Everyone who's from Belfast knows that it's the best place on earth.
Yes, we'll grumble about it from time to time, but we'd be the first to defend this city if anyone who wasn't from here tried to dismiss it.
With lockdown having given many of us a new appreciation for the place that we come from, many of us have been discovering (or rediscovering) what makes Belfast such a vibrant place to live in.
For those who want to see more of the city, or give visitors the best Belfast experience they could ask for, we've drawn up a list of 50 things to do in Belfast.
In no particular order, here they are:
1. Visit the Ulster Museum
Bursting with exhibitions bringing history, art and science to life, the Ulster Museum has long been beloved by adults and kids alike.
The museum has a constant rotation of science and cultural exhibitions, as well as an excellent exhibition marking 100 years since Northern Ireland came into existence. The perfect place to start getting to grips with this place.
2. Go to the Titanic Museum, see HMS Caroline and explore the Maritime Mile
A world-leading, technologically brilliant modern attraction, the Titanic Museum is your gateway to Belfast's industrial history. There's a good reason why it's become the go-to spot to take tourists and visitors.
While you're there, you can also visit the HMS Caroline, the last surviving ship of the Battle of Jutland in 1916 - the largest naval battle ever fought. Then to truly get a sense of Belfast's nautical history, take a stroll along the Maritime Mile to get a further glimpse of the city's shipbuilding past (while also getting a glimpse at Paint Hall Studios, where major Hollywood productions are constantly filming).
3. Cycle the Comber Greenway
The Comber greenway offers seven miles of traffic-free peace, extending from east Belfast right out to Comber. The pathway, which is flat, has become a boon for the local area and provides easy access to Comber and surrounding areas.
If you make it all the way to Comber, you'll find no shortage of excellent cafes and shops, including Indie Fude, The Willow Tree Cafe and Gallery, and The Goose.
4. Stroll or cycle through the Lagan Towpath
Going right from the busy heart of Belfast, out to bucolic countryside and forest area past Shaw's Bridge, then right on into the heart of Lisburn, the Lagan Towpath is a completely flat, completely brilliant 11-mile cycle with much to see along the way.
Stop off at the dog-friendly Lock Keeper's Inn cafe at the beautiful Shaw's Bridge, visit the stately Malone House, or get yourself cocktails at Cutter's Wharf, situated at the edge of the Lagan River at the Stranmillis entrance to the towpath.
5. Go to the Cathedral Quarter
Cobbled roads, street art everywhere and - most notably - bursting at the seams with bars, the Cathedral Quarter has become the home for nightlife in Belfast. You'll find no shortage of places to take a good 'gram pic either, with the likes of Commercial Court providing the perfect setting.
You can't go wrong with any of the bars, restaurants or hotels in this area.
6. City Hall
One of Northern Ireland's most iconic buildings, Belfast's City Hall has been an imposing landmark in the city for over 100 years now.
You can stroll or relax along the City Hall gardens, or you can take a free tour of the stunning interior of the building itself.
7. Venture out along the Belfast Lough Greenway
Used by cyclists - but also great for walkers - this pathway goes from the city centre, through Belfast's Harbour Estate, before opening out onto a dedicated greenway which takes you along the Belfast Lough shoreline all the way to Whiteabbey, then on as far as Carrickfergus. A flat, easy journey, with beautiful shoreline views, and excellent opportunities for stop-offs along the way, including Sailortown's The American Bar, The Portside Inn at Belfast Harbour, and many excellent restaurants in Whiteabbey.
8. Hike Cavehill
Jutting out over north Belfast, Cavehill offers a perfect short hike, with spectacular views of Belfast, Belfast Lough, and even Scotland in the distance.
9. Hike Divis Mountain
Another excellent short hike within the city of Belfast, Divis Mountain stands a bit taller than Cavehill and offers unique views - with the likes of Lough Neagh, Tyrone, North Antrim and even (on a good day) Donegal all being visible from parts of the walk.
10. Visit Botanic Gardens and the Queen's University area
Established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, Botanic Gardens serves as many things - it's home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine (well worth a visit), a meeting place for students and locals, and an occasional venue for festivals and events.
The Gardens are situated beside Queen's University's Lanyon Building, an architectural gem that sits at the heart of the city's university area. Also worth exploring in this area is Botanic Avenue, which offers an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes.
11. Visit Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol is a 19th century Grade A listed jail in north Belfast. A tour of this historic building will allow you to experience all aspects of the Gaol - from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the hanging cell, Governor's office, hospital and graveyard.
