Guidebook for Belfast
Food Scene
Without doubt, the best pizza in Belfast quite literally at the bottom of the street!
You can either sit in and bring your own alcohol, there's an off licence next door, or take away and enjoy it at home - if you're taking away, we recommend you call ahead and order on 02890777888.
Our favourite is The Capo, JP added fresh chillies and pineapple to make it even more delicious :)
Fortwilliam's
571 Antrim RoadWithout doubt, the best pizza in Belfast quite literally at the bottom of the street!
You can either sit in and bring your own alcohol, there's an off licence next door, or take away and enjoy it at home - if you're taking away, we recommend you call ahead and order on 02890777888.
Our favourite is The Capo, JP added fresh chillies and pineapple to make it even more delicious :)
This new spot serves tasty bistro food with budget friendly prices all day and is only about 10 mins walk from the apartment.
20 locals recommend
Sozo Antrim Road
449 Antrim RdThis new spot serves tasty bistro food with budget friendly prices all day and is only about 10 mins walk from the apartment.
OK, so it's across town from the flat, but it's hands down the best Indian restaurant in Belfast so I had to mention it! Only 10 minutes from the City Centre and close to lovely bars like Brewbot and the Errigle, Ormeau is worth visiting for its warm neighbourhood vibe.
8 locals recommend
The Naz Indian Cuisine
393 Ormeau RdOK, so it's across town from the flat, but it's hands down the best Indian restaurant in Belfast so I had to mention it! Only 10 minutes from the City Centre and close to lovely bars like Brewbot and the Errigle, Ormeau is worth visiting for its warm neighbourhood vibe.
Gorgeous, authentic Italian food with delicious cocktails, Coppi is a real favourite of mine.
46 locals recommend
Coppi Restaurant
11 Edward StGorgeous, authentic Italian food with delicious cocktails, Coppi is a real favourite of mine.
Freshly prepared, healthy food (salads, baked potatoes, delicious pies) to grab on the go - perfect for getting supplies for a picnic in Botanic Gardens!
It's a take away spot mostly but there is a bench inside and some tables outside, depending on the weather.
Bankmore Deli
32 Dublin RdFreshly prepared, healthy food (salads, baked potatoes, delicious pies) to grab on the go - perfect for getting supplies for a picnic in Botanic Gardens!
It's a take away spot mostly but there is a bench inside and some tables outside, depending on the weather.
This is my regular spot for a morning coffee - a local chain with friendly staff and decent prices :)
Clements Café
4 Donegall Square WThis is my regular spot for a morning coffee - a local chain with friendly staff and decent prices :)
An array of slow cooked meats served with a range of tasty sides, Bubbacue is a great spot for a filling lunch on a budget. Either sit in or take away, it's busy at lunch times but the queue moves quickly enough and is worth the wait!
Bubbacue
12 Callender StAn array of slow cooked meats served with a range of tasty sides, Bubbacue is a great spot for a filling lunch on a budget. Either sit in or take away, it's busy at lunch times but the queue moves quickly enough and is worth the wait!
A new addition to the area, this little frozen yogurt shop has become a firm favourite. With a variety of flavours, some of them occasionally odd, they've got a huge array of toppings as well as ice cream, other desserts and decent coffee. Located at the bottom of the street and open till 10pm, it's great for any late evening sugar cravings :)
YoggieBerrie
551 Antrim RdA new addition to the area, this little frozen yogurt shop has become a firm favourite. With a variety of flavours, some of them occasionally odd, they've got a huge array of toppings as well as ice cream, other desserts and decent coffee. Located at the bottom of the street and open till 10pm, it's great for any late evening sugar cravings :)
Drinks & Nightlife
My favourite traditional pub in the city. A social enterprise, with all profits being reinvested into the local community, they serve delicious food and a range tasty beers to wash it down with.
Known for live music, they've usually something on each night, with a nook and an open fireplace, it's a lovely place to hide from the unpredictable Belfast weather.
33 locals recommend
The John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant
51 Donegall StMy favourite traditional pub in the city. A social enterprise, with all profits being reinvested into the local community, they serve delicious food and a range tasty beers to wash it down with.
Known for live music, they've usually something on each night, with a nook and an open fireplace, it's a lovely place to hide from the unpredictable Belfast weather.
Definitely located in Hipster Central, the Ormeau Road, Brewbot is a craft beer bar with a huge selection of both bottled and on tap.
It has a laid back atmosphere, with friendly staff and board games to entertain you while you sample their wares.
15 locals recommend
Brewbot
451 Ormeau RdDefinitely located in Hipster Central, the Ormeau Road, Brewbot is a craft beer bar with a huge selection of both bottled and on tap.
It has a laid back atmosphere, with friendly staff and board games to entertain you while you sample their wares.
Do you like rum? If so, this is the bar for you! They have more rums than I could even try to count here and the tiny bar is packed with character, it's a real installation on the Belfast scene.
Upstairs has been decorated like a religious shrine and should definitely be experience, ideally with an Extraordinary (7yr Havana Club with Ginger Beer and fresh lime) in hand :)
39 locals recommend
Spaniard
3 Skipper StDo you like rum? If so, this is the bar for you! They have more rums than I could even try to count here and the tiny bar is packed with character, it's a real installation on the Belfast scene.
