Kathryn Donoghue 
Northern Ireland’s capital city is an absolute gem! If you’re heading there then hop on this guide on where to stay in Belfast!
I’ve recently visited Belfast and brought lots of tips that will make your holiday planning run smoothly! So read this post, and you’ll find which are the best 5 areas in Belfast for tourists! For each, I included a list of the top hotels for all budgets and listed from most to least expensive.
I carefully picked all the accommodations in the post and included only the ones that had the highest ratings and amazing reviews!
In short, Central Belfast is the best area to stay in the city! There you’ll find the most amazing attractions and fab hotels.
Whichever area or hotel you pick, I recommend booking your accommodation in advance. Belfast is a popular holiday destination and the great places always sell out fast.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, waste no time, quickly browse this list of the best hotels where to stay in Belfast, all located in the central area.
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Central Belfast – where to stay for the first time
- 2. The Cathedral Quarter – best place to stay for art lovers
- 3. Queen’s Quarter – where to stay in Belfast for budget
- 4. Titanic Quarter – best place to stay for families
- BONUS: Best hotels to stay near the Airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Belfast
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Belfast that I will be talking about in this post:
- Central Belfast: for first-timers
- Cathedral Quarter: for art lovers
- Queen’s Quarter: for budget
- Titanic Quarter: for families
1. Central Belfast – where to stay for the first time
What better place to start your Irish adventures than Central Belfast?
Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic attractions, such as Belfast’s City Hall, a beautiful 1906 building with fantastic architecture! This is where they usually hold the annual Christmas Market, so if you’re coming during that time, you’ll be in for a treat!
Central Belfast has such a vibrant atmosphere and you’ll definitely feel as if there’s always something more to discover!
Like the fab Victoria Square, which has lots of clothing stores, cafes and restaurants! It’s a great place for those who want to do a bit of shopping while in town! I spent a whole afternoon browsing this spot. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a live performance near the square.
But my favorite place here has to be the local St George’s Market (map)! I loved exploring this place, which dates back to the 19th century. They have all sorts of street food, sweets, cheese, you name it! They’ve also got tons of places to buy unique gifts, like Celtic rings.
We can’t forget about one of my favorites, the famous Linen Hall Library! The building dates back to 1788 and inside you’ll find lots of books and a cafe where you can relax after all the walking!
Once the sun sets, there’s only one thing to do: head to the pub for a pint! If you’re looking for some cool places, The Crown Liquor Saloon (map) is a great one, then there’s also Kelly’s Cellars (map) and Whites Tavern (map), which dates back to the 17th century.
You can also check if there’s anything on at Ulster Hall, a Victorian live music venue where Led Zeppelin played for the first time their famous hit Stairway To Heaven!
Enjoy the beautiful city views from the comfort of your spacious and stylish room that has large windows! At night, you can head to the friendly observatory cocktail bar to have a drink with an incredible view. This luxury hotel in the Belfast City Center also offers a great restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
Other accommodation options in Central Belfast
Once known as the world’s most bombed hotel, this place is set on Belfast’s Golden Mile, and it offers modern rooms
Set just a short walk away from the attractions that offers spacious rooms, a spa and free Wi-Fi
Such a great place within walking distance of the attractions that offers a shared kitchen
Things to do in Central Belfast
- Admire the architecture of the Belfast City Hall near Donegall Square
- Catch a performance near Victoria Square
- Grab a pint at one of Belfast’s oldest pubs, Whites Tavern
- See a play during your stay in Belfast at the Grand Opera House
- Visit the central St George’s Market and try the great local food
- Check out Linen Hall, Belfast’s oldest library
- Visit the Titanic Memorial Garden in Central Belfast
2. The Cathedral Quarter – best place to stay for art lovers
Centered around the famous St Anne’s Cathedral, this neighborhood, north of Central Belfast, is one of the coolest places in the city!
It has the cutest cobbled streets, which you can explore all day long, art galleries and lots of pubs, which is why, at night, the Cathedral Quarter can get pretty loud!
One of the main things that attracts everyone here is the gorgeous street art! No matter where you go here, you’ll stumble across some iconic pieces that have all sorts of topics, from political issues to many others! If you want to see most of them, then start your hunt on Donegall Street (map), North Street (map), or Exchange Street (map).
But don’t just stick to these streets! Turn off Google Maps and just explore on your own! You’ll find lots of hidden gems that way.
After that, you can visit some of the attractions in the area. St Anne’s Cathedral (map) which was built in 1895 by Sir Thomas Drew, is a good one to start with. Then there’s the Buoy Park, right near the Cathedral and The MAC Art Center, where they showcase different exhibitions and shows.
I would also take advantage of this location and its vibrant nightlife to bar-hop all night long. The Cathedral Quarter is renowned for its funky club scene and being the home of Belfast’s LGBTQ pubs as well.