12. Visit CS Lewis Square and let it be your gateway to East Belfast
Located in east Belfast, the C.S. Lewis trail starts at 'The Searcher' sculpture outside Holywood Arches Library on the Holywood Road and includes sites such as C.S. Lewis Square (containing seven Narnia inspired sculptures).
The Trail is also a good jumping-off point for exploring east Belfast, which has become a popular spot thanks to cafes (such as the Narnia-inspired Lamppost Cafe), restaurants, bars, breweries and arts centres - such as the Banana Block Museum.
13. Visit Cultúrlann and West Belfast
Located in a former Presbyterian church on the Falls Road, Cultúrlann produces a vibrant arts programme that promotes the Irish language and culture and provides a meeting place for visitors and locals alike.
As an arts centre, it is at the heart of a vibrant cultural community. Cultúrlann also houses a café and restaurant, book and gift shop and a tourist information point. The dramatic curved extension includes the Gerard Dillon art gallery, a must-see for art lovers.
14. Let’s Go Hydro
Your one-stop shop for adventurers and lovers of water activities, Let's Go Hydro is an impressive outdoor attraction that includes an inflatable floating obstacle course, a socially distanced Drive-In Movie experience, and a restaurant and cafe.
You can even stay overnight at the resort’s Glampsite. With 40 glamping pods to choose from, including a Boat House and Floating Lake.
15. Go shopping in the city centre
Even with the difficulties of the pandemic, Belfast city centre continues to be a bustling place for shopping. Niche local shops like Born & Bred, plenty of high street brands on Royal Avenue, and beautiful modern shopping centres like Victoria Square have all helped keep life in the place.
16. Take a Belfast bus tour
Good for locals and international visitors alike, the Belfast bus tour is a good way to get a whistle-stop tour at the city's sights, while also learning about its history. Plenty of bus tours are on the go in the city on any given day.
17. Take a Black Taxi Tour
Another one that many visitors, tourists and locals put on their 'must-do' list, Black Taxi Tours offer an up-close-and-personal look at Northern Ireland's troubled history, often told from drivers who were eye-witnesses or even participants in its past.
18. Challenge yourself with an Escape Room
Escape Rooms have taken off in Northern Ireland in a massive way these last few years.
With the success of Game of Thrones and the importance of the tourism industry here, themed escape rooms have become a fixture in the country like never before.
Belfast boasts some excellent escape rooms throughout the city. In the city centre alone, you'll find places like the Game of Thrones Escape Room, Timescape, and Forbidden Quest all at your doorstep.
19. Vist We Are Vertigo and the Vertigo Titanic Park
A unique form of indoor entertainment, We Are Vertigo is home to the world's largest Inflata-Park, as well as indoor ski slopes and an alpine themed adventure centre.
Elsewhere, Vertigo Titanic Park is Ireland’s only Indoor Skydiving Centre, and also includes an Inflatable Park and Ninja Master Course.
20. Go to a rugby, GAA, football or ice hockey game
Ireland, north and south, is lucky to have such active engagement with so many sports. In Northern Ireland, you'll find a thriving local GAA scene, a well-supported football scene centred around the IFA and the Northern Ireland national team, and a rugby scene bolstered by the achievements of Ulster Rugby.
That's all before mentioning the Belfast Giants ice hockey team, who are based in the SSE Arena and have had overwhelming support from the public here.
With the recent redevelopment of Windsor Stadium and the upcoming redevelopment of Casement Park in West Belfast, we could be set to see these sports become a big selling point for Northern Ireland in the future.
21. Colin Glen
Nestled in the heart of West Belfast, Colin Glen is considered one of the city's best-kept secrets. The woodlands area contains a state of the art sports park; The Black Bull Run - Ireland’s first Alpine Coaster and River Rapid; Ireland’s longest Zipline; Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail, and much more.
22. Learn about local food and drink by taking a cookery class or a gin or whiskey tour
If want to learn how to make excellent food, there are plenty of cookery schools in and about Belfast, including the acclaimed Cookery School at James St, and the Forestside Cookery School.
For those who want to learn about sumptuous local drinks, Belfast Artisan Gin School, Belfast Gin & Spirits School, and the Whiskey Club's Self-Guided Whiskey Tour are all great options.
23. Go ice skating
Have fun ice skating at Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic size ice rink in Dundonald, or go skating at the SSE Arena's 'Winter Skate'.
