Belfast Travel Guide
March 17 2024
May 21, 2024

Belfast City Guide: 23 Tips for Your City Trip to Northern Ireland

Planning a city break? Then consider Belfast! It's the perfect city for a weekend getaway in Northern Ireland. With a rich history, but above all, a wonderfully friendly atmosphere! Did you know, for example, that the Titanic was built in Belfast? This old industrial city was once known as the heart of shipbuilding and the linen industry. Throughout the city, you'll find impressive buildings from that era that have been repurposed. Belfast really surprised me as a city! You'll find many cozy and authentic pubs, good restaurants, beautiful hotels, unique sights, and incredibly friendly people.

Discover Belfast's hotspots

Belfast is the perfect city for a weekend getaway, just over an hour and a half away by plane. Because the city isn't that big, three days and two nights are definitely enough to explore it! Want to venture out of the city and visit The Giant's Causeway? Then add another night. Which sights, restaurants, cafes, and shops shouldn't you miss during your city break? In this Belfast Travel Guide, I share all my personal tips for the perfect city break to Belfast.

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
Belfast travel guide city trip

Titanic Quarter

Food & Drinks in Belfast:

The Muddler's Club

A fantastic restaurant for a leisurely lunch or a delicious dinner is the Michelin-starred The Muddler's Club. This restaurant uses almost exclusively local, seasonal ingredients for both its vegetarian dishes and its meat and fish options. Our recommendation: try the chef's tasting menu and include the wine pairing. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening meal here!
Warehouse Ln, Belfast – themuddlersclubbelfast.com

Belfast Travel Guide

The Muddler's Club

Home

Right in the heart of Belfast, you'll find restaurant Home, where everything revolves around creating a homey atmosphere (as the name suggests). The ingredients are all local and seasonal, and the service is incredibly friendly. I've rarely seen such an extensive menu, and all dishes are also available as vegetarian or vegan options. Home is definitely a must-try when visiting Belfast if you're vegan or vegetarian. I had the pumpkin ravioli, and it was delicious! It's no wonder they have a Bib Gourmand designation in the Michelin Guide.
22 Wellington Pl, Belfast – homebelfast.co.uk

Belfast Travel Guide

Home

The Duke of York

This incredibly famous pub in Belfast's Commercial Court is not only iconic but also historic. The interior is everything you'd expect from a pub: mirrors, lots of wood, and ice-cold Guinness or cider on tap. The Duke of York is a great place for both a refreshing drink and a photo opportunity in the street, which is especially charming with colorful umbrellas floating in the air! On weekends, the street is bustling with people enjoying drinks outside. I thought it was a truly wonderful atmosphere, so definitely pop in after dinner, for example!
7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast – dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Belfast Travel Guide

Duke of York

The Pocket

The Pocket serves all sorts of delicious and unique brunch dishes, from freshly baked cinnamon rolls to a chorizo ​​brunch. They offer both sweet and savory options, and the dishes are inspired by comfort foods from around the world. Will you go for the pina colada French toast or a classic kimchi bap? I think The Pocket is the best place in Belfast for breakfast! They also open early on Sundays when many other restaurants are closed.
68 Upper Church Ln, Belfast – thepocket.coffee

More tips for good restaurants in Belfast? Then read on here in the Belfast Food Guide >>

Belfast Travel Guide

The Pocket

Things to See & Do in Belfast:

Black Taxi Tour

On a Black Taxi Tour, you'll be personally guided through Belfast by a local taxi driver. The driver will tell you all about their favorite hotspots, coziest cafes, and tastiest restaurants. The tour also focuses extensively on Belfast's history. This city is known for the Troubles, the turbulent period that Northern Ireland experienced until 1998, when Protestants and Catholics were pitted against each other. The tour visits key locations in the city and its suburbs, highlighting events from that period. I highly recommend taking this tour on your first day. You'll get a great overview of the city, and it's a truly unique experience, thanks in part to the driver's personal stories and anecdotes. The Belfast Black Taxi Tour can be booked through Touringbelfast, among other places. It's good to know that you can be picked up in any type of black taxi. If you specifically want a black cab like the ones you see in movies, it's a good idea to let us know. We had a minibus, also black! blacktaxitours.com

