A Guide to the Best Free Things to do in Belfast
Belfast is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant music and arts scene, there is something for everyone in the trendy Northern Irish capital.
But, as with any capital city, exploring Belfast can be expensive (much more than we initially thought). That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best free things to do in Belfast, so you can experience all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for something new to do, there’s something on this list for you. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the best free things to do in Belfast!
11 Free Things to do in Belfast 2023
Join a Belfast City Hall Free Tour
The Belfast City Hall free tour is a great way to learn about the history and architecture of one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings in the city centre. It is easily one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The tour will take through the main reception rooms of the city hall, including the grand staircases, marble mosaic floor, and the council chamber. There is the opportunity to try on the robes and see the impressive portraits commissioned yearly.
We had a friendly guide who provided information on the history of the building, including its construction in the early 1900s, as well as its role in the city’s political and civic life. We were eager to ask many questions, and we urge you to do the same!
The tour also covers the history of Belfast itself, including the city’s industrial past and its more recent history of political conflict and peace.
The tour is free of charge and lasts around an hour. We turned up about 10 minutes before the start time and managed to secure our spot.
It’s also worth noting that the tour is unavailable on public holidays and on specific dates. Please check the Belfast City Hall website for more information on tour dates and times.
Go for a Walk in Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill Country Park is a beautiful natural park located on the outskirts of Belfast. The park covers approximately 360 hectares and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and bird watching. We had to include some outdoor fun on the best free things to do in Belfast!
One of the most popular attractions in the park is Cave Hill, a large limestone hill that offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area.
The park also features several walking trails, including the famous “Cave Hill Adventure Trail”, which takes visitors on a 3.5 km walk around the top of the hill, visiting Belfast Castle, located on the summit. The park also features many picnic areas, playgrounds and a visitor centre.
Cave Hill Country Park is open all year round and free to enter. It is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy fresh air and nature while still close to the city centre.
See the Murals at the Belfast Peace Wall
The Belfast Peace Wall is a series of walls and barriers built in the late 1960s and early 1970s to separate Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods in Belfast. The walls were erected during the Troubles, a period of political conflict and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland that lasted for several decades. The purpose of the walls was to prevent violence and protect the communities on either side of them.
The Peace Wall is a controversial and emotionally charged symbol of the Troubles and its legacy. The wall is covered in murals and graffiti that reflect the different perspectives and emotions of the communities it divides. The murals express the pain, loss, and hope of the people in Belfast.
The peace walls are still in place today, and you can visit them on your trip to Belfast. We have included it on the list of the best free things to do in Belfast because it is always a good idea to learn about a city’s history when you visit. However, as we are not experts, you should take a tour to learn more about the symbol from the locals who have experienced the Troubles first-hand.
Feel peaceful at the Botanic Gardens and Palm House
Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and Palm House is a popular attractions near Queens University. The gardens cover an area of around 15 acres and feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, including a rose garden, a rock garden, and a herbaceous border. Wandering around them is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The highlight of the gardens is the Palm House, a Victorian-era greenhouse home to a tropical plants and palms collection. The Palm House is a beautiful example of Victorian glasshouse architecture and is considered one of the world’s finest examples of its kind.
The Palm House is open to visitors all year round and is one of the best free Belfast attractions. It’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some greenery and fresh air.
The Gardens also feature a Tropical Ravine, which is a glasshouse that was built in 1889. It is home to a collection of exotic plants, ferns and mosses. It is a unique and fascinating place to visit. It’s also free to enter, which is one of the best things to do in Belfast.
Join a Free Walking Tour
The Belfast Free Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore the city and learn about its rich history and culture. It is led by local, independent guides passionate about their city. The tour is a great way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere and is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
It is offered daily at 11 am and on Friday and Saturday at 2.30 pm, starting at the meeting point at Belfast City Hall, in front of the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
The tour takes visitors to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Docklands, Cathedral Quarter, Albert Clock, The Big Fish, City Hall and City Laneways. Guides will also discuss Belfast’s troubled past, languages, culture, the 1798 rebellions, legends, and folklore, among other things.
Good to know: although the tour is free, they ask for tips at the end if you can. The city or any business does not pay for the guides!
Listen to Live Music in the Cathedral Quater
Listening to live music in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast can be a truly unique and memorable experience. The quarter is known for its vibrant music scene and is home to many venues and enjoying the music is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The crowds in the Cathedral Quarter can be lively and energetic, with many people coming to enjoy the music and the atmosphere. The crowds often mix locals and tourists, creating a unique and diverse atmosphere.
You can stumble upon a place (and this is half the fun), or you can venture to our favourite Belfast pubs for live music: the Dirty Onion, The Thirsty Goat, and Harp Bar!
Learn at the Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is the largest in Northern Ireland and is free to visit. The museum is home to a wide range of collections, including archaeology, science, a collection of art history and natural history.
The museum’s collections are diverse, covering the history of Northern Ireland from the earliest times to the present day. It would help if you started at the top (there are lifts) and worked your way down to the bottom floor.
