise zone.

Kids aged 3-11 will love the dinosaur-themed Lost Planet area, while older visitors can try film production activities and tackle the multi-storey climbing structure.

At £10.50 for adults and £9 for children (under 3s free), admission includes all exhibits, daily science shows, and temporary exhibitions. The on-site café and picnic areas make it easy to spend a full day exploring. Located on the River Lagan, the centre offers spectacular views of Belfast alongside its interactive experiences.

It’s perfectly positioned to combine with other Odyssey attractions.

Join a Day Trip to Giant’s Causeway

One of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonders awaits just 60 miles from Belfast, and a guided day trip to Giant’s Causeway lets you experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site without the hassle of driving the winding coastal roads yourself.

Tours depart daily at 9:00 AM from Donegall Square West, returning around 6:00-6:30 PM. You’ll travel in air-conditioned coaches with expert guides who’ll share the geological science behind the 40,000 basalt columns and local legends about giant Finn McCool.

Beyond the Causeway, you’ll visit Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle ruins, and the famous Dark Hedges from “Game of Thrones.” The scenic Antrim Coast Road offers stunning ocean views and charming villages. Your first stop will be the impressive Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman fortress that has stood guard over Belfast Lough since 1177.

Book online for discount codes and wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces.

Stroll Through the Historic Botanic Gardens

Escape the city’s hustle at Belfast Botanic Gardens, where 28 acres of Victorian splendor await just a 10-minute walk from the city center. You’ll discover free access to one of Ireland’s most significant botanical collections, established in 1828.

Don’t miss the stunning Palm House, a pioneering 1840s cast iron glasshouse that predates Kew Gardens. Inside, you’ll find 400-year-old plants and towering tropical species in the soaring central wing.

The mysterious Tropical Ravine offers an underground jungle experience with ancient ferns and exotic orchids threading through decorative caves and rockeries. This atmospheric space was carefully constructed by head gardener Charles McKimm and his team between 1887 and 1889.

Wander the UK’s longest herbaceous border and explore the rose garden’s colorful displays. The gardens provide perfect picnic spots and peaceful walking paths, making them an ideal budget-friendly afternoon escape.

Walk the Maritime Mile Along River Lagan

While the city bustles around you, the Maritime Mile offers a peaceful 3.5-mile waterfront escape that won’t cost you a penny. Starting near Belfast City Hall by The Big Fish sculpture, you’ll walk across Lagan Footbridge into Titanic Quarter, ending at HMS Caroline or Titanic Dock.

You’ll pass iconic landmarks like Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, and the Great Light lighthouse while tracing Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage. The route includes the actual slipways where RMS Titanic launched over a century ago.

Take breaks at riverside benches to spot wildlife or enjoy waterfront photography. The well-maintained paths work perfectly for walking, cycling, or running. Public art displays like Belfast Buoys and Glass of Thrones add cultural flair to your scenic river journey. Along the way, you’ll discover historic Clarendon Docks and the atmospheric Sailortown district with its maritime character.

Adventure at Colin Glen Forest Park’s Alpine Coaster

After exploring Belfast’s maritime history on foot, you can amp up the excitement at Colin Glen Forest Park’s Black Bull Run Alpine Coaster—Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster. Located at the Mountain Entrance, this 565-meter track features 12 twists and 2 tunnels as you zip through the woodland at speeds up to 25 mph.

You’ll control your own pace, making it perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.

The coaster is suitable for ages 8 and up, though younger children can ride with adults. A taxi from Belfast city center costs £10-£15, or you can take public transport and walk through the park.

Consider combo packages that include the ziplines for maximum adventure on a budget. Colin Glen also features Ireland’s longest zipline, adding another high-flying dimension to your adventure experience.

Tour Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Game of Thrones transformed Northern Ireland into the fictional world of Westeros, and you can visit dozens of iconic filming locations within an hour’s drive of Belfast. Start at the Official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you’ll walk through original sets and see authentic costumes and props from the HBO series.

Castle Ward Estate, just 40 minutes away, served as Winterfell’s main filming location. The 16th-century estate offers stunning views over Strangford Lough alongside its medieval atmosphere. For a unique keepsake, hunt down the ten carved doors made from fallen Dark Hedges trees that depict scenes from season six – they’re displayed in pubs across Northern Ireland.

Full-day guided tours from Belfast cost around £39 and cover multiple sites including the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, and Cushendun Caves. These nine-hour tours hit 8+ locations, providing historical context and filming insights that’ll make any fan’s trip worthwhile.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Belfast offers incredible value with many free attractions like Cave Hill hikes and mural tours. Mix budget-friendly options like St. George’s Market with must-see paid experiences like Titanic Belfast. Don’t miss the free Maritime Mile walk or Botanic Gardens stroll. Pack comfortable shoes since you’ll do plenty of walking, and remember many outdoor activities won’t cost you a penny. Belfast’s rich history and stunning landscapes deliver unforgettable experiences without breaking your budget.