Things to do in Belfast

Hop On Hop Off Belfast Tour

The Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a convenient and informative way to explore Belfast’s top attractions and landmarks at your own pace. The open-top double-decker buses depart regularly, and you can board at any of the designated stops along the route. Most people begin the tour at Stop 1, located near Belfast City Hall, right in the heart of the city centre.

As the bus drives through the city, you’ll enjoy fantastic views from the open-top deck, particularly of Belfast’s grand architecture, murals, and landmarks. The bus offers the perfect vantage point for photography.

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a striking, modern museum located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, dedicated to the history and legacy of the RMS Titanic, which was built in the city’s Harland & Wolff shipyard. Visitors can experience this world-famous attraction with our Titanic Belfast tickets and Belfast city sightseeing bus tour, combining museum entry with a hop-on hop-off tour of the city’s top attractions.

The exterior of the museum is clad in thousands of silver, aluminium panels, creating a shimmering effect that mimics the movement of water. The building’s architecture also reflects the industrial heritage of Belfast, with its height matching the hull of the Titanic and its geometric form evoking the hull’s prow.

Belfast Castle

Perched on the picturesque slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle is a magnificent 19th-century estate that offers sweeping, panoramic views over the city of Belfast and beyond. Nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the castle stands as a striking example of Scottish baronial architecture.

Visitors can explore its elegant interiors, enjoy afternoon tea in its charming café, or take leisurely walks around the estate to soak in the stunning vistas and natural beauty of Cave Hill. With its rich history, scenic setting, and commanding views of Belfast and the surrounding areas, the castle is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Step into Belfast’s intriguing past at the Crumlin Road Gaol, a historic Victorian-era prison that has been transformed into a captivating museum. Once a forbidding institution that housed some of the city’s most infamous and notorious inmates, the Gaol offers visitors a chance to explore its dark history through immersive guided tours.

You can wander through the eerie cells, stand in the execution chamber, and learn about the prison’s role in significant events over its 150-year operation. With its chilling tales and a glimpse into the harsh realities of life behind bars, Crumlin Road Gaol provides a fascinating, if haunting, journey into Belfast’s storied past.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is an iconic symbol of Northern Ireland’s capital, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Located in the heart of the city, it was completed in 1906 to mark Belfast’s status as a city, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888.

The building is easily recognizable with its grand dome and elegant design, a reflection of the city’s industrial wealth during the Victorian era. The grounds surrounding the City Hall feature beautifully landscaped gardens and a Titanic Memorial, honouring those who lost their lives in the 1912 tragedy. Inside, visitors can admire marble staircases, stained glass windows, and various exhibitions detailing the city’s past.

Belfast Cathedral Quarter

The Belfast Cathedral Quarter is a vibrant cultural hub, blending history with a modern artistic spirit. Nestled around St. Anne’s Cathedral, the area boasts a rich heritage and has evolved into one of Belfast’s trendiest districts. Known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and striking murals, the Quarter attracts a diverse crowd, from art lovers to foodies.

St George’s Market

St George’s Market, Belfast, is a vibrant and historic marketplace, dating back to the 1890s, offering a rich mix of local culture, food, and crafts.

The market only opens on the weekend Friday-Sunday and is a must see while visiting the city, it features over 300 stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, artisan foods, and unique gifts. The market is renowned for its live music, creating a lively atmosphere while visitors explore stalls offering everything from Irish seafood to global cuisine. A hub for local artisans and small businesses, St George’s Market is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals looking to experience Belfast’s authentic charm.

SS Nomadic

The SS Nomadic is a historic tender ship, famously known for serving the White Star Line and directly associated with the RMS Titanic. Built in 1911 by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, the same shipyard that constructed the Titanic, the SS Nomadic was designed as a tender—a smaller vessel used to ferry passengers and cargo from shore to larger ships docked offshore.

The SS Nomadic is 230 feet (around 70 meters) long and 37 feet (11.3 meters) wide. She has a gross tonnage of 1,273. Unlike the Titanic, she is much smaller and designed to manoeuvre in shallower waters. The ship has a steel hull, and her profile is characterized by a traditional two-deck structure, with upper and lower decks visible from the outside.

HMS Caroline

HMS Caroline, a decommissioned warship docked in Belfast, is one of the last surviving vessels from World War I. Launched in 1914, this light cruiser played a pivotal role in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval engagement of the First World War. After the war, Caroline served as a training ship for the Royal Navy and was based in Belfast from 1924 until 2011.

Today, HMS Caroline is a floating museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into naval history. The ship has been meticulously restored, showcasing its original cabins, engine rooms, and deck areas. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including the impressive torpedo room and learn about life at sea during wartime. A virtual reality experience also allows a deeper dive into the ship’s role in naval battles.

The Falls Road

The Falls Road in Belfast is one of the most historically significant and culturally rich areas in Northern Ireland. Located in the heart of West Belfast, this vibrant community has deep roots in Irish nationalism and played a central role during “The Troubles,” the conflict that spanned from the late 1960s to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The road is often seen as a symbol of the Republican movement, with murals (including the Bobby Sands Mural) and memorials honouring political figures, historical events, and community struggles for civil rights.

The Shankill Road

The Shankill Road and Shankill Road Murals are some of the most iconic and historically significant sights in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Located in the western part of the city, it has long been a focal point for the unionist and loyalist communities. The road stretches over two miles and has a deep connection to the history of the Troubles, the sectarian conflict between nationalist Catholics and unionist Protestants that plagued Northern Ireland for decades.

Belfast Peace Walls

The Belfast Peace Walls are among the city’s most compelling landmarks, combining art, history, and global social commentary. Spanning the interface between the Falls Road and Shankill Road, these walls stand as powerful symbols of Belfast’s journey through conflict and its ongoing quest for reconciliation. As a must-see stop on the Belfast City Sightseeing tour, the Peace Walls offer visitors a profound exploration of local and global narratives.

Belfast’s Peace Gates

Belfast’s Peace Gates stand as powerful symbols of the city’s complex history and ongoing journey towards reconciliation. As part of Belfast’s extensive network of peace walls, these gates offer visitors a unique insight into Northern Ireland’s turbulent past and its hopeful future.

Belfast Giants

The SSE Arena is also home to Belfast’s professional ice hockey team, the Belfast Giants. The team plays in the Elite Ice Hockey League and has cultivated a passionate fan base. Attending a Giants game is an exhilarating experience; fans can expect fast-paced action on the ice complemented by an electric atmosphere in the stands. The team’s logo pays homage to Northern Ireland’s famous Giant’s Causeway, further connecting local pride with sporting excellence.

Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

Step into a world of old-fashioned charm at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory, an East Belfast institution since 1953 nestled on Holywood Road. Renowned for its handmade chocolates, fudge, honeycomb, lollies, and boiled sweets crafted using century-old recipes, the factory delights with a viewing window into the candy-making process—where the sights, smells, and samples bring sugar nostalgia to life. It’s a magical, family-friendly experience beloved by locals and visitors alike.