what to do
what to do
live like a local
Below you’ll find the inside scoop on the best places to eat, drink and experience life across the city, as chosen by our team.
Whether you’re with us for days or weeks, take it from us, Belfast will not disappoint!
eat, drink & be merry
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BREAD BOYS
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french village
BOTANIC AVE
A real sweet treat of a café, just newly refurbished to a stunning finish. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dessert every day of the week from 9am-4pm.
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TOWN SQUARE
BOTANIC AVE
This bar is a local favourite for good reason. Comfort food, served quickly and lots of outdoor space for those rare sunny days. Walk-ins are always welcome.
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Ragin' ramen
CHURCH LANE
Located in the lively Cathedral Quarter. Made fresh and in-house you’re always guaranteed a flavour sensation.
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get charlie's
ORMEAU ROAD
Here you’ll find our favourite slice shop and some of the best pizza in the city. Outrageously fresh and ever changing and in the bustling hub of the Ormeau Embankment.
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NOVA
CALLENDAR ST
Tucked away on a quiet avenue in the heart of Belfast city centre, you’ll find the Italian our locals rave about. You’ll be hard pushed to only choose one dish!
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MOURNE SEAFOOD BAR
BANK ST
Right in the heart of the city is this award-winning bistro, operating for over two decades, offering locally sourced seafood and the best of NI.
Classes at their Cookery School are also available if you’re looking for an added, amazing experience.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD CAFE
33 DONEGALL STREET
Another corker in the Cathedral Quarter. Beautifully renovated and more often queued out the door. Get there early or be prepared to wait a little while!
Cheryl recommends the Eggs Benny and kindly requests you take her with you.
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la taqueria
CASTLE STREET
You’ll want one of everything on this incredible menu, located also on the Ormeau Road. Authentically prepared Mexican with a fully stocked tequila menu.
Katty says, “Don’t miss Margarita Monday's for...well, obvious reasons.”
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white's tavern
WINECELLAR ENTRY
Famously the oldest pub in Belfast, dating back to 1630, experience a pint in the cosy, original tavern or grab a bite to eat in the more modern, extended beer hall. Visit on Mondays nights to experience traditional Irish music in an incredible environment.
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top blade
ST ANNE’S SQ
A guest favourite for a classic steak night out in the Cathedral Quarter. Offering options for vegetarians and kids, there will be something here for the entire group.
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nu delhi
GREAT VICTORIA STREET
One of the most well-loved and consistently highly-rated spots in the city for Indian cuisine. The service is impeccable and the food is outstanding. Make sure you book as this place is always busy.
get out there…
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city bus tour
BELFAST CITY CENTRE
If you only have a short stay, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Belfast’s key landmarks and neighbourhoods in approximately 90 minutes. Use code CENBELCS for 15% off your tickets.
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giants causeway tour
THE NORTH COAST
This full-day Giants Causeway tour from Belfast offers a brilliantly varied journey, from ancient castles and dramatic coastline to world-famous natural formations. Use code CENBELCW for 15% off your tickets.
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GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR
BANBRIDGE
Whether you’re a fan or not, this studio tour is a masterpiece of an experience. Thoroughly engaging and immersive, this is a fascinating insight not only into the show, but behind the scenes of the TV and film industry. Use code CENTRALBELFAST for 20% your tickets and coach from Belfast.
If you choose to drive yourself, you can use the Park+ Ride shuttle at The Boulevard shopping outlet. A great spot to do a bit of retail therapy before or after your tour.
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BELFAST GIANTS
THE O2 ARENA
Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or a total newbie, a Belfast Giants home game is not to be missed. The only professional ice hockey team on the island of Ireland, check the schedule for any upcoming fixtures.
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st george's market
EAST BRIDGE ST
Open Friday - Sundays. St George’s Market was built between 1890 and 1896. The market has won local and national titles and awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere. Check the link for opening hours and stall information.
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BELFAST HYDROBIKES
LAGAN RIVER
Experience the city from a different perspective on one of Lagan Adventure’s hydrobikes. With different options to accommodate most groups, this is a super-fun, dry water sports activity for all.
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w5 science museum
THE O2 ARENA
With over 250 interactive exhibits across eight exciting zones and daily live science shows, W5 offers endless fun for kids and adults alike. Pre-booking essential.
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crumlin rd gaol
CRUMLIN RD
Discover over 150 years of history and follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners as you make the journey through Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian prison.
Why not take it a step further and book a seat in one of their solitary cells and immerse yourself in a chilling cinematic experience? Each cell accommodates two with popcorn and two soft drinks. -
ulster museum
BOTANIC GARDENS
Discover new perspectives about Ancient Ireland, inclusive global histories, the Troubles, and whatever the future may hold. Admission to Ulster Museum is free for everyone and most of the time with no booking necessary.
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titanic experience
TITANIC QUARTER
The Titanic Experience is the world’s most authentic retelling of the iconic story.
The self-guided tour extends over ten interactive galleries where you discover the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the ship, as well as the people and city that made her.
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BELFAST CASTLE
ANTRIM ROAD
Belfast Castle sits at the foot of Cave Hill and is one of the most iconic locations from which to view the stunning skyline of Belfast. Enjoy a walk through the Millennium Maze and check the website for updates on market dates and events.