Belfast Travel Guide

Black Taxi Tour

St George's Market

Every weekend, from Friday to Sunday, St. George's Market in Belfast is the place to be. This is the best market in the city and certainly one of the most famous markets in Northern Ireland. Built between 1890 and 1896, the market has a charming atmosphere. On Fridays, you'll find the Variety Market, on Saturdays the City Food Market and the Craft Market, and on Sundays the Sunday Market. We were there on Saturday and were amazed by all the stalls. It's also a perfect place to have breakfast among the locals. Or go for lunch; there are so many delicious food stalls.
St George's Market, East Bridge St, Belfast – instagram.com/stgeorgesbelfast

Belfast Travel Guide

St George Market

Titanic Quarter & Museum

This impressive, 32-meter-high museum, as tall as the Titanic, is perhaps one of Belfast's most famous attractions. Inside, you'll learn all about Belfast's history and hear stories about the Titanic and the people who built it or boarded it. The museum features several interactive elements, such as a 3D experience that lets you experience what it was like to be a guest on the Titanic. There's also a ride that takes you through the construction site. I found it impressive to see! Besides the Titanic Museum, you can also visit the SS Nomadic. After your visit, be sure to walk back to the city center. A lovely stroll along the water!
1 Olympic Wy, Queen's Road, Belfast – titanicbelfast.com

Belfast Travel Guide

Titanic Museum

Belfast Food Tour

Want to discover the culinary side of Belfast and enjoy delicious drinks and snacks from Northern Ireland? Take a Belfast Food Tour. Let a local lead you on a fun and interesting tour of the city and get to know it in a delicious way. What I especially loved when we took the tour was that only locals participated! You really need to book this tour a few weeks, or sometimes even months, in advance. tasteandtour.co.uk

Belfast Travel Guide

Taste & Tour

MAC (Metropolitan Arts Center)

In the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, you'll find the Metropolitan Arts Centre. This artistic museum showcases local and international talent, from music, theatre, and dance to visual arts. The artists rotate constantly, making every visit to the Metropolitan Arts Centre unique. There's also a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a coffee. Check the Metropolitan Arts Centre website for current exhibitions and performances. When we were there, for example, there was a Ron Mueck exhibition. It was really cool to experience this, as admission is free. Although a donation is certainly appreciated!
10 Exchange St, West, Belfast – themaclive.com

Belfast Travel Guide

Ron Mueck exhibition at MAC

Belfast Castle

In the hills surrounding Belfast, nestled in Cavehill Country Park, you'll find Belfast Castle. This magnificent castle offers stunning views of the entire city, making it no wonder that Belfast Castle is an incredibly popular wedding venue. Explore the magnificent castle and then enjoy a bite to eat or a traditional local beer in the castle's cellar restaurant. Try to visit on a dry, non-foggy day to get the best views of the city. And if you're traveling with kids, it's a great way to combine it with a visit to the nearby zoo.
Antrim Rd, Belfast – belfastcastle.co.uk

Sensorium Experience

Before we went out for dinner, we did something really cool. For a unique cocktail experience in Belfast, try the Sensorium Experience. This experience begins in a dedicated space where you experiment with flavors and discover your preferences. Then, you move from room to room, ending in the Spirit of You Rooftop Garden. There, the mixologists will create two signature cocktails for you: one tailored to your aroma preferences and one tailored to your taste. A fun way to learn more about cocktails and a unique experience where you get to be actively involved while enjoying your own cocktails!
- tasteandtour.co.uk

Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is known for its picturesque views and charming streets. In this district, you'll find not only beautiful architecture but also a wealth of delicious restaurants, cozy cafes, and other great spots to explore. The Cathedral Quarter is also known as a perfect starting point for a pub crawl. A trip to Belfast isn't complete without at least a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter. Start at St. Anne's Cathedral, where you can also pop inside, and do as we did: hop from pub to pub. Also fun: there's often live music on weekends!

Belfast Travel Guide

Saint Anne's Cathedral

Shopping in Belfast:

Oliver Bonas: Oliver Bonas is a colorful concept store selling clothing, accessories, and home furnishings that will delight everyone. This store is already available in other cities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and now also in Belfast. The Belfast store isn't huge, but it's worth a visit, as you won't find Oliver Bonas in the Netherlands.
17-19 Arthur St, Belfast – oliverbonas.com

Avoca: Avoca in Belfast is a fantastic shop with a huge selection of must-haves. From gifts to toys, soaps, perfumes, and much more. This shop is known for its hand-woven Irish rugs, in case you're looking for a special souvenir. They also have a great cookbook section. Definitely worth a visit during a shopping trip in Belfast.
41 Arthur St, Belfast – avoca.com

