Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland, born by the banks of the River Lagan. It’s also one of the main destinations for tourists in the country. If you’re looking for postcard attractions like the Titanic Belfast, there are countless guides on the internet. However, the city is full of hidden treasures that you probably won’t find on travel agencies’ brochures, such as National Sausage Day.
Treasure Hunting
You’ll need quite some time to explore everything Belfast has to offer. However, you must remember that Belfast is one of the rainiest cities in the UK. You’d be excused to choose to hide under blankets and enjoy games on your smartphone. Yet, try your best and don’t allow the grumpy weather to beat your spirit of adventure.
The Reporter Bar
You’ll find The Reporter Bar at Union Street in the city centre. This neighbourhood has been occupied by several press offices in the past, and the bar is also very close to the Belfast Telegraph building. The Reporter Bar has quite an intimate atmosphere, and it’s the perfect spot for those who love memorabilia and unique artefacts that help tell the history of the city from the perspective of the local press.
The Reporter supports local producers, which means you’ll find plenty of craft beers from all over the country and even local spirits, like Ninth Wave Gin, Hinch Whiskey and Belfast Vodka. Surely, it’s a fantastic place to see and taste the local culture.
Angel and Two Bibles
If you love that speakeasy vibe of mafia movies, you must visit Angel and Two Bibles. This cocktail bar truly owns the moniker of “hidden gem” since you probably wouldn’t stumble upon it accidentally. There’s a staircase that leads to the entrance, and you can choose between an intimate indoor atmosphere or you can enjoy your cocktails by the fire on the rooftop.
History lovers will be pleased to know that it’s one of the oldest bars in the city, established in 1739. The menu for cocktails is vast and comprises two books, which also include non-alcoholic drinks. Still, you should be given a chance to try exclusive recipes like the New Testament and the Old Testament.
Bullhouse East
You won’t find many places like the Bullhouse East around. The bar is located on the east side of the city, close to CS Lewis Square. It offers no less than 20 taps of the finest and freshest Northern Irish craft beers.
It’s also worth visiting because you’re unlikely to find most of those options anywhere else. Woodfired pizzas and snacks complete the tasty experience. When you’re there, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot because it has everything you need. You can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, with a good book, or elevate the jackpot experience with a game of Jackpot 6000, or simply enjoy the company of good friends.
The Bullhouse East has a strong history. It’s the first bar to receive a licence for selling alcohol in the city in more than 30 years. For this reason, the place is built to become a place for the whole community, where kids and dogs are also welcome. There are also plenty of board games for everyone.
Taste and Tour
Food is culture, and your visit to Belfast wouldn’t be complete without a tour through the city’s tastes, and it has many. Find a place in your schedule for a four-hour guided walk through fairs, street markets, breweries and more. The Taste and Tour offers themed tours like the Belfast Food Tour, Belfast Whiskey Walk and Belfast Gin Jaunt. You can also hire a private tour based on your preferences. However, if it’s your first time in Belfast, you can’t go wrong with the themed tours.
Mourne Seafood Bar
The Mourne Seafood Bar is the best place to eat fresh seafood on a budget. Options include langoustines, mussels, marine morsels, shellfish and more. All the produce is locally sourced to ensure its freshness.
The bar is open for dinner from Friday to Saturday until 9:45 p.m., but it’s advisable to book your place in advance, as it’s usually crowded. It also offers dinner from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The bar is closed on Sunday evenings.
Southside Social & Lucky Duck
The Southside Social doesn’t look very special for those who don’t see beyond its appearance. It looks like a regular neighbourhood bar, but it conceals not only a huge menu of bespoke cocktails and craft beers but also a secret Chinese takeaway, the Lucky Duck, tucked in the back of the bar.
The unpretentious atmosphere attracts mostly young people and couples, and a DJ plays disco music on weekends. The Lucky Duck offers a complete menu of “Authentic Belfast Chinese” options, like Curry, Black Bean, Sweet and Sour, and Honey Chilli.
Margot
While walking around Belfast’s busy city centre, it’s easy to miss the entrance of this basement cocktail bar. Yet, the Margot is worthy of your attention, not only for its refined Art Deco furniture and soft lighting but also for the high quality of its dishes and drinks. It’s also the perfect spot for brunch.
The place is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2 a.m., serving a varied menu of food, exclusive cocktails and brunch packages. It’s also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to midnight.
Muddlers Club
The Muddlers Club is located on the back street of the Cathedral Quarter. Its name is inspired by a secret society that used to meet in that same location centuries ago. The club has an inviting menu of wines and plenty of exclusive cocktails created in-house.
The Muddlers Club has an open kitchen, meaning you can watch your food in preparation while enjoying a few drinks at the table. The dishes are simple, prepared to perfection and always use fresh and locally sourced produce. Brick walls and special lighting create a very cosy atmosphere.
Conclusion
Tourism is on the rise in Northern Ireland, with a projected growth of 6.5% every year until 2030. Part of this success can be granted by a marketing plan carefully developed by Tourism Ireland, and Belfast will surely benefit from it. There’s always something going on around the city, with places and experiences that only this city can provide.
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