It may often seem that having a day out with friends or even alone may break the bank at times so I’m here to share some ideas on how you can spend a day out in Belfast spending £10 or less!

Unbeknownst to many international students that first arrive in Belfast, there are actually many interesting sights to visit nearby just by walking from any one of Queen’s Accommodations.

Check out the Salmon of Knowledge

A good start would be to head to the Salmon of Knowledge or more commonly known as the ‘Big Fish’ in Belfast, which is a 10-metre-long ceramic statute of a salmon. The statue is located in Donegall Quay near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House.

You'll quite often find tourists here kissing the fish for good luck!

^{The Salmon of Knowledge}

Cost: Free

Take a break at the Dock Café

A little walk onwards and you’ll find the Dock Café. This café is truly unique as it operates through an honesty box which means you contribute at your own discretion. It has a big space filled with comfy chairs and sofas which allows you to relax and spend time with your friends or get some work done too. There are many choices of buns, tea, coffee and desserts to choose from. A little tip, ask them for the tea of the day if you’d like to be surprised.

Experience 'Tray Bakes' at The Dock Cafe

I had their hot chocolate which was amazingly creamy and a little brownie dessert which tasted scrumptious. Lastly, don’t forget to pay whatever you think is fair in the honesty box or you can always donate online via the website stated on the box if you don’t have cash on hand.

^{The Dock Cafe}

Cost: Pay as you wish

Take in the SS Nomadic

Walk a little further and you’ll find the SS Nomadic, which was the tender to RMS Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. It is located at the Hamilton Dock in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast.

However, it is important to note that the entrance to the SS Nomadic is not free as it comes together with the Titanic Experience Tour which allows you to enter the galleries of Titanic Belfast and also the inside of the SS Nomadic.

But fret not, the outside of the ship is just as nice to look at too while taking a leisurely walk with friends on a sunny day.

^{SS Nomadic}

Cost: Free (unless you want to have a look inside)

Capture Titanic Belfast for the 'gram

The Titanic Belfast is a monumental building located close to the SS Nomadic. It tells the story of the Titanic from the beginning of its conception and leads to its tragic history.

The building itself is magnificent from the outside and definitely a good place to take some good Instagram shots for your feed. However, the inside can only be accessed by purchasing a ticket online.

^{Titanic Belfast}

Cost: Free (unless you want to experience the museum)

Track down all the Game of Thrones Glass

One of my favourite things that I discovered while walking the trail to the Titanic Quarter was that there were several stained-glass window displays which depict some of the most iconic scenes from Game of Thrones. As a GOT fan, it was quite interesting to walk the trail and find all 6 of the displays along the trail.

The one I liked the most was the display of the Iron Throne, good luck finding all 6 of them!

^{Glass of Thrones}

Cost: Free

HMS Caroline

At the end of the trail you'll find HMS Caroline which is a C-class light cruiser and is also the last survivor of one of the largest naval battles ever fought. It was a First World War-era warship and now has been restored into a floating museum.

Not only is the HMS Caroline a sight to see, but the view surrounding the docks in the area is lovely and provides a sense of tranquillity. 

^{HMS Caroline}

Cost: Free

These are just one of the ideas on how you can spend your time in Belfast for less than £10. I hope you have a great time exploring Belfast and all it has to offer in the upcoming months and years of your stay here!

Find out more

Cost of Living in Belfast

Blog: Belfast on a Budget

Darshana Araventhan Law | Undergraduate Student | Malaysia I am a 3rd-year transfer student from Malaysia doing my final year of Law degree at Queens University Belfast. I live in the Queen's Accommodation Elms BT1 at Belfast City Centre, which is convenient as there are many amenities nearby. Apart from attending classes and studying, I love trying out new recipes and cooking for my flatmates. I also enjoy travelling during the holidays and have visited several places in Northern Ireland during my stay here. I hope you enjoy and find my blogs useful during your time at Queen's!