17 Free Things to Do in Belfast
Are you visiting Belfast on a budget? Our guide covers the best free things to do in Belfast, from top activities to local gems, including tips on budget accommodation.
Even though Ireland is an expensive destination, having fun in Belfast doesn't have to cost a lot of money.
At least if you know where to go, but that's where we step in with out guide on the free things to do in Belfast.
Featured on every Ireland itinerary, the capital city of Northern Ireland is known for its fascinating history (The Troubles, Titanic, linen industry, etc.), lovely coastal setting, and lively atmosphere.
As a result, there are plenty of free things to see and do in Belfast for all visitors.
From architecture, murals, waterfront walks, and museums to art galleries and parklands, you can have a great time in Belfast without breaking the budget.
Discover the Murals
Together with Derry, Belfast is home to many incredible murals depicting Northern Ireland's history, culture, and religion.
In fact, Belfast is one of the best cities for street art in Ireland (and the whole U.K.). The thought-provoking murals containing powerful messages quickly became one of Belfast's main attractions.
The street art in Belfast is not just about history, religion, and the Troubles, though.
We discovered many recent murals that point out modern-world problems or just focus on the artistic side.
Either way, the best part about Belfast's street art is that all the colorful paintings and vibrant murals are free.
On the other hand, many murals carry 'hidden' meaning, making the guided Belfast Mural Tours popular for a reason.
Visit Ulster Museum
Do you love art, natural science, and history? The next place on our list of free things to do in Belfast is the Ulster Museum.
It's located in Queen's Quarter, so you can easily get there from the city center in about twenty minutes.
The museum features everything from meteorites and dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies and Spanish sailors.
What's even better is that a visit to the Ulster Museum is free of charge, perfect for all budget-minded travelers.
The permanent galleries at the Ulster Museum are free, though you will have to buy a ticket to some of the special exhibitions.
These exhibitions require booking a timeslot and are free on certain days.
See Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic
Okay, we need to clarify first that the Titanic Belfast with SS Nomadic is one of the most expensive attractions in Belfast. Stay with us.
Titanic Belfast is one of the most striking buildings in the city.
And while you won't be able to explore its amazing exhibits without spending about £30, you can still marvel at the incredible architecture of this building.
Similarly, you won't be able to step on board SS Nomadic without a ticket.
But the 67-meter-long ship sits in a dry dock in front of the Titanic Belfast for all to enjoy its beauty and amazing restoration work.
The Linen Hall Library
If you're an avid reader or just like to explore libraries, then you need to visit the Linen Hall.
The library was founded as the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge in 1788 and is housed in a Victorian-era former linen warehouse.
It's the oldest library in Belfast, and the best part is that it is free for all to enter.
Another great thing about Linen Hall is that it's not just a library, but there are all sorts of events, exhibitions, talks, etc. (some of them require booking and are not free, though), so you should check the calendar to see what's on.
The admission to the Linen Hall is free, though a small donation is appreciated.
The library is open Monday to Friday between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
Discover the Maritime Mile
Walking the Maritime Mile was one of our favorite free things to do in Belfast.
Belfast sits on the Lagan River and has a rich maritime heritage, and the Maritime Mile includes all attractions (both free and paid) dotting the waterfront.
You will get a chance to see places such as the Titanic Belfast museum, SS Nomadic tender ship, HMS Caroline warship, SoundYard playful art installation, Titanic Distillers whiskey distillery, Titanic's Dock and Pump-House, The Big Fish, and much more.
Admire the Grand Opera House
Even though the Belfast's Grand Opera House cannot compete with the grandeur of opera houses in Milan or Sydney, the building is still worth seeing.
Of course, attending shows or even joining a guided tour of the Grand Opera costs money.
Those traveling around Ireland on a tight budget can observe this beautiful building from the outside for free.
The 19th-century opera house with traditional Victorian architecture and red and white colors really stands out and makes a great photo opportunity.
The opera house is located between Great Victoria Station and City Hall while surrounded by the Leonardo Hotel, The Flint, Europa Hotel, and the Value Car Parks, so you will most likely see it anyway.
Tour the City Hall
A visit to City Hall is a staple for Belfast. It's one of the most striking buildings in Belfast and the ideal starting point for getting around the city.
We've seen it for several days during our trip to this city.
Plus, there are several statues, monuments, and a Garden of Remembrance around the building.
The civic building is beautiful from the outside, but you can argue that it's even more stunning inside.
The dome is pretty impressive, as well as the central staircase, first-floor rotunda, and stained glass windows featuring Belfast's history. Now comes the best part.
The City Hall is free to enter, and what's even better, it offers free guided tours.
There are usually three tours per day, and you can sign up for the tour at the front desk.
Hike in Cave Hill Country Park
If you're tired of the city, Cave Hill Country Park offers accessible recreation in nature within the Belfast area.
Cave Hill is free for everyone, offering varying trails for all types of day visitors, beautiful views of Belfast, and a Johnatan's Swift's Gulliver's Travels connection.
This was one of the few places in Belfast we didn't have time to explore, which was a bit of a shame.
If there's one thing we learned after years of traveling, you need to accept that you won't see it all. But back to the point.
Of all the places you can visit in Belfast free of charge, this is the best place to go if you want to escape the busy streets and hectic city life.
Take a Photo of Belfast Castle
Once you're in the area, you can also visit Belfast Castle.
As the castle is used for commercial purposes, don't expect to find here a similar experience to what Blarney or Kilkenny Castle offers (some of our favorite castles in Ireland).
Still, the castle has beautiful architecture, and the site offers some lovely views.
What's even more important is that you can see Belfast Castle for free.