24. Go to an aqua park with the family
A mainstay for families with young kids, indoor aqua parks have been bringing joy to children for years.
Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is the largest centre of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering three high-speed water slides, a surf simulator and a children’s adventure aqua play area. Elsewhere, nearby Lisburn Leisureplex is always popular with families.
25. See live Music in one of the city's fantastic venues
With live music having returned to Northern Ireland following the easing of Covid restrictions, there's never been a better time to catch a live show at one of our fantastic venues.
From small gigs at much-loved local venues like Black Box, The Sunflower, Voodoo, The American Bar and McHugh's, to larger events in Limelight, The Empire Music Hall, Ulster Hall, Waterfront Hall and the SSE Arena, to outdoor gigs when the weather's brighter, in places like Custom House Square and Ormeau Park, Belfast has no shortage of opportunities to see live music.
26. Visit the Beacon of Hope and Big Fish
Of the many monuments and sculptures which have cropped up since the end of the troubles in Belfast, the instantly recognisable Beacon of Hope (aka Nuala with the Hula) and the bizarre but much-loved Big Fish, have become two of the most enduring.
Both were constructed on Thanksgiving Square, in Lanyon Place, and they're centrally located, so worth popping over for a quick photo.
27. Go to W5
W5 is an award-winning Science & Discovery Centre located in the Odyssey Pavilion. Full of interactive exhibits, it has inspired kids and adults for two decades now. A walk along the Odyssey Promenade is a must as well.
28. Get a good photo of the Samson & Goliath cranes
The Samson & Goliath cranes dominate the Belfast skyline and have become one of the main symbols associated with the city.
For views of them towering above the Belfast skyline, you can hike up Cavehill, Divis Mountain or indeed Cairnwood in east Belfast, while for a close-up, you can get good views of them from the Titanic Quarter area of the city.
29. Venture to Window on Wildlife
Nestled in the heart of Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast Window on Wildlife is home to birds and wildlife from all over the world.
There are over 100 species of birds and other wildlife to be found at Belfast WOW throughout the year, but don't worry if you're not an expert. Trained staff and volunteers are on hand to help you identify what you see.
32. Visit St George's Market
One of the best markets in the UK & Ireland and the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, St George's Market is where you'll want to spend a weekend morning or afternoon. Local delicacies, craft and artworks, local singers, and (all-important) free samples galore.
33. Go on a pub crawl
No matter where you are in Belfast, you're not likely to be far from an excellent, cosy pub. Like the rest of Ireland, Belfast punches above its weight when comes to great bars.
The Cathedral Quarter is an obvious hub for those who want a drink, but you'll also find great bars along more suburban areas like the Ormeau Road (The Errigle Inn, Northern Lights, The Pavilion), Ballyhackamore (Horatio Todd's) and Dublin Road (Lavery's, The Points, Filthy McNasty's).
34. Go to St Anne's Cathedral
Belfast Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Anne, has stood for over 100 years as a place of Christian worship in the heart of Belfast.
The Cathedral is home to the iconic Spire of Hope, intricate mosaics, elaborately carved stonework by sculptors, stunning stained glass windows and more.
35. Take a trip to Belfast Zoo
Situated on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast Zoo is a 55-acre site and is home to more than 130 species. Aside from being the perfect place for a family trip, the zoo also carries out vital conservation work, both in Northern Ireland and around the world.
36. Check out Belfast's culinary scene
Northern Irish food has come a very long way in a short space of time, and we now boast three Michelin star restaurants, all within Belfast. Visit Deanes, Ox Belfast or The Muddler's Club to see why they've created such a buzz.
But even beyond the awards, Belfast's foodie scene is in a truly amazing place at the minute. Fine-dining restaurants can be found everywhere, but you'll also find plenty of places for casual dining, brunching, and even street food (such as the newly opened Common Market).
37. Explore Belfast Castle and Estate
Located in the Cave Hill area of North Belfast, Belfast Castle was built in the 1860s and is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
The Castle offers beautiful views of the city, as well as a pristinely maintained estate.
38. Take a tour of Clifton House
Clifton House, formerly the Poor House in Belfast, was built in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society and is one of the city's most historic buildings.
New immersive tours of Clifton House take place every Saturday and Sunday. Now, through the use of world-class immersive technology, from the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old to local citizens and passing sailors, throughout the years.
