This Belfast travel guide includes all the things to do, places to stay and restaurants to try in this charming, authentic, and friendly city. Experience the city’s charms alongside nearby nature activities. Whether you’re someone who likes a city vacation or prefers an escape to nature, Belfast offers the best for both preferences.
Neighborhoods
My favorite options include the Cathedral Quarter for Victorian architecture, City Centre for shopping, eating, and a central location, or Ormeau for a more local experience with lots of great pubs and brunch spots. Belfast isn’t a giant city, so wherever you choose to stay, you’ll easily be able to get around by foot or cab.
The Merchant Hotel
Easily the most extravagant hotel in Belfast, this stunning edifice leads to an indoor equally as stunning. Golden ceilings, grand black columns, ornate carpets – The Merchant is a sexy, swanky treat. Compared to other cities in Europe, Belfast is relatively inexpensive, so you’ll get a lot of luxury for a moderate price at The Merchant.
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
This boutique hotel offers fewer amenities than The Merchant, but if you’re a design fan who loves thoughtful touches in a hotel, The Harrison is sure to please. Rooms are spacious, featuring unique wallpaper, velvet-clad beds, and bay windows. Some bathrooms offer luxurious stand-alone tubs.
Titanic Museum – This museum beautifully juxtaposes an angled, modern building with the historic remnants of the Titanic. Perfect for a history buff, an architecture fan, or a movie enthusiast.
Ulster Museum – If you’re conflicted between a natural sciences, art, and history – you don’t have to choose! This museum features a variety of subjects with no entrance fee! Located in the Botanic Gardens and near Deanes at Queens restaurant, this is a perfect combo for a full afternoon of arts, nature, food, and fun!
Belfast Botanic Gardens – Located just beyond the architecturally stunning Queens University, the Botanic Gardens are free and feature gorgeous landscaping with florals and plants from far and wide – indoor and out. Well worth an afternoon stroll (especially after a meal at Deanes at Queens).
Ormeau Park – Wide paths carved through overarching trees and rolling fields of green, this park is perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature, just a few steps off Ormeau Road.
Cave Hill Hike – This is a beginner-friendly hike that starts at Belfast Castle and winds through fields of Cavehill Country Park until arriving at a cliff that overlooks 360 degree views of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland across the North Channel! We got caught in a downpour halfway through our hike, but the skies cleared as we reached the peak to reveal gorgeous views. If you’re physically able, this is a must-do in this Belfast travel guide.
Belfast Castle – Sitting atop the rolling slopes of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast Castle is a historic building surrounded by manicured gardens and an unobstructed view of the city.
City Hall – Located at the center of Belfast, City Hall is an imposing building of Victorian grandeur. Formerly the site of an international linen trade building, City Hall’s current building was built in the 19th century. A giant center dome is flanked by smaller versions, and inside features a striking marble staircase worthy of an extravagant photoshoot.
Black Cab Tour
Explore the city with a knowledgeable local who will share stories and historical facts about this city steeped in a rich and complex history. If you want to learn quirky stories beyond what you’ll find in a tour book, sign up for a tour!
St. George’s Market
First erected in 1604, this centuries-old market offers a plethora of fresh produce, baked goods, unique gifts by local producers, musical performances, and so much more. If you’re a farmer’s market regular, St George’s Market is a must!
Newforge House
Newforge House – A 20 minute drive outside of Belfast, ivy-enveloped Newforge House stands before a field of manicured hedges, greenery, and an orchard that the kitchen sources from. This cozy 6-room bed and breakfast is a great way to escape the city and visit nearby natural excursions.
Kaffe O – Copenhagen-inspired coffee house with a few locations across the city, Kaffe O focusses on fresh beans (never more than a week from roasting) for strong, smooth espresso-based coffee drinks.
General Merchants – Coffee house and popular brunch spot with delicious pastries and hearty comfort food brunch, General Merchants is perfect for a weekend morning after a few too many pints (or glasses of white if you’re like me).
Bread & Banjo – With ravishing cakes and pastries and freshly baked breads, this bakery is just the spot for an afternoon sweet treat. I may be a little biased (a dear friend once worked here), but I don’t think any sweet tooth could regret this one.
Deanes at Queens
With a wall of windows overlooking Methodist College and Queens University and a lush terrace, the sleek interiors highlight the surroundings. The Michelin Bib Gourmand hotspot is one of a handful of famed chef Michael Deanes restaurants in the city. Deanes at Queens specialize in unexpected flavor combinations like a prawn and chorizo orzo with fennel and chimichurri or an arancini that bursts with flavor.
La Taqueria
One of the biggest surprises in this Belfast travel guide. After growing up in Central America, I have pretty high standards for Mexican food. I was not prepared for the flavorful and authentic the pollo verde tacos, guac, or one the best birria tacos I’ve ever had. Wash back the insanely juicy birria with a killer margarita for a flavor trip to Mexico for your tastebuds.
The Pocket
The Pocket is a cozy corner spot with awesome coffee and even better brunch. The Green Eggs on Toast is a fresh burst of herby flavor that takes eggs to a completely new level. If you’re looking for something hearty and delicious but full of light flavors, this is a must. The Lavender French Toast is not your mama’s toast. Cardamom, lavender, hazelnuts, and berries – lots of flavors that somehow meld into a singular heavenly flavor. Try this warm and welcoming spot on a rainy morning, and savor the flavors and the cozy atmosphere.
James Street
This corner spot with exposed brick interiors and clean lines leaves the intricacy for the dishes. Sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, the menu changes regularly. Expect moist and flavorful steaks, complex yet delicate fish dishes, and unexpected pastas (think a potato chip, date, and fennel gnocchi).
The Duke of York Belfast / The Harp Bar – No Belfast travel guide is complete without a few great pubs. The Duke of York is a well-known, authentic pub to have a Guinness and chat with the bartender about the city, enjoy a book, or meet a new friend. The Harp Bar, with the same owners, brings a slightly more posh vibe with still-cozy interiors and a plethora of beverage options.
Maddens Bar – A charming, if crowded, pub with multiple floors and bars on both levels. The real draw is the live music that is can happen on planned music nights or just when a few musicians show up and start playing local Irish tunes.
Errigle Inn – A charming local pub in Ormeau for a quaint pint and local nosh.
