Best Arts and Culture Places in Belfast

"Just next to the Botanic Gardens entrance is the Ulster Museum, a free to visit Belfast tourist attraction, that is definitely worth seeing. I vaguely remember visiting the Ulster Museum for a school trip as a kid, and my main takeaway was the displays of dinosaur bones, and more so the Egyptian mummy (Takabuti). A literal real-life (dead) mummy, wrapped in creepy bandages, and lying all stiff and weird in an open sarcophagus."

"Explore Art, History and Nature Zones and get up close and personal with an Egyptian Mummy at this big museum set in beautiful Botanic Gardens."

"Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum."

"On the fringes of the Cathedral Quarter stands this red brick building whose ground floor houses one of Belfast's coolest art galleries. The stark concrete …"

"The architecture of the Metropolitan Arts Centre is a piece of art itself. The semi-abstract basalt tower demands the attention of those in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Often called the art hub of Belfast, the MAC’s only permanent piece of artwork – ‘The Permanent Present’ by Irish artist Mark Garry."

"The Mac can also be a good shout for a few photographs as it can have art exhibitions on. Snap a picture of yourself in front of the artwork and voila, Instagram material!. This awesome colour feature is also well worth a visit."

"Those who appreciate photography will enjoy a visit to Belfast Exposed. It’s a leading photography organisation in Northern Ireland promoting photography for everyone while telling a story and creating dialogue. Belfast Exposed was founded by a team of local photographers in 1983 during The Troubles."

"In terms of photography Belfast exposed is the primary gallery for publishing, commissioning and showcasing. With over 35 years of business Belfast Exposed voices city life from the view of the community. You can typically find pieces here that focus on political and social issues."

"One of the less obvious places in Belfast to find a quality craft beer selection, The Black Box’s Green Room is one of our favourites. The Black Box itself is one of the best venues in Belfast in terms of live music, theatre, comedy and performing arts – hosting a variety of acts from all over the world in every genre imaginable. It’s an integral part of the arts scene in Belfast and sits bang in the centre of Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter – the best part of town to visit for a night out with an array of bars and eateries all within walking distance."

"The Black Box is a multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Belfast's bustling Cathedral Quarter. With art, music, literature, film, comedy, cabaret and all points…"

"Farmhouses, forges, churches, mills and a complete village have been reconstructed at this excellent museum, with human and animal extras combining to give a powerful impression of Irish life over the past few hundred years. From industrial times, there are red-brick terraces from 19th-century Belfast and Dromore. Another highlight is the Picture House, a silent cinema that was housed in a County Down hayloft from 1909 to 1931. There's even a corner shop dating from 1889 selling sweets from glass jars."

"Devoted to the province's social history, the excellent Ulster Folk and Transport Museum vividly brings Northern Ireland's past to life."

"Gormleys Fine Art has galleries in both Dublin (Frederick St) and Belfast (Lisburn Road). Founded in 1990, Gormleys specialises in international and Irish contemporary artworks so if you’re looking for a unique piece of art, this is a great place to come and browse. The gallery also showcases works of well-known “blue chip” artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Joan Miro and Damian Hirst."

"Established in 1989, Gormleys has evolved into what can be safely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary galleries. Gormleys Fine Art represents over one hundred artists, and with this extensive catalogue they organise regular exhibitions. Within this relaxed environment, guests can peruse three storeys of art at their leisure."

"Gormleys Fine Art has become one of the leading galleries in Ireland. It specialises in both International Irish contemporary art. Gormleys was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to the long-term development of its artists."

"The Crescent Arts Centre is a vibrant community arts centre and cultural hub in the heart of south Belfast, which provides opportunities for people to meet,…"

"An artists dream, Cafe 31 is a small cafe inside a quaint art gallery, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Talented pianists and musicians occupy the space regularly, making it one of the most alternative music venues in the city. The Fenderesky Gallery, operational since 1983, is upstairs, and specialises in modernist and abstract art."

"One of the most popular places to eat in Victoria Square, COSMOS is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant that includes a fusion of world flavours. You can sample everything here from continental European cuisine, Asian delicacies and curries, as well as carvery roasts. In addition to the buffet of delicious dishes, you have a varied and colourful selection of desserts to choose from."

"We often like to eat ethnic food when we travel, and Belfast is no exception to this rule. During our visit, we found plenty of little Chinese eateries near the University on Ormeau Road. Eating cheap Chinese food is an excellent way to experience a city while saving money for the more special restaurants like the ones detailed above."

"This route explores a beautiful Local Nature Reserve in the Lagan Valley with varied wildlife habitats. After a short distance you will find a path to the left leading to Lester’s dam and pond. Retrace your steps to the main path, and continue along for a good distance through wooded areas and past meadows until you come to a steep set of steps."

"The Lagan Valley Regional Park is particularly special, as it is the only regional park in the whole of Northern Ireland. It covers over 4,000 acres and has an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ status. Its focal point is the River Lagan, and the park encapsulates all its nature and wildlife to form a great place to explore and enjoy the great outdoors."

"At the river mouth, you can spot seabirds such as shags and common seals, which venture as far as the weir. There are kingfishers, too – especially further south, in and around the pretty Lagan Valley Regional Park."

"Cuisine: Cafe, British, Healthy foodCafé Smart does justice to its name and coordinates its menu and ambience in a smart way and is currently the most popular café on the buzzing Belmont Road. They do very nice gluten-free sandwiches, bagels and lemonade. Breakfast options are great including the standard English and Irish fry ups."

"This popular Canadian coffee and doughnut chain has firmly rooted itself in Northern Ireland. With over five stores across the country, and two more on the way, you won't have to travel too far for something tasty. If you haven't tried their signature donuts before, why not purchase a Timbits box and sample a variety of yummy donut holes."

"The new Souls Restaurant at Belfast City Centre’s popular Dublin Road is designed to provide you with a unique dining experience."