We skipped the tourist trail for these 12 hidden gems in Belfast!
The funny thing about asking a local where the best hidden gems in Belfast are is that we think it defeats the purpose. Once revealed, they obviously won’t be so ‘hidden’ anymore.
Sure, you could just follow a random stray cat, hoping it leads you to some secret rooftop garden. But let’s be real, that’s nuts, even for adventurers like me and my pals—we say don’t do it.
Luckily for my traveller friends, I dig up local history and fascinating places for a living. So yeah, it’s a not-so-secret talent of mine to introduce them to Belfast’s underrated treasures. Here are some of our favourites below.
What are cool, lesser-known places in Belfast?
There are a bunch of cool, lesser-known places in Belfast you could visit! Swing by Friar’s Bush Graveyard, Clifton House, The Linen Hall, C.S. Lewis Square, or Cave Hill Country Park for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the city.
Friar’s Bush Graveyard
– Media credit: historywithmegs
Address: 12 Stranmillis Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9027 0296, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM
- Monday to Friday – Closed
- An appointment is required to visit.
Fees:
- Whistlestop Tour (1 hour & 20 minutes for ages 11+) – Starts at £16
- Graves and Gardens Tour – (1 hour & 30 minutes for ages 11+) – Starts at £16
One of the hidden gems in Belfast that we think people might not think about often is Friar’s Bush Graveyard. If you’re into edgy or mysterious things, we bet you’ll be intrigued that it’s the city’s oldest burial site, dating back to at least the 5th century.
You’ll see ancient tombs, weathered headstones, and ivy-covered walls, giving off a sombre, melancholic vibe. For us, this offers an eye-opening sneak peek into the past. This includes tales of Catholic-Protestant tensions, famine burials, and cholera victims.
We also like that this burial ground is open only for special openings or guided tours. This provides an air of exclusivity, so this spot wouldn’t be overly crowded.
| Safety first: We recommend wearing your comfiest shoes at Friar’s Bush Graveyard! Besides the uneven paths, there are lots of moss-covered stones here—pretty slippery if you’re not careful, especially when it’s rainy. |
Clifton House
– Media credit: cliftonhousebelfast
Website: http://cliftonbelfast.com/
Address: 2 N Queen St
Contact Details: +44 28 9099 7022, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Fees:
- Standard Ticket (2 to 2.5 hours)
- Adult – £10 each
- Concession – £9
Clifton House is an underrated spot in Belfast, as it’s the city’s oldest working building. As a Georgian masterpiece, it was a poorhouse and an infirmary. Today, it’s a heritage and conference centre, still housing the elderly and continuing its legacy.
We adore its sophisticated interiors, which include a unique white spire and bricks. If you’re curious about the beauty of 18th-century architecture, we reckon this is where you should go.
And why not visit with friends, as this house hosts public tours twice a week? Plus, there are a bunch of events and talks throughout the year that you can join.
| Cool idea: If you’ve got the time, we recommend combining your Clifton House visit with nearby attractions, like the Ulster University and other cultural sites. We think this is a more productive way to explore Belfast’s rich history! |
The Linen Hall
– Media credit: the_linen_hall
Website: http://www.linenhall.com/
Address: 17 Donegall Square N
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 1707, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Fees:
- Free Entry
- Memberships
- Standard – £8.75 per month (annual contract)
- Concession – £7.25 per month (annual contract)
- Student – £52 per year (paid annually)
- Under 18 – £20 per year (paid annually)
- Associate & Overseas -£52 per year (paid annually)
- Patron – £2,500 (one-off lifetime payment)
- Family – £17.50 per month (annual contract)
Are you a bookworm? How about visiting the oldest library in the city? The Linen Hall is among Belfast’s travellers’ lucky finds. We think this building itself is an important piece of history, considering it’s housed in a Victorian-era former linen warehouse.
You’ll find big collections of Irish and local studies, including Belfast and Ulster printed books, newspapers, manuscripts, and periodicals—some dating back to 1738! Sometimes, there are events, exhibits, lectures, and theatrical archives here too.
