Free Things to Do in Belfast

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Belfast

Best Free Things to Do in Belfast

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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What travelers are saying

  • Sheril Jacob Zacharias
    Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
    Amazing experience and the exhibition inside the hall is so informative and amazing must cone and visit to all travellers
    Written 30 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Summerasalifestyle
    Malibu, CA2,869 contributions
    Ulster museum
    Free and ya gotta love that…But give a donation!
    Fantastic exhibit on the troubles…fairly sure it’s permanent. The photo exhibit on fourth floor is so cool. Sixties to the millennium.
    Yes yes yes
    Written 2 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D P
    Wellington, New Zealand6,667 contributions
    What an awesome market, have your choice of food for Sunday brunch here or get your fresh fruit, veggies, meat or fish for the week here.
    Need a gift for someone, we’ll they have it all… hats, pictures, potter, leather goods, jewellery and crafts the choice is immense and the quality premium. Very little tack here which is always a problem with some markets.
    Spent a good 2.5 hours eating, mooching and boosting the Irish economy.
    On a Sunday street parking is also free which is a bonus - easy parking about 2-3 roads past the market on the left, so less than a 5 min walk away.
    Written 2 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leanne B
    Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
    Fantastic scenery. Went with my husband mainly so we could see the tropical plant house! We are on our honeymoon from Scotland and this has been one of our highlights. The banana banana plants were producing fruit and this was an amazing sight to see. The rare purple banana plant was flowering with purple bananas. This is a very rare occurrence so I'd definitely recommend you go as soon as possible if you're reading this, so you can witness the fruits. Unfortunately I cannot upload my photos of it from my camera as I don't have my laptop with me here in northern Ireland, like I say we are on our honeymoon from Scotland. I'm so glad we visited the botanical gardens in Belfast, well worth a visit! Cannot believe this experience was entirely free and so enjoyable. We followed up this beautiful experience with a visit to the adjacent Ulster museum...a MUST for any tourist visiting Belfast. The staff within the botanical gardens are very knowledgeable and we were very impressed by their welcome and friendliness. Thank you! Leanne and Andrew Brooks. 07.09.2023
    Written 7 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • efg
    Berlin, Germany24 contributions
    Cool little neighborhood with alternative dives, live music, and street art. Had a great time walking through during a free evening in town, a very familiar and modern vibe to the district.
    Written 4 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris M
    Reading, UK2 contributions
    I have been on tours of a few legislatures around the world, and this was one of the best.

    Our guide Mickey was full of interesting facts not only about Stormont today but also the wider historical context. What made this tour stand out is that it was all presented in an extremely engaging and entertaining way.

    The tour covers the main areas of the building including the current Assembly chamber. It is free but needed to be booked online in advance.

    I would highly recommend the tour if you have an interest in the history of Northern Ireland.
    Written 1 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tracey Merrill
    Quincy, MA11 contributions
    Excellent context for the conflict. Tobey was an amazing guide. Totally engaged our teenager. Very balance perspective on this complex issues. The walls are inspiring and beautiful if somewhat heart breaking at times.
    Written 28 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff H
    Guangzhou, China156 contributions
    Great hike - partially covered and partially open sky. Doable in a couple hours, and super convenient to get to from Downtown Belfast.
    Written 19 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin K
    Altrincham, UK23 contributions
    Very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. A good range of information/brochures and souvenirs/gifts.
    Written 10 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex F
    The Villages, FL1,409 contributions
    Nothing but a first class institution. Beautiful buildings surrounded by astonish gardens. A must visit. The one technical garden is a must see.
    Written 23 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura T
    Middlesbrough, UK6,965 contributions
    We first visited driving through as part of the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus Tour and then returned the next day and hopped off to see the murals and peace gardens in more detail. Others have mentioned being made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe but this never once happened to us, infact everyone we spoke to was sooo very friendly and helpful, even when popped into a local shop to buy a few snacks etc.

    We found the tour bus to be interesting and very sad. Our tour guide explained that even now (25 years after the peace agreement) there's some things you can't say on the wrong side of the wall, such as "Sláinte" (Irish version of cheers) over drinks in the Unionist area (Shankill Road). It is sad that there is still such hatred among neighbours.

    We looked at doing one of the famous black taxi tours but found them to be very expensive, we feel we got a very good understanding of the troubles from sitting through the second half of the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus Tour, our bus guide was excellent.

    Shankill Road is the Unionist area of Belfast and Falls Road is the Republican area. See the many murals on both sides depicting the struggle for power. The dividing wall and gate is still there separating the two communities. Once you cross over the gate you can clearly see a sharp and very quick change in the artwork. The murals change frequently and quickly, an artist can paint over someone's mural in a day.

    Worth a visit and really gives an insight into the troubles. If visiting Falls Road, then you need to visit Shankill Road and vice versa. Worthwhile a visit with a guide to give an insight into the troubles.

    Written 1 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jorge c
    Buenos Aires, Argentina15,113 contributions
    As part of the black cab tour, we went by this area to learn about the differences between catholics and protestants and the events that lead to the actual peace.
    Written 31 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 640clare
    Glasgow, UK40 contributions
    We stumbled upon this church by accident and thought we’d go in for a nosey. What a stunning church inside......and so peaceful! A lovely spot to sit and reflect in the beautiful ambience of the church. Don’t go past!
    Written 14 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BobSki-UK
    Claygate, UK617 contributions
    With a few hours to kill before my flight home, I decided to go up to the National Trust facility at Black Mountain. It was pretty deserted (which suited me fine) and when I got there, I discovered there was a choice of three different walks I could do – I did two of them.
    Due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to stop off at the café, but it looked very nice.
    Written 20 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel779959
    3 contributions
    Lovely tea room located in Linen Hall Library. Had a great breakfast of French Toast & Bacon. Tea Room is unique. Worth a visit if you are in Belfast. The Library is interesting too with lots of events worth exploring.
    Written 9 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.