The museum also features a collection of artefacts from the Troubles, the period of sectarian violence and political conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century.
The Ulster Museum also offers a range of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year, many of which are also free to visit. The museum also features a café, gift shop, and a library with an extensive collection of books and other resources. It is easily one of the best free Belfast attractions.
The Ulster Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history, art, or science. It’s also an excellent option for free things to do in Belfast for families with children, as the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage and educate young visitors about the history and natural sciences.
The museum is open all year round, but it’s always best to check the schedule on their website before visiting as there may be temporary closures or changes to their program.
Stroll around the Titanic Quarter
The Titanic Quarter of Belfast offers a variety of free activities for visitors to enjoy. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the city’s rich maritime heritage and its more recent history and developments. No wonder it is one of the best free things to do in Belfast. Some of the options include:
- Walk through Titanic Slipways: The site where the RMS Titanic was built and launched in 1912. It’s free to visit and offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the ship’s history and Belfast’s role in its construction. It brings to perspective how HUGE the boat was. It is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
- Admire the SS Nomadic: The last remaining White Star Line ship was used as a tender for the RMS Titanic. It does cost to go inside!
- Watch a show at the RiverBox, which currently looks like a lighthouse. It is a one-of-a-kind cultural venue and multi-purpose art installation on the Maritime Mile. The venue is equipped with advanced video and audio technology and can host a variety of projects such as video installations, interactive experiences, live events and audio experiences. You will find bike racks, picnic tables, and a landscaped mound/amphitheatre. See it for yourself! It is one of the unique Belfast free attractions.
- SoundYard is a creative art installation that pays homage to the sounds of Belfast’s shipyards. It stands 6 meters tall and 9.6 meters wide. Movement sensors allow visitors to activate a motorized system of steel hammers that strike the tubes, producing the nostalgic sounds of striking metal commonly heard in shipyards. At night it becomes a beautiful light installation after dark, with the metal rods and veil illuminated.
Linen Hall Library
The Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and one of the oldest continuously-operating libraries in the world. Founded in 1788, the library has a rich history and a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials.
The library’s collections include books on Irish and local history, politics, literature, genealogy, and an extensive collection of newspapers and periodicals. Therefore, it is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The library is free to enter, but some services and collections may require a membership. The library offers various services, including reference and research assistance, access to online databases, and a program of lectures and events.
The Linen Hall Library is great for anyone interested in Irish and local history, literature, or genealogy. The library’s collections are extensive and cover a wide range of subjects, making it a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the culture and history of Northern Ireland. It is one of the best free Belfast attractions.
Go on the Glass of Thrones Walking Trail
Tourism Ireland created a unique attraction for fans of the show to commemorate the filming of the popular fantasy series “Game of Thrones” in Northern Ireland. The Glass of Thrones walking trail features six giant stained glass windows, each depicting iconic scenes from the series. We loved walking and remembering the great times we watched the show together!
The windows were unveiled to coincide with the show’s final season and are now on permanent display. Tourism Ireland generously gifted them. The trail is along the Maritime Mile, starting from the AC Hotel and going past Titanic Studios to HMS Caroline.
Each window represents a different house or legacy from the show, including the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers, and the Iron Throne.
The designs feature some of the most memorable moments from the series, and our favourite was the Iron Throne itself, where you can sit on a chair and ask people to bend the knee. Except we took pictures from the wrong side, so please don’t make the same mistake as us!
The Glass of Thrones walking trail is a great way to relive the epic moments of the show and admire the intricate craftsmanship of the stained glass and is one of the best free things to do in Belfast, especially if you are a fan of the show!
Admire St Anne’s Cathedral
St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is a beautiful and historic church located in the centre of Belfast and admiring it is one of the best free things to do in Belfast.
The cathedral is an impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture and is known for its striking spire, visible from many parts of the city. The cathedral is the mother church of the Church of Ireland in Belfast and has been a place of worship for over 150 years.
The cathedral’s interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with various beautiful stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and sculptures. The cathedral also features several interesting artefacts, including a pipe organ, a war memorial, and many plaques and memorials dedicated to prominent figures in Belfast’s history.
The cathedral is free to visit and open to visitors all year round. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cathedral or attend a service if they wish.
Good to know: the cathedral is a working church, and visitors should be respectful of any services or events that may be taking place during their visit.
Overall Thoughts on the Best Free Things to do in Belfast
Belfast has a rich history, culture and natural beauty that you can enjoy for free. From visiting historical landmarks such as the Belfast City Hall and St Anne’s Cathedral to taking a stroll through the Botanic Gardens and Palm House or exploring the Titanic Quarter and learning about the city’s maritime heritage.
Belfast is a city that offers something for everyone, and with so many free things to do, visitors can experience the best of Belfast for free. We love it and believe you will too.
As always, we love free things to do wherever we go. So take a look at these other UK guides if you do too:
Free things to do in Birmingham
Free things to do in Liverpool
Photo Credits: averagelives.com