We also like that the library showcases a cosy cafe. You can get coffee, sandwiches, desserts, and even soup if you need something warm, sweet, or savoury. Of course, there’s a gift shop for all sorts of unique trinkets as well.
| Something to note: If you need The Linen Hall’s accessibility features, we suggest using the facilities via the Fountain Street entrance. We love that guide dogs are welcome too, so everyone can enjoy the library. |
C.S. Lewis Square
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Address: Visitor Centre, 402 Newtownards Rd
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Fan of The Chronicles of Narnia? For us, C.S. Lewis Square is the lovely public space that brings it to life! It celebrates the namesake author through art and literature, as well as community engagement.
You’ll see the 7 life-sized bronze statues by Maurice Harron, a local artist. You might also find your favourite characters from the movie, like Aslan or the White Witch. Besides that, we love that it gives a nod to the famous wardrobe portal to Narnia!
If you want an easy pick-me-up, you can chill at the on-site coffee shop and munch on local delicacies, like buns and biscuits. You can ask for gluten-free options too.
| Healthy recommendation: Love staying active? C.S. Lewis Square is open 24 hours a day and well-lit even at night, making it easily accessible for cyclists. Why not bring your bike sometime? |
Cave Hill Country Park
– Media credit: madrugadero
Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9077 6925
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Should you prefer something more natural, we believe Belfast’s Cave Hill Country Park is worth considering. What we love most about the stunning natural haven is that it offers around 370 metres or 1,200 feet of city panoramic views!
There are also several walking trails to explore: Cavehill Trail (7 km circular route to McArt’s Fort), Estate Trail (4 km loop through woodlands), and Castle Trail (1.3 km walk around the gardens). We appreciate that all cater to different skill levels as well.
| Friendly reminder: Remember to respect the wildlife at Cave Hill Country Park! It’s best to keep your distance from calves, as they’re scattered in the park. And if you’re bringing your dog, we advise keeping them on a short lead. |
Belvoir Park Forest
– Media credit: donard.the.chocolate.lab
Website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/belvoir-park-forest
Address: Belvoir Dr
Contact Details: +44 28 6634 3165
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Want to see more animals and plants? Belvoir Park Forest is among Belfast’s hidden gems for its rich biodiversity. You can spot squirrels (red ones!), birds (like kingfishers and long-eared owls), and flowers (like bluebells and yellow wood sorrels).
We’re also stoked that this is open 24/7 throughout the year, so you have plenty of chances to check it out. There’s also a coffee van here serving hot and cold drinks to ensure you keep your energy for the whole day.
| Insider scoop: If you want to explore beyond Belvoir Park Forest’s main trails, we recommend going to the connecting paths to the Lagan Towpath and Shaw’s Bridge. We bet these suits romantic strolls with more picturesque sights. |
Lisnabreeny and Cregagh Glen
– Media credit: ibe.sesay
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lisnabreeny
Address: A55 Upper Knockbreda Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9064 7787
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
If you fancy a longer scenic trip, we think the Lisnabreeny to Cregagh Glen trail is a thing of beauty! It ascends through a lovely wooden glen into Castlereagh Hills, ending in a 1,400-year-old ring fort at the summit.
The highlights for us are the peaceful waterfalls when you hike through Cregagh Glen. It’s a shaded path with lots of flowers, such as bluebells and wood anemones—especially in spring!
History buffs might also like the Lisnabreeny House, which served as a World War 2 U.S. Army headquarters. Moreover, we love that Lisnabree Rath has a ring fort where you can see old homesteads, as well as 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
| Be smart: Official parking is limited here, but you can park in local streets by the Knockbreda Road entrance. Or, you can use Lisnabreeny Road’s National Trust car park. Just be careful when crossing the Upper Knockbreda Road—it’s usually pretty busy! |
Sunflower Public House
– Media credit: sunflowerpub
Website: http://www.sunflowerbelfast.com/
Address: 65 Union St
Contact Details: +44 28 9023 2474, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 12 AM
Fees:
- £10 to 20 per person
We reckon almost no Belfast trip is complete without a fun round of drinks. And Sunflower Public House has been showcasing authentic Irish drinks and culture since 1980! You can bring your crew or mingle with some of the friendliest people in the city.