Now, let’s check out the best Belfast hotels in the area:
Located in an 1800s building, this luxury hotel which has a central location is a true symbol of Belfast’s elegant culture. Couples will love its privacy and the chance to sip cocktails in the rooftop hot tub while admiring the view of the Cathedral Quarter. You can also relax in the spa and, afterward, head down to the restaurant to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great food.
Other accommodation in The Cathedral Quarter
Set just a short walk away from the attractions, this hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, 3 bars and rooms with city views
An affordable and centrally located hotel that as stylish rooms with air-conditioning and a restaurant
With a great view over the Belfast city center from its balcony, this apartment offers a kitchen and an elevator
Things to do in The Cathedral Quarter
- Enjoy Belfast’s nightlife in all the bars and restaurants
- Admire the architecture of St Anne’s Cathedral
- Learn about Belfast’s history at the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
- Have a drink at The Dirty Onion and Yardbird (map)
- Check out all the street art and murals in the Cathedral Quarter
- See “The Big Fish” sculpture (map)
- Visit Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre in the Cathedral Quarter
- Check out the Obel Tower (map), Ireland’s tallest building
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3. Queen’s Quarter – where to stay in Belfast for budget
Traveling on a budget to Belfast? Then this area may be the right one for you!
Home to Queen’s University, one of the most important universities in Northern Ireland, this vibrant neighborhood is mostly home to a much younger crowd than the other parts of the city!
So definitely expect to find lots of bars, bookshops, vintage clothing stores, and cheaper hotels!
A great way to explore Queen’s Quarter is to walk around the University campus, which is set near the Botanic train station (map), and soak up the vibe. Definitely stop to admire the gorgeous Tudor-style building of the University (it’s the main one)! Then you can jump on Botanic Avenue and head straight to the Botanic Gardens (map), the biggest attraction in the area.
The gardens were founded back in 1828 and host so many unique exotic flowers, plants and a domed conservatory. Inside the gardens, you’ll also find the Ulster Museum, a fab museum where you can check out Irish art and natural history exhibitions.
After you’re done with the history lessons, reward yourself with a drink at one of the most famous pubs located right near the Botanical Garden, the Botanic Inn (map), which is usually packed! But don’t worry, there are lots of other pubs nearby that you can check out, like The Parlour (map).
Not too far from the Queen’s Quarter (around a 30 min walk), you’ll also find the Gaeltacht Quarter, a cool area that you should definitely explore if you want to get a taste of the authentic side of Belfast! They’ve got a few places that celebrate the town’s Gaelic heritage, like the Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly (map) and Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich (map).
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Can you already picture yourself reading a book on that Victorian chair by the window with a cup of tea in my hand? Me too! I love the stylish and vibrant design of this luxury boutique hotel centrally located in the Queen’s Quarter. The rooms are super spacious, and they come with a cool bathtub! The hotel also offers free parking and free Wi-Fi.
Other accommodation options in Queens Quarter
Gregory by the Warren Collection
Offering stylish and comfortable rooms this hotel has family rooms with coffee makers and free parking
A simple yet modern place that comes with rooms with city views, a restaurant and a bar
Chill in front of the fireplace of this lively apartment that has a bathtub, a backyard and offers free parking
Things to do in Queens Quarter
- See some stunning art at the Ulster Museum
- Admire the beautiful flowers at the Botanic Gardens Belfast
- Explore the Queen’s University campus
- Have a drink at the Botanic Inn (map)
- Learn more about Belfast’s Gaelic heritage in the Gaeltacht Quarter
- Eat at the best cheap restaurants at Queens University Campus
- Attend one of the cool events at the friendly Crescent Arts Centre
4. Titanic Quarter – best place to stay for families
Set across River Lagan from Central Belfast, this waterfront neighborhood has gained popularity over the years as Belfast’s modern and contemporary district.
Formerly known as Queen’s Island, this area used to be a shipyard and the place where the famous Titanic was built, hence the name!
Nowadays, the area is home to the Titanic Belfast Museum, where you can learn more about the ship and its tragic ending. There are Titanic museums all over the world, but here you can visit the docks where the ship was actually built many years ago!!
Thanks to its many attractions, this waterfront neighborhood is also the best part of Belfast to stay in if you’re traveling with the family.
Besides the important Titanic Museum, you’ll also find tons of art galleries and the coolest We Are Vertigo adventure park, a place that the kids will love as you can try indoor skydiving and have fun in the inflatable area.
This city is the birthplace of one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis, famous for writing the Narnia book series. There’s a square (map) not too far from the Titanic Quarter, named after him, where you’ll find some sculptures from The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe book!
Let’s not forget about the SSE Arena Belfast, an entertainment center where you can also catch a concert if you plan in advance! And the HMS Caroline Museum, where you can check out a ship from the 1900s!
And this area is also home to the Titanic Studios (map), a movie set where the Game of Thrones crew filmed some scenes, that you can actually tour!
