Belfast
Why we love Belfast
Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene, iconic buildings, boutique shopping and a myriad of immersive experiences, you can delve into history, science, literature and more in Belfast.
Each of the city’s Quarters tells a story – from the history of one of the world’s most famous ships at the The Titanic Museum to tales of the city’s past at the Ulster Museum. Use the city as a base for discovering Game of Thrones filming locations, step aboard HMS Caroline for a taste of First World War maritime combat or see creative colours on a walking tour of Belfast’s famous murals. Whether you’re a culture vulture, party-goer or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find an array of memorable things to do in Belfast.
Street graffiti art
Spot the street art that brings Belfast’s art scene to life, on a creative walk around the city. Look out for the annual Hit the North Street art festival which attracts some of the world’s best artists.
Causeway Coastline
A visit to the Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the iconic Causeway Coastline. Tour its rugged cliffs and unique landscape while uncover its myths and legends.
Belfast city bike tours
Glide around Belfast on a bike tour for an exciting and eco-friendly way to see the city’s sights – don’t forget to stop off for some ice-cream at the docks.
Game of Thrones tour
Book a Game of Thrones tour from Belfast and discover the Northern Irish filming locations from the iconic series. Leave the city by bus and visit the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede bridge and Bregagh (AKA King’s) Road. Snap pictures at other spots from the series too, including the House of Greyjoy.
icons
Belfast is a vibrant cultural hub on Northern Ireland’s east coast, packed with lively pubs, a diverse food scene and proud industrial heritage.
Each of the city’s Quarters tells a story – wander the Trail and follow the famous ship’s journey at Titanic Belfast in the Titanic Quarter, or head to Queen’s Quarter for the Botanic Gardens and vast Ulster Museum.
Use the city as a base for delving into the world of Game of Thrones, with filming locations across the nation and a magical studio tour in Banbridge.
Take a walking tour to discover Belfast's rich heritage as a UNESCO City of Music, uncover history at Belfast Castle, or soak up the atmosphere while tucking in at one of its oldest attractions, St George’s Market.
Fun fact
Fun fact
A seahorse is the symbol of Belfast – paying homage to the city’s maritime history, the sea creature was printed on coins in the 17th century and features on the Belfast coat of arms.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The Titanic passenger liner was built in 1909 in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard, and the ship’s history can be explored at the interactive Titanic Belfast museum.
- Belfast was the world’s linen capital in the late 19th century, earning the city the nickname ‘Linenopolis’ – showcased in the historic Linen Quarter.
- Over 3,000 acres of parks and green spaces can be found in Belfast, ranging from the Victorian-era Botanic Gardens to Belvoir Park Forest and Colin Glen.
- The 130-year old Great Light on Belfast’s Maritime Mile houses the largest lenses ever made, making it one of the strongest lighthouse beams in the world.
Things to do in Belfast
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Featured things to do
Hit Belfast’s waters
From bobbing along in an inflatable water zorb to paddling on a two-person kayak – take to Belfast’s River Lagan for an adventurous and adrenaline-filled time.
Learn more about watersport in Belfast
Discover Game of Thrones film locations
Uncover a world of dragons and the Seven Kingdoms at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Located a short drive outside of Belfast, immerse yourself in the iconic sets and artistry.
Learn more about the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Taste and tour
Get a flavour for Belfast with tours to its top food and drink spots, from cosy dining and gin jaunts to off-the-beaten-track surprises.
Learn more about Belfast food and drink tours
Christmas in Belfast
Join in the festive cheer in Belfast – explore the magic of Christmas with twinkling market stalls and sparkling illuminations.
Learn more about winter in BelfastPlaces to stay in Belfast
Cathedral Quarter
Surround yourself with culture in the heart of the city’s historic and creative quarter where you’ll find a mix of lively pubs, incredible architecture, places to dine and a good selection of trendy and cutting-edge galleries.
Smithfield and Union Quarter
Spend a lively time in the heart of the city’s vibrant clubbing hotspot and LGBTQI+ hub. It’s seen as one of the city’s coolest clubbing hotspots in Belfast and is home to the city’s 130-year-old Central Library.
Queen’s Quarter
Away from the centre, discover Belfast’s quieter, budget-friendly options close to Queen’s University. It’s home to the city’s Botanic Gardens and also No Alibis, Northern Ireland’s only independent crime fiction bookshop.
Explore nearby
Getting to Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital lies in the east of the country with an array of connections via land, sea and air. Belfast International Airport is 18 miles (29km) to the northwest of Belfast (around 30 minutes by car) and serves more than 70 destinations around the world. Translink bus services link the airport with the city. Situated around five miles from Belfast city centre, the George Best Belfast City Airport serves routes from elsewhere in Britain, as well as Amsterdam, providing a transfer option for international travellers.
Getting around
Translink provides an extensive public transport network. Purchase a Belfast Visitor Pass for unlimited travel the centre of Belfast over 1,2 or 3 days, as well as special offers and discounts on many Belfast attractions.
By foot
With wide pathways and pedestrianised areas, the centre of Belfast is best explored by foot. In fact, it takes less than 30 minutes to cross from one side of the city centre to the other.
By bus
An extensive bus network connects the main things to do in Belfast. Metro and Belfast Rapid Transit – Glider services serve destinations in Belfast itself, with Goldline and Ultrabus providing connections to the rest of Northern Ireland.
By bike
You can hire bikes to explore Belfast from locations all over the city. Belfast Bikes has nearly 50 docking stations with pay as you go.
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Want to know more?
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