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Belfast made a lasting impression on me. From the moment I set foot in the city, I wondered what took me so long to finally make it to this vibrant and friendly city. A week wasn’t nearly enough time to do Belfast right. I found Belfast to be perfect for a solo traveler: plenty to do, comfortable lively nightlife, and friendly locals. I can't wait to return to Belfast.

Belfast Architecture Northern Ireland city streets

These 15 activities are not only ones that I highly recommend, but ones that I will certainly repeat on future visits.

1. Camp Out in the Cathedral Quarter

You won't regret making the Cathedral Quarter your Belfast home, but you might if you don't. This charming ‘hood, packed with cultural activities, is a perfect home base from which to explore Belfast. A small walkable village, it is filled with great food, amazing street art, and fantastic nightlife featuring cozy pubs with live music. Better yet, you won't feel like a tourist.

The Cathedral Quarter is so appealing, it would be easy to spend all your time right here. From the moment that you wake up and grab your morning coffee / tea, the Cathedral Quarter will keep you captivated.

The art scene dominates this Quarter from its stunning outdoor murals to the local galleries to The MAC. If you venture beyond the Cathedral Quarter during the day, when you return at night your evening will be full of options from delicious dining to lively nightlife.

Even the most quiet weekday night offers vibrant options, while weekend nights can be a bit of a scene with everyone rightfully flocking to this vibrant Quarter.

John Peel Mural Cathedral Quarter Belfast Street Art

DJ John Peel Mural

Cathedral Quarter Belfast Street Art Mural North St Northern Ireland

North Arcade - North Street

2. Take a Mural Stroll with Seedhead Arts

Seedhead Arts' Sunday street art walk is the perfect way to kick-off your stay in Belfast. You don't have to be a street art fanatic to appreciate this 2-hour walk, which will give you the lay-of-the-land in the Cathedral Quarter and offer you an insider's view to Belfast and its contemporary cultural scene. My tour was led by Seedhead Arts' founder Adam Turkington. What makes this Belfast Street Art Tour so special is that Adam is at the forefront of putting Cathedral Quarter walls together with local and international artists. Since 2013, Seedhead Arts has put on the annual Belfast mural festival “Hit the North,” in conjunction with Culture Night. Each September, local and international artists descend upon the Cathedral Quarter to add new art to the district's vintage facades. Turkington's brainstorm for Hit the North was inspired by his desire to bring some beautification to derelict buildings along the Quarter's North Street. Seedhead has recently expanded its street art festival to "Hit the East," as part of the August Eastside Arts Festival. Checking out the city's street art scene will give you insight to contemporary Belfast. I can’t recommend highly enough this brilliant 2-hour art walk. Every Sunday at noon – plan your stay accordingly. See my post on Belfast Street Art.

Adam Turkington Seedhead Arts street art tour Faigy Mural Belfast Street Art Cathedral Quarter Northern Ireland

Adam Turkington of Seedhead Arts Discusses Mural by Local Artist Faigy

3. Indulge in OX Restaurant's Prix Fixe Seasonal Menu

OX Restaurant had been on my must-dine list for a couple of years, as I kept pushing Belfast back to another trip. But this seasonal prix fixe spot was worth the wait. Spare and modern in its interior design, OX's riverside location has a contemporary industrial feel that sets the backdrop for this artisan fare.

OX offers their set menu with built-in flexibility so that pescatarians and vegetarians can partake in this creative and deliciously conceived meal, as well. I opted for the optional wine pairing, making this meal even more memorable.

Each dish is artistically composed and delivered to your table with a presentation deserving of such food art. While the food is composed and intricate, it is not fussy – as a matter-of-fact, OX exudes comfort and warmth. The service is friendly and attentive as wait staff provide you with full details of what you are about to consume.

In this way, dining at OX is an experience - and a relatively affordable one. OX's dinner tasting menu is currently £50 (£45 for vegetarian menu) - an additional £30 for wine pairing. Reserve well in advance.

