The quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with historic pub crawls and cheap hotels

The Sun

a day ago

ONCE known more for its political turmoil than its happy-go-lucky bars and thriving food scene, Belfast is firmly back on the travel map.
But the past is still prevalent in the Northern Ireland capital, including at the Titanic museum, which celebrates the history of one of the world's most famous ships, constructed in this very region.
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Here's the lowdown on the city . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO?
IF Dublin's the posh, polished brother, Belfast's the cooler, quirkier sister, packed with funky cafes, craft breweries and hip hotels that have been popping up on every corner.
These new trendy spots sit shoulder to shoulder with the city's history, from its Troubles-era murals on walls to cobbled streets and traditional pubs where folk music spills out of every doorway.
It's got all the buzz of a city break without the crazy prices.
BEING both compact and flat, Belfast is a walker's dream.
You can hit all the big spots in under 20 minutes from the centre.
The famous murals on the Falls and Shankill roads are just a short stroll away.
Tourists can also mix with locals at a traditional pub, soak up the buzz in the Cathedral Quarter or amble along the River Lagan.
For longer distances, there's the public bike-sharing scheme, Belfast Bikes, which gives you 30 minutes of free use each day.
Or hop on the Glider, Belfast's sleek purple tram, which zips across the city from east to west. It costs just £4 for unlimited daily travel.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
NO trip to Belfast is complete without a history lesson from a cabbie.
Hop into a traditional black taxi with Belfast Black Cab Tours and get the real story behind the city's religious divide.
It's eye-opening and packed with stories and pub recommendations you won't find in any guidebook.
For those more thirsty for booze than history, there's Belfast's Oldest Pubs Tour.
For £15, you can join the Belfast Pub Crawl, which takes in five taverns full of character.
It kicks off at Kelly's Cellars, which has been pouring pints since 1720.
Then it's on to White's Tavern for the creamiest Guinness in Belfast, before hitting up Henry's & The Jailhouse, a former prison.
After a pit stop at McHugh's, with its creaky wooden floors, the night winds down with live music at The Thirsty Goat.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
BELFAST used to be all about the Ulster fry — bacon, eggs, black pudding, sausages and potato farls.
Chuck the lot into a bap and you've got yourself an on-the-go version of the traditional meal.
Belfast Baps in St George's Market is the place to grab one.
Each is stuffed to bursting and only costs £8, a steal when they're the size of your face.
If you're after something a little more formal, Belfast is also packed with top tier restaurants, being named one of the UK's best food cities for 2025 by Time Out.
With a place in the Michelin Guide, Yugo is a popular industrial-style spot tucked down a quiet street.
It's Asian-fusion menu focuses on small plates created with local ingredients.
Be sure to try the crispy chilli pork dumplings and the chef's sushi, made with fish fresh from the nearby lough.
I FANCY A DRINK . . .
PUBS in Belfast aren't just about the booze, they're the city's living rooms, where music, stories and lots of craic all come together.
And with craft breweries, such as Bullhouse East, popping up all over town, there's loads of new spots to try alongside the classics.
Despite this, The Sunflower Bar, a local friend told me, is a 'must-visit' for a proper pint with real character.
To get in, you have to walk through an old caged door which was used for security purposes in the 1970s.
Out back you'll find a big beer garden serving wood-fired pizza, perfect for soaking up those Guinness.
For those craving a caffeine hit, Belfast's not short of cool, hip coffee spots.
Established Coffee was one of the first to arrive, serving top-notch brews alongside some tasty snacks.
Don't miss their lemon sherbet pie if it's on the menu.
It tastes even better than it sounds, if that's actually possible.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
FOR a luxury yet affordable stay right in Belfast's heart, Room2 does hit the spot.
This 4H 'hometel' on Queen Street is just a stone's throw from shops and bars and a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Belfast City Airport.
With a cute tea room, eclectic lounge area and an art gallery, it feels like a mix of stylish hotel and your mate's fancy city pad.
Plus, guests get two free drinks on arrival.
And a live singer in the lobby gets the good times started straight away.