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Explore the best museums in Belfast: a journey through culture and history
When you think of Belfast, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the mighty Titanic, built right here in the city, or the colourful murals that tell tales of its storied past. But there’s so much more to Belfast than meets the eye, and one of the best ways to uncover its heart and soul is through its incredible museums. And there are some brilliant museums in Belfast.
Every corner of Belfast seems to have a story to tell. Strolling through its streets, you’ll see a city that has risen from its industrial roots to become a hub of culture and creativity. And when your feet need a break, hop on a hop-on-hop-off bus for a 360-degree view of the city’s charm. It’s the perfect way to soak in Belfast’s beauty while uncovering its rich history and modern-day spirit!
Discover the best museums in Belfast and explore the stories, history, and spirit that make this city so special!
Not to be missed: Belfast's top 3 museums
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. These best museums in Belfast are absolute must-sees for anyone visiting the city.
1. Titanic Belfast: step inside the legend of the Titanic
No visit to Belfast is complete without seeing the iconic Titanic Museum Belfast. Located in the Titanic Quarter, this architectural marvel—designed to resemble the ship’s hull—tells the story of the ill-fated Titanic.
Through interactive exhibits, the museum immerses you in the ship’s construction, launch and tragic voyage.
- Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast, BT3 9EP
- How to Get There: 2 minutes walk from the City Sightseeing bus stop 5
- Opening Hours: opening hours vary during the year – please consult the Titanic Belfast website.
- Prices: Starting from £21 for adults, with discounts for families.
2. Ulster Museum Belfast: a little bit of everything
The Ulster Museum Belfast offers an eclectic mix of exhibits. Don’t miss its fascinating collection of dinosaur fossils and Irish history. You’ll find just about everything and anything Belfast-related and a whole lot else too, from Takabuti, the preserved Egyptian mummy, to a full triceratops skeleton! Kids will love it.
And there’s a brilliant programme of activities and exhibitions. If you want to learn about Northern Ireland’s turbulent past, and we recommend that you do, there is an excellent permanent exhibition on the Troubles, the country’s complex and violent period of conflict.
- Address: Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
- How to Get There: Located in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, 3 minutes walk from City Sightseeing bus stop 10
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
- Prices: Free entry (some exhibitions have an additional cost)
3. Ulster Transport Museum: a journey through time
The Ulster Transport Museum is a hidden gem. It features vintage trains, buses, and even cars that highlight Northern Ireland’s travel evolution.It showcases the incredible evolution of transport and its impact on society.
It’s a place where history and innovation come together, celebrating the spirit of invention and the way people and communities have always been on the move.
From historic locomotives to pioneering vehicles, the museum tells the story of how transport has shaped our world, making it a must-visit for those fascinated by engineering, design and progress.
- Address: 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, County Down, BT18 0EU
- How to Get There: Ulster Transport Museum is located slightly outside of Belfast.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00, Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00, Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Prices: Adults: £11.50, Children: £7
Family-friendly museums: the ideal solution for travellers with children
Travelling with kids? These museums in Belfast offer interactive exhibits and fun activities that will keep kids and even parents entertained.
4. W5 Belfast: The Ultimate Science Playground
W5 Belfast is an interactive science centre with hands-on exhibits and STEM workshops. Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
With over 250 hands-on exhibits spread across eight interactive zones, W5 is a place where curiosity comes to life. Whether you’re scaling the heights of Climbit, stepping into a virtual ocean, or diving into the wonders of space, every visit is packed with excitement.
W5 is the perfect destination for families, friends and science lovers looking for a fun and educational day out.
- Address: 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ
- How to Get There: Located in the Odyssey Pavilion, 4 minutes walk from City Sightseeing Stop number 2
- Opening Hours: Opening hours differ – please check the W5 website.
- Prices: £7 to £13 for adults, £7 – £10:50 for children
5. Crumlin Road Gaol: A Spooky Adventure
For history lovers with an interest in the eerie, the Crumlin Road Gaol is a former prison turned museum.
Guided tours take you through its haunting past, including stories from the Troubles.
- Address: 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST
- How to Get There: 1 minute’s walk from City Sightseeing stop 18.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:30 (Last Admission: 16:00)
- Prices: £14 for adults, £7.50 for children, family discounts available.