Get your walking shoes on and stand, literally, on top of Belfast during a visit to Cave Hill Country Park. Explore one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, Napoleon's Nose, believed to have inspired Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels. -
the avenue cinema
CASTLE COURT
An unrivalled cinema experience located off the main Royal Avenue. Rekindling the golden age of Belfast cinema, The Avenue plays homage to the historic picture house of the same name, that once stood in this very location.
A lavish venue that couples the magic of the big screen with fabulously designed interiors and food and drink offerings served directly to your seat.
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ESCAPE ROOMS BELFAST
ROYAL AVENUE
Every game drops you and your team into a fully immersive world packed with puzzles, atmosphere, and edge-of-your-seat challenges. You’ll have 60 minutes to search for clues, crack codes, and work together to uncover the mystery before time runs out.
From exploring the Titanic to pulling off a bold Casino Heist or surviving a Haunted Mansion, each adventure is fast-paced, story-driven, and unforgettable.
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THE MERCHANT SPA
SKIPPER STREET
Open to non-residents, experience a sumptuous, hidden destination spa in the heart of Belfast city centre. With five treatment rooms, a relaxation room and hydrotherapy area, this restful space is a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
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stormont estate
UPPER NEWTOWNARDS RD
Visit the beautiful grounds of the NI parliament. Stormont has a variety of walks, a fitness trail and a series of adventure trails for a range of age groups to showcase the woodlands and to give visitors a brief insight into the history of the estate. A large, inclusive playpark is on-site and entry is free. If you’re not driving, simply hop on the Glider bus and that’ll take you there.
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kingpins
CASTLE LANE
One of the UK’s biggest chains has hit Belfast. Located in the heart of the city centre, you’ll find state-of-the-art bowling, immersive games, huge arcade, and unbeatable food, all under one roof.
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LET'S GO PADEL
HOLYWOOD ROAD
Why not book in to take part in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world? The East Belfast location is super handy to the city centre. Great courts, friendly coaches, and fun for everyone!
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PRISON ISLAND
BALMORAL ROAD
If it’s Crystal Maze vibes you’re after, gather your friends, form a team and attempt to solve exciting challenges in their themed cells.
They have 31 cells that require a combination of intellectual and technical & physical skills, where you’ll work together as a team to earn as many points as possible.
beyond belfast…
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let's go hydro
KNOCKBRACKEN
Only 20 minutes from Belfast city centre, you’ll find Ireland’s ultimate water sports adventure park. Complete with inflatable hydro circuit, knee-boarding and SUP, this is an epic day out.
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STREAMVALE FARM
BALLYHANWOOD
Not just a farm but a fantastic family experience with many opportunities for children and adults to learn and play together. With animal feedings, cuddle times and tractor and barrel rides, this is always a hit with families. Only 20 minutes from Belfast city centre and open daily.
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EMERALD PARK
CO. MEATH
Two hours from Belfast, you’ll find Ireland only theme park. Enjoy over 45 rides and attractions, a diverse zoo with unique experiences, and fantastic show-stopping events. A full day of family fun awaits!
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BANGOR
COUNTY
Situated just 12 miles from the heart of Belfast and half an hour by train, the city of Bangor is a popular seaside resort at the tip of the Ards Peninsula. Walkers will love a ramble (long or short) along the North Down Coastal Path.
Want to keep the little ones occupied? Pickie Fun Park is one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions with the likes of mini golf, steam train rides, a splash pad and peddle swans rides all in store.
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ulster folk museum
CULTRA
First opened in 1964, the Ulster Folk Museum is a living museum and environmental resource situated at Cultra, three miles east of Belfast.
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ulster transport museum
CULTRA
Situated next to, but separate from the Folk Museum in Cultra. Visit to encounter amazing feats of engineering, and find out how we have made our way from past to present and beyond.
You can access the North Down coastal path from the museum grounds. During your visit, take a walk outdoors and get to see more of the area. The gate is open during museum opening hours.
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COLIN GLEN
STEWARTSTOWN RD
Another epic adventure spot for all the family just twenty minutes from the city centre. Experience a land of storytelling and a state-of-the-art sports park with world class attractions. Home to Ireland’s longest zipline and the island’s first ever alpine coaster, laser tag, golfing to the Gruffalo Trail, Colin Glen has adventure for everyone!
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HILLSBOROUGH
ROYAL HILLSBOROUGH
Explore Hillsborough Castle, a grand Georgian estate and royal residence in Northern Ireland. See the website for What’s On and how to fill your time.
Then take a wander through the quaint village of Hillsborough itself and grab a bite at the historic The Parsons Nose, first built in 1700.
And if you’re after something a bit different, check out the alpaca trekking nearby in Ballynahinch.
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RATHLIN ISLAND
BALLYCASTLE
If walking and wildlife is your scene, consider a daytrip to the only inhabited offshore island of Northern Ireland and is a haven for seabirds, most famously its puffin population.
Check the website for seasonal information and ferry schedules. Make sure you grab fish and chips from Mortons in Ballycastle before you leave the coast.
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montalto estate
BALLYNAHINCH
This estate is situated thirty minutes from Belfast and has vast, beautiful grounds where kids can run free! It has one of the best outdoor parks and the on-site café is a fantastic spot to stop and grab a bite.
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portaferry
ARDS PENINSULA
Portaferry is a charming village located at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, known for its stunning views of Strangford Lough and its rich maritime heritage. Visitors head here for the Exploris Aquarium, NI’s only marine rescue centre.
Take the short ferry across the Narrows to Strangford and grab some lunch at the Cuan Restaurant.