OX Dining Room

Smoked Sea Trout w/ Peas off the Vine, Verbena Cream, Beet Carpaccio & Nasturtium PetalsOX Restaurant Belfast Travel Northern Ireland

Smoked Sea Trout w/ Beet Carpaccio - OX Restaurant

Whether or not you can make it to OX restaurant, OX Cave should be on your Belfast nightlife itinerary. This little sister wine bar to OX Restaurant - situated right next door - is a must-visit wine bar that is only a brisk 10-minute walk from the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

While OX Cave takes the same approach to quality and service as its big sister, the Cave's warm low-lit vibe is distinct. I just wanted to sink into its cozy Shaker-style room, lit mostly by candlelight.

Food is limited to small but stunning plates of charcuterie and cheese. The daily cheese options taunt you from beneath their transparent cloche on the bar. OX Cave has an excellent and interesting by-the-glass wine list, as well as a fabulous gin program.

The sommelier is expert in all things and buzzes among the patrons, somehow seeming to give each the same personal attention. This is one of those perfect spots that I wish were in my own hometown.

Live acoustic music on Saturday nights enhances the already perfect ambience. Happily, OX Cave is open late.

Interior White Wine at OX Cave Wine Bar Belfast Northern Ireland

Saturday Evening at OX Cave

Wine Flight & Cheese Plate at OX Cave

5. Wander St. George's Victorian Produce & Artisan Market

You'll certainly find St. George's Market in every Belfast guidebook, yet this enormous, energy-filled marketplace does not feel remotely touristic. Locals are understandably drawn to the colorful and entrancing market with its vintage industrial high ceilings.

Friends and families lounge in the Market's center devouring their tasty market finds and listening to live music.The Market is lively yet laid-back.

You could easily spend a half-day wandering the vast Victorian space shopping for flea market finds, artisan goods, local produce, and prepared foods that span a variety of ethnic cuisines.

St. George’s Market was the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and travel mementos.

The Market is only open on the weekends, Friday - Sunday. And each day the market theme is slightly different. Well-worth the 15 minute walk from the Cathedral Quarter.

Olive Bar St George's Sunday Market Belfast Travel Northern Ireland

Olives & Tapenades at St. George's Market

St. George's Market Food Stalls Belfast Northern Ireland UK Live Music

Live Music in the Central Table Area

Belfast is such an amazing pub town that your Belfast nightlife will be easily scheduled. Charming and character-filled public houses offer an abundance of great music options that range from Trad to popular.

Belfast is filled with so many good public houses that hitting even a small proportion will be difficult... especially once you find the one that melts your heart. For me, that one is The Sunflower.

The Sunflower is lively, cozy, and relaxed. Locals hover at the bar entranced in animated conversation. I drank it all in from the low comfy banquette while live Trad music played in the corner of the low-lit room.

Outside, The Sunflower boasts a beer garden decorated with murals. The vibe here is so cool and down-to-earth, you'll want to make it your Belfast "Cheers."

The Sunflower is located on the edge of the Cathedral Quarter in an industrial area that can feel eerily quiet at night. Don't let that deter you... just jump in a taxi.

Kashink Mural Sunflower Belfast Cathedral Quarter Street Art

Front of the Sunflower with Mural by French Artist Kashink

Interior The Sunflower Pub with Kentucky IPA Belfast Cathedral Quarter Northern Ireland Travel

Evening at the Sunflower with a Craft Beer

The MAC is a multi-faceted cultural experience. Any Belfast visit should include checking out what’s-on for a 360 degree view of arts options, including changing gallery exhibitions, theatre, art, dance, music, and more. Just pausing to relax at The MAC’s casual atrium café allows you to appreciate its modern architectural setting. The MAC showcases contemporary, cutting-edge, and experimental works from traveling exhibits, as well as local artists. The MAC is a great way to experience Belfast’s place in the contemporary world art scene. Check out their eclectic Calendar.

The MAC Atrium

I wanted to see more of Belfast, and Queen's Quarter lured me in with dramatic architecture, history, culture, and compelling restaurants. I embarked on foot from the Cathedral Quarter for my full day trip and made it to the Botanic Garden in about 40 minutes.

