Guidebook for Belfast
Drinks & Nightlife
Really good music - Rock/alternative bar, nice atmosphere and really friendly people. Also does gigs and live music too.
Voodoo Belfast
11A Fountain StReally good music - Rock/alternative bar, nice atmosphere and really friendly people. Also does gigs and live music too.
Also a nightclub at the weekends. Really good food and cocktails, quirky vibe.
6 residents recomanen
Love & Death
10a Ann StAlso a nightclub at the weekends. Really good food and cocktails, quirky vibe.
Also a bar downstairs, but I go mainly for the nightclub. Owned by the same people as Love and Death, so the same applies: great food and cocktails
Aether & Echo
11 Lower Garfield StAlso a bar downstairs, but I go mainly for the nightclub. Owned by the same people as Love and Death, so the same applies: great food and cocktails
Bar, music venue also. Really really good on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you want a taste of the real Belfast nightlife, go here! Belfast is known for it's music scene and this is a true taste of it. Friendly people and really good atmosphere.
The Foundry Belfast
68-72 Newtownards RdBar, music venue also. Really really good on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you want a taste of the real Belfast nightlife, go here! Belfast is known for it's music scene and this is a true taste of it. Friendly people and really good atmosphere.
True Irish style pub in a cobbled street. Lots of space and benches outside it so when the whether is good everyone gathers outside and chats, drinks and dances. I highly recommend going here.
104 residents recomanen
Duke of York
7-11 Commercial CtTrue Irish style pub in a cobbled street. Lots of space and benches outside it so when the whether is good everyone gathers outside and chats, drinks and dances. I highly recommend going here.
Another real Irish feel bar. Old fashioned, live music, fire roaring and lots of Guinness. They do amazing Irish stew as well.
78 residents recomanen
Kelly's Cellars
30-32 Bank StAnother real Irish feel bar. Old fashioned, live music, fire roaring and lots of Guinness. They do amazing Irish stew as well.
Laverys is everything in one. My go to for everything. Really good food, nice atmosphere, three floors with a nightclub on some nights, a pool room with very good quality tables, 2 outdoor areas (one recently renovated roof terrace) and a sister bar joined on which specialises in craft beer.
I highly recommend Laverys.
52 residents recomanen
Lavery's Bar Belfast
12-18 Bradbury PlLaverys is everything in one. My go to for everything. Really good food, nice atmosphere, three floors with a nightclub on some nights, a pool room with very good quality tables, 2 outdoor areas (one recently renovated roof terrace) and a sister bar joined on which specialises in craft beer.
I highly recommend Laverys.
The SU is everything in one. They do food which is OK if you're on a budget, but the nightlife is the best thing about it. Twitch is one night where you can get a taste of the true Belfast party scene - if it is on during your stay I strongly recommend. From funky house to dark techno, depending on which DJ is booked, and loads of local talent too. Also: Shine is another which is on seasonally and all the rooms in the SU are opened for it with loads of DJs playing. Strongly recommend if you're over during one. If it's on I will be going, so maybe I could take you!
Queen's Students Union
1 Elmwood AveThe SU is everything in one. They do food which is OK if you're on a budget, but the nightlife is the best thing about it. Twitch is one night where you can get a taste of the true Belfast party scene - if it is on during your stay I strongly recommend. From funky house to dark techno, depending on which DJ is booked, and loads of local talent too. Also: Shine is another which is on seasonally and all the rooms in the SU are opened for it with loads of DJs playing. Strongly recommend if you're over during one. If it's on I will be going, so maybe I could take you!
Empire has everything - live music, comedy nights, a bar. I would recommend going down if you are over for any shows here. Esp the bi-weekly Tuesday comedy night.
55 residents recomanen
The Belfast Empire
42 Botanic AveEmpire has everything - live music, comedy nights, a bar. I would recommend going down if you are over for any shows here. Esp the bi-weekly Tuesday comedy night.
