The Harrison’s Insider Guide to Belfast for International Visitors

By The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

Welcome to Belfast. Its a city where history, hospitality, and creativity meet on every corner. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic escape, a weekend of culture, or a taste of Northern Ireland’s famous charm, The Harrison team has gathered our top recommendations to help you experience the city like a local.

From shipyards to speakeasies, linen mills to live music, here’s your ultimate insider’s guide.

🌆 Top Things to See in Belfast

Belfast tells its story through its architecture and its people. Start at Titanic Belfast, the world’s leading maritime museum built on the original slipways where the Titanic was launched. Then wander into the Cathedral Quarter, a maze of cobbled streets filled with murals, pubs, and art galleries.

Don’t miss City Hall, St George’s Market, and the Botanic Gardens beside Queen’s University. They are all within walking distance of The Harrison. For an afternoon of art and culture, the Ulster Museum and the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) are excellent stops.

🍴 Taste of Belfast – Local Food and Drink

Belfast’s food scene is thriving, from Michelin-recomended dining to bustling markets. Start your day with a traditional Ulster Fry (yes, you must try it at least once!), and for lunch, sample locally caught seafood or modern Irish cooking at Mourne Seafood Bar, Stock or EDŌ.

In the evening, unwind with cocktails and music at The Harrison’s Piano Bar or sip a local craft beer at Bullhouse East. For something truly Northern or something truly Northern Irish, visit the Bushmills Distillery or try a glass of Hinch Irish whiskey before bed.

ay Three: Take a day trip along the Causeway Coastal Route — one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

🧭 Best Day Trips from Belfast

Northern Ireland is compact, so day trips are easy.

The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see, with stops at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills Distillery along the way.

Closer to the city, visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Hillsborough Castle, or hike the Mourne Mountains for sweeping views and fresh air.

🚶 Getting Around Belfast

Belfast is wonderfully walkable. Most attractions are just a short stroll or quick taxi ride from The Harrison. The city’s Translink bus network is efficient, and Uber operates widely.

For guests exploring beyond the city, The Harrison offers on-site parking and EV chargers for electric vehicles.

🎭 Cultural Experiences You’ll Love

Music and art are part of Belfast’s DNA. Spend an evening at the Lyric Theatre, enjoy live traditional music at Kelly’s Cellars or The Duke of York, or discover the next generation of talent at The MAC.

For something truly special, join us at The Harrison’s Piano Bar, where we host intimate opera performances and residents-only music events in our candlelit salon — a favourite among returning guests.

🏨 Where to Stay in Belfast

If you’re seeking a stay with character and story, Queen’s Quarter is Belfast’s hidden gem. Elegant and leafy, it’s home to The Harrison Chambers of Distinction — a lovingly restored Victorian townhouse celebrating the lives of Belfast’s great creatives, from C.S. Lewis to Van Morrison.

Each of our 30 rooms tells its own story, blending period detail with modern comfort. For a truly local experience, there’s nowhere quite like The Harrison.

🗓️ When to Visit Belfast

Belfast is beautiful year-round, but May to September brings long days and blooming gardens. Autumn offers golden light and crisp walks through the Botanic Gardens, while December transforms the city into a winter wonderland with markets, music, and mulled wine.

📚 Did You Know?

Belfast was once called Linenopolis — the linen capital of the world. Its wealth of red-brick architecture, including our own Victorian building, hails from that golden age.

The city is also steeped in literary history: C.S. Lewis, Samuel Beckett, and Van Morrison all have roots here, reflected in our uniquely themed rooms that celebrate their stories and spirit.

💫 In Our Guests’ Words

⁠“Belfast felt like home within hours — full of warmth, wit, and wonder. The Harrison was our favourite discovery — elegant, eccentric, and brimming with stories.”

✨ Plan Your Belfast Stay

Ready to experience Belfast like a local?

Discover our characterful rooms, live music evenings, and one-of-a-kind Piano Bar at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belfast — and to your next great story.