A compact but vibrant city to escape from and head out into the great outdoors.
Belfast is a compact city where it’s easy to get around on foot and by public transport. Visit the Titanic Quarter to learn the city’s history of shipbuilding, or explore the Cathedral quarter for the arts and nightlife. Belfast’s food scene is vibrant too, whether you’re tasting informal bites at St. George’s Market or visiting the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. For camping options, you’ll need to travel a few miles outside the city to Dundonald, the Causeway Coast, or toward Bangor.
Learn about the city’s history of shipbuilding and the story of the famous ship at the Titanic Centre. Here you can explore the waterfront dockyards where the Titanic and her sister ships were built. Step aboard the SS Nomadic, learn about the history of the HMS Caroline, or catch an ice hockey game at the SSE Arena.
The cobbled streets around St. Anne’s Cathedral are full of buzzing pubs, cafés, and restaurants, plus the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) and other arts and live music venues. Some of the city’s most historic pubs are near here—especially in the narrow Entries laneways. The Duke of York bar dates back to the 1800s and is crammed with old memorabilia and advertising signs.
The historic City Hall is the main focal point here, with nearby St. George’s Market serving as a lively spot at weekends with food and produce stalls. Meanwhile, the Linen Hall Library dates back to 1788 and has a great collection of literature. Also in the city centre, The Crown Liquor Saloon pub dates back to the 1800s—nab a wooden snug (private area) if you’re lucky enough to find an empty one.
Belfast is a great city to visit in all seasons and most attractions, restaurants, and retail outlets are open year-round. Weekends, bank holidays, and times of festivals can get busy.