Are you looking for free things to do in Belfast? Let’s talk about what to do if you’re on a budget or simply don’t want to waste all your money on activities.
Even though you’re planning a trip, it doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands every day to have fun. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to save some money for shopping before the end of your trip. There’s plenty of things to do in Belfast without breaking your bank account. And let’s face it, we all love a good freebie. Here are the best ones Belfast has to offer.
Explore the Ulster Museum
Let’s start with one of Belfast’s best free gems: the Ulster Museum.
Located in the Botanic Gardens of Belfast, this museum is full of history, art, and science. It’s got everything from dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies and even a full gallery dedicated to Northern Irish art.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day of learning and observing, this is the place. And since it’s blissfully indoors, it’s a warm, dry escape from the winter cold. A great place to wait while drinking hot chocolate when you can’t feel your fingers because of the wind and cold.
With multiple floors of exhibition, you can easily spend hours there. Some things I particularly enjoyed include the museum’s “Troubles” gallery. I really liked learning about Northern Ireland’s recent history. I also did not expect the Takabuti mummy and was quite shocked when I entered that room. Definitely worth seeing.
It’s a great place for introverts, quiet, warm and you get to learn about all sorts of stuff. And it’s free!
Take a walk in the Botanic Gardens
While you’re near the Ulster Museum, step outside into the Botanic Gardens. Wehther you’re traveling to Belfast in winter or in summer, the Botanic Gardens have year-round charm. When you’re in need of some peace and love nature, this is the perfect escape in the middle of the city. If it gets cold, you can always head to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine. These two indoor greenhouses will warm you up in no time! Surrounded by tropical plants, you’ll almost feel like you’re somewhere else entirely.
Inside the Palm House, you’ll find tall, lush palms and a variety of other exotic plants even in the dead of winter. The Tropical Ravine has even more, with a mini-jungle of plants. If you’re looking for a low-stress way to spend an hour or two in Belfast, then you’re in the right place.
Visit the Linen Hall Library
If you’re a book lover or just love being in a room full of books, the Linen Hall Library is an absolute must. This is Belfast’s oldest library, founded in 1788.
Need an escape? This place is the perfect spot to hide from the cold, the rain, or just other people (no judgment).
The reading rooms are cozy, so you can grab a seat, crack open a book, and feel all intellectual—or just scroll on your phone and hope no one notices. If wandering is more your style, the shelves are worth a browse, even if you’re not hunting for anything specific. The library has fascinating archives about Irish history, so if you’re curious, take a peek.
Best of all? It’s free. So you can soak up the ambiance, the knowledge, or just the peace and quiet without spending a penny. A win all around.
Stroll through the Belfast Christmas market
If you’re traveling to Belfast in winter, you’ll love the Christmas market.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: a Christmas market is a crowded nightmare. But hear me out. The Belfast Christmas Market, located outside City Hall, is a charming (and mostly free) experience, especially if you go early on a weekday. You’ll find festive lights, unique craft stalls, and plenty of holiday treats, from mulled wine to fresh pastries.
It’s not exactly introvert heaven, but if you time it right, you can enjoy the holiday vibes without elbowing your way through hordes of people. It’s free to wander, but with all the tempting food and crafts, you might end up spending a bit. If nothing else, grab a hot drink and take in the sights — it’s festive without being overwhelming.
Take a tour of St. Anne’s Cathedral
St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is one of those spots that’s hard to miss—and not just because of the massive 40-meter Spire of Hope sticking out of the roof. Right in the city center, it’s a mix of stunning architecture and intricate mosaics.
Inside, you’ll find historic relics, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the kind of quiet that makes you instinctively whisper—even if no one’s around.
The Spire of Hope is impressive from the outside, but stepping inside is absolutely…it’s amazing. The art and design details are next-level, and it’s impossible not to appreciate the effort that went into making it all so… well, fancy.
If you’re traveling with kids or just curious yourself, the cathedral sometimes hosts events and exhibitions, so make sure to check their schedule ahead of your visit. And if you like photography, the play of light through the stained-glass windows is the perfect opportunity for a great shot. Plus, it’s a great starting point to explore other nearby attractions in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, known for its pubs, street art, and cobbled streets. So, put it on your list—you’ll be glad you stopped by!
Of course, there’s many other things to do in Belfast, I especially enjoyed visiting bookshops and getting a hot chocolate and a carrot cake at any café. I also walked everywhere (yes, I was very sore for days after this trip, I might have regretted it just a tiny bit) and enjoyed getting to know the city by myself walking around town. It was freezing though.
What else should you known before going to Belfast?
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