Belfast has seen a significant rise in tourism over the past two decades. The city might not be as popular as Dublin but holds its own ground as a modern cosmopolitan with plenty of attractions. While Titanic Belfast, Ulster Museum, and Belfast Castle are essential places to visit, the city’s vibrant personality has much more for visitors to see and experience. Among the unique and exciting things to do in Belfast are excursions that shine an essential spotlight on its past. At the same time, some attractions involve thrilling rides, culinary discoveries, and a look at the city’s artistic soul.
As Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast is a well-connected city, reachable by different modes of transport. However, considering its celebrated maritime heritage, which includes the construction of the HMS Titanic on its shores, one of the best ways to reach here is by boat. Ferry tickets to Belfast are available through Ferryscanner, with vessels arriving regularly from Birkenhead and Cairnryan.
Go Pubbing
The pubbing culture in Belfast is very refined but also oodles of fun. The locals take their beers and whiskeys very seriously. However, a night out often includes live music, good food, and fun interactions. Thus, a pub crawl is one of the quintessential things to do in Belfast.
There are plenty of bars in Belfast, but a few have achieved almost legendary status. The Duke of York is a traditional drinking hole in Cathedral Quarter. The pub is a lively place to immerse yourself into the city’s friendly vibe. Moreover, it boasts eye-catching interiors that include every inch of its walls and ceiling decorated with drinking memorabilia.
At the same time, the rooftop Babel Bar at Bullit Hotel is a cool hangout spot offering stunning city views. The hotel is one of Belfast’s hippest boutique accommodations, named after Steve McQueen’s iconic movie.
Bittles Bar in Victoria Square resides in an unconventional “flat iron” design building dating back to 1868. A great place to grab a Guinness, the bar has old-style interiors with art featuring sports and literary greats.
Tourists looking for something hip and contemporary should visit the arcade bars in Belfast. Cuckoo on Lisburn Road is one such establishment providing all-around entertainment through arcade games, pool tables, karaoke, live music, and a nightclub.
Visit Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol acted as the central jail in Northern Ireland, especially during The Troubles. Constructed in the mid-1800s, it is the last remaining Victorian institution of its kind.
Operational until 1996, the building is now home to the Crumlin Road Gaol Experience. An excursion for the entire family, it is truly one of the unmissable things to do in Belfast.
The high point of this multi-layered tourist attraction is the guided tour of the facilities. During the 90-minute trip, visitors learn about the jail’s history and the people incarcerated here. You’ll also see the execution room and the tunnel leading to the courthouse.
As a venue, Crumlin Road Gaol regularly hosts events like live concerts, Halloween extravaganza, and paranormal investigations. Moreover, their Cuffs Bar & Grill is a modern-looking restaurant where you can relish classic recipes made using locally sourced produce.
Zip Over the Woodlands
Located 15 minutes from Belfast city center, Colin Glen is an adventure park that promises an entire day of thrills and excitement. You can ride the Black Bull Run, Ireland’s first alpine rollercoaster, here.
Alternatively, you can zoom over the track at 35 mph on the 250-meter-long Forest Flyover zipline. The main feature at Colin Glen, though, is River Rapid, Ireland’s longest zipline. On this 700-meter-long dual aerial runway, you takeoff from 100ft above lush green woodlands, speeding down to 50ft at up to 50 mph.
A family excursion, Colin Glen has something for all ages. Other activities and facilities include a guided Gruffalo Walk, golf, archery, laser tag, and an all-weather indoor dome where you can play football or rugby.
Take a Black Taxi Tour
Belfast does have the classic Hop On Hop Off red bus tour that takes you past popular tourist attractions of the city. However, one of the more culturally immersive things to do in Belfast is taking a Black Taxi Tour.
The private tour in a London black cab offers a detailed understanding of the city’s tumultuous past and peaceful present.
Lasting roughly two hours, the taxi driver is also your guide. In all probability, they have lived through the Troubles and can present you with insightful eyewitness accounts of what happened.
An intense and emotional ride through commercial and residential areas of the city, the tour is an unmatched personal glimpse into the regional zeitgeist. One you will not easily find in any guidebook.
Shop at St George’s Market
Built between 1890 and 1896, St George’s Market is one of the best places to shop in Belfast. The Victorian-era covered marketplace is where locals typically purchase their daily requirements, household items, and fresh produce.
With close to 250 shops and stalls, you can find pretty much everything under the sun here. Refurbished in 1997, the market hosts special events every week.
The weekend food and craft market is a must for gourmands wanting to try local delicacies, craft beer, and comfort food. Moreover, there are stalls selling artisanal craft items, live music, and an overall festive atmosphere.
Antique stalls pop up around the market on Sunday. At the same time, Friday is about variety. That’s when you will find an array of bargains, be it when buying fresh fish or kitsch souvenirs.
Savor the Ulster Fry
Among the best foodie things to do in Belfast is indulge in an Ulster Fry. The classic Belfast breakfast is a local institution, most enjoyed when served in its traditional form.
If we go by what the locals consider the “correct way,” an Ulster Fry should consist of black pudding, sausages, eggs, bacon, potato bread, and soda bread.
Baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and white pudding are additions that make the breakfast more filling. However, they might not impress the traditionalists.
George’s at St George’s Market is an award-winning stall famous for its Ulster Fry. Maggie May’s and Harlem Cafe are other favorite places in Belfast that serve excellent breakfast.
Discover Street Art in Belfast
While Belfast’s famous Peace Walls still separate communities, they have managed to integrate into the urban setup of the city. Art on these walls is typically political in nature and a reminder of Belfast’s torrid past. Furthermore, one might also find paramilitary wall art in residential areas of the city.
The central part of Belfast has an entirely different street art scene. The murals in this area are an artistic impression of life in general, with a conscious approach that stays away from conflicting ideologies. As a result, discovering street art in the city is among the most interesting things to do in Belfast.
You can take a guided tour to find the street art easily. Alternatively, wander around finding the 100-plus art installations on your own. If short on time, visit High Street, Talbot Street, and Hill Street, three locations with multiple murals.
Some unmissable mural pieces in Belfast are Blurry Eyed, a neon-lit rainy cityscape painted by DANK. The black and white Duel of Belfast by Conor Harrington. The Chef by Smug is a three-story mural of a chef and a lobster with fascinating detail. And lastly, there’s the stunningly colorful Spirit of Commerce by Irony, located at Pottinger’s Entry.