Location: Belfast
Top Things to do in Belfast
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. 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.
2. 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!!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Visit Belfast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
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....
7. Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,894 reviews
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
8. Cave Hill Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
Reviewed By PB2269 - Aldergrove, United Kingdom
Climbed Cavehill on Christmas morning the weather was glorious and well worth the effort it took, fabulous view of our city and a beauty attraction on our doorstep
9. Grand Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,266 reviews
The Grand Opera House in Belfast is Northern Ireland's premier theatre, presenting a range of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, pantomime, family and West End shows. Established in 1895, the theatre boasts the majestic Victorian main auditorium designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. Extended in 2006, the original building has been joined by a striking addition to Belfast's skyline, The Baby Grand. The initiate studio is home to a smaller performance space with 100 seats. Northern Ireland's premier theatre delivers an outstanding programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music. The theatre boasts a wide array of popular shows; everything from opera and drama to pantomime, comedy and musicals. The Grand Opera House offers unrivalled corporate hospitality with tailored events packages and is the perfect venue for meetings, special events and conferences of all sizes. The historical theatre is one of the most unique conference venues in Belfast, catering for seminars, conferences, meetings and weddings for up to 130 people in the Baby Grand Studio. The Main Auditorium holds up to 1060 people and smaller meeting rooms are also available. The theatre bars stock a range of drinks including beer, wine and spirits, in addition to tea and coffee.
Reviewed By ianhfraser - Belfast, United Kingdom
My wife and I attended a screening of Singalong-a-Bohemian Rhapsody and had a marvelous time. Very well organised, drinks in the auditorium and drinks at the interval, all excellently done in a beautiful setting.
10. St. Malachy's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By postman1311 - Douglas, United Kingdom
This is a modern building but that does not detract from its old world charm as on entering it is all white marble and with a massive oil painting of Jesus caring the cross above the Altar we where there as a family to celebrate Easter Sunday mass as we were staying right besides here and so glad we were so if you are at city hall just around the corner is this lovely church take a look
