The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Belfast, Northern Ireland

December 9, 2021 Lean Nau

With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energizing getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theaters.
Restaurants in Belfast

1. HMS Caroline

Queens Rd Alexandra Dock, Belfast BT3 9DT Northern Ireland +44 28 9045 4484 [email protected] http://www.hmscaroline.co.uk
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 742 reviews

HMS Caroline

Much of HMS Caroline has undergone extensive restoration to her 1916 appearance from the Battle of Jutland. Visitors can discover a wide range of historic spaces, including the Captain's Cabin, Royal Marines Mess, and Seamen's Wash as well as the very important engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen. During their visit, visitors will discover the importance of the Battle of Jutland, learning what life at sea was like the over three hundred crew who served on board HMS Caroline during 1916. Visit the Torpedo School and explore the role of naval weaponry; peruse the Virtual Access Suite a contemporary, comfortable space where all visitors can explore the ship; Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the Mess Deck Cafe, and finally visit the Gift Shop, to bring home a reminder of your visit to HMS Caroline.

Reviewed By N5679CAcraigh - Glenrothes, United Kingdom

Fantastic tour self guided and a map provided would also highly recommend the audio guide which you get free as it gives a better insight into the ship and its everyday life. It was a good way 2 spend a couple of hours at a very reasonable price. If you love your history or just curious it's a very interesting tour.

2. Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House

Schomberg House 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast BT6 9EY Northern Ireland +44 28 9070 1122 [email protected] http://www.orangeheritage.co.uk/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 116 reviews

Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House

The Museum of Orange Heritage's Belfast site is located at the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland's Headquarters, 'Schomberg House' in East Belfast. ​ The site focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution and travelling through to the modern day. ​ There is a strong focus on Orangeism around the World with a fascinating collection which enhances the story of the Institution. ​ The Museum features a number of interactive exhibits and includes a Café on site. ​ A replica Lodge Room includes a Memorial Backlit Window which commemorates the more than 300 Orange members who were killed during the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland.

Reviewed By scottlennox

Live fairly nearby but never visited. Was st a loose end for the day so wandered on in to see what it was all about. I found a nice modern building showing Interesting and balanced exhibits. There were historical artifacts, videos and commentary telling the story in Ireland from about the 17th Century onwards to the modern day. I found the staff helpful and friendly and there was easy local parking nearby, reasonably priced entry and shop full of interesting books, t-shirts, trinkets and souvenirs. Didn't use the cafe but it did smell wonderful as I passed by on the traditional route in. Give it a go no matter which side of the community you belong to - you may be pleasantly surprised at what you may find in here and what you can learn - your perceptions will.be challenged. Certainly worth a visit if you are a tourist if the Orange Order is a mystery to you.

3. National Football Stadium at Windsor Park

Donegal Avenue Windsor Park, Belfast BT12 6LU Northern Ireland +44 28 9066 9458 [email protected] https://www.irishfa.com/national-football-stadium-at-windsor-park
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 257 reviews

National Football Stadium at Windsor Park

Tour the newly developed stadium and relive some of Northern Ireland's most iconic football history at the IFA Education and Heritage Centre.

Reviewed By BelfastFoodTravelMan - Belfast, United Kingdom

I’ve just come home after spending a wonderful two hours in the tour of the National Football Stadium with my two young football mad nephews!! From the minute we arrived it was impressive....and that was just our guide Mark!! We got to see the Heritage Centre and watched a 5 minute video of Northern Irish football which really made us feel proud to be Norn Irish....1958, 1982, 1986 to now all key years and then that David Healey goal that sank the Three Lions in 2005. That was the catalyst that sparked a resurgence in NI soccer and eventually the Stadium. There is so much to see, do and learn on this part of tour. Then it was off to tour the very modern stadium. We got to see the stands, private function rooms, the pitch and the NI changing room. A superb tour, a must for any and all footy fans. A must see if in Belfast!!! Ps didn’t get to taste any pies!!

