Get ready to spend a few days in Northern Ireland’s capital because Belfast will truly convince you that it’s worthy of your time on any itinerary for Ireland. With so much history packed into this city, incredible culture, nightlife and food scene, Belfast is one place in Ireland that you’re going to love for its grit and passion.
While Belfast isn’t a large city, with much of the best things to see in Belfast being within walking distance of one another, there are a few tips that you should know before deciding on where to stay in Belfast. This Belfast accommodation guide covers the best areas, neighbourhoods and accommodation options for all budgets.
Whether you want to stay in luxury, are a budget-conscious traveller or prefer to live more local in an apartment, you’re bound to find the best place to stay in Belfast for your travel style and budget without hours of research.
Best Areas to Stay in Belfast
- Belfast City Centre: Where to stay in Belfast for first-time visitors
- Cathedral Quarter: Where to stay in Belfast for culture & nightlife
- Queens Quarter: Where to stay in Belfast for budget-conscious travellers & green space
- Titanic Quarter: Where to stay in Belfast for local living
Best Places to Stay in Belfast
Belfast City Centre
Best area to stay in Belfast for first-timers
Belfast’s centre is the heart of the city and where you’ll find most of the action. There’s no shortage of things to do here, with the majority of Belfast attractions being in this central area such as St. George’s Market. There’s an abundance of pubs, restaurants and shopping, making this spot of town a lively area for both tourists and locals alike.
Top Picks for Belfast City Centre
Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Elegant, sophisticated and trendy, this luxurious hotel is one of the best hotels in Belfast. This boutique hotel with designer rooms will have you wanting to lounge in them for hours, while the bathrooms that are fitted with designer toiletries and fluffy robes will only convince you to stay longer. Overlooking Victoria Street, guests of this hotel can indulge in amenities that include an on-site restaurant and bar that serve over 700 spirits, fine wines and more in crystal glasses. I could go on…but you get the point, this hotel is fabulous.
Pro Tip: Fancy an even more luxurious stay where you can sleep like a queen or king? Check out Ballygally Castle Hotel which is just 35 minutes north of Belfast!
Mid-Range: Europa Hotel
A round-up of the best places to stay in Belfast is simply not complete without including the world-famous Europa Hotel. This hotel is well-known because it hosts celebrities, presidents and prime ministers but its title as the world’s most bombed hotel makes it all the more interesting.
Originally opened in 1971, Europa Hotel still stands strong after surviving 36 bomb attacks that happened during the Troubles (a time of major conflict in Northern Ireland). Any tour of the city will include a stop at this hotel but you could make this 4-star, luxurious hotel the place where you spend your time in Belfast. The greats news is that even though it’s one of the top luxury hotels in Northern Ireland, it’s very affordable!
Budget: Jurys Inn Belfast
A modern, clean and crisp hotel, Jurys Inn Belfast is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to be in the centre of the action. Located right beside City Hall and the Grand Opera House, you’re never far from Belfast’s best attractions. The rooms are spacious with a fun yet simple style and a restaurant serving modern international cuisine is on-site. As an added bonus, guests who love to adventure and exploring all day can get breakfast packed to-go and delivered straight to their room.
Cathedral Quarter
Best area to stay in for culture and nightlife
The Cathedral Quarter is still very much in the centre of the city, though just north of Belfast’s beating core. This area is the trendiest part of Belfast and an excellent place to stay for those who love culture, nightlife and dining. It’s here were people from across the world and all beliefs are welcomed for a pint and some great food. The streets are coloured with street art and though you’re bound to have a good time in the Cathedral Quarter, it’s also slightly more relaxed than bustling central Belfast. Without a question, this is the best area to stay in Belfast for those who like to party.
Top Picks for Cathedral Quarter
Luxury: The Merchant Hotel
For old-world luxury, this is the best hotel in Belfast. It just oozes traditional beauty with dark, deep tones and rich textures. Each immaculately designed room features original artwork, blackout blinds and bold marble bathrooms. One of this 5-star hotel’s dream amenities is the on-site restaurant, where guests dine under the domed ceiling for meals or afternoon tea. A spa, rooftop gym and hot tub only add to the already incredible amenities this award-winning hotel has to offer. Lastly, for those who love to stay in places that have history, the building, which was originally built in 1860 is a Grade 1 listed building.
