BELFAST
What to do, eat, sleep & drink in Belfast. If you are reading this, you have likely messaged me for some advice about visiting Northern Ireland or Belfast. I get heaps of these and thought, sure, let’s do a post instead of writing the same thing. Who knows, you might actually end up reading a few other articles, like the time I almost got done in by a load of crackheads in Melbourne, or the time I watched my friend almost die.
Anyway, back to the reason why you are here. You are only really after a few things: things to do, somewhere to stay, and places to eat and drink in Belfast. So I’ll do my best to keep it short. Also, you might want to check out my previous posts on Belfast & NI, as there are more ideas there too.
WHERE TO STAY
There used to be a shortage of hotels in Belfast, but over the past 5-10 years, they have shot up and now can accommodate even the busiest of weekends. However, if you plan on visiting the festival weekend, you will likely have problems, as rooms get booked up fast.
Choosing the right place all depends on where you will be spending most of your time, so I’ve listed the following, along with their area. Belfast isn’t huge, so getting around is fairly easy.
LOW END – HOLIDAY INN, City Centre, 5 minutes walk
Still only a few minutes from the City Centre, the Holiday Inn is perfectly placed for those spending their nights around the bars at Shaftsbury Square.
LOW END – PREMIER INN, Cathedral Quarter
Jumping distance from the carnage in Cathedral Quarter, this is a popular hotel for those spending most of their time going between the bars.
RELATED READ: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HOSTEL
MID END – MALDRON HOTEL, City Centre
One of the newer hotels in the City Centre, the Maldron’s location is perfect for a weekend of shopping and socialising. Not to mention it’s just across from the main bus station.
HIGH END – THE MERCHANT HOTEL, Cathedral Quarter
Looking for the best boutique hotel in Belfast, then The Merchant is for you.
HIGH END – GRAND CENTRAL, City Centre
The recently completed Grand Central has turned out to be an absolute success since opening. Very few weekends go by that they have empty rooms, and you can see why with its location, restaurants, and top-floor bar.
What to do, eat sleep & drink in Belfast
WHERE TO EAT
BREAKFAST – Harlem, City Centre
Nice hipster joint if you like your avocado and toast!
BREAKFAST – St Georges market. 5 mins from City Centre
Everything is simple, from fresh fruit to bacon baps. Idea for a hangover.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH – French Village, South
The best breakfast in town and a place you won’t be disappointed in.
BRUNCH – Freight, South
Giving all my secrets away here, but this is my favourite brunch resto, serving everything from Korean chicken and waffles to fish tacos. Order the Vietnamese coffee, too.
LUNCH/DINNER, MID – Kamakura (Asian bowls&sushi), South&East
My go-to delivery when I’m looking for something satisfying but healthy-ish. For sure, the best Sushi resto in Belfast, and it won’t break the bank.
LUNCH/DINNER, MID – Roam, City Centre
European-inspired menu including fish, pasta, and steak. Not huge portions, but incredible quality.
DINNER, MID – Yugo, City Centre
This won’t disappoint, and it’s the only Asian fusion worth visiting. Zen is another open, but not on the same level.
DINNER, MID/HIGH – Ora, City Centre
One of my favourites and without doubt the best tapas on the planet, but hell to get a table at.
DINNER, MID – Mourne Seafood, City Centre
Keen on seafood, then nowhere else will do it like Mourne Seafood. In my top 3 restos without a doubt!
DINNER, MID – Six by Nico, Cathedral Quarter
A fine dining tasting menu for the price of a mid-range resto. Six by Nico has turned into one of Belfast’s most popular restos with its 6-course tasting menu that changes in line with a new theme every 6 weeks.
DINNER, MID/HIGH – James St South, City Centre
Owned by the same group as Hadskis, JSS is just another level again and is known best for its steaks.
DINNER, HIGH – Muddlers Club, Cathedral Quarter
Essentially a top-tier restaurant, but don’t expect a timid fine dining experience. With its open-plan kitchen and great customer service, Muddlers Club has one of the best atmospheres in the city.
SIMPLE GRUB
Sometimes, after a day of drinking or suffering, we don’t want anything too rich and just need something to get us going again. In that case, get to Bunsen Burger or Boojum for your Mexican needs.
LATE NIGHT MUNCHIES – Little Italy, City Centre
We are never fussy in these situations, but this should be your only stop on the way home. Special mention to Sphinx Kebabs, these are not like the normal kebabs you get anywhere else, but the best on the planet. Be sure to have the nation’s favourite house sauce, Sphinx sauce, spicy or normal. Can do deliveries.
What to do, eat sleep & drink in Belfast
WHERE TO DRINK
You won’t be short of options if you are going for a friend’s night out in Belfast. Belfast has always known how to host and mix a drink; however, it was only over the past 10 years that the bars have really been taken to a new level.
