Belfast

Belfast is a giant city of buzzing culture and industrial prowess. Whether you’re exploring the restaurants of the Cathedral Quarter or visiting the birthplace of the world's most famous ship, there is something for everyone in Northern Ireland’s dynamic capital city.

The big one - Titanic Belfast 

The first port of call for many is the stunning 5* Titanic Belfast visitor experience. Voted the World's Leading Visitor Attraction in 2017, this shimmering landmark dominates Belfast's Titanic Quarter and has become a beacon for Northern Ireland. Inside, you’ll discover the story of the most famous ship in the world, the people who built her, and its ill-fated journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Not to be missed. 

Revisit our past

For history buffs and lovers of art, a trip to the Ulster Museum is a must - while horticulturalists, or really anyone who appreciates beauty, will enjoy a stroll through the adjoining Botanic Gardens, home to the glorious Victorian Palm House and recently-restored Tropical Ravine. 

In fact you’ll find fine architecture is everywhere in Belfast. The grounds of Queen’s University Belfast are well worth a visit and just outside the city you’ll find the iconic Belfast Castle, both designed by architect John Lanyon. No trip to Belfast would be complete without a walk up the nearby Cave Hill. This spot offers beautiful views out over Belfast and its surrounding sea. 

A feast for foodies and the senses

Belfast has become a food mecca and it’s impossible to walk the city without being lured in by world-class food. If you’re looking for pointers, check out the multi-award winning Taste & Tour NI. As well as a four hour Belfast Food Tour, they offer a Belfast Gin Jaunt, Belfast Whiskey Walk, Belfast Bites, Brewery Tour and Belfast Bar Tour.

An absolute must on any short break in Belfast is a wander around St George’s Market. Friday’s Variety Market is a real treat with offerings of everything from fresh fish, fruit and vegetables to antiques, books and clothes.  Saturday mixes specialty foods from around the world with stalls displaying handmade crafts, flowers, plants, local photography, pottery, glass and metal work. Sunday includes the lot and even throws in music from local bands.

The nearby Cathedral Quarter was once considered Belfast’s Fleet Street and was a centre for literature and newspapers. Today, it’s full of Belfast’s young and those in the know out for a night of craic and fine food. It’s hip, it’s trendy and has that touch of class. Hungry visitors will like Hadskis eclectic little dining room and its ever-changing menu of daily specials. The nearby Muddlers Club has become something of a Belfast institution as famous for its theatrical open kitchen as its mouth-watering food. 

Belfast now boasts three Michelin starred restaurants. OX overlooks the River Lagan and offers the finest of refined dining using Irish ingredients with a gallic twist. EIPIC, the 2nd of the Michelin star restaurants serves top quality local ingredients cooked to the highest standard. The third recipient of the coveted star, The Muddlers Club, is named after a secret society and has an intimate, modern and relaxed atmosphere.  Only the best of homegrown, local produce makes its way onto their seasonal menus.  

Find your Belfast berth for the night 

After such a busy day of sights, sounds and the finest food, you’ll need the finest place to stay. The Grand Central Hotel (4*) has an exclusive cosmopolitan vibe. It is conveniently located and perfect for exploring all that Belfast has to offer.  It also has a 23rd floor cocktail lounge. Oh la la indeed. 

The luxury in The Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*) also offers wonderful views of the city and is perfectly located, next to the Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street. We have already mentioned the jazz at the Merchant Hotel (5*), in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, but we forgot about the spa, the gym and the rooftop jacuzzi. A city centre haven. 

In the Titanic Quarter you’ll find the Titanic Hotel, a deluxe boutique hotel offering a unique maritime experience in its Harland & Wolff inspired rooms. And of course, we can’t forget the world famous, Europa Hotel (4*). With a bistro, bar and piano bar lounge all on site, this hotel is as central as it gets. 

That’s Belfast in a very small nutshell – sourced from a stall in St George’s Market of course. To get the full picture, start exploring our website and pretty soon you’ll be finding your way down our narrow Victorian cobbled laneways on your way to your own special place in this remarkable city. 

Check ahead with providers before visiting and book in advance where possible.