Things To Do
in Belfast

A full fried breakfast featuring bacon, sausages, eggs, soda bread and potato farls — find it in cafés across the city, especially at breakfast spots and local diners.

Must-Try!

A soft, floury bap often filled with bacon, egg or sausages and enjoyed as a hearty sandwich from bakeries and cafés.

Fresh seafood—oysters, mussels and prawns—from County Down and the North Coast appears on many menus; Mourne Seafood Bar is a great place to try them.

Creamy mashed potatoes with scallions (spring onions) and butter — a comforting side served in pubs and restaurants.

A historic weekend market offering local produce, street food stalls, artisan goods and live music — try baked goods, local cheeses and hot street food from vendors.

An area full of independent cafés, popup street-food nights and informal vendors—great for sampling small plates and local beers in a lively atmosphere.

Locals are generally warm and conversational—use please and thank you, and a simple hello goes a long way.

Avoid assuming or initiating discussions about politics, religion or flags unless you know the person well; community identity can be a sensitive subject.

Respect queues and personal space; punctuality is appreciated for tours and reservations.

Pubs are social spaces—buying a round is common among friends but not required; be mindful of music volume and staff who work hard during busy nights.

Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common if service isn’t included; rounding up fares for taxis and leaving small change in pubs is normal but not obligated. For fast-casual counters there’s no expectation to tip.

Card payments are widely accepted across Belfast (contactless, chip-and-PIN). Bring some cash (£ sterling) for small markets or remote areas. Mobile payments like Apple/Google Pay are commonly used.

Mild and relatively pleasant with long daylight hours; busiest tourist season with warmer temperatures (12–20°C / mid-50s–70s°F). Pack a light rain jacket and layers for coastal winds; book accommodation and tours in advance.

Cooler, crisp air and colorful foliage in parks; still a good time for photography and fewer crowds. Expect more rainy days as the season progresses.

Chillier and wetter, with temperatures usually above freezing (around 0–8°C / 30s–40s°F); shorter daylight hours. Many attractions remain open, and there are cozy pubs, but pack warm, waterproof clothing.

Unpredictable weather but milder and blooming parks — an excellent shoulder season for fewer crowds, cheaper travel and pleasant hikes when skies are clear.

Many restaurants and cafés now offer vegetarian and vegan options; look for modern menus that label dishes and ask staff — markets and speciality cafés are also good choices.

Vegan options are increasingly common in city-center restaurants and cafés, but in traditional pubs choices may be limited — call ahead for dedicated vegan menus if needed.

Gluten-free choices are widely available, especially in cafes and higher-end restaurants — bakeries and traditional fry shops may have cross-contamination, so ask staff.

Halal options are available in certain restaurants and takeaway places, and some international eateries will cater — for specific dietary certification, check ahead or seek Middle Eastern/South Asian restaurants.