The crew filmed lots of scenes in other parts of Northern Ireland (the landscape is so iconic), like The Dark Hedges (map), which represented the Kingsroad in the series, and Tollymore Forest Park (map), plus many others!
This hotel is one of the best places to stay during your family getaway to Belfast. Located just a 2-minute walk from the Museum, the hotel offers spacious rooms with amazing city views, a flat-screen Tv (perfect for family movie nights) and babysitting services. You’ll also find an on-site restaurant with a Victorian office cubicle where you can dine and bikes to rent out to explore around!
Other accommodation options in Titanic Quarter
Enjoy the Irish sun on the terrace of this hotel that offers family rooms, breakfast and a bar
This spacious room is located in the Titanic Quarter and offers a private bathroom and breakfast
Chill on the balcony of this self-catering accommodation that has a great location and lounge area
Things to do in Titanic Quarter
- Learn about one of the most famous ships in the world at the Titanic Belfast Museum
- Walk to the waterfront to see HMS Caroline, a World War I ship
- Go to the Maritime Line at night to see The Great Light
- Take the kids to the family-friendly We Are Vertigo adventure park
- Catch a sunset near The Samson & Goliath Cranes (map)
- Visit the SSE Arena Belfast with the family
| 👑 Luxury price: | $200 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $110 |
| 📍 Best area: | Central Belfast |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Grand Central Hotel Belfast |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Europa Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Clayton Hotel Belfast |
BONUS: Best hotels to stay near the Airport
There are 2 airports in the capital, Belfast City Airport, which is only for regional flights and Belfast International Airport, which is probably the one you’ll use, and is located around a 30 min drive away from the City Center.
If you have a super early flight or a late one, it’d be extremely helpful to stay in a hotel right near the Belfast airport. That’s why I thought I’d make this bonus, with some of the best hotels:
- Luxury: Maldron Hotel Belfast – set less than a mile away from Belfast International Airport, this accommodation offers 24h-room service, comfortable rooms with a flat-screen Tv and conference facilities.
- Mid-range: Glendaloch B&B – this great hotel offers a free shuttle service to Belfast Airport, which is around a 5 min drive away from the accommodation. Guests will also get a delicious Irish breakfast in the morning, which you can enjoy in the shared lounge area. Some of their suites have a lounge area and a kitchen.
- Budget: Ballyrobin Hotel – an affordable accommodation set less than a mile from Belfast Airport offers a 24/7 front desk and an airport shuttle. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and soundproof rooms with a flat-screen Tv. In the morning you can enjoy a free and delicious breakfast before heading out for your flight.
FAQs about where to stay in Belfast
🌃 Is it safe to walk in Belfast at night?
Yes, it’s safe to walk in Belfast at night, but keep to the popular areas that I mentioned in this post and avoid secluded alleys and streets.
🤔 How many days do you need in Belfast?
I’d recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Belfast. That way, you can explore its attractions and even take some tours!
🍹 What is the best place to stay in Belfast for nightlife?
The Cathedral Quarter is the best place to stay in Belfast for nightlife, there are tons of local bars, cool restaurants, lively streets filled with friendly people and great hotels like The Merchant Hotel.
🛑 Where should you NOT stay in Belfast?
Avoid the Shankill and Falls roads in West Belfast, Tiger’s Bay, New Lodge, and Ardoyne in North Belfast, and Short Strand in East Belfast. These places are known not to be so safe, especially for tourists.
💯 What are the safest areas to stay in Belfast?
If you’re looking for where to stay in Belfast to be safe, Central Belfast, Queen’s Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, and Titanic Quarter are the best neighborhoods.
🚶 How to get around Belfast?
Belfast is a pretty walkable town and compact! You can easily get around the city on foot, by bike, taxi or bus.
🧖 What are the best spa hotels in Belfast?
The Merchant Hotel is one of the best spa hotels in Belfast! The hotel offers a hot tub, a jacuzzi and many other great facilities!
⚖️ Is Dublin or Belfast safer?
Both cities are safe, but just as in other travel destinations, be mindful of your belongings and avoid shady areas.
Conclusion
How amazing is this city? I had such a blast exploring it, and I’m sure that after reading this guide on where to stay in Belfast, you’ll want to teleport there and get there ASAP! I’ll definitely be heading back there.
If so, then I recommend booking your hotels in advance! As the capital city of Northern Ireland, this city gets lots of tourists, that’s why it’s better to secure your spots early! You may be lucky enough to find some very reasonable prices!
Don’t worry if you can’t decide which hotels to pick. I mentioned my top 2 favorite ones right below (maybe this will help out):
- Grand Central Hotel Belfast – a luxurious hotel with great city views and a restaurant
- Europa Hotel – set near the Great Victoria Street Railway Station, this hotel offers a bar and a restaurant
Have a fab time drinking Guinness in Belfast’s pubs and listening to live music!
Don’t forget to drop me a comment below if you have any questions about visiting Belfast! I’d be happy to help you out!
Safe travels,
Kathryn
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