There was a time not so long ago when the Northern Ireland city of Belfast conjured up images of “the Troubles,” a time of extreme political, national and religious conflict from the 1960s to its uneasy end in 1998.
That was then.
Nowadays, Belfast is a vibrant, fascinating city boasting family-friendly attractions that range from Game of Thrones tours and the interactive Titanic Belfast museum to ultra-hip musical and art venue.

Titanic Museum, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo: Steve Morris | Dreamstime
The top attraction in the city is Titanic Belfast, a fascinating museum with plenty of wow factor that already attracted more than 3 million visitors since it opened in 2012. The way it works is that once you enter the museum, you “experience” the construction and the giddy hype surrounding its christening and launch, followed by the simulated voyage and ultimate sinking that let to the most famous shipwreck in history.
Multimedia exhibits include dramatic videos and audio effects depicting the sinking of the ship retold in the voices of surviving passengers; facsimiles of parts of the actual ship, including the gloomy lower cabins and the posh upper staterooms, and a realistic re-creation of the ship as it was when it was discovered in 1985.
Another plus is the museum, the outside of which looks like a massive hull of a ship, is located on the Lagan River, where there are enticing shops, cafes and restaurants enough to help you easily while away a whole day.
When exiting Titanic Belfast, don’t overlook the small warehouse behind it that, while it doesn’t look like much, is Titanic Studios, which serves as the location of some interior Game of Thrones shots.
In fact, GOT is such an important part of the Northern Ireland economy that the VisitBelfast tourist office offers a number of tours that take in filming locations in and around the city.
Another huge part of Belfast’s cultural appeal is its musical history, most notably the early punk rock scene, which thrived in the city even during some of the region’s most turbulent times.
One way to relive that musical history is to visit the Oh Yeah Music Centre on Gordon Street, where you can listen to live performances by emerging talent and where posters and other artifacts from some well-known bands are on display. You can dig deeper with an Oh Yeah Music Tour, where a guide — most likely a former DJ — will take you around to such famous sites as Ulster Hall, where famous bands like The Clash performed in the late 1970s.

Photo: Felicity Long
Belfast has also immortalized some of its most famous musical figures in gigantic, colorful murals throughout the city. Check out the walls of the Dark Horse pub and the Duke of York Public House, for example, and see how many of the faces you and your family recognize.
Van Morrison is probably the city’s most famous musical artist, and families can embark on a self-guided Van Morrison walking tour of East Belfast. The walking tour is guided via a booklet with QR codes that send content and music to your smartphone as you explore the neighborhood.
Children’s author C.S. Lewis of The Chronicles of Narnia fame also hailed from East Belfast, and the visitors center offers a trail map that leads visitors to various sites of literary interest, including a statue of the author peeking into the wardrobe from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the C.S. Lewis Reading room at Queen’s University for real fanatics.

Photo: graphicjet | Dreamstime
In addition to the Morrison and Lewis tours, helping revitalize a previously untrendy section of the city, East Belfast is also the best place to see the most intense display of political mural art, which depicts the turmoil of the city’s recent past.
Meanwhile, younger kids can let off steam at the Victoria Square shopping center, where they can zipline, take indoor ski and snowboard lessons and jump on trampolines at an adventure center, and families can dine and shop. Or test your fitness level by walking up the steep spiral staircase (there is an elevator if tired parents or little legs aren’t up to the challenge) up to the Dome for some of the most panoramic views of the city.
For information on visiting Northern Ireland, visit Ireland Tourism at www.ireland.com, or stop into the Visit Belfast Welcome Center in Donegall Square North across from City Hall, where you can change money, leave your luggage for a day of sightseeing, log onto free WiFi and ask about city tours.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Jul 15, 2025French Resort Unveils New Programming for Golf-Loving, Outdoorsy Families
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort entices family travelers with new offerings for 2025. Situated in France between Provence and the French Riviera, this resort focuses on wellbeing and sustainability.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Jul 14, 2025Banyan Tree Krabi Launches “Jurassic World Rebirth” Offer
Calling all dinosaur-loving family travelers! Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand invites travelers to experience filming locations from the blockbuster film Jurassic World Rebirth with a new Jurassic Explorer offer.
Hotels
Jul 10, 2025The Nike and LEGO Play Arena Returns to LEGOLAND California Resort This Summer
Family travelers will want to make for LEGOLAND California Resort this summer, as the resort recently announced its Nike and LEGO Play Arena is back! Until Aug. 10, LEGOLAND California Resort invites kids and families to “just do it” and head back into the game for a summer of active and creative fun.
Hotels
Jul 10, 2025Marram Montauk Offers Family Week
As Marram Montauk’s first Family Week of summer wraps up today, it’s not too late for family travelers to plan for the next one, which will be held Aug. 18–28. These weeks offer mindful, nature-inspired activities that help families foster calm, creativity and connection.
Hotels
Jul 9, 2025Teach Kids About Sustainability Through Art at Banyan Tree Krabi
Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand invites family travelers to experience its sustainability efforts in action. The property partners with local artisans and vendors through its Banyan Tree Gallery Krabi program.
ShareThis