Pets And The City: A 24-Hour Dog Friendly Itinerary In Belfast

It's even better to explore Belfast when your dog is by your side. This simple 24-hour itinerary keeps things central, relaxed and welcoming, from leafy walks to dog-friendly cafés and handy places to stay.

Whether you’re planning a short city break or just a day out together, save this guide for your next pet-friendly adventure.

Day 1

Arrive: Belfast Grand Central Station

Dogs travel free on Translink trains, so why not start your trip by arriving by train at Belfast Grand Central Station. Do note that pets aren’t permitted on trains before 9:30am, so it’s best to plan for a relaxed mid-morning arrival. Exit via Durham Street and enjoy the short walk to your first stop to kick off your 24-hour Belfast adventure with your furry companion.

Lunch: Harlem Café

After your journey take a short walk to Harlem Café on Bedford Street. Open from 9am – 3pm and located just down the road from city hall, this café makes an easy first stop before heading out to explore. Dogs are welcome inside, so your four-legged companion can always be by your side whilst enjoying a coffee or a light lunch.

Check in: room2 Belfast Hometel

Drop your bags and get settled at room2 Belfast. This innovative 'hometel' blends the service and convenience of a hotel with the comforts and flexibility of home. Your room is yours for a full 24 hours with a 2pm check-in and 2pm check-out, giving you more time to relax and explore the city at your own pace. Dogs are welcome, just be sure to let their team know before you arrive and they’ll provide a cosy dog bed, water bowl and treats.

Four-legged guests are also welcome in the communal areas and at the on-site Winnies Cafe and bar (just keep them on a lead). The hometel’s central location makes it easy to step out with your pup for a stroll around Belfast’s busy streets, making it the perfect base to your 24-hour stay.

Browse: Dog-friendly shops

Several nearby stores in the city centre welcome well-behaved dogs, making it easy to mix sightseeing with a little shopping:

• Oliver Bonas Belfast – Open 09:00 – 19:00
• Born & Bred Belfast – Open 10:00 – 18:00
• Lush Belfast – Open 09:30 – 18:00

From local gifts and artwork to homeware and bath products, these stops offer something different while keeping your dog by your side.

Dinner: Common Market Belfast

For an easy evening meal, head to Common Market. Open from 12pm - 12am Wednesday to Sunday, this indoor street food space brings together a range of local traders from authentic Greek options at Zeus Street Food to mouth-watering chicken tenders and hot wings from Wing Society. Dogs are also welcome inside as long as they’re kept on a lead. There’s also a fully licensed bar, so you can relax with a drink while you eat.

Evening: Dog-friendly pub stops

Round off the evening with an easy-going pub crawl at some of Belfast’s most popular and iconic spots.

• The Dirty Onion – Open 12pm–1am

• The Second Fiddle – Open 1pm–3am

• The Spaniard – Open 12pm–1am

• White's Tavern – Open 11:30am–2am

• Fountain Lane – Open 12pm–1am

Each venue offers a traditional setting and a friendly atmosphere, making them easy places to unwind after a full day. These pubs don’t just allow dogs in their outdoor areas, dogs on a lead are welcome inside too, so neither you or your four-legged companion has to miss out on the cosy, lively atmosphere.

Day 2

Morning: St George's Market

Open Friday through Sunday, St George’s Market is a great place to start your morning. One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, this popular weekend market is known for its lively but welcoming atmosphere and wide mix of fresh local produce, street food, crafts and gifts. Dogs are welcome inside as long as they’re on a lead, so you can browse together while also picking up breakfast or a quick snack. The Sunday market combines the best of the weekend, with a strong focus on local arts and crafts from Northern Irish makers, plus live music from local bands that adds to the buzz.

Explore: See the city by bus

Finish your visit back at Belfast City Hall and hop on the Belfast City Sightseeing Tour. The hop-on, hop-off format makes it easy to see more of the wider city at your own pace. Dogs are welcome on board as long as they’re kept on a lead, so you can take in areas like the Titanic Quarter, Botanic Gardens and the peace walls without the long walk.

After just 24 hours, you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy Belfast city without leaving your four-legged friends behind. From cafés and markets to shops, pubs and sightseeing, Belfast is welcoming, walkable and full of places where four-legged visitors are just as appreciated as their owners. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or passing through on a longer trip, this simple itinerary shows that a city breaks here can be completely dog friendly from start to finish.