COCKTAILS
Most of the bars serve cocktails but there are only 2 places that can really be considered true cocktail bars;
- The Cocktail Bar, The Merchant Hotel – Very chilled and somewhere where we have often started our nights out
- The observatory, Grand Central Hotel – Head to this bar at the top of the Grand Central Hotel for great cocktails and the best views of the city. Be sure to book as it’s often table service only. Also, a special shout-out to Margot or Rita, but they can be quiet.
CATHEDRAL QUARTER
After 10 years of regeneration, this area plays host to some of Belfast’s best bars. There is something for everyone here and almost an unlimited number of beer gardens, all with good craic. My favourites would have to be:
- Jailhouse/Henrys: Great for food, drink, and live music
- The Dirty Onion: Best beer garden
- The Duke of York: the best authentic bar, and outside drinking
- The Thirsty Goat
- Whites Tavern: One of Belfast’s newest pubs
- The National
- The Harp Bar: Best for live music
- McHughs Bar: Opened in 1711, the oldest pub in NI & the oldest building in Belfast
- Special mention to The Spaniard, one of Belfast’s smallest bars!
CITY CENTRE
A little less goes on here than in the Cathedral Quarter, but still plenty of options.
Margot, decent cocktails and small bites
Sweet Afton is a traditional pub in the new up-and-coming Linen Quarter.
Crown Bar, originally a Victorian gin palace, is probably Belfast’s most established bar. From the outside, it looks like nothing more than a pub, but it is steeped in history, dating back to 1826 and now owned by the National Trust.
SHAFTSBURY SQUARE & DUBLIN ROAD
This is where all the old timers spent their weekends, but in saying that, it has continued to stand the test of time. Here you will see everything from the popular club Alibi to Wetherspoons.
Filthy McNastys, A cocktail bar, beer garden, and club all in one.
Laverys, an institution for Belfast. This is one of Belfast’s longest-running bars and continues to adapt and evolve to suit the demands of the consumer.
Benedicts, if you like your happy hardcore, tattoos, and tight t-shirts, then head to Benedicts. Might have visited myself a few times…. It also houses a hotel upstairs.
Alibi. If you fancy wearing your white Gucci T or your Balenciaga’s, then there’s only one place in town for you.
LATE NIGHT – Thompsons Garage, City Centre
Known as the only place to be after 1 am, Thompson’s Garage has been the go-to place for late-night ravers in Belfast for a number of years. It’s no thrills, but at 1 am, what else are you after?
What to do, eat sleep & drink in Belfast
WHAT TO DO, BESIDES EAT AND DRINK?
We sometimes forget that there are plenty of other options other than eating and drinking your way through a city, although it can be fun! I feel a lot of cities in the UK (London aside) really lack daytime activities, and I don’t mean go-karting or paintballing!
BLACK TAXI TOUR
This is a must and a real eye-opener on the troubles in Northern Ireland. You will get a tour around the city, including visiting The Peace Wall, an 8 metre high, 21 mile long barrier in areas known for sectarian conflict. Something you would only expect in Palestine. There’s a good chance your tour guide would have been involved in the conflict himself!
What to do, eat sleep & drink in Belfast
CRUMLIN ROAD JAIL
I’ve not done this, but it’s on the list and something entirely different. It was here that many members of the paramilitaries were kept during the decades of The Troubles. Be sure to check out the execution chamber!
What to do, eat sleep & drink in Belfast
TITANIC EXHIBITION
Other than petrol bombs, Belfast is probably known most for its part in the Titanic. Here you will get to learn about how it was built, life onboard, and what really happened during that tragic night of 14th April 1912. You will also see the slipway from which it was launched. Another bonus is the SS Nomadic, which tendered the Titanic and now sits on display in the Titanic Quarter.
Special mention to the Game of Thrones studio tour in Banbridge, and if you are into landscape and cliffs, etc, then The Giant’s Causeway on the north coast. If you have a day to kill, both of these are worth it.
Special note: If you do the beer bike, I’m never talking to you again!!
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Belfast, weather-wise?
The best time to visit Belfast with favourable weather conditions is during late spring (April to May) and summer (June to August).
How many days do you realistically need to see Belfast properly?
Two days in Belfast are enough to see the top attractions.
How safe is Belfast for solo travellers?
It is a tourist-friendly and safe city.
Is Belfast walkable, or do you need transport between attractions?
Belfast is a walkable city with flat streets and wide sidewalks.
Do most places accept cards, or should you carry cash?
It’s a good idea to carry some pounds with you, but most places accept card or contactless payments, so you can usually get by without needing cash.
Let me know what you think!!
Question Time
- Where did I miss out?
- Have you visited any of these places?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