The Big Fish
The Big Fish is located on Donegall Quay just beside the Lagan Weir Footbridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects the City Center with the Titanic Quarter.
Therefore, you will most likely pass it on the way to the Titanic museum.
The Big Fish is one of those little attractions that is more than just a sculpture, as the ceramic tiles contain texts and images of Belfast's history.
For some reason, the 10-meter sculpture became one of Belfast's symbols over the course of years.
Whether it's the size, location, or the detailed mosaic art, the sculpture is a great photo stop, and we believe it is worth seeing.
Visit Metropolitan Arts Centre
Metropolitan Arts Centre, or simply MAC, is another free museum in Belfast you might want to visit while exploring this city.
The museum is located in the Queen Quarter and offers international art exhibitions, dance shows, live theatre, music, lectures, kids workshops, and much more.
It's colorful and modern, and the art exhibitions with contemporary art are often thought-provoking.
Even though the museum has free entry, it has a suggested donation of £5, but that's really up to you.
Booking your ticket for access to the galleries, workshops, etc., is recommended.
Also, don't forget that some events have a standard admission fee with varying prices.
Metropolitan Arts Centre is open from Tuesday - Sunday from 9 AM and galleries are open from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Botanic Gardens
A visit to Belfast doesn't need to be an expensive one. For instance, the Botanic Gardens is free to enter.
The park is located in the Queen's Quarter, and despite its relatively small size, it's one of Belfast's little gems.
The best time to go is from spring to fall, though the gardens remain open even throughout the winter.
While we found the Botanic Gardens a bit small, the Tropical Ravine and the Palm House are really worth seeing.
So, if you like well-kept gardens, a wide array of flowers, plants, and trees, and Victorian greenhouses, this place should make it on your itinerary.
St. George's Market
With a history of Friday Market dating back to 1604, St. George's Market is one of the oldest attractions in the city.
If you like wandering the markets and browsing local stores, this is an ideal place to visit.
While this is a popular tourist attraction, the market still has a great feel and sells stuff for locals.
Beside the stalls with fresh fish, fruits, and veggies the market offers anything from jewelry to clothes and local crafts.
St. George's Market is free to enter, though you're more than welcome to purchase anything you like while you're there.
Walk the Glass of Thrones
It's a common fact that Northern Ireland features many filming locations of the critically acclaimed Game of Thrones TV show.
No matter whether you're a Game of Thrones fan or not, the Glass of Thrones trail is a fun activity to do in Belfast.
This 2.5-kilometer walking trail leads along the River Lagan and features six stained glass windows with some of the most famous scenes from the TV show.
Each window represents a Great House of Westeros, so you can expect to see Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens, Baratheons, the Iron Throne, and White Walkers.
The trail starts at the AC Hotel and ends at HMS Caroline (or vice versa), though you can join it at any point.
Most importantly, the Glass of Thrones trail is free.
In case you want to visit some of the most popular Game of Thrones locations, check out Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, or The Dark Hedges.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Explore Belfast's Neighborhoods
One of our favorite things to do in Belfast was to stroll along its fascinating city center.
Belfast is pretty compact and walkable, and you can enjoy hours of free entertainment, museums, and more within this area.
The central neighborhoods in Belfast worth exploring and within walking distance from the City Center are the Cathedral Quarter, Queen's Quarter, Linen Quarter, and Titanic Quarter.
You can consider taking one of those free walking tours to learn even more about Belfast's main attractions and hidden gems, though you should know that a tip is expected at the end of the tour.
See Samson and Goliath
Another really cool place you should consider visiting in Titanic Quarter is Samson and Goliath, a duo of Harland & Wolff cranes.
While the yellow cranes are inaccessible to the public, you can easily see them for free from the surrounding streets.
The giant cranes are not as much of a typical tourist attraction as a reminder of days gone by.
If you're in the area, this site is worth a quick detour.
Visit Dublin on a Day Trip
There are several great day trips from Belfast, including Giant's Causeway, Derry, and Dublin.
All these places are amazing, but we picked Dublin for a few reasons. You can easily get there by public transport, plus you get a chance to visit another country.
Most importantly, there are tons of free things to do in Dublin as well.
No matter whether you like historic landmarks, culture, Georgian architecture, museums, or beach walks, you can easily spend a full day in Dublin without getting bored.
Obviously, the journey is not free but very affordable.
By the way, the train is faster than the bus on the Belfast - Dublin route (2:05 vs 2:45 hours) but is significantly more expensive.
Budget Accommodation in Belfast
There are plenty of amazing hotels in Belfast, especially in the mid-range and luxury categories. But you're probably looking for something cheaper.
If you travel on a budget, you want to save as much money on accommodation as possible. We have the same thinking.
Most of Belfast's hostels are located in Queen's Quarter near the train station and university, while budget hotels are closer to the city center.
If you're a solo traveler visiting Belfast for the first time, the hostels offer a great way to save money and socialize.
If you travel as a couple (as we did), you might want to look into budget hostels that usually offer better value for money.
Vagabonds Hostel | This is arguably the best hostel in Belfast. It's located in the Queen's Quarter and is really popular among international visitors traveling on a budget. It has dormitories (both female and mixed, and each bed has its own plug and a locker) and private rooms. A shared kitchen is ideal for those who want to save on food. A complimentary breakfast is included.
ibis Belfast City Centre | ibis Belfast is one of the best budget hotels in the city center. It has a central location, functional rooms, and helpful staff. Simply put, this hotel offers great value for money.
Hampton By Hilton Belfast City Centre | If you spend a bit extra, Hampton By Hilton is one of the best 3-star hotels in Belfast. It features spacious rooms, modern facilities, and complimentary breakfast. It's located next to the Great Victoria Street station.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
