A city break in Belfast – exploring my hometown like a tourist

Although I was born in Northern Ireland, I now live in Kent, so I don’t often get the chance to be a tourist in my own city. But as cities are my focus this year, I decided to take some friends and travel industry colleagues along for a short city break. And what a fantastic trip it turned out to be!

Getting to Belfast

Belfast is incredibly easy to reach from London Gatwick, with flights into either Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport.

If you arrive at Belfast International, it’s about 40 minutes by bus into the city, with a return ticket costing just £13.50. The buses run frequently, making it a hassle-free transfer.

If you land at Belfast City Airport, you’re just a 10-minute taxi ride from the centre, though there are also public transport options that take you straight to Grand Central Station.

First stop: The Crown Liquor Saloon

No visit to Belfast is complete without a pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon. This iconic Victorian pub, with its incredible stained-glass windows and gas lighting, is a must-see. Naturally, we started our trip with a Guinness here - it would have been rude not to!

The best Irish stew in Belfast

From the Crown, we headed to Kelly’s Cellars, my favourite pub in Belfast and one I’ve been frequenting for many years (perhaps even before I officially should have!). The only food item on their menu is Irish stew, but they do it so well that nothing else is needed. For just over £7 a bowl, you get a steaming hot dish served with bread and butter - simple, traditional and absolutely delicious. Pair it with a pint of Guinness and enjoy the live Celtic music, especially on a Sunday night, when the atmosphere is electric.

Exploring the Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is one of the liveliest areas in Belfast, known for its buzzing pubs, quirky street art, and the famous umbrellas hanging across the street.

We stopped at:

• The Duke of York – A Belfast institution covered in memorabilia and serving excellent pints

• The Dirty Onion – A great spot for live music in a historic setting

• The Swingin’ Diddy – Fun name, even better craic!

• The Yardbird – If you love rotisserie chicken, this place is a must.

For our evening meal, we dined at Darcy’s, which was exquisite. I had the seafood chowder, which was rich, creamy and absolutely packed with flavour. If you’re a seafood lover, Darcy’s is the place to go!

Discovering Belfast’s history

Belfast has a complex and fascinating history, and one of the best ways to understand it is by taking a Black Cab Tour. This tour takes you around the Peace Walls, showing you key sites in The Falls and Shankill Road areas. Unfortunately, our tour focused mostly on The Falls, so we didn’t get a fully balanced view of both sides of the story, but it was still a deeply insightful experience.

Another must-visit for history lovers is Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison turned museum. Walking through the old cells and hearing stories of its past was an eye-opening experience - I can’t believe I hadn’t done this before!

Titanic Belfast

No trip to Belfast would be complete without visiting Titanic Belfast, an immersive museum experience that tells the story of the world’s most famous ship. Right next door is the Titanic Hotel, a beautifully restored building filled with maritime history. Whether you stay for a drink, afternoon tea, or even a night, it’s worth a visit.

Foodie highlights

The Breakfast Bap

• Deanes at Queen’s – Unbelievable food in a sophisticated setting

• St George’s Market – Home of the Belfast Bap (which I must confess, I didn’t try), but I did have a fantastic meal at Stock Kitchen & Bar

Culture and green spaces

We also made time for some culture, stopping at the Ulster Museum, which is free to enter and offers a great insight into Northern Ireland’s history. Right next to it are the botanical gardens, a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll among exotic plants.

Belfast’s nightlife

For a lively night out, Madden’s Bar was the place to be. Traditional live music and a great crowd made for a memorable evening.

Getting around Belfast

Belfast is super easy to navigate. A day bus ticket costs just £5, allowing unlimited travel on Metro buses. Alternatively, taxis and Uber are readily available if you prefer a quicker ride.

Where I stayed: The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

Now, let me tell you about the fantastic hotel I stayed in - The Harrison Chambers of Distinction. Owned by Melanie, who I went to school with (just a couple of years ago… LOL), this boutique hotel on Malone Road is a true hidden gem.

The hotel is incredibly eclectic, with beautifully designed rooms, each one unique and filled with personality. Some of the suites have roll-top baths as well as showers, adding a touch of luxury. One of my favourite features is the exterior service hatch, meaning you can have room service delivered without being disturbed - a brilliant idea!

The hotel has even hosted some famous guests over the years, making it a top choice for those who appreciate style, comfort, and a touch of Belfast history.

Final thoughts

Belfast truly surprised me. Even though it’s my hometown, experiencing it as a tourist gave me a whole new appreciation for this vibrant, historic and welcoming city. From incredible food to fascinating history and legendary pubs, it’s the perfect city break destination.

So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Belfast, get in touch with me - I’ll make sure you experience the best the city has to offer!

Nikki x