Upstairs has been decorated like a religious shrine and should definitely be experience, ideally with an Extraordinary (7yr Havana Club with Ginger Beer and fresh lime) in hand :)
I would be a regular at this bar, known for it's live music and great craic :)
Always busy at the weekends, get there a bit earlier to ensure entry and a seat. You won't get drinks offers in this place but it's worth the premium for the atmosphere.
64 locals recommend
Harp Bar
35 Hill StI would be a regular at this bar, known for it's live music and great craic :)
Always busy at the weekends, get there a bit earlier to ensure entry and a seat. You won't get drinks offers in this place but it's worth the premium for the atmosphere.
One of the most famous bars in Belfast known for it's large whiskey selection, the Duke is a staple on the Belfast nightlife scene. Usually packed to the rafters on weekends, you can take your drinks out into Commercial Court itself and enjoy the street art in the alleyways surrounding the bar.
Right in the middle of the Cathedral Quarter, it's the perfect place to start your night out in Belfast.
104 locals recommend
Duke of York
7-11 Commercial CtOne of the most famous bars in Belfast known for it's large whiskey selection, the Duke is a staple on the Belfast nightlife scene. Usually packed to the rafters on weekends, you can take your drinks out into Commercial Court itself and enjoy the street art in the alleyways surrounding the bar.
Right in the middle of the Cathedral Quarter, it's the perfect place to start your night out in Belfast.
Arts & Culture
Located in the middle of the Cavehill Country Park with stunning views across the city and Belfast Lough, Belfast Castle is well worth a visit. There are beautiful gardens, a little museum and a coffee shop so lots to occupy you for a few hours!
83 locals recommend
Belfast Castle
Antrim RoadLocated in the middle of the Cavehill Country Park with stunning views across the city and Belfast Lough, Belfast Castle is well worth a visit. There are beautiful gardens, a little museum and a coffee shop so lots to occupy you for a few hours!
Recently renovated from the building I grew up with, this modern and inviting museum will engage you in the history of Northern Ireland from the very formation of the island up to the modern day. It's free but donations are very welcome at a little box as you come in through the door.
If you visit the museum, definitely leave some time to explore the Botanic Gardens just next door. They make a great package deal!
142 locals recommend
Ulster Museum
Botanic GardensRecently renovated from the building I grew up with, this modern and inviting museum will engage you in the history of Northern Ireland from the very formation of the island up to the modern day. It's free but donations are very welcome at a little box as you come in through the door.
If you visit the museum, definitely leave some time to explore the Botanic Gardens just next door. They make a great package deal!
Parks & Nature
Only a few minutes from the front door of the flat is the Waterworks Park. It's filled with ducks, geese and swans, and has stunning views of the Cavehill.
11 locals recommend
Waterworks
Only a few minutes from the front door of the flat is the Waterworks Park. It's filled with ducks, geese and swans, and has stunning views of the Cavehill.
This park is basically comprised of the whole of the side of the mountain which borders North Belfast, you have a gorgeous view of it from the yard of the apartment. Covered in hiking trails for all abilities, it is linked to parks on the other side of the mountain meaning you can walk to your hearts content :)
57 locals recommend
Cave Hill Country Park
Antrim RoadThis park is basically comprised of the whole of the side of the mountain which borders North Belfast, you have a gorgeous view of it from the yard of the apartment. Covered in hiking trails for all abilities, it is linked to parks on the other side of the mountain meaning you can walk to your hearts content :)
Just outside the city and only 5 minutes drive up the motorway from the flat is Hazelbank Park, right on the edge of Belfast Lough with views of the city. I've been visiting the park since I was a kid and enjoy walking the dog here :)
9 locals recommend
Hazelbank Park
Shore RoadJust outside the city and only 5 minutes drive up the motorway from the flat is Hazelbank Park, right on the edge of Belfast Lough with views of the city. I've been visiting the park since I was a kid and enjoy walking the dog here :)
Sightseeing
City Hall is the landmark building in the centre of Belfast and has been witness to a huge number of historical events which have shaped the city. Tours are free and last about an hour but we recommend calling by first thing in the morning to ensure you get a slot as they can fill up fast.
119 locals recommend
Belfast City Hall
Donegall Square NorthCity Hall is the landmark building in the centre of Belfast and has been witness to a huge number of historical events which have shaped the city. Tours are free and last about an hour but we recommend calling by first thing in the morning to ensure you get a slot as they can fill up fast.
Essentials
Only about 10 minutes walk from the flat is a well-stocked Tesco store with free parking.
71 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
369 Lisburn RdOnly about 10 minutes walk from the flat is a well-stocked Tesco store with free parking.
A bigger store than the local Tesco, only a very short drive from the apartment.
Asda Belfast Shore Road Superstore
Shore RoadA bigger store than the local Tesco, only a very short drive from the apartment.
Lidl
39 Castlereagh RdCheap and cheerful, you can't go wrong with Lidl!
Getting Around
This is the bus stop for the flat. The buses read out the name of the upcoming stop but, if you're unsure, just ask the driver to let you know when to get off. That's very common here so they won't look at you strangely haha!
Salisbury Avenue
Salisbury AvenueThis is the bus stop for the flat. The buses read out the name of the upcoming stop but, if you're unsure, just ask the driver to let you know when to get off. That's very common here so they won't look at you strangely haha!
This is where you catch the Antrim Road buses which go up to the apartment. You can get on any bus beginning with the number 1.
Upper Queen Street
Upper Queen StreetThis is where you catch the Antrim Road buses which go up to the apartment. You can get on any bus beginning with the number 1.