WHERE TO STAY IN BELFAST

Where is the best place to stay in Belfast?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

The capital of Northern Ireland, few cities have transformed themselves as quickly as Belfast. Spanning the mouth of the River Lough, Belfast was once an industry powerhouse with the biggest shipyard in the world. It is also the birthplace of the famously doomed ship, the Titanic.

During the second half of the 20th century it became synonymous with places to avoid, but in recent times has undergone a renaissance and year upon year is becoming more popular with visitors, who come to admire its historical sights such as the Titanic Quarter, the city’s stunning Victorian architecture around Donegall Square and the Botanical Gardens. Other notable sights include the Waterfront Hall and Belfast Cathedral.

The best area to stay in Belfast is the Cathedral Quarter. In this central area, which covers the city centre, you will be able to access on foot many of the city’s main highlights including Donegall Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral and the Albert Clock. From Donegall Square you will be able to venture down the narrow cobbled streets and pay a visit to one of the many traditional pubs, or head down to the rollicking St. Georges Market, a must-see for its colourful wares and vibrant ambience.

Other areas to stay in Belfast: Titanic Quarter or Queens Quarter.

BEST LOCATED HOTELS IN BELFAST
Hotel	Avg price
Travelodge Belfast 15 Brunswick St	136€ - 156$
ibis Belfast City Centre 100 Castle Street	174€ - 200$
Hotel	Avg price
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast 20 Talbot Street RECOMMENDED / BEST VALUE	154€ - 177$
Leonardo Hotel Belfast Great Victoria St	174€ - 200$
Europa Hotel Great Victoria Street	214€ - 246$
Hilton Belfast 4 Lanyon Pl	223€ - 256$
Malmaison Belfast 34-38 Victoria Street	225€ - 259$
Hotel	Avg price
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast Great Victoria Street	291€ - 335$

On the map, which shows the best place to stay in Belfast, are located a selection of the best hotels according to the opinions of Tripadvisor users. By passing the cursor over the icons, you can see the exact address of the hotel and the link where you can make a booking. Best Location Hotels offers a selection of the best-rated hotels, located in the best location to stay in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and also provides the link to the hotels for information and booking.

If you are interested in where to stay in Belfast, you may also be interested in where to stay in London and where to stay in Dublin.

Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the best area to stay in Belfast

First Time / Tourists / Nightlife

If you want to be within walking distance of all that Belfast has to offer, the Cathedral Quarter, which is the area encompassing the city centre is the best area to stay. You will also be able to choose from a wide selection of hotels to stay in, as well as a good variety of restaurants, from budget to Michelin-starred. This area is also well-connected with public transport, meaning that you can explore other more further afield areas and return easily.

So-named because it contains Belfast’s Cathedral, the Cathedral Quarter’s jumble of cobbled streets and sights lie between the Royal Avenue, York Street and Donegall Square, where you can also stop in at the Belfast City Hall. The neighbourhood is awash with interesting architecture and historical monuments, such as the leaning Albert Clock, and you can also walk down some of the oldest streets in Belfast, which are flanked by some of the city’s oldest pubs should you get thirsty. St. Anne’s Cathedral was constructed by architect Sir Thomas Drew in 1898 in a Neo-Romanesque style. Inside you can marvel at the beautiful mosaic ceiling, stonework and intricate woodwork. The area also features one of Belfast’s oldest and most popular attractions, St George’s Market, built between 1890 and 1896. This fully covered Victorian market has around 248 stalls selling a range of products from fresh home grown produce to arts and crafts.

This central area is now a hub for Belfast’s expanding arts and cultural scene, with economic and social regeneration brightening the city’s waterfront area to bring about the Waterfront Hall, a world-class entertainment and conference centre that attracts top musicians and performers from all over the world. In the evening, you can also catch a performance at the Grand Opera House, dating back to 1895 it is Belfast’s oldest continuously operating performance venue or go for dinner at one of the many cosy pubs. Alternatively try eating at one of the newer trendy warehouse restaurants that have become increasingly more common in recent times.

Hotels in Cathedral Quarter

Other areas to stay in Belfast

Titanic Quarter

Waterfront, SSE Arena

Titanic Quarter Belfast This area is a great place to stay as you will have immediate access to the Titanic Quarter, Belfast’s premier tourist attraction and one of the world’s largest urban-waterfront regeneration projects. Situated across the river from the Cathedral Quarter, it tells the story of the ill-fated ocean liner that was built here. Through interactive exhibitions and reconstructions, the museum brings to life the story of its creation and its journey towards America before tragedy struck and it hit iceberg and sank en route. It also pays homage to Belfast’s rich seafaring history through absorbing exhibitions, maritime landmarks and guided tours.

The neighbourhood also offers easy access to Titanic Studios, which has been used for filming Games of Thrones as well as some Hollywood films. There are wide green open spaces in which to stroll, and as it is becoming an extension of the city centre, a thriving restaurant, café and bar scene.

Hotels in Titanic Quarter

Queens Quarter

Queen's University Belfast, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens

Queens Quarter Belfast If you prefer an area that is more peaceful, the leafy area around the grandiose Queen’s University is an appealing neighbourhood to stay in. Located in the south of the city, about 20 minutes walking from the city centre, it also has excellent transport links. There are many bus stops on the road towards Belfast City Centre meaning you can pick up a bus any time. This bohemian area has a distinctly laid back atmosphere, peppered with eclectic second-hand shops, cafes, theatres and restaurants. Pick your way through second hand bookstores, and second hand bookstores, before rewarding yourself with a freshly brewed coffee in one of the local coffee shops.

From here you can access the Ulster Museum which sits within the Botanic Gardens and features an elaborate collection of art, fine art, archaeology and botany and antiquities through galleries and interactive exhibitions. The Botanical Gardens, a nod to the city’s illustrious past, were founded in 1828 and contain a wonderful assortment of tropical flora and exotic tree species. The area is also a good area to stay for those who are looking for a bit of nightlife, as it has numerous restaurants and cafes as well as two of the most famous pubs in the city, the The Botanic Inn, or ‘The Bot’, established in 1897 and The Eglantine Bar or ‘The Egg’, directly opposite.

Hotels in Queens Quarter

Carles Barceló

Running Best Location Hotels since 2009, I've always had a deep curiosity for uncovering new destinations and discovering exceptional hotels. It brings me immense pleasure to share these experiences with the thousands of readers who visit us year after year. Join me on my journey to explore the best destinations worldwide!

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