As I entered this new Quarter, I was greeted with the stunning Queen's University campus and lovely churches. Showing off the its architectural range, the Quarter boasts the stunning Victorian Palm House at one end of Botanic Park while the modern Ulster Museum anchors the other.

The Ulster Museum hosts a range of exhibits, but its history section is the real draw allowing you to travel thousands of years back in time. The Museum is a great place to commence your Belfast stay, providing you context for your Northern Ireland surroundings - and gives you a reality check on just how old Irish civilization is.

This side of town is full of compelling restaurants, and I chose two good ones with The Barking Dog and Shu.

I ended my night at the Lyric Theatre for a classic play, and then simply taxi'd back to the Cathedral Quarter in ten minutes.

Queen's Quarter is worth at least a half-day trip with a quick jaunt past the University, the Greenhouse, a quick turn through history at the Ulster Museum, and a little lunch before heading on to your next Belfast adventure.

The Palm House Botanic Garden Queens Quarter Belfast Greenhouse Northern Ireland Travel

The Palm House - Botanic Park

Queens University - Queens Quarter

The coast of Ireland is always compelling, but Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast is a particular draw with its UNESCO World Heritage site of the dramatic Giant’s Causeway. It’s difficult to come this close on a Belfast stay and not at least take a day trip to this unique spot.

I would have preferred to rent a car and wander the area, but on this quick solo trip I had to bite the bullet and take the much-dreaded bus tour. I scoured the web to find the most appealing option. In the end, I settled on the fun, kitschy, and reasonably priced "Game of Thrones" tour for these reasons:

I’m a GoT fan and you get an insider perspective from tour guides who have been GoT extras
No promotional stops at whiskey distilleries
They drive all along the coastline on the way there, but optimize time on the return via the quick interior highway
They hit the key sights of the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the medieval Dunluce Castle, while also stopping at some gorgeous GoT venues

At most sights, I was free to wander on my own. The area is truly breathtaking. And I still can't believe I crossed this rope bridge both ways - just don't look down!

Hexagonal stones of Giant's Causeway Antrim Coast Nothern Ireland UNESCO world heritage site

The Unique Hexagonal Stones of the Giant's Causeway

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge Antrim Coast Northern Ireland UK

Food has become both art and entertainment the world over. And Belfast is no different. Having traveled around the isle of Ireland enjoying its amazing food, I wasn’t at all surprised that Belfast would have a compelling food scene. Yet I continue to encounter avid travelers who still perceive the entire isle to be comprised of boiled meat and fish & chips.

On the contrary. Belfast has delicious and creative food opportunities – both in casual and fine dining. These restaurants rely upon local seasonal ingredients, including fantastic fish. And St. George’s Market is a great, affordable option for eclectic eating that should be in the mix.

A few of my favorite spots include OX, Hadskis, Coppi, Shu, and The Barking Dog. I was particularly sad that I didn’t make it to Mourne Seafood – that is, be sure to reserve at places such as Mourne and OX.

And there are plenty of fascinating and recommended restaurants that I didn’t have time to get to. See Planet Gusto’s Map below for more ideas.

Roasted Cod and Israeli Couscous Hadskis Restaurant Cathedral Quarter Belfast Northern Ireland UK

Roasted Cod & Israeli Couscous at Hadskis

Beet Risotto Shu Restaurant Belfast Queens Quarter Northern Ireland

Beet Risotto at Shu

Hanging out in Saint Anne’s Square is reminiscent of lounging in a European piazza. The harmonious symmetry of its lovely Georgian-like architecture, however, leaves no doubt that you are in the U.K. The Square uses its public space to full advantage with pleasant al fresco dining at some tasty restaurants.

The city also uses the Square as public event space for festivals and such. At a minimum, stroll through to appreciate the architectural space of urban renewal – but you’ll enjoy it even more with an aperitivo from a terrace table.

