Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, birthplace of the RMS Titanic and packed full of world-class tourist attractions. People from across the world visit Belfast to see the Titanic Belfast, the Giant's Causeway and the Ulster Museum. It also has some lesser known tourist attractions that are equally amazing, including Cave Hill Country Park, W5 Science Centre, Belfast Zoo, St George's Market and the Cathedral Quarter's thriving food and nightlife scene.
This guide covers the best tourist attractions Belfast has to offer. From iconic historical sights and outdoor adventures to family-friendly fun and some of the finest food and nightlife in Ireland. We've also included everything you need to know about getting there stress-free with Aircoach.
What Historical and Cultural Attractions are there in Belfast?
Belfast's history is one of its greatest draws. The city has lived through industrialisation, conflict and transformation - and its attractions tell the story of that unique and full history.
Titanic Belfast
No visit to Belfast is complete without a trip to Titanic Belfast. The world's largest Titanic visitor experience sits in the very spot where the RMS Titanic was designed and built, on the banks of Belfast Lough in the Titanic Quarter.
Its angular, ship-inspired exterior has become one of the city's defining landmarks, and inside, the self-guided experience takes visitors through Belfast's shipbuilding story, the construction of the Titanic itself and the ship's enduring global legacy. It's the standout attraction in Belfast and for good reason.
Ulster Museum
Free to enter and great for families, the Ulster Museum is the perfect rainy-day destination. Come face-to-face with dinosaurs and an Egyptian mummy, explore Northern Ireland's political history and browse world-class art collections - all under one roof. Located beside the Botanic Gardens in the Queen's Quarter, it's an easy addition to any day in South Belfast.
Black Taxi Tours
For a more personal introduction to the city, a Black Taxi Tour puts you in the hands of a local driver who knows Belfast's story from the inside out. These tours let you see Belfast through the eyes of a local as you visit the famous political murals, the peace walls and the key sites from both nationalist and unionist history. It's one of the most valuable experiences you can book in Belfast.
The MAC
The Metropolitan Arts Centre, known locally as The MAC, is Belfast's contemporary cultural hub. Set in the Cathedral Quarter, The MAC hosts a constantly rotating programme of art exhibitions, theatre, comedy, workshops and live events. Well worth checking what's on during your visit.
Belfast City Hall and the Cathedral Quarter
Belfast City Hall, a historical Edwardian Baroque building built in 1906, sits at the very heart of the city. Free guided tours are available inside and it's home to various events across the year, including the Belfast Christmas Market.
From City Hall it's only a short walk into the Cathedral Quarter. Spend an afternoon wondering the cobbled streets taking in the historic architecture mixed with the buzz of modern life including street art, independent galleries, theatres, pubs and restaurants.
What outdoor activities can you do in and around Belfast?
Belfast is a gateway to some of Northern Ireland's most breathtaking scenery. You don't have to travel far to find landscapes that stop you in your tracks.
Giant's Causeway
About an hour from Belfast city centre, the Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, rise from the coastline in formations that have inspired the legendary tales of mythical giants. There's simply nowhere else like it. If you're spending a few days in Belfast, a day trip to the Causeway is an absolute must.
Cave Hill Country Park
For sweeping panoramic views without leaving the city, Cave Hill Country Park is the answer. The hike to the top rewards walkers with vistas that stretch towards Scotland on a clear day. Look out for "Napoleon's Nose" - the dramatic rocky outcrop said to have inspired Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels.
Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo are also on the Cave Hill estate, making it easy to combine into a half-day out.
Botanic Gardens
Sometimes you just need to slow down. The Botanic Gardens, beside Queen's University in South Belfast, is a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. On a sunny day, the gardens fill with students, families and anyone looking for a breath of fresh air.
What are the best attractions in Belfast for families?
Belfast is a great city to visit with children. There's far more on offer than the average city break, with dedicated family attractions that will keep your kids genuinely entertained.
W5 Belfast
W5 is Belfast's interactive science and discovery centre, located beside the SSE Arena in the Titanic Quarter. With hands-on exhibits covering everything from space and engineering to nature and creativity, plus climbing zones and robot attractions, it's the kind of place where kids (and parents) can stay engaged for hours.
Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo is home to over 140 species of animals from around the world. Featuring regular talks, feeding sessions and panoramic views over the city - this is a family favourite must do activity when visiting Belfast. Combine it with a walk in Cave Hill Country Park for a full day in the fresh air.
Worth noting: Families travelling with Aircoach can take advantage of the family discount - 2 adults and 2 children travelling together get an automatic 10% off when booking online, and children aged 3 and under travel free.
Where should you eat and drink in Belfast?
Belfast's food scene has earned serious recognition in recent years and its nightlife has always had a reputation that's hard to beat.
St George's Market
Consistently ranked among the best markets in the UK and Ireland, St George's Market is always bustling on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. Sample local street food, browse gifts, crafts and artwork and soak up the atmosphere - it's one of Belfast's most loved institutions.
The Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is the heart of Belfast nightlife. Traditional pubs, live music venues, boujee cocktail bars and buzzing restaurants sit next to each other along the cobbled streets - there's something for everyone. Well-known spots include The Duke of York, The Dirty Onion and Kelly's Cellars, but part of the joy is just to wonder and see where the day / night takes you!
For a full rundown of where to drink and dance in Belfast, check out our ultimate guide to Belfast nightlife.
How do you get to Belfast with Aircoach?
With so many tourist attractions to choose from, you want getting to Belfast to be the easy part so you can focus on the fun stuff - and with Aircoach, it is.
The 705X express service connects Dublin City Centre (O'Connell Street) and Dublin Airport directly to Belfast's Grand Central Station, with onward services to Derry/L'Derry and vice versa. With up to 34 daily services, running 364 days a year, there's a departure that fits your schedule. The journey typically takes just under two hours.
Once the coach drops you at Grand Central Station, you're a short walk from Belfast's biggest tourist attractions, including the Titanic Quarter, the Cathedral Quarter and the city centre.
On board, travel in comfort with reclining seats, onboard toilets and high-speed Wi-Fi. No sat nav stress, no parking charges, no fumbling for change. Just get on board and let Belfast do the rest.
Single tickets start from £11/€12 when booked online. Young people aged 14–21 receive a 20% discount, and families of 2 adults and 2 children receive an automatic 10% discount.
Start Your Belfast Adventure Today
From the moving story of the Titanic to the ancient drama of the Giant's Causeway, from the craic of the Cathedral Quarter to the calm of Botanic Gardens - Belfast tourist attractions cover the full spectrum. History buffs, families, foodies, outdoor lovers: the city has something for everyone, and it delivers on every count.
The only thing left to sort is how you get there. Book your Aircoach ticket online today - it takes two minutes, and it's one less thing to think about before the good stuff begins.