25 things to do and see in Belfast in 2025
Why not spend this year rediscovering all the amazing things to do right on our doorstep
2025 is upon us and we think this year is going to be a good one.
If you want to make 2025 one to remember, why not start by making the most of our wee country and taking in all the wonderful things Belfast has to offer.
Why not make it a New Year's resolution to explore more of the city and try something you've never done before as who needs a flight when we have so much to do on our doorstep?
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We've drawn up a list of things in Belfast to check out that make our capital one of the best places in the world - whether you are a visitor looking for a guide or a local wanting to fall in love with your home city.
Here are 25 things to see and do in Belfast in 2025:
1. Go to St George's Market
One of the best markets in the UK and Ireland and the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, St George's Market is where you'll want to spend a weekend morning or afternoon.
Local delicacies, crafts and artworks, local singers, and a bustling atmosphere await you.
2. Go out for a meal
The food scene In Belfast continues to grow from strength to strength, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants littered around the city to enjoy on a night out.
From Michelin Star spots to exciting street food venues to traditional pub grub, there is something for everyone waiting to eat their way around the area.
3. Watch a Belfast Giants Ice Hockey game
Belfast is home to the Giants Ice Hockey team who continue to prove themselves as a major name in the UK.
Whether you know much about the sport or not, everyone agrees that watching the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena is a night out in itself - atmosphere and craic is guaranteed.
4. See a show at one of Belfast's theatres
Whether you love musicals, gritty dramas or local laughs - there is always something to watch in Belfast.
Brilliant venues such as the Grand Opera House, the MAC and the Lyric are home to groundbreaking performances every week
5. Head into the city centre for a shopping trip
Belfast city centre continues to be a bustling place for shopping and retail.
Niche local shops like Born & Bred, plenty of high street brands on Royal Avenue, and beautiful modern shopping centres like Victoria Square and CastleCourt means there is something for every type of shopper in the city.
6. Go to a comedy club
The Northern Irish comedy scene is absolutely bursting with talent at the moment and as more and more of your local favourites venture into the world of podcasts and skits, there has never been a better time to get down and see them live.
The Empire Laughs Back, Lavery's Comedy Club and The Queen's Comedy Club at the Mandella Hall are only a few to check out.
7. Go to the Cathedral Quarter for a pint
With cobbled roads, street art everywhere and bursting at the seams with bars, the Cathedral Quarter has become the home for nightlife in Belfast.
You can't go wrong with any of the bars and clubs in this area for a creamy pint or your favourite cocktail.
8. Go for a freshwater swim
If cold water swimming is your New Year's resolution (or even if it's not) feel the benefits of an ice-cold dunk to kick-start your day.
Helens Bay - while not technically in Belfast - is a great local spot to take a running jump into the sea while the Colin River in Dunmurry may be a bit closer to home to check out.
9. Go to see a concert or festival
Northern Ireland has no shortage of world-class acts, exciting festivals and local talents coming to a stage near you in 2025.
Expect to see big names like Charli XCX, Justin Timberlake and Snow Patrol taking to the stage at the likes of the SSE Arena, Belsonic and dance events like AVA and EMERGE.
10. Head for a walk in one of Belfast's amazing parks
Nothing clears the head better than a nice walk to get some fresh air - why not rediscover the beauty of Belfast by taking a dander in some of the city's parks and greenways?
Whether you are trying to get the steps in or just want a light stroll to walk, even with the rain, the city has no shortage of beautiful places to stretch the legs.
11. Explore the Lagan on a Hyrdobike
Explore the Belfast Waterways with the Belfast Hydrobikes by Lights.
This is a unique water experience where you really will see Belfast and the River Lagan from a completely different perspective.
12. Try your hand at an escape room
Themed escape rooms have become a fixture in the country like never before.
Belfast boasts some excellent escape rooms throughout the city. In the city centre alone, you'll find places like the Game of Thrones Escape Room, Timescape, and Forbidden Quest all at your doorstep.
13. Take part in a walking tour
Be welcomed to the capital of Northern Ireland with a walking tour bound to make you fall in love with Belfast all over again.
With many different types of tours available - explore the food and drink scene, history, street art or the macabre past with some of the most informative local guides in the game.
14. Watch a rugby, GAA or football match
Ireland, north and south, is lucky to have such active engagement with so many sports.
In Northern Ireland, you'll find a thriving local GAA scene, a well-supported football scene centred around the IFA and the Northern Ireland national team, and a rugby scene bolstered by the achievements of Ulster Rugby.
15. Visit Crumlin Road Gaol
The Crumlin Road Gaol is a 19th-century Grade A listed jail in north Belfast.
A tour of this historic building will allow you to experience all aspects of the Gaol - from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the hanging cell, Governor's office, hospital and graveyard.
16. Go for a hike
Jutting out over north Belfast, Cavehill offers a perfect short hike, with spectacular views of Belfast, Belfast Lough, and even Scotland in the distance.
Another excellent short hike within the city of Belfast, Divis Mountain stands a bit taller than Cavehill and offers unique views - with the likes of Lough Neagh, Tyrone, North Antrim and even (on a good day) Donegal all being visible from parts of the walk.
17. Visit the Ulster Museum
Bursting with exhibitions bringing history, art and science to life, the Ulster Museum has long been beloved by adults and kids alike.
The museum has a constant rotation of science and cultural exhibitions, as well as an excellent exhibition marking 100 years since Northern Ireland came into existence. The perfect place to start getting to grips with this place.
18. Check out a food or drink experience
If good food and drink is your calling then why not let some of the city's best guides take your taste buds on a tour?
From whiskey distillery tastings to food tours spanning across the city to unique cocktail experiences at The Spirit Circle, this is something a little bit different that everyone can enjoy - whether a local or a tourist.
19. Take a Black Taxi tour
Another one that many visitors, tourists and locals put on their 'must-do' list.
Black Taxi Tours offer an up-close-and-personal look at Northern Ireland's troubled history, often told from drivers who were eye-witnesses or even participants in its past.
20. Visit Belfast Zoo
Situated on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast Zoo is a 55-acre site and is home to more than 130 species.
Aside from being the perfect place for a family trip, the zoo also carries out vital conservation work, both in Northern Ireland and around the world.
21. Play a round of 10-pin bowling
Feed your competitive side with a round or two of 10-pin bowling with your family and friends.
The Hollywood Bowl at the Odyssey complex is a highly popular spot and also has a great range of food and drink options available.
22. Visit the Titanic Museum
A world-leading, technologically brilliant modern attraction, the Titanic Museum is your gateway to Belfast's industrial history. There's a good reason why it's become the go-to spot to take tourists and visitors.
While you're there, you can also visit HMS Caroline, the last surviving ship of the Battle of Jutland in 1916 - the largest naval battle ever fought.
23. Ride the alpine coaster at Colin Glen
Nestled in the heart of West Belfast, Colin Glen is considered one of the city's best-kept secrets.
The woodlands area contains a state-of-the-art sports park; The Black Bull Run - Ireland’s first Alpine Coaster and River Rapid; Ireland’s longest Zipline; Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail, and much more.
24. Play a round of minigolf
Another unbeatable activity if you want to have fun.
Belfast boasts some great mini-golf spots, including the incredible Lost City Adventure Golf in Yorkgate and the Odyssey complex and the outdoor mini-golfing course in Dundonald.
25. Take a cooking class
Why not learn from the best that Belfast has to offer and try your hand at making your own delicious creations?
With too many great classes to mention covering all types of fantastic cuisines, Waterman, Forestside and Belfast Cookery Schools are only some of the great options to check out.
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