With the last of the good weather fading out and the autumn blues rolling in, it’s hard to resist the call of a weekend break allowing you to avoid saying goodbye to summer just yet. If it’s a quick getaway you’re looking for, Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline and lively social scene provide the feel of a holiday, while being only a mere hour away by plane. With its famously friendly people and “craic” in its nightlife scene, Belfast is the perfect location for everyone looking to escape London for the weekend.
WHERE TO STAY
The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Great Victoria Street
Situated in the heart of Belfast city, The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast promises a five-star experience- and it delivers. With specific packages for city escapes, The Fitzwilliam are pros at catering for those looking for an unforgettable experience in Belfast. Beside The Grand Opera House, a stay at The Fitzwilliam means those staying are only a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city, and a short walk from the City Hall landmark and hidden gem St George’s Market, a covered market offering delicious Belfast specialties. Despite its great location, The Fitzwilliam Hotel offers unique experiences that guarantee you never have to step out of their doors to have a good time. Whether it be James Bond themed murder mystery dinners, or cocktail masterclasses, the hotel goes all out in providing much more than just a place to put your head. Of course, this element hasn’t been neglected either- the stunning suites and top-notch service ensure that The Fitzwilliam Hotel makes our list as the best place to stay for your getaway.
BELFAST’S NIGHTLIFE
Duke of York
The Duke of York is an iconic cornerstone of Belfast’s nightlife scene, and it’s not hard to see why. Tucked away on a cobbled street in the Cathedral Quarter, this bustling pub boasts live music and a great atmosphere to enjoy traditional Northern Irish nightlife, and it should be a ringing endorsement that it is frequented by tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking to sample the best that the country has to offer, the Duke of York is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s famous beverages, with its interior and exterior decorated with vintage ads and memorabilia for Guinness, Bushmills and Jameson whiskey. Do as the locals do and enjoy a pint of the black stuff along this famous street, lined with more great pubs to sample and the iconic Belfast umbrella skylights for a photo opportunity.
The Observatory Bar
If cocktails and canapés is more up your street, take your trip to new heights by visiting the Observatory Bar, Ireland’s tallest bar. Set on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel, enjoy panoramic views of the city and its dock from above, and do your sightseeing in style. The Observatory offers an extensive wine and spirit list, but their forte is their cocktails- a mix of classics and Belfast-inspired infusions that can be enjoyed as you spot their namesakes from the comfort of this luxurious lounge. The Botanical Garden cocktail honours Belfast’s beautiful gardens with its floