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Things to do

In Belfast, we do things a little differently.

Besides the multiplex cinemas, mega-malls and big-ticket entertainment venues you might expect in a bustling capital, the city is full of quirky attractions for when you fancy switching things up.

Whether you want to zip through the trees in a city sky park; strike out at glow-in-the-dark ten-pin bowling; bounce over to a trampoline park, or get your skates on at a retro roller disco, here, you can choose your own adventure. 

Paintballing
Days out with a difference

With an afternoon to spare, you can ride a virtual rollercoaster at a 7D simulator cinema, find yourself battling zombies at one of the city’s 14 escape rooms, or fly high at Ireland’s only indoor skydiving facility.

How about lacing up your boots for some outdoor adventure? Discover climbing, hiking and orienteering in the Belfast Hills, have a game of laser tag or a paintball battle or explore Narnia on the enchanting C.S. Lewis trail.

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(Image courtesy of Escaramouche Action Park)

Zorbing
Urban adrenaline kicks

If you’re keen to try something new, you’ll find like-minded people at one of Queen’s 200 clubs and societies.

Running the gamut from Caving to DragonSlayers, you’re sure to find your fit. From adventure training in the Officer Training Corps to wakeboarding in Belfast Lough, sailing the seas or jumping from a plane, there are endless opportunities to have fun.

Want more urban adrenaline thrills? Try downhill zorbing, mountain biking or raft building at Jungle NI; walk the tight rope or take a freefall jump in Colin Glen Forest Park or beat the obstacles at the Inflatable Aqua Park.

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(Image courtesy of Jungle NI)

Comedy night at the Empire
Unique events

In this city, you’ll find off-the-wall entertainment to suit a student budget every night of the week.

Enjoy a tipple with some retro TV, at the iconic Murder She Got Wrote Off event series at the Crescent Arts Centre; laugh, draw and eat pizza in a creative workshop at the Ulster Museum, or meet a celebrity podcaster at The Mac.

Why not let the city’s up-and-coming talent test their new material on you at a comedy improv or amateur magic event? Get your fastest finger posed for an interactive smartphone quiz or mind-bending table quiz at The Accidental Theatre, or channel 1920s Hollywood at a cabaret show.

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Winterfell Tours Game of Thrones
Tourist trails with a twist

You can explore Belfast via a range of bus tours, get under the skin of the city with a Black Taxi tour or a walking mural tour, or see the sights via a multi-person bike cart. How about renting a Belfast bike and doing a cycle tour of the city?

Thronies can discover the real Winterfell with a Game of Thrones tour, while specialist food and drink tours can help you navigate the best artisan bites, craft beers and local gins in the city.

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Titanic Centre
Board the Titanic

Explore Belfast’s rich maritime history with a visit to the Titanic Quarter.

Get lost in the world’s largest Titanic exhibition in the infamous ship’s birthplace; take the exhilarating Shipyard Ride; board the SS Nomadic or the HMS Caroline at Alexandra Docks, and see reconstructions of the original slipways.

You can even choose to experience it all from the water with a boat tour along the Lagan.

Still hungry for history? Don’t miss the Crumlin Road Gaol where you can unlock the dark secrets of the prison’s 150-year history, or experience living history with a tour of the iconic City Hall.

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Penguins at Belfast Zoo
Get up close with wildlife

We love our animals here in Belfast, so you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly parks, bars and restaurants, while the The Donkey Sanctuary and The World of Owls are both top spots for lesser spotted creatures. Meanwhile, the residents of Belfast Zoo include lions, gibbons and giraffes.

If you are looking for a more organic experience with nature, the city parks and the Lagan towpath are home to squirrels, badgers and red foxes, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sightseeing Tour of Belfast
Student Tour of Belfast City Centre
Student Vlog: Free Things to do in Belfast
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