4. Falls Road

139 Falls Road, Belfast BT12 6AF Northern Ireland +44 7808 912543 http://www.coiste.ie/tours
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 944 reviews

Falls Road

Reviewed By ILOVEDOOLIN - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hop on hop off tour bus around Belfast took us into the falls road estate and other areas of significance which I found very moving. We all know of the troubles that Belfast has had but it was somewhere that you felt slightly uncomfortable to be, and prying into people’s lives just didn’t seem right but at the end of the day it gave me a greater understanding. I think Belfast as a whole is very underestimated as it is a very vibrant and friendly city.

5. Queen's University

University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 5133 http://www.qub.ac.uk/
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 632 reviews

Queen's University

Belfast's largest university is well known for its beautiful campus.

Reviewed By BlueBoy1919 - Preston, United Kingdom

We walked 20 minutes from city centre and were not disappointed. The Univeristy is well presented and garden manicured, extremely picturesque. Area is full of Victorian architecture that has been well preserved. Next door to university is the park and museum both worth spending time in.

6. City Hall

City Hall Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS Northern Ireland +44 28 9027 0456 [email protected] http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,682 reviews

City Hall

At the centre of Donegall Square proudly stands City Hall; the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. City Hall is open to the public 7 days a week. It is a multi-purpose venue hosting a large number of events in its large functions rooms or outdoors on the beautiful lawns. Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Guests can relax and refresh in the Bobbin Coffee Shop or pick up souvenirs in the Gift Shop. A 16 room visitor exhibition explores the history of the city through themed and interactive displays. City Hall grounds are the primary green space in Belfast City Centre and host continental markets and open air concerts. The grounds feature a number of statues and memorials relating to Belfast’s leading figures and historic past, including the Titanic Memorial Garden.

Reviewed By Wurzel67 - Wells, United Kingdom

if you like your architecture, and history, then definitely visit the City Hall building, some gorgeous exhibits on show, the amazing stained glass windows to the right of the main hall is a must see, and some brilliant information within some of the rooms, a great venue to tour around, and the memorial to the titantic victims hits home how many were lost on that fateful night back in 1912.

7. Ulster Museum

Stranmillis Road Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB Northern Ireland +44 28 9044 0000 http://www.nmni.com/um
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,600 reviews

Ulster Museum

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present, the museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences with impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones. From Ireland to the South Pacific, ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone from the simply curious to the enthusiast.

Reviewed By jacquieknox2017 - Ramelton, Ireland

This spacious, airy building hosts a wide variety of interesting artefacts and exhibitions. There's art collections, Flemish masters, dinosaurs, natural history, Irish history, Egyptian mummies, Spanish Armada relics and gold bullion, science, interactive displays - you could lose yourself in there all day. It really is worth a visit.

8. Cathedral Quarter

Belfast Northern Ireland http://cathedralquarterbelfast.com
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 881 reviews

Cathedral Quarter

Posh, upscale neighborhood lined with glass and chrome buildings, cafes and wine bars.

Reviewed By josT2776NL - Belfast, United Kingdom

Beautiful place must see cobbled streets plenty of bars and places to eat lovely atmosphere really lovely place

9. Visit Belfast

9 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 6609 [email protected] http://visitbelfast.com/
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 718 reviews

Visit Belfast

Contact the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre for visitor information, tour and event tickets, maps and local souvenirs, and travel advice for your trip to Belfast and beyond. Services provided: Tourist information tickets for tours and events, gift shop, free Wi-Fi and Bureau de change. Reopening Friday 30 April 2021.

Reviewed By MaryJoM_12 - Belfast, United Kingdom

Brilliant range of gifts/goods and useful information from Translink staff. Hint - come here for translink info, they dont have it in Great Victoria Street....

10. Botanic Gardens

College Park, Belfast BT9 5AB Northern Ireland +44 7767 271683 [email protected] http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/parksdetails.asp?id=54
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,894 reviews

Botanic Gardens

Reviewed By stephaniemY1160IO

I visited three times during my stay in Belfast each visit brought something new to see, great place to chill in the warm weather the palm house and tropical ravine house were full of interesting flowers and plants if a little humid

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