White Wine at Coppi Saint Anne's Squre Daytime Cathedral Quarter Travel Belfast Northern Ireland

View from Coppi of St. Anne's Square

Just like everywhere else in the world, artisan coffee has invaded Belfast. Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter is a perfect spot to grab a delicious latte and a light, tasty breakfast. Friendly and knowledgeable, you will definitely be able to get your caffeine fix here. It’s a tough choice though, as tea is my natural gravitation in the UK and Ireland – but this yummy spot was a nice change of pace. If you need that quintessential Afternoon Tea – and who doesn’t? - check out the historic Merchant Hotel in the Cathedral Quarter which offers a decadent spread in a stunning setting.

Established Coffee Cathderal Quarter Travel Belfast Northern Ireland

A Delicious Latte at Established Coffee

When in doubt of what to do with your Belfast evening, The Harp Bar in the Cathedral Quarter is the perfect choice for comfortable yet raucous nightlife – even for the solo traveler. It’s red velvet Victorian setting feels historic and comfy, yet modern. The venue is enormous, and has a robust music calendar. On weekends you’ll find 3 sets starting in the afternoon. But make it a point to come on Monday nights to catch Rory Conway’s set. Rory is super talented, fun, and you’ll be compelled to sing along. This is a fun and uninhibited crowd that jumps up to dance and sing along with the pop rock tunes, and sometimes a country or Irish ballad. And you should plan to join in, too. This was pretty much the scene nightly, and I found The Harp a fun place to end my evenings before heading back to my nearby hotel at the end of a long Belfast day… but the Rory Conway set is special. Be sure to bone-up on your Oasis repertoire before you head to Belfast.

Yardsman BPA at The Harp Bar Cathedral Quarter Travel Belfast Northern Ireland

The Evening is just Beginning at The Harp

Ah, Champ. Who knew I would fall in love with a whole new way to eat potatoes (probably my favorite food) in Belfast. Ireland is certainly a great place to enjoy the spud, but Champ is on a whole other level. Cousin to the Republic’s Colcannon, Champ is even better. With its base of creamy whipped potatoes, the key additional ingredient are scallions (green onions). I first fell for the rustic Champ at Hadskis, where I was mesmerized by its heaping presentation of lush mashed potatoes in a shiny metal vessel, topped with a huge dab of melting yellow Irish butter. The rich, creamy potatoes with a mild spicy flavor had me at hello. Indeed, Hadskis set the bar for all Champ, but I was then compelled to experience Champ at every meal. Certainly, some Champ is better than others, but the effort to find your favorite will be memorable.

Mashed Potato Champ in Cathedral Quarter Travel Belfast Northern Ireland

The Champ at Hadskis Sets the Bar High

It may be tempting to squeeze-in Belfast with a typical tourist checklist of the Titanic Museum, the Black Cab tour, St. George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum – but you will miss an opportunity to immerse into Belfast’s local vibe. Even the shortest trip should prioritize Belfast’s cultural scene with music, art, and food. I was disappointed not to make it to the Titanic museum for its cool modern architecture and Belfast history. I just ran out of time.

But Belfast was so delightful, that before I even left, I knew that I would return. Belfast is not a convenient or affordable airport to fly into as part of an open jaw strategy from the U.S. For instance, I arrived via a quick 40-minute budget flight from Liverpool. But Dublin is an easy, affordable entry point and only a convenient and pleasant 2-hour train ride away (hopefully Brexit won't change the current ease of travel between north and south).

It continues to amaze me that many people still think of Belfast as war-torn. Yet it is equally amazing that the Good Friday Agreement, ending The Troubles in Northern Ireland, was signed only in 1998. Traveling in Belfast you will find it comparable to any sophisticated UK/European city.

You won’t regret this stop – and be sure to share your Belfast finds.

Belfast City Hall

Planet Gusto's Belfast Map contains full recommendations for food, nightlife, and cultural activities - color-coded by style of activity. Note that the Red markers will lead you in the direction of mural locations. See Planet Gusto's Belfast Journal for more details and ideas.