Where to Stay in Belfast: Top Accommodation Options
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a wide range of accommodation options for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, Belfast has it all. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top accommodation options in Belfast, taking into consideration factors such as location, amenities, and price.
What area of Belfast is best to stay in?
The best area to stay in Belfast is the Cathedral Quarter. From Donegall Square you will be able to venture down the narrow cobbled streets and pay a visit to one of the many traditional pubs, or head down to the rollicking St. Georges Market, a must-see for its colourful wares and vibrant ambience. The Cathedral Quarter is known for its lively arts and cultural scene, with many art galleries, theaters, and music venues in the area. It’s also home to the stunning St. Anne’s Cathedral, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.
In the Cathedral Quarter, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, offering a diverse range of cuisines. The area is well-connected to the rest of Belfast by public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of the city. Whether you’re interested in history, nightlife, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Cathedral Quarter is an ideal base for your stay in Belfast.
Is it worth staying in Belfast?
To conclude, Belfast is definitely worth staying in for more than just a few days. This vibrant city has so much to offer, from its rich history to its lively cultural scene. One of the must-see attractions in Belfast is the Titanic Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the city’s connection to the ill-fated ship. This award-winning museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Titanic, with interactive exhibits and immersive experiences.
Another highlight of Belfast is the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison turned museum. Visitors can take guided tours of the gaol, learning about its dark past and the stories of the prisoners who were once held there. It’s a haunting and thought-provoking experience that offers a glimpse into Belfast’s troubled history.
Aside from its historical attractions, Belfast also boasts a thriving arts and music scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues, where you can catch live performances by local and international artists. Additionally, Belfast has a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, offering a range of cuisines and atmospheres to suit all tastes.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply exploring a lively and welcoming city, Belfast has something for everyone. So, if you’re considering a trip to Ireland, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Is Belfast a walkable city?
Belfast is compact and walkable, so getting around the city is easy on foot, by bike, or by taxi. The city center is relatively small, making it convenient to explore on foot. Many of the major attractions, such as the Titanic Belfast museum, St. George’s Market, and City Hall, are within walking distance of each other. You can easily stroll through the streets and discover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
If you prefer biking, Belfast has a bike-sharing scheme called Belfast Bikes. You can rent a bike from one of the many docking stations located throughout the city and return it to any other docking station when you’re done. This is a great way to cover more ground and explore different neighborhoods.
If you need to travel a bit further, there are public transportation options available. Translink operates buses and trains that connect different parts of the city and the surrounding areas. The bus network is extensive, with regular services running throughout the day. You can also use the Glider, a high-frequency bus service that runs along dedicated routes, offering a quick and convenient way to travel.
In addition to walking, biking, and public transportation, you can also take taxis to get around Belfast. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or local taxi companies to book a taxi.
Belfast’s compact size and the availability of various transportation options make it easy to navigate and explore the city and its surroundings. Whether you choose to walk, bike, or use public transportation, you’ll find that getting around Belfast is convenient and enjoyable.
Is two nights enough in Belfast?
With 2 days in Belfast, you can definitely make the most of your time and experience the highlights of the city. Start your day with a hearty Ulster fry, a traditional Northern Irish breakfast that includes bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, and soda bread. After fueling up, head over to the Titanic Belfast, a world-class museum dedicated to the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Explore the interactive exhibits, learn about the ship’s construction and tragic sinking, and even walk the decks of a replica of the Titanic’s famous staircase. This is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and anyone interested in the Titanic’s story.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Cathedral Quarter. This area is known for its lively pubs, trendy restaurants, and street art. Stop by the historic St. Anne’s Cathedral, where you can admire its stunning architecture and perhaps even catch a choral performance. For a taste of local culture, visit the Ulster Museum, which showcases art, history, and natural science exhibitions. End your day by sampling some traditional Irish whiskey at a local distillery or enjoying a pint of Guinness at a traditional pub.
If you have an extra day to spare, consider taking a day trip outside of Belfast to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Ireland. The Dark Hedges, made famous by its appearance in Game of Thrones, is a picturesque avenue of beech trees that is worth a visit. Another must-see attraction is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique hexagonal basalt columns. These natural wonders are easily accessible from Belfast and can be visited on a guided tour or by renting a car. Spending an extra day in Belfast will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture, as well as venture out to discover the stunning beauty of Northern Ireland’s countryside.
How many days in Belfast are enough?
With 2 days in Belfast, you can fill up on an Ulster fry, visit a few pubs, and do all things Titanic related. Belfast is a compact city, making it easy to explore its main attractions within a short period of time. Start your visit with a trip to the Titanic Belfast, an impressive museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built. This interactive museum provides a detailed history of the ill-fated ship, allowing you to explore its construction, voyage, and tragic sinking. Don’t forget to take a walk around the Titanic Quarter, where you can see the Titanic Studios where the hit TV show Game of Thrones was filmed.
After immersing yourself in Belfast’s maritime history, take a stroll along the colorful streets of the Cathedral Quarter. This vibrant area is known for its lively pubs, street art, and live music scene. Stop by the historic Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian-era pub with ornate interior and stained glass windows, for a pint of Guinness or a traditional Irish whiskey. If you’re a history buff, make sure to visit the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison turned museum, to learn about Belfast’s troubled past.
Outside the city are also several must-see stops and you will need at least 3 days in Belfast if you want to see major attractions like the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway on a day trip. The Dark Hedges, made famous by its appearance in Game of Thrones, is a stunning avenue of beech trees that create a hauntingly beautiful tunnel. A visit to the Giant’s Causeway is a must for nature lovers, as you can explore the unique hexagonal rock formations that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. These natural wonders are located along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, which offers breathtaking views of the Northern Irish coastline.
In conclusion, while you can get a taste of Belfast’s main attractions in 2 days, if you want to fully explore the city and its surrounding areas, it is recommended to spend at least 3 days in Belfast. This will allow you to delve deeper into the city’s history, enjoy its vibrant nightlife, and embark on day trips to iconic landmarks like the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway.
