The Insider’s Guide To… The Perfect Weekend In Belfast

With award-winning markets, boutique shops and restaurants, not to mention a thriving night life with a host of chic bars, galleries and theatres, Belfast is the ideal place for a short break away. Here are some top tips to plan the perfect getaway in the capital city of Northern Ireland. Where to stay? From world-renowned boutique hotels to luxury guesthouses, Belfast is packed full of great places to lie your head for the night. Here are a few of our favourites: Europa Hotel: The 4* Europa Hotel, one of the world’s most famous hotels, is located in the heart of the city's shopping district with offers starting from €100 / £80 per person. Malmaison: The boutique 4* Malmaison can be found in one of Belfast’s landmark buildings with offers starting from €109 / £79 per room. Located just a short walk from the Titanic Quarter, this is the perfect spot for culture vultures. The Gregory: The Gregory is an authentic Victorian period 4* guesthouse with offers starting from €122 / £89 per room for two people including breakfast. Premier Inn, Belfast City: Located centrally in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, the Premier Inn – Cathedral Quarter has rooms starting from €67 / £49 per room. The Merchant: For the ultimate in luxurious accommodation, look no further than the 5* Merchant Hotel, also located in the Cathedral Quarter with offers from €275 / £220 per room. Where to shop? With big brand names, cool boutiques and unique markets, Belfast is the ideal place for a spot of retail therapy. No shopping trip to Belfast is complete without a visit to Victoria Square. There you’ll find all your high street favourites along with Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Kurt Geiger and a whole lot more. Make sure you take the lift up to the dome for beautiful views across the Belfast skyline. For fashion hunters and vintage lovers out there, a trip to the Lisburn Road for boutique independent stores is a must-do. Home to a fine selection of local food produce and arts & craft, St. George’s Market continues to delight visitors with its Friday Variety Market, the Saturday Food & Craft Market and the mixed market on Sundays. Live music at the weekends gives this place an atmosphere that the locals love, and you’re certain to find some truly one-off gifts. What to see? Belfast is home to many famous attractions to be explored, such as the iconic Belfast City Hall, Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, the Titanic Belfast experience, SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line and Crumlin Road Gaol.   And if you're looking for a concert or a show, make sure you pay a visit to the Grand Opera House or The MAC. Since opening its doors in December 1895, the Grand Opera House has delivered an unrivalled programme of entertainment at this beautiful period theatre. You can check out what shows are coming up here. The hub of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The MAC is a state of the art cultural venue playing host to some of the best local and international talent through music, theatre, dance and art. After exploring the venue’s many galleries, stop off at The Canteen for an afternoon coffee. Where to eat? From award-winning fine-dining restaurants to traditional and gastro pub food, the food scene in Belfast is thriving. OX Belfast: Ox is one of the city'd most popular fine-dining restaurants, with its stunning riverside location offering views across Belfast’s Titanic Quarter skyline. James Street South: One of Belfast’s best kept secrets, James Street South is within easy walking distance of Belfast City Hall, and offers guests a modern and classical blend of European cuisine using the exceptional local produce from Northern Ireland. Deanes EIPIC Restaurant: One of the city's newest restaurants, EIPIC prides itself on serving top quality local ingredients cooked to the highest standard.  The menu is seasonal and therefore changes weekly. Robinson & Cleaver: Boasting large fronted windows and a terrace that overlooks Belfast’s famous City Hall, Robinson & Cleaver’s Urban Deli and Terrace restaurant offers dining choices for all occasions, from breakfasts, lunches and dinners to special occasion celebrations. Shiro: As a new addition to the restaurant scene, Shiro promises guests European cooking combined with inspiration and flavours from Southern Asia in a stunning setting. The boutique nightclub ChinaWhite is also in the complex. Where to go out? Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is home to a bustling culture and arts scene, cosy pubs, underground music venues and a host of contemporary restaurants to suit all tastes. Wandering its cobbled streets, you’ll find thriving pubs with regular outdoor festivals, live gigs and street art giving the area a distinctive bohemian character. Muriels Café: If you’re a gin lover, no visit to Belfast is complete without a stopover at Muriels Cafe. This beautiful cafe bar on Church Lane is themed on a 1920s hat shop in the bar area with an opulent candlelit boudoir style lounge on the first floor. The bar is home to an impressive collection of gins including Shortcross, brewed at Rademon Estate Distillery; Northern Ireland’s first and only craft gin distillery. The Harp Bar: Decorated in plush red velvet and antique furniture throughout, the Harp Bar is a little brother to the hugely famous Duke of York, serving up the unique ‘Belfast Craic’ every day of the week. The Dirty Onion: Found in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings dating back to 1780, the Dirty Onion is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub, with a varied music programme running seven nights a week. Settle on one of the cosy couches by the open fire and enjoy music from the bar’s resident musicians. If you're planning a trip to Belfast, check out Discover Northern Ireland for lots more information. Happy travelling!