What are the best things to do in Belfast?
Top picks in Belfast include Saint Anne's Cathedral, Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Belfast travel guide.
Photo: Florent Abel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Belfast
Travel guide for Belfast, United Kingdom — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Belfast is a stop in United Kingdom, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Saint Anne's Cathedral, Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, Botanic Gardens instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–260 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Belfast
1
Saint Anne's Cathedral
2
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
3
Botanic Gardens
4
Ulster Museum
5
Waterfront Hall
6
Grand Opera House
Budget travel
Free things to do in Belfast
Saint Anne's Cathedral
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
Botanic Gardens
Waterfront Hall
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Belfast itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Saint Anne's Cathedral
- Visit Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
- Visit Botanic Gardens
- Eat at Maggie Mays
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Ulster Museum
- Visit Waterfront Hall
- Visit Grand Opera House
- Eat at Boojum
Budget
Belfast trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–260
per person / day
Luxury
USD 300–495+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Belfast, United Kingdom. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Belfast
Estimated total (USD)
$3,265
≈ $1,633 per person · $466 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $195/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Belfast mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–260 · luxury 300–495+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Maggie Mays
Boojum
Bright's Restaurant
Little Italy
The Bridge House
Established Coffee
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Travelodge Belfast Central
Global Village
Holiday Inn
Benedicts
Shopping
- Smithfield Market
- St George's Market
- No Alibis
Nightlife
- Crown Liquor Saloon
- Robinsons Bar
- The Garrick
- The Northern Whig
- Bittles Bar
- Morning Star
Museums & culture
- Saint Anne's Cathedral
- Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
- Ulster Museum
In pictures
Belfast gallery
Photos: Florent Abel, Ardfern, Man vyi, John Carey, Unknown authorUnknown author, Fattonyni — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Belfast travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Belfast?
Plan at least 2 days in Belfast for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Belfast?
Popular stays in Belfast include Travelodge Belfast Central, Global Village, Holiday Inn. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Belfast cost?
On the ground in Belfast (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–260, and luxury about 300–495+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Belfast, United Kingdom. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
