Belfast

Cathedral Quarter pubs, murals & market halls

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Belfast is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall and St Georges Market. Food lovers should not miss Muriel's Cafe Bar and The Crown Liquor Saloon. Below you will find 11 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Belfast at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Titanic Belfast and Belfast City Hall
Where to stay: Cathedral Quarter and North
Local picks: 11 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Belfast

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Belfast: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Belfast, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Belfast

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Various

Belfast Black Cab Tour

A black-cab tour of the political murals and peace walls.

★ 4.7

Centre

Belfast City Hall

The grand Edwardian city hall and its surrounding gardens.

★ 4.6

Cathedral Quarter

The cobbled quarter of pubs, murals and the citys nightlife.

★ 4.5

North Belfast

Clifton House

Why it matters: opened in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society – founded in 1752 and still going – this Georgian building was the city’s original Poor House, then a hospital and nursing home, and it has never stopped working: it still provides residential and sheltered housing for older people, and the Society still runs its philanthropic programmes from here. Guided tours and talks bring the Poor House and the people who sought sanctuary in it to life, with augmented reality filling in the rest; the Society also runs tours of Clifton Street Cemetery nearby. Book ahead through the Clifton House website – tours run on a scheduled timetable rather than drop-in, and the self-guided option is the cheapest way in. Practical tip: it is a short walk north of the city centre, so fold it in with a Cathedral Quarter wander.

North

Crumlin Road Gaol

A restored Victorian prison offering gripping guided tours.

★ 4.6

Centre

Mourne Seafood Bar

A brilliant seafood bar sourcing oysters and mussels from its own beds.

★ 4.5

City centre

Muriel’s Cafe Bar

A quirky-yet-classy cafe bar down a quiet city-centre side street, with inventive, knowledgeable staff and a cracking gin menu. Grab an outdoor seat on a fine day or people-watch from inside when it rains; check the cocktail of the week and one of the Mediterranean platters.

★ 4.5

Centre

Muriels Cafe Bar

A quirky, candlelit cafe-bar beloved for cocktails and gin.

★ 4.5

East Belfast

Refresh Cafe

Why it matters: Refresh is the in-house social enterprise cafe of East Belfast Mission, and its profits fund the Mission’s work with more than a thousand vulnerable people every week – housing, employment support and mental health services. The same kitchen cooks over 250 hot meals a day for elderly and housebound neighbours, and runs training placements for people out of work. Come for the homemade scones and speciality coffee, stay for a proper cooked lunch, and have a look around the Skainos Centre it sits in – a shared-space building on the Newtownards Road that is a story in itself. Practical tip: it is weekdays only, 8am to 3pm, and closed at weekends – pair it with a walk up the road to C.S. Lewis Square.

Centre

St Georges Market

A lively Victorian covered market of food stalls and live music.

★ 4.6

Centre

The Crown Liquor Saloon

A gloriously ornate Victorian gin palace of snugs and tilework.

★ 4.6

Cathedral Quarter

The Merchant Hotel

An opulent Victorian bank turned luxury hotel with a grand tea room.

★ 4.6

$$$

Titanic Quarter

Titanic Belfast

The star-shaped museum on the slipways where the Titanic was built.

★ 4.7

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Book your trip to Belfast

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Belfast travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Belfast?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Belfast at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Belfast?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Belfast?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Belfast guide.

What is the best time to visit Belfast?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Belfast is worth visiting year-round.