Best places to stay in Belfast
The Central District is the obvious first stop for Belfast hotels, particularly for first-timers. The heart of old Belfast city, this neighbourhood around Donegall Square boasts grand architecture, including the magnificent City Hall building and is a buzzing commercial space. Overlapping to the north is the Cathedral Quarter, home to the imposing church. This is the city’s arts and culture hub, with a thriving creative scene and colourful murals and street art galore. For a peaceful yet eclectic vibe, check out the leafy Queen’s Quarter in the south, centred around the grand university of the same name. With a youthful population, the area is home to old bookstores, vintage clothing boutiques and trendy coffee shops. If you’re into all things nautical, the Titanic Quarter in the north is the place for you. The area has been impressively regenerated in recent years and is home to Belfast’s show-stopper attraction, the Titanic Museum.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Belfast
Belfast is a compact and walkable city, so if you’d like to be in close proximity to as many attractions as possible, the Central District or Cathedral Quarter are the place to be. You’ll have the stunning architecture of the City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral and the Grand Opera House on your doorstep, as well as the Victorian beauty of St George’s Market with its vast array of fresh produce and handcrafted gems. To learn more about the city’s dark yet fascinating history, the Solidarity Wall and Crumlin Road Gaol are just a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away.
Where to stay with your family in Belfast
The Titanic Quarter is a great place for families in Belfast, with enough sightseeing to fill several days. Top of the list is the Titanic Experience, once voted the world’s best tourist attraction. With nine interactive galleries featuring rides and reconstructions, it’s a voyage through history that’s sure to delight little ones. All circulation spaces at Titanic Belfast are fully accessible, as are the Titanic Experience galleries. To get even closer to the real thing, step on board SS Nomadic, the world’s last remaining White Star Line ship, now fully restored. The aptly named Titanic Hotel will put you in the thick of the action.
Where to stay as a solo traveller
The friendly Queen’s Quarter is a great option for solo tourists in Belfast, with hostels dotted around the university offering a surefire way to meet like-minded travellers and sample the city’s nightlife together. And don’t worry, they also offer private rooms if you’re not a fan of bunks! The nearby Botanic Gardens is a wonderful spot to spend a few hours lost in greenery, but if the weather’s on the rainy side – not an unusual occurrence here – check out the Queen’s Film Theatre for a fantastic selection of indie movies. Alternatively, the nearby Ulster Museum hosts charming events like Wellbeing Wednesdays, a Tai Chi session followed by a mindful look at part of the institution’s collections.
Where to find cheap hotels in Belfast
If you’re after hotels in Belfast on a budget, Hotel ETAP offers rooms for under £60/ night or even a triple room for ~£80 to really maximise those savings. The well-reviewed hotel is handily located just south of the city centre and near Great Victoria Street railway station. To be right in the midst of it all, try Travelodge Belfast Central, which lies literally steps away from Donegall Square and the city’s bustling nightlife, including locals’ folk music favourite, the Garrick Bar. Accessible rooms are available, and all rooms feature a super-comfy king-size bed. For around £100 a night, travellers can enjoy the very popular Ramada By Wyndham, which has a restaurant with an al fresco terrace for those precious sunny days. For a similar price, depending on your travel dates, you might be able to snag a room at the 4-star Radisson Blu Belfast, featuring Nordic-inspired décor in the heart of the Gasworks business district.
