Location: Belfast
Top Things to do in Belfast
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Belfast, Northern Ireland
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. Clifton House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, it was used until 1882 as the Poor House. Today it is operated as a heritage and conference centre. Come on a tour and hear tales about Belfast's original Poor House as your guide takes you through the interesting, and at times turbulent, history of the Belfast Charitable Society as you walk in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families and the poor who sought refuge in its walls. Daily tours are at 3pm throughout August or every Friday at 3pm from September. On the last Friday of the month we also offer an extended tour to Clifton Street Cemetery. Here you will visit the graves of leading figures in the history of Belfast and see one of Ulster's largest famine graves. Tours of the House (£6.50 pp). Tours of the House & Cemetery (£9.50 pp). Free car parking on site.
Reviewed By karmstrong60 - Belfast, United Kingdom
A really interesting tour of both house and cemetery! The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the place! I hadn't expected to enjoy it so much and even though it was raining on the day of our visit, it was still a wonderful experience! I would definitely return when I have more friends visiting me as I learnt so much and would have appreciated more time in the cemetery! A huge thank you to Jim, our guide on the day!
2. HMS Caroline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 742 reviews
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.
3. Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
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.
4. National Football Stadium at Windsor Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 257 reviews
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!!
5. Windsor Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Cluedinclara
The guided tour of Windsor Park was well led by our guide who was always able to answer our many questions and give us new insights into the world of football.Our 9 year old grandson accompanied us and he really enjoyed listening to various stories told and especially being able to get involved actively practising penalties and tackling players on inter-active screens. The tour was well- balanced with time spent both indoors and outdoors. We came away feeling we had learnt a lot about the stadium, its history and the on going life of football at Windsor. To be recommended!
6. Falls Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
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.
7. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,682 reviews
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.
8. Queen's University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 reviews
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.
9. Ulster Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,600 reviews
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.
10. Cathedral Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
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
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