History Lover? These Museums Will Speak to You
Dive deeper into Belfast’s fascinating history with these incredible Belfast city museums:
6. Ulster American Folk Park
Ever wondered what it was like to pack up your life and sail across the Atlantic in search of the American Dream? At the Ulster American Folk Park, you don’t just read about history—you walk through it!
Located near Omagh, Northern Ireland, this living history museum takes you on a time-travelling adventure, exploring the lives of Ulster emigrants who left for America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This museum traces the journey of Irish emigrants to America through immersive exhibits and reconstructed villages.
- Address: 2 Mellon Road, Omagh, BT78 5QU
- How to Get There: This museum is about an hour’s drive from Belfast, so it could be visited on a day trip from Belfast.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 16:00
- Prices: starting from £7 for children to £14 for adults, family tickets available.
7. Belfast City Council Exhibition
Located in the stunning City Hall, this exhibition explores Belfast’s industrial, political, and social history. Take a self-guided trip through Belfast’s history, from its past to its lively present.
Explore six fun zones that show the city’s diversity and energy. Plus, the City Hall exhibition now has an amazing augmented reality (AR) feature (until March 2025).
This cutting-edge technology introduces you to a cute animated seahorse who brings Belfast’s history to life. Kids and adults will love this experience!
- Address: Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GS
- How to Get There: 5 minutes walk from City Sightseeing stop number 1
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:00), Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:00).
- Prices: Free entry.
A Must-See for Art Lovers
If you love art, Belfast has some incredible museums and galleries that showcase creativity in all its forms. Whether you’re into contemporary installations, experimental pieces or classic works, these must-visit spots will leave you inspired.
8. The MAC: A Centre for Contemporary Creativity
The Metropolitan Arts Centre, or The MAC, is Belfast’s hub for cutting-edge contemporary art. Located in the Cathedral Quarter, this vibrant space hosts ever-changing performances and exhibitions by contemporary artists such as Warhol.
There is also an excellent programme of events and workshops on offer. From thought-provoking installations to live theatre, there’s always something exciting happening here.
- Address: 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ
- How to Get There: located right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, 6 minutes walk from City Sightseeing Stop number 19
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00. Mondays: closed. Galleries open 11:00 – 17:00
- Prices: Free entry (some events may have ticketed prices)
9. Golden Thread Gallery: Where Art Meets Innovation
For those who love contemporary visual art, the Golden Thread Gallery is a must.
This independent space showcases innovative local and international artists, with exhibitions that challenge and inspire. It’s a hidden gem for those looking to dive deeper into Belfast’s creative scene.
- Address: 23-29 Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6EA.
- How to Get There: a very short walk from the front of City Hall, and only 4 minutes walk from City Sightseeing stop number 1.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 – 17:00, Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00 (Closed Sunday & Monday)
- Prices: Free entry
10. Catalyst Arts: Experimental Art in Belfast
If you’re into experimental and avant-garde art, Catalyst Arts is the place to be.
Run by volunteer artists, this gallery pushes creative boundaries, showcasing cutting-edge works that explore bold themes and new artistic techniques.
- Address: 6 Joys Entry, Belfast
- How to Get There:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00. Sunday – Monday: Closed.
- Prices: Free entry
Tips for Visiting Museums in Belfast
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Hop on our City Sightseeing bus to visit the best museums in Belfast without hassle. Most of these fantastic museums in Belfast are within a few minutes walk of a City Sightseeing stop!
- Check Opening Hours: Many museums in Belfast are closed on certain days, so plan ahead.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking between these amazing sites.
Iconic Belfast
As you explore Belfast’s amazing museums, think about all the stories you’ve uncovered—tales of hope, hard work and creativity that have shaped this incredible city. Now, it’s your turn to experience the magic. Plan your trip to Belfast’s museums today, and let the city’s stories become part of your own.
Belfast is waiting—what are you waiting for?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most major museums in Belfast, including Titanic Belfast and the Ulster Museum Belfast, are wheelchair accessible.
Yes! The Ulster Museum Belfast and The MAC offer free entry.
The Crumlin Road Gaol provides an in-depth look at the political and social issues during the Troubles. The Ulster Museum also has a permanent digital exhibition focusing on theTroubles.