Things to see and do in Belfast

Belfast
5 Unmissable things to see and do in Belfast

 Things to do and see in Belfast

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. There are plenty of things to do and see in Belfast such as the Botanic Gardens, Belfast City Hall, Grand Opera House, Titanic Belfast and much more. 

 

1. City Hall
City Hall is Belfast City Council’s building and is in the heart of Donegall Square, in Belfast’s city centre. The city hall first opened in 1906.
Belfast City Hall

Inside the hall, you can register births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships. The City Hall is open to the public for tours where you can admire its public art.

The Titanic Memorial Gardens is in the grounds of City Hall, where you can enjoy a picnic on the lawns or admire the building lit up at night. Belfast City Hall is famous for its stunning multi-coloured lights.

The iconic City Hall was officially reopened in 2009, following its large refurbishment programme. It now has a new coffee shop and exhibition area, which makes it a great place to visit.

If you’re in Belfast city centre, you won’t miss this beautiful building – night or day! Belfast makes the perfect day or night out with friends, with many things to do and see including popular restaurants in the city centre.

 

Address
City Hall Donegall Sq.
Belfast
BT1 5GS
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9027 0456
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/cityhall

 


 

2. Albert Memorial

Albert Memorial is a clock tower at Queen’s Square in Belfast, Ireland. The clock tower was completed in 1809 and is one of the best known landmarks of Belfast, making it a popular tourist attraction.  

Albert Memorial BelfastIt was built in 1865 and has recently been refurbished to correct its tilt. It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort, to offer a spectacular view point to get a birds-eye view of Titanic’s launch.


The Memorial was built on land claimed from the River Lagan and the clock features a statue of Prince Albert. Also there are carvings of crowned lions and floral decorations. 

It’s a place to visit in Belfast, where you can admire its architecture and history. Why not take a few pictures and go for a stroll around the city?

 

Address
Queen's Square
Belfast
BT1 3FG
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9024 6609
www.discovernorthernireland.com/Albert-Memorial

 


 

3. Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens has a range of beautiful local and tropical plants and flowers and is home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. The Palm House is popular with visitors and contains a huge range of tropical plants, hanging baskets, seasonal displays and birds of paradise. It is fairly new to Botanic Gardens and has a curved glass to create a glasshouse.
Botanic Gardens Belfast It shows how well technology has allowed horticulturists to grow and look after exotic plants and flowers during the Victorian period. The Botanic Gardens was first established in 1828, by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society and was originally known as the Belfast Botanic Garden.

Belfast Botanic Garden is one of the best gardens to visit, with exotic trees and impressive plant collections.

It makes the perfect weekend out with the family – especially if it’s sunny. Why not explore the gardens with friends and make a day of it? There is also an on-site café, where you can sit back and enjoy the gardens.

 

Opening times
Monday to Sunday 07:30 - 16:00 or 21:00
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks
Prices
Free admission
Address
College Park
Belfast
BT9 5AB
Northern Ireland
Contact details
07767 271683

 


 

4. Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a popular visitor attraction for locals and tourists afar and is a monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard in the city’s Titanic Quarter. It was also named ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards. Why not visit Belfast and discover everything about the Titanic.

Belfast art and gifts available at www.LoveYourLocation.co.uk

It is only a short walk from Belfast’s city centre, so why not take a visit after sightseeing around the city? There is so much to see and do in Belfast, which makes it the perfect weekend trip with friends or family.

The iconic building features a range of interactive galleries that explore the sights and stories of the Titanic, as well as the people and engineers that built her. Don’t miss out on seeing the Titanic Belfast, as it brings history to life in a memorable way.

 
Opening times
Jan - Mar:10am - 5pm
April - May: 9am - 6pm
June - Aug: 9am - 7pm
Sept: 9am - 6pm
Oct - Dec: 10am - 5pm
Address
Queen's Road
1 Olympic Way
Titanic Quarter
Belfast
BT3 9EP
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9076 6386
www.titanicbelfast.com

 


 

5. Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House is a popular theatre in Belfast, Ireland and was designed by the most prolific theatre architect of the period, Frank Matcham. The Opera House opened in 1895 to the public.

Belfast gift ideas www.LoveYourLocation.co.uk

It is Northern Ireland’s premier theatre, presenting amazing shows of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals and family shows.

 Why not take a visit to the opera house and discover it for yourself? There are various events, from ballet workshops to dramas and concerts! It would make a fun day or evening for the whole family, as there is something for everyone.

 
Opening times
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
The Box Office is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Prices
www.goh.co.uk
Address
2 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7BA
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9024 1919

 


 

Top 5 kid’s activities

 There are so many fun activities and days out for the kids. Make sure to visit one of these top 5 attractions!

 

1. City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour

Belfast Sightseeing Hop on Hop off TourThere are over 20 stops which include the Titanic Quarter, Belfast Castle and many more! Make sure you bring your camera, as there are so many photo opportunities around the city.City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off tours are fun for the whole family! – Who wouldn’t want to ride on a double decker bus through Bristol? There is so much to see and do in the city, with award winning tourist attractions and restaurants.

Whether you fancy sightseeing, shopping or a bite to eat, there is something for everyone! The kids will love visiting the zoo, which is home to hundreds of animals from all over the world. Why not visit the Titanic Quarter, where you will discover amazing old factories and docks on the world’s largest waterfront.