39. See the city's Peace Walls
Northern Ireland's peace walls are both a poignant reminder of our troubled past and an opportunity for our future. While these walls continue to separate communities, tours of them have also offered chances for locals and visitors alike to understand our shared history.
40. Have an authentic Ulster Fry or an Irish breakfast
People in Northern Ireland have very, very strong opinions when it comes to breakfast. For those who enjoy an authentic Ulster Fry, choosing the right restaurant to have it in is a matter of starting the day rightly or wrongly.
Here's our full guide to getting the best Ulster fries in Belfast.
41. Take a stroll through Stormont Park
The quiet, well-maintained grounds of the Stormont Estate sometimes seem like a world away from the chaos that often goes inside Stormont Parliament Buildings. The Estate is great for families, dogs, and offers excellent views of Belfast.
42. Visit Lady Dixon's Park
Located on the edge of the city, this sprawling park is home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors to Rose Week celebrations which take place in July each year.
Covering more than 128 acres, the park is made up of rolling meadows, copses, woodland and gardens and is home to a wide range of plants and animals.
43. Take a murals tour or a street art walking tour
Belfast is famous for its murals, and you'll find no shortage of tours which will take you around some of the cities most iconic.
But beyond that, Belfast has also become a hub for street art which isn't directly related to the conflict.
Like Berlin and Bethlehem, also famous for their walls, Belfast has become a place where street art has flourished, where artists from around the world have come to paint.
Initiatives like Belfast's dedicated Street Art Walking Tour have tried to shed light on the art scene here.
44. Visit the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Situated just outside of Cultra, the Ulster Folk Museum allows you to journey back in time to rediscover Ulster as it was over a century ago. Visitors can explore rolling hills of the countryside and a bustling town filled with authentic period buildings. They can also see daily demonstrations of traditional crafts from basket weaving to printing, as well as meeting the costumed guides bringing it all to life.
45. Walk the Game of Thrones Trail Map (and find one of 10 Game of Thrones doors)
To celebrate 10 years of filming in Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland created six giant, stained glass windows depicting some of the most iconic scenes from Game of Thrones. These windows making up the Glass of Thrones walking trail are now on permanent display throughout the city.
The windows were unveiled to coincide with the final season of the show with each one representing a different house or legacy; including the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers and the Iron Throne. The designs include the most talked-about scenes from seasons one to seven based on fans’ online searches.
Find the Glass of Thrones installations dotted along the Maritime Mile, from AC Hotel past Titanic Studios to HMS Caroline. Take a stroll to rediscover the most iconic moments from the saga immortalised in stained glass.
You can also find one of the 10 Game of Thrones doors - made of wood from trees along the Dark Hedges - in Cathedral Quarter's The Dark Horse Bar.
46. Visit Streamvale Farm
Perfect for families with little ones. won’t want to miss
You’ll have opportunities galore to feed the animals. Meet and feed Peppa, Roberta, Wilbur, Harvey, Harriet and Zac in Piggy Palace. Walk along the nature trail to the duck pond. You never know who you’ll meet along the way - chickens, peacocks, turkeys and more.
47. Experience some traditional music
Belfast has always been a hub for great traditional Irish music, but in recent years this has increased dramatically, with more bars than ever hosting trad sessions and performers.
You can find great trad music in a variety of city-centre bars, including well-established bars like Madden's, White's Tavern, The Errigle, The John Hewitt and Kelly's, to newer offerings like The Points, The Deer's Head and The Dirty Onion.
48. Discover lesser-known art galleries and exhibitions
Belfast has an abundance of galleries and exhibition spaces tucked away in various places throughout the city centre. Most notably, you'll find great local and international art at places like Belfast Exposed, Catalyst Arts and the Golden Thread Gallery.
The city also has 'Late Night Art' openings once a month, usually on a Thursday, where these spaces are open for free to the public (and there are often complimentary drinks involved as well...)
49. Go to the theatre
Whether it's the Grand Opera House, the Lyric Theatre, The MAC, or a smaller local theatre, there's no shortage of places to see a play or live production in Belfast.
Each venue here is unique in its own way, with a variety of entertainment to offer theatre-goers.
50. Go on a day trip (ie book a hotel, go on a tour)
It's a great city, with an endless amount to do, but Belfast can also be your jumping-off point for seeing the rest of Northern Ireland. You can start here and take a Game of Thrones tour, or a road trip up the North Coast.
If you need inspiration, look no further than our bucket list guide to the rest of Northern Ireland here.
