Top Free Things to Do in Belfast for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

Though pints don’t cost what they used to, Belfast isn’t an expensive city compared to its capital contemporaries in Western Europe.

With public parklands, admission-free museums, fictional worlds recreated through art and sculptures on the city streets, and an architectural melody borrowing from various traditional European styles, there are plenty of free excursions for budget-conscious travelers to Belfast. Check out our top 10 free things to do there!

Survey the Cityscape from Cave Hill

At 368 meters (1207ft), Cave Hill might not be the highest range, but it offers the best vantage point in the city. From its peak, you can survey the fragmented urban expanse below and the large estuary where the River Lagan meets the Irish Sea.

• The 4.5-mile Cave Hill trail is accessible for novice hikers.
• The trail leads you past five eponymous caves towards the peak, known as McArts Fort.
• Entry to Cave Hill Country Park is free, with Belfast Castle located in its lower reaches, boasting manicured gardens that are also free to explore.

Enter Narnia at CS Lewis Square

Fans of the Narnia Series should reserve an afternoon to visit CS Lewis Square. The square features sculptures inspired by Lewis’s characters, including Aslan and the White Witch.

Keen walkers can join the Connswater Community Greenway, a 5.5-mile trail that connects east Belfast’s parklands. For a break before your walk, there’s JACK café, where you can learn about local history.

Go for a “Dander” Along the Lagan Towpath

The Lagan Towpath connects south Belfast to Lisburn City and offers an 11-mile route alongside the centuries-old River Lagan canal system. This scenic path traverses meadows, oak parks, and marshes alive with local fauna.

• Entry to the Towpath and its surrounding parks is free.
• The towpath is accessible to cyclists, though good footwear or solid tires are recommended after heavy rainfall.

Chart the History of Westeros via the Glass of Thrones

Game of Thrones has strong ties to Northern Ireland, showcasing rural filming locations and sets. Travelers to Belfast can experience Westeros through the Glass of Thrones trail, a 1.5-mile route featuring stained-glass artworks depicting key scenes and characters from the show.

You can enjoy a self-guided journey, stopping for refreshments at The Dark Horse café, which hosts a unique artistic project.

Meet a Mummy at the Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens is a neoclassical-brutalist structure housing impressive art, science, and history collections. The museum is free to enter and features exhibits that delve into Northern Ireland’s past, from the Paleolithic era to the modern age.

• Discover fossils, dinosaur bones, and an extensive collection of taxidermy.
• Meet Takabuti, the mummified remains of an Egyptian woman.

Explore the Titanic Quarter and Meet Samson and Goliath

The iconic yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, dominate Belfast’s skyline. Located in the coastal Titanic Quarter, these cranes offer a stunning view of the city.

While visiting the nearby Titanic Belfast museum comes at a cost, the Maritime Mile walk offers a free alternative. This scenic route showcases elements from Belfast’s industrial past and provides excellent views of Belfast Lough.

Experience Free Exhibits at the Modern Arts Center

The Modern Arts Center, known as “MAC,” is a cultural hub in Belfast’s arts scene. Visitors will find that while many shows come with a ticket price, art galleries and family-friendly projects like Imagination Station are usually free.

• The galleries showcase contemporary art from local and international artists.
• The MAC is located near St Anne’s Square, providing a lively atmosphere in the evening.

Immerse Yourself in Belfast’s Historic Murals

Belfast’s walls tell a powerful story through nearly 2000 murals reflecting the city’s troubled past and its aspiration for peace and prosperity. You can find artistic expressions celebrating both political themes and cultural icons.

• Murals depict historical events, celebrating Gaelic roots and social movements.
• The Peace Walls are particularly notable for their collection of political artworks.

Learn About Belfast’s WWII History at the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum

The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum commemorates the city’s role during World War II, including the devastating Belfast Blitz. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits detailing the experiences of various groups during wartime.

Through engaging displays and artifacts, this museum offers a glimpse into one of Belfast’s most challenging times.

Go on a Self-Guided Architecture Tour of Belfast City Center

Belfast’s cityscape combines Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian styles with neoclassical and modern designs. Key locations include:

• Belfast City Hall, a stunning Baroque Revival building with free public tours…
• The Queen’s University Lanyon Building, a Gothic masterpiece.
• The Opera House, famous for its unique design and vibrant history.
• The Titanic Belfast, reminiscent of ship prows.
• The Albert Clock, often likened to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Discovering these architectural wonders is free and offers insight into Belfast’s historical evolution.