Belfast is a great weekend away or even something to do during the school holidays!

 

Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
Tour runs daily excluding 23, 24 25 December and 1 January.
Pricing
Adults from £12.50
Kids from £6.00
Address
Unit 15-16 Duncrue Road
Belfast
County Antrim
T3 0BW
Northern Ireland
Contact details
0890 321321
www.city-sightseeing.com/en/116/belfast

 


 

2. Odyssey Bowl 


Odyssey Bowl BelfastThere are many places to eat in Belfast, so why don’t you have a few rounds of bowling before heading out to the city for food? Children will love Belfast and will definitely be something to tell their friends about.Your kids will love Odyssey Bowl and will love beating mum and dad! Why not take the kids and their friends to Odyssey Bowl, where they can play as much bowling as they like! It makes a great evening out after a long sightseeing tour of Belfast.

 

Opening hours
Monday to Thursday 12:00 - 23:00
Friday 12:00 - 24:00
Sunday 10:00 - 23:00
Pricing
From £3.25
Address
Odyssey Pavilion
2 Queens Quay
Belfast
County Antrim
BT3 9QQ
Northern Ireland
www.odysseybowl.co.uk

 


 

3. Belfast Zoo

If your children love animals, they will love Belfast Zoo! It is home to over 1200 animals and 140 species, which many of which are endangered and under threat in their natural habitat.

Belfast Zoo Your children will be able to get to know the lions, kangaroos, monkeys, giraffes and many more amazing animals! They will have a great day out at the zoo, where they can attend talks and feeding times throughout the day.

 

Why not take a visit to see the exotic birds in the Bird Park or spend time in the Rainforest House with the sloth? There is so much for children to see at the zoo, where they can learn all about the animals and where they originate from.

 

Opening hours
Winter (October 1 to March 31):
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Animal houses close at 15:00
The Zoovenir Shop closes at 16:00
Summer (April 1 to September 30)
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday to Sunday 10:00 - 19:00 (last admission at 17:00
Pricing
Adult: £12.50
4 to 17s: £6.25
Under 4 years: Free
Student: £6.25
Senior: £6.25
Family: £32.50
Address
Antrim Road
Belfast
County Antrim
BT36 7PN
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9077 6277
www.belfastzoo.co.uk

 


 

4. Cave Hill Playground

Cave Hill Playground Belfast

Cave Hill Playground is perfect for children aged 3 – 14 and has many swings, slides and many more play areas and equipment. If you have older children, there’s an amazing space net, aerial runway, and more fun equipment.

There is so much for the family to do. Why not take a sightseeing tour in Belfast and visit the Cave Hill Playground before dinner? It’s a great place for kids to burn off energy before bedtime!

The park has a large wealth of natural and historical features, including Cave Hill which is one of Belfast’s most visible landmarks, as well as Belfast Castle. There are so many fun things to do for children of all ages.

Whether your kids love geological or historical, there are many things to see and learn. Make sure to visit with the kids during the school holidays – They won’t be disappointed!

 
Opening hours
Opens 7.30am with seasonally varying close ranging from 4.30pm to around 8pm.
Pricing
Parking charges
Address
Antrim Road
Belfast
County Antrim
BT15 5GR
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9077 6925
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks-openspaces

 


 

5. Stormont Park

Stormont PArk

Stormont Park is a beautiful place to visit, which offers an adventure playground for children including climbing frames, slides, swings and picnic tables – great for family picnics and BBQs!

It is also a popular park for runners and dog walkers and there are peaceful woodland walks nearby, where you can explore the park’s treasures.

There are also many events that take place for families and fundraising, so make sure to check before planning your visit to Belfast! If you have older children, why not take them to The Northern Ireland Assembly and Parliament Buildings, which are situated within the park area.

Belfast is a great place to take the family, so make sure to visit all of these great attractions!

 

Opening hours
Estate open Monday to Sunday, Dawn - Dusk. Play park: Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Upper Newtonards Road
Belfast
County Antrim
BT4 3XX
Northern Ireland
Contact details
028 9072 6345
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/stormont-estate

 


 

Top 5 restaurants in Belfast

 On your visit to Belfast, make sure to visit one of these delicious restaurants. 

1. Ox

 Ox restaurant Belfast

www.oxbelfast.com
028 9031 4121
1 Oxford Street
Belfast
BT1 3LA
Northern Ireland

 


 

2. James Street South

 James Street South restaurant Belfast

www.jamesstreetsouth.co.uk
028 9043 4310
21 James Street South
BT2 7GA
Belfast
Northern Ireland

 


 

3. Shu Restaurant

Shu Restaurant Belfast
www.resdiary.com/Restaurant/Shu
028 9038 1655
253 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7EN
Northern Ireland

 


 

4. The Muddlers Club

The Muddlers Club Belfast

www.themuddlersclubbelfast.com
028 9031 3199
Warehouse Lane
Just off Waring St or Exchange Place
Belfast
BT1 2DX
Northern Ireland

 


 

5. Holohans At The Barge

Holohans at the Barge Belfast

www.holohansatthebarge.co.uk
028 9023 5973
1 Lanyon Quay
Belfast
BT1 3LG
Northern Ireland

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.