The Crown Bar is beautiful - decorated in polychromatic tiles, including a mosaic of a Crown on the floor of the entrance. The interior is also decorated with complex mosaics of tiles. The red granite topped bar is of an altar style, with a heated footrest underneath and is lit by gas lamps on the highly decorative carved ceilings. A must go to for a drink. A real part of our culture here in Belfast
117 residents recomanen
The Crown Liquor Saloon
46 Great Victoria StThe Crown Bar is beautiful - decorated in polychromatic tiles, including a mosaic of a Crown on the floor of the entrance. The interior is also decorated with complex mosaics of tiles. The red granite topped bar is of an altar style, with a heated footrest underneath and is lit by gas lamps on the highly decorative carved ceilings. A must go to for a drink. A real part of our culture here in Belfast
Ollie's Belfast
35 - 39 Waring StGood for the students - The Merchant's sister club.
Box Nightclub
2 Queens QuayMainstream club in the Odyssey Arena.
Madison's does really good food, and especially cocktails. Their happy hour lasts 5pm-9pm and they are all £3, mixed very well! Live music also :)
Madison's Hotel
59-63 Botanic AveMadison's does really good food, and especially cocktails. Their happy hour lasts 5pm-9pm and they are all £3, mixed very well! Live music also :)
Open mic nights, table tennis, jamjar cocktails :) really nice place for all types of people. Can be student-y on some nights
6 residents recomanen
Cuckoo
149 Lisburn RdOpen mic nights, table tennis, jamjar cocktails :) really nice place for all types of people. Can be student-y on some nights
Food Scene
Home Restaurant
22 Wellington PlAmazing food!! Really nice atmosphere too
AMAZING sushi, Thai and Asian food. One of my favourites in Belfast
17 residents recomanen
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
82 Botanic AveAMAZING sushi, Thai and Asian food. One of my favourites in Belfast
John Henrys
93 Botanic AveGood hearty food - good burritos and other bites. Was just renovated too. Good prices.
Falafel and Eastern food, one of the only places in Belfast that serves this and it's really good. Another of my favourites.
Belfalafel
23 Dublin RdFalafel and Eastern food, one of the only places in Belfast that serves this and it's really good. Another of my favourites.
Not so much a restaurant, more of just an eatery. A favourite for most Belfastians. Really good burritos and burrito boxes!
47 residents recomanen
Boojum
19-27 Chichester StreetNot so much a restaurant, more of just an eatery. A favourite for most Belfastians. Really good burritos and burrito boxes!
Stix and Stones
44-46 Upper Queen StGreat food!
Now called Lolita. A recently renovated Mexican restaurant. So so good. Great cocktails with loads of fresh fruit, and everything on the menu is amazing. Highly recommend here.
Birdcage
92 Stranmillis RoadNow called Lolita. A recently renovated Mexican restaurant. So so good. Great cocktails with loads of fresh fruit, and everything on the menu is amazing. Highly recommend here.
Gangnan Restaurant
54-56 Stranmillis RdREALLY good Asian food. One of my favourites.
Does the best food, desserts, pastries, and coffee. Their traybakes are my favourite.
13 residents recomanen
French Village Cafe & Bistro
99 Botanic AveDoes the best food, desserts, pastries, and coffee. Their traybakes are my favourite.
I don't eat much seafood, but I have a lot of friends who do and apparently this place is the best in Belfast for it.
110 residents recomanen
Mourne Seafood Bar
34-36 Bank StI don't eat much seafood, but I have a lot of friends who do and apparently this place is the best in Belfast for it.
James Street South
James Street SouthReally good food and service :)
More of a take out, but one of the best pizzas I have had in Belfast. Authentic Italian.
Little Italy
13 Amelia StMore of a take out, but one of the best pizzas I have had in Belfast. Authentic Italian.
THE best pizza I have eaten in Belfast. And it's bring your own drink. Good for dates!
Opera Italian Pizza
33 Dublin RdTHE best pizza I have eaten in Belfast. And it's bring your own drink. Good for dates!
Really nice wee greasy spoon. Really good food for affordable prices. Always buzzing in there too as it is a student hub.
35 residents recomanen
Maggie Mays Belfast Cafe
50 Botanic AveReally nice wee greasy spoon. Really good food for affordable prices. Always buzzing in there too as it is a student hub.
