25 magical things to do in Belfast

Northern Ireland is one of my favourite places to visit and Belfast has been an integral starting point for so many of my Northern Ireland trips over the years.

But if you’re planning a visit to Northern Ireland or Ireland and are flying into the city of Belfast, I absolutely insist that you spend at least 48-72 hours exploring this magical city!

There is truly so much to do and see here, and I’ve got everything to keep on your radar.

If you’re planning a trip, here are 25 magical things to do in Belfast (and sights, restaurants, and hotels that will make you want to stay even longer).

25 Magical Things to Do in Belfast

Sights and Museums you can’t miss

Titanic Belfast & the SS Nomadic

Perhaps the most iconic “must-see,” in the city. Or at least, the “you certainly can’t miss it from your eyesight” museum.

Titanic Belfast brings the ship’s story to life throughout a series of immersive galleries. You walk through time, from Belfast’s industrial building of the ship through to the Atlantic tragedy.

It’s an incredible museum to explore and of course, quite an emotional one.

Nearby, the SS Nomadic, the last White Star vessel, sits restored, and stepping aboard feels like time travel to 1912.

Lunch and shopping at St George’s Market

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the market comes to life with food, crafts, music, and the buzz of locals and visitors alike. It’s a fun place to spend some time wandering with a coffee in hand and a bite to eat.

Try an Ulster-style breakfast or soda bread (yum!), and explore stalls of metalwork, textiles, and a few sweet treats.

Wander Belfast Castle gardens

Slightly out of the city, but I think it’s well worth a visit. After all, in my humble opinion, you simply must visit the castle of the city you’re exploring!

It’s free to explore the grounds. They aren’t that extensive but it’s still quite fun. There’s even a little pub inside, so I’d say grab a drink and sit in the sunshine!

You can visit the inside of the castle as well during certain times of the year,

Commercial Court: Grab a pint or two at the The Duke of York & The Dark Horse

Commercial Court is one of the most famous streets in Belfast! And great news, it’s the perfect pub district to spend some time in.

I’d highly recommend a visit to both The Duke of York (iconic) and The Dark Horse. The Duke of York is amazing for a few pints. It gets pretty lively and has such a fun atmosphere, perfect to start (or end) a night out on the town!

I feel like The Dark Horse is where you go if The Duke of York is full BUT I really enjoy it as a stopping point in itself! We’ve alwaus really enjoyed the hospitality and the food in The Dark Horse, they are always so nice.

Also – they have one of the famous Game of Thrones doors there too, don’t miss it!

Walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens + Palm House

Honestly the park here is amazing! Be sure to check out the Botanic Gardens, it’s free to have a wander.

The Palm House is a Victorian gem but strolling around in the autumn with a coffee from Coop Coffee is a must!

Belfast City Hall

The city hall first opened in 1906 and today you can go on free public tours of the building. I think it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and well worth a visit!

Beautiful stained glass windows feature throughout the Hall, depicting Celtic myths and legends as well as memorials to victims of the Great Famine and those who fought in the First and Second World Wars.

On the grounds you’ll also find the Titanic Memorial Garden.

Belfast by the Glass Tour with Taste and Tour

Oh my gosh, please, please, please book a food or drink tour with Taste and Tour. They are so much fun and a great way to see the city!

We’ve actually done a few different tours with them over the years. I’d recommend Belfast by the Glass, you get to go on a little wander through the city plus you’ll try all the famous drinks at each bar.

It’s a super fun way to explore and if you get a really fun bunch of people along, it makes it even better!

Black Taxi Tour & Mural Trail

Belfast is an amazing city to visit but it’s also absolutely full of political history and troubles as well. Hop in a black taxi and let a local guide narrate the stories behind the Falls Road, Shankill Road, and other neighbourhoods.

This isn’t just political history, it’s folklore, memory, and daily life woven through storytelling.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Walk the corridors of a Victorian prison that closed only in 1996.

The “Cells & Stories” tours probe punishment, politics, and spectral whispers. At twilight, some tours lean into the haunted lore.

Ulster Museum & the Queen’s Quarter

Free to enter, the museum hosts art, archaeology, natural history, and Belfast’s industrial stories.

Afterwards, stroll around the trimmed stone walls and redbrick of Queen’s University, and through Café-lined streets

Queen’s University Belfast, the CS Lewis Reading Room

For Narnia fans, this is a little hidden gem to visit while you’re in the city. Located at Queen’s University Belfast, you’ll find the CS Lewis Reading Room.

Decorated with glass-engraved inscriptions from the Belfast author’s works. The entrance to the room is also as a hand-carved replica of the famous wardrobe door from The Chronicles of Narnia!

You can find this situated in the tower area of Floor 1 of The McClay Library.

C.S. Lewis Square

A quiet square dedicated to Narnia characters, with bronze statues. Great for those interested in furthering their literary travel and tourism explorations!

Hotels to Book (that feel a little magical themselves)

Stay The Harrison Belfast for the prettiest views to wake up to

We’ve been lucky enough to stay at The Harrison in Belfast a few times now. The rooms are quirky and fun and the staff there are so brilliant.

It’s like a tiny getaway within the city and without a doubt, my favourite hotel to keep coming back to.

Best Restaurants in Belfast: Where to eat and drink in Belfast

A Peculiar Tea for the most unique tasting menu

One of the coolest restaurants you need to book into is A Peculiar Tea. They do rotating themed menus. When we went, they had a “The Boy Who Lived” Harry Potter esque theme for dinner which was so incredibly magical.

But it changes every few months and they are also in a new location!

Currently, they have a residency at McConnell’s Distillery and the theme until March 2026 is “A Cursed Wing” a bit of a nod to The Prisoner of Azkaban, with the location in the old Gaol!

Pretty neat and something totally unique that I’d really recommend booking during your visit.

Dinner at the beautiful Merchant Hotel, Bert’s Jazz Bar

What a fun place to go for dinner! We had an early dinner in Bert’s Jazz Bar at the Merchant Hotel. The food is lovely and it’s such a great atmosphere.

I’d really recommend booking ahead to make sure you get a table.

More Bars in Belfast

Observatory

Located on the 23rd floor of the  Grand Central Hotel Belfast, this space has incredible views over the city. It’s fun to see city hall from here! The Observatory is a bit fancy, so it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to dress up to go to.

The Perch Rooftop Bar

Definitely more of a casual spot for drinks, jeans and jumpers welcome! We’ve popped in here before for the relaxed atmosphere, the good drinks and the fun vibes.

Crown Liquor Saloon

This Victorian pub is a must during your travels. It’s one of the most famous pubs to visit in the city and looks like a total step back in time.

If you book in with a Taste and Tour session in the city, often times they will stop in here as well!

Established Coffee

Located in the Cathedral Quarter. It’s very minimalist vibes but the perfect breakfast spot.

The Pocket

Excellent for breakfast in the city! Tucked behind Bittles Bar, super cosy and excellent for a quiet coffee or two.

Day Trips from Belfast

Don’t forget that Belfast is also a great base for day trips around Northern Ireland! There is SO much to see and do.

Here are a few of my blog posts to help with further planning:

Thanks so much for joining me with some of my favourite places to visit in Belfast, Northern Ireland!

I hope you have the best time on your visit to the city and don’t forget, you can always reach out to me for further trip planning!

Kelly xoxo