For the grub, we recommend dining at the back, at the spacious beer garden. Just order your favourite wood-fired pizza and craft beer, and you’ll be all set.
What’s more, there’s diverse live music! You’ll hear traditional Irish, Appalachian, and Gypsy Swing, and bluegrass performances. And if you like to laugh, we bet you’d like it upstairs with the comedy club, with comedians all over Ireland and the UK.
| Smart pointer: Did you know that Sunflower Public House is dog-friendly? We suggest bringing your pets sometime since the staff can provide their water bowls and treats too! |
Angel & Two Bibles
– Media credit: angeland2bibles
Website: http://angelandtwobiblesbelfast.com/
Address: 1 Goose Entry
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday to Thursday – Closed
Fees:
- £20 to £40 per person
Another intriguing Belfast hidden gem is Angel & Two Bibles, a secret speakeasy that offers an air of exclusivity for you and your friends. Plus, we adore its whimsical ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and floral displays for a nice photo op session!
We also find it fascinating that the bar provides dual cocktail menus: The Old and New Testament. These showcase classic cocktails and other creative drinks inspired by legendary musicians, such as Amy Winehouse and Prince.
Should you want a better view, we bet you’ll love the cosy rooftop terrace. You can ask for heaters and blankets from the staff to maximise your comfort.
| Good to know: Need help finding Angel & Two Bibles? This bar is right behind an unassuming alley entrance—just look for the pink angel wings! |
Indie Füde
– Media credit: indiefude
Website: http://www.indiefude.com/
Address: 232 Ormeau Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9099 1812, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Love cheese? Then you might like Indie Füde, an artisan deli where you can get gourmet items for your fancy charcuterie (cooked meats).
It offers fresh bread, condiments, and speciality items, like cider-infused barmbrack and black butter. But of course, we’re here for the Irish cheeses. Some of the best ones for us are the Young Buck from Newtownards and Templegall from Whitechurch, Cork.
And no need to worry about their freshness—this shop boasts a dedicated cheese room with climate-controlled conditions. This lets the items keep their flavour and quality.
| For the foodies: Feeling peckish? We say try Indie Füdes’ in-store Causeway Coast coffee with one of the freshly baked pastries for a delightful treat. Keep on the lookout for this spot’s food tours or tasting events so you can grow your love for local cuisine. You might discover new favourites too! |
The Tropical Ravine
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Website: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tropicalravine
Address: 11 Colenso Parade
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
The Tropical Ravine in the Botanic Gardens is an underrated treasure in Belfast with its lush Victorian-era greenhouse. It’s been meticulously restored too, so we reckon you’ll find its historical charm fresh with modern innovations.
There are almost 200 plant species here, including bananas, orchids, and tree ferns. We like that these are viewable, even if you’re on the elevated pathways! For us, this gives visitors tonnes of cute photo backdrops and angles.
| Keep in mind: While the upper walkways at The Tropical Ravine are open for all, going to the lower level is limited due to this spot’s conservation efforts. We recommend booking a guided tour in advance for a more productive experience. |
SS Nomadic
– Media credit: titanicbelfast
Website: http://www.nomadicbelfast.com/
Address: Hamilton Dock, Queens Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9076 6386
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Fees:
- Adult – £24.95 (online booking), £26.95 (walk-in)
- Child (5 to 15) – £11 (online booking), £13 (walk-in)
- Child (under 5) – Free
- Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) – £62 (online booking), £68 (walk-in)
- Essential Carer – Free
- Student/Senior (over 60, weekdays only) – £21.95 (online booking), £23.95 (walk-in)
Those who want a unique peek into maritime history might love the SS Nomadic. This ship was restored to be a museum, so you can see and feel what it’s like to experience sea travel in the early 20th century.
There are plenty of exciting exhibits here, such as interactive displays and holographic crew members. As a visitor, we love that you can even try on period costumes!
| Hot idea: Is anyone’s birthday coming up? We suggest considering SS Nomadic for a memorable celebration. Some even like booking this historical venue for weddings! |