As someone who is trying to be more mindful of my finances, I’ve tried to find ways to explore Belfast without spending any money. Here are my top recommendations for enjoying Belfast for free!

Belfast Free Walking Tour

This is a great way to learn about Belfast’s history. The free walking tour is led by a local guide and departs from City Hall every day. You’ll be able to get a feel for the city whilst exploring its most popular streets. Hearing stories from Belfast residents about how the city has been changing will help you get a feel for Belfast!

Explore the history of Belfast on a walking tour

Titanic Trail

Belfast was once home to the Titanic, and Titanic Quarter is an integral part of the city’s history. The Visit Belfast Welcome Centre has a free map which allows you to journey through the history of the Titanic and is self-guided. This is an activity I did by myself and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the docks on a sunny day!

Enjoy visiting the Naughton Gallery

This hidden art gallery can be found on Queen’s campus! One of my favourite things to do after a long study day in the McClay Library is to sit with my thoughts in a quiet environment, and I frequently visit the Naughton Gallery to check out their latest installations. Often there are free events hosted by the gallery to promote artists, with small prints available, perfect for decorating a bedroom!

Enjoy free entry into the Naughton Gallery!

Visit Cathedral Quarter

As someone who rarely drinks, I still enjoy visiting Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter with friends. Entry to most places is free and I love listening to live music! Some of my favourite places include The Dirty Onion, Duke of York Bar, and The Thirsty Goat!

Cathedral Quarter is one of the best areas in Belfast to socialise!

Ulster Museum

I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that Ulster Museum is free. There are five incredible floors of art, with many local artists promoting their pieces and even world-famous installations finding a temporary home in Belfast. The Ulster Museum is a great way to learn more about Irish culture.

As the building is situated in the Botanic Gardens, on a good day it’s a nice idea to visit the Glasshouse and Tropical Ravine too!

Take a stroll through Botanic Gardens and visit Ulster Museum

Hike with Sunrise Social

Sunrise Social is a community of enthusiastic hikers united by the common goal of chasing sunrises. Meetings happen once or twice per month and are free to join! Belfast’s famous Cave Hill Country Park allows hikers to enjoy panoramic views across the city and features ‘Napoleon’s Nose’, believed to have been the inspiration for the novel Gulliver’s Travels.

This community of hikers is incredibly wholesome and allows you to appreciate Northern Ireland’s incredible charm!

Check out the Sunrise Social organised by Queen's Accommodation!

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Study Medicine at Queen's

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, Northern Ireland Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 19 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a second-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Students' Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!