Belfast Travel Guide

lawyers

Daisies Belfast: For the most delicious chocolate, coffee, gelato, and sweet treats, head to Daisies Belfast. Here you can not only buy sweets but also enjoy them in the on-site café. It's wonderful to browse, or enjoy a hot chocolate while buying the finest chocolate and unique bonbons as souvenirs for the folks back home.
7b Chichester St, Belfast – daisiesbelfast.com

Sawers: Sawers has been located on College Street since 1897, making it one of Northern Ireland's oldest delis. The store has a rich history, but is best known among locals for its delicious charcuterie, cheeses, olives, and oils. Looking for the perfect ingredients for a snack platter? Then definitely visit Sawers. In good weather, you can also enjoy delicious sandwiches on the terrace. The canned goods section is also truly fantastic, so if, like me, you love shopping for edibles abroad, you've come to the right place!
Fountain Centre, College St, Belfast – sawersbelfast.com

Victoria Square: Victoria Square is where you'll find all of Belfast's well-known retailers. From Tommy Hilfiger to Mango, you'll find all the shops you need for shopping. On Thursdays and Fridays, Victoria Square has late-night shopping, and a large section is covered. victoriasquare.com

Belfast travel guide city trip

Anthropologie: Anthropologie is an international chain store with incredibly cute items. This is the place to go for boho-chic clothing, shoes, and accessories. You'll also find lovely home accessories that are a little more unique. The store is also truly stunning inside, and I definitely wouldn't miss it if you're in Belfast. I picked up a cute jacket and a lovely mug for our son Manuel, who didn't join us on the trip this time.
Erskine House, 20 – 32 Chichester Street Units 1 & 2 Ground Floor, Belfast – anthropologie.com

Mike's Fancy Cheese: Mike's Fancy Cheese is an authentic cheese shop, founded by—as the name suggests—Mike. Here you can buy Northern Ireland's first raw-milk blue cheese, Young Buck. This cheese, developed by the founder in 2013, is internationally renowned for its unique flavor and is definitely worth trying. A fun fact: if you dine at a good restaurant, you'll likely see Mike's cheese on the menu!
41 Little Donegall St, Belfast – mfcheese.com

Belfast Travel Guide

© Mike's Fancy Cheese

favorite hotels in Belfast:

The Merchant: For a romantic hotel in Belfast, head to the impressive Merchant Hotel. The Merchant boasts beautiful Art Deco rooms and a distinctive Victorian style throughout. Fun fact: the building itself was once the headquarters of the Ulster Bank, making the facade truly stunning. The Merchant Hotel is also known for its delicious high tea and beautiful cocktail bar. Even if you're not staying here, it's definitely worth a look inside!

Belfast Travel Guide

The Merchant Hotel

Titanic Hotel: The Titanic Hotel is a truly unique hotel in Belfast. It comprises four interconnected buildings, which once housed the Harland & Wolff shipping company (which designed the Titanic). Walking inside, it's hard to believe that this hotel stood abandoned just five years ago. The building has now been beautifully renovated with meticulous attention to the original details. This unique hotel is located right next to the Titanic Museum, about a 20-minute walk from Belfast city center. It's a great place to enjoy a drink after a visit to the museum, or perhaps a high tea.

Belfast Travel Guide

Titanic Hotel

The Flint: The Flint is a trendy hotel in the heart of Belfast's city center. I stayed at this hotel during my visit to Belfast and can definitely recommend it. You can easily walk to all the city's attractions! The hotel has sleekly designed rooms with wooden floors and dark blue accents. Each room has a small kitchen, making this hotel ideal for a quick city break or a few nights in Belfast during a tour of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Good to know: they don't serve breakfast, but there are plenty of nice things nearby!

Belfast travel guide city trip

The Flint

Tip: a day trip from Belfast to The Giant's Causeway

An hour's drive from Belfast, you'll find the Giant's Causeway: over 40.000 hexagonal basalt rocks that look as if they were laid along the coast by a giant. This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason—it's simply stunning! From Belfast, you can visit the Giant's Causeway by renting a car and driving yourself, or by booking one of the many tours that depart from Belfast to this natural wonder.

Have fun planning your trip to Northern Ireland!

Belfast Travel Guide

Giant's Causeway

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Belfast travel guide city trip

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