Mid-Range: Bullitt Hotel
One of the top picks for accommodation in Belfast, Bullitt Hotel offers visitors funky guest rooms that are all equipped with king-sized beds. With many Belfast sightseeing options within walking distance, 3 bars on-site, a restaurant and bicycle hire available at the front desk, this Belfast hotel is a top mid-range budget choice for style, convenience and comfort.
Budget: Dream Pods City Centre
A great option for solo travellers who prefer a private room that doesn’t come with typical hotel prices is Dream Pods City Centre. Located in the Cathedral Quarter, this simple yet functional guest house has all that you need in comfortable rooms. Some of the closest things to do in Belfast near this property include St. Peter’s Cathedral and St. Anne’s Cathedral, among others.
Queens Quarter
Best area to stay in for budget-conscious travellers & green space
This area to stay in Belfast is not only great for travellers who have their budget in mind but for all types as it’s here that you’ll be able to explore the beautiful Queens University grounds, the Botanic Gardens and more boutique shops. An upbeat area, the Queens Quarter is home to many of the city’s students and plenty of the activities that cater to students, but also trendy cafes and shops. From here you’re not far from the centre and only a short walk to many Belfast sights. It’s here that you’ll find most of the hostels in Belfast.
Top Picks for Queens Quarter
Luxury: The Warren Belfast
A sleek guesthouse with elegant furnishings, this is one of the top Belfast hotels for those who like to be close to green areas within a city. The Botanic Gardens are a short walk away for guests to enjoy time outside or the modern guest rooms or shared lounge on the property are also an excellent place to relax between sightseeing. As one of the best luxury hotels in Belfast, you can’t go wrong with this choice!
Mid-Range: Dukes at Queens
Be close to the action but without being in the middle of it at this top accommodation option in the Queens Quarter. This Belfast hotel is in an excellent location close to the city centre and within walking distance of plenty of attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Queens University and the Ulster Museum. The guest rooms are both spacious and contemporary and provide all of the needed details plus more, such as heated towel rails and anti-mist mirrors, for a comfortable stay.
Budget: The 1852 Hotel
With a stellar location, this 3-star hotel is an excellent choice with a number of Belfast sights within walking distance, as well as quite a few pubs and restaurants for a fun night out. Though this hotel is minimalist it is welcoming with cooling and relaxing colours. As a bonus, the on-site cafe serves award-winning coffee!
Titanic Quarter
Best area to stay in for local living
As the name suggests, this area of Belfast is where the legendary Titanic ship was built, as this now modernized area is an old shipyard. Revitalized in recent years since the opening of the Titanic museum in 2012, this spot of town is one of the most modern, with a mix of residential and commercial sights, including the film studios for famous shows such as Game of Thrones. You’re not far from central Belfast if you opt to stay in the Titanic Quarter which is a more quiet and less busy area, especially at night.
Top Picks for Titanic Quarter
Luxury: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast
This 4-star hotel, though technically not in the Titanic Quarter is just across the River Lagan, on the shoreline, providing waterfront views from the Cathedral Quarter. The contemporary bedrooms which are simple yet sophisticated have king-sized beds and guests can easily walk to the shops at Victoria Square, to the Titanic Belfast and other must-see sights. Lastly, but definitely not the only amenity, is the on-site restaurant that has a Michelin-star chef creating delicious dishes.
Mid-Range: Titanic Hotel Belfast
Titanic Hotel Belfast is located opposite the Titanic Belfast museum, which is an obvious highlight of this Belfast hotel. Situated in a less busy area than central Belfast, but still within walking distance of many must-see sights, this property is one of the best hotels in Belfast. Its design is contemporary chic and is light and airy. A great choice for families and couples, if you’re a Titanic lover there’s no better spot for you to stay.
Enjoy your trip to Belfast and have a wonderful time in Northern Ireland!