One of my favourites for food and cocktails. The tapas menu is amazing - they do a 5 for £14 deal too.
27 residents recomanen
The Barking Dog
33-35 Malone RdOne of my favourites for food and cocktails. The tapas menu is amazing - they do a 5 for £14 deal too.
AMAZING Italian food! Really good service too. Quaint with a really nice atmosphere - fairy lights etc.
9 residents recomanen
The Chubby Cherub
11 Chichester StAMAZING Italian food! Really good service too. Quaint with a really nice atmosphere - fairy lights etc.
The Merchant is Belfast's finest hotel - 5 star, offers wonderful food, cocktails and drinks and a live pianist. Fine dining. The Merchant also do afternoon tea, and it is wonderful.
48 residents recomanen
Cloth Ear
16 Skipper StThe Merchant is Belfast's finest hotel - 5 star, offers wonderful food, cocktails and drinks and a live pianist. Fine dining. The Merchant also do afternoon tea, and it is wonderful.
LOVE this place. Great if you want to spend a bit of money. Fine dining, great food and lovely atmosphere.
17 residents recomanen
Revolución de Cuba Belfast
25-39 Arthur StLOVE this place. Great if you want to spend a bit of money. Fine dining, great food and lovely atmosphere.
The food court located within Castle Court shopping Centre on Royal Avenue has some good places. The usual KFC, Pizza Hut etc but also Slums, which does amazing burritos, and Yangzte which is a great Asian place.
Food Court
The food court located within Castle Court shopping Centre on Royal Avenue has some good places. The usual KFC, Pizza Hut etc but also Slums, which does amazing burritos, and Yangzte which is a great Asian place.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful flowers in the summer. A nice scenic walk, and really chilled out. On sunny days Botanic Gardens will be packed with people sitting chatting, listening to music, walking their dogs etc. Irish people go all out on sunny days so if you get some sun during your stay I really recommend a trip down here. Also have a wee greenhouse too that you can look at various plants they keep. You'll also see some squirrels :)
191 residents recomanen
Botanic Gardens
1 Colenso ParadeBeautiful flowers in the summer. A nice scenic walk, and really chilled out. On sunny days Botanic Gardens will be packed with people sitting chatting, listening to music, walking their dogs etc. Irish people go all out on sunny days so if you get some sun during your stay I really recommend a trip down here. Also have a wee greenhouse too that you can look at various plants they keep. You'll also see some squirrels :)
Not really a park - More of like a walking trail and waterfall. It is really beautiful down there so if you have a means of transport I really recommend this. Especially on a sunny day.
13 residents recomanen
Fideicomís Nacional - Glenoe
Waterfall RoadNot really a park - More of like a walking trail and waterfall. It is really beautiful down there so if you have a means of transport I really recommend this. Especially on a sunny day.
Essentials
Tesco Superstore
369 Lisburn RdAsda Belfast Westwood Superstore
Kennedy WayVery close to my home!
Kind of has everything in it - Home Bargains, opticians, Semi-Chem, make up places, shoe shops etc. Walking distance from my house too.
Park Centre
Donegall RoadKind of has everything in it - Home Bargains, opticians, Semi-Chem, make up places, shoe shops etc. Walking distance from my house too.
Clothing alterations place - also does a same day service.
Lisburn Road is one of the main strips in Belfast, very close to my home. It has a Tesco, a laundry place (but you are welcome to do your laundry at my house), hair salons, waxing and beauty places etc.
Sew It Seams
393 Lisburn RoadClothing alterations place - also does a same day service.
Lisburn Road is one of the main strips in Belfast, very close to my home. It has a Tesco, a laundry place (but you are welcome to do your laundry at my house), hair salons, waxing and beauty places etc.
Good quality food. More upmarket. Do a really good meal for 2 for £10 deal, which is a starter, a main course and dessert, and a bottle of wine for £10. Really good food and good value.
M&S Simply Food
Unit 8 Boucher RdGood quality food. More upmarket. Do a really good meal for 2 for £10 deal, which is a starter, a main course and dessert, and a bottle of wine for £10. Really good food and good value.
Getting Around
Windsor Cabs
344 Donegall RoadTaxi company just round the corner from my home. Number to call is 004428 9023 0404
217 Lisburn Rd
217 Lisburn RoadAnother taxi company close to the house. Number to call is 004428 90 247247
Central Train Station. Trains to Dublin would go from here.
36 residents recomanen
Belfast City Centre, Lanyon Place Train Station
East Bridge StreetCentral Train Station. Trains to Dublin would go from here.
City Hospital
Train station closest to my home. 15 minute walk :)
Botanic Avenue
Botanic AvenueTrain station in Botanic Avenue. Close to a lot of eateries.
There is a bus stop right on the corner of my street :) 2 min walk from the house, if even.
8 residents recomanen
Translink Glengall Street
10 Glengall StThere is a bus stop right on the corner of my street :) 2 min walk from the house, if even.
Belfast Europa Bus Centre
One of two main bus stations in Belfast
Laganside Buscentre
The second main bus station in Belfast
Arts & Culture
Lots of good shows on here! They do really good Christmas pantomimes.
66 residents recomanen
Gran Teatre de l'Òpera de Belfast
2-4 Great Victoria StLots of good shows on here! They do really good Christmas pantomimes.
Lots of live music and comedy gigs, dance shows (ballet etc.). If there's anything of that nature going on in Belfast it will mainly be at the Waterfront Hall. Very nice views from here too.
35 residents recomanen
Waterfront Hall
2 Lanyon PlLots of live music and comedy gigs, dance shows (ballet etc.). If there's anything of that nature going on in Belfast it will mainly be at the Waterfront Hall. Very nice views from here too.
Titanic Belfast is our main tourist attraction. A must see. The world's largest Titanic exhibition.
324 residents recomanen
Titanic Belfast
1 Olympic WayTitanic Belfast is our main tourist attraction. A must see. The world's largest Titanic exhibition.
Really nice, quaint museum. Some really interesting stuff in it. No entry fee either.
142 residents recomanen
Museu d'Ulster
Botanic GardensReally nice, quaint museum. Some really interesting stuff in it. No entry fee either.
Although it is a restaurant (and the food and cocktails are great) - what it is really good for is the shows! Have a look on their website, they do everything from Ladyboys of Bangkok to murder mystery nights, to tribute acts. Really nice atmosphere too.
AMPM Bohemian Restaurant
38-42 Upper Arthur StAlthough it is a restaurant (and the food and cocktails are great) - what it is really good for is the shows! Have a look on their website, they do everything from Ladyboys of Bangkok to murder mystery nights, to tribute acts. Really nice atmosphere too.
Ulster Hall has a wide range of events going on - from live music, to art shows.
17 residents recomanen
Ulster Hall station
Ulster Hall has a wide range of events going on - from live music, to art shows.
Sightseeing
Strongly recommend going here if you are visiting Belfast. There are loads of tours that go there too, and there is a ticket place very close to my house. It is a sight of real natural beauty in Ireland.
531 residents recomanen
El Camí del Gegant
Strongly recommend going here if you are visiting Belfast. There are loads of tours that go there too, and there is a ticket place very close to my house. It is a sight of real natural beauty in Ireland.
The zoo :) All the elephants there have been rescued from the circus. The sealions are the best there, really playful.
66 residents recomanen
Zoo de Belfast
Antrim RoadThe zoo :) All the elephants there have been rescued from the circus. The sealions are the best there, really playful.
Red bus tour takes you all round Belfast and shows you the sights and the history behind it. A must do
8 residents recomanen
Belfast City Sightseeing
Red bus tour takes you all round Belfast and shows you the sights and the history behind it. A must do
Catedral de Santa Anna
Donegall StreetBeautiful!
Our Belfast City Hall - beautifully lit at night. And is lit up green on St. Patrick's Day :)
119 residents recomanen
Ajuntament de Belfast
Donegall Square NorthOur Belfast City Hall - beautifully lit at night. And is lit up green on St. Patrick's Day :)
Queen's University Belfast
University RoadOur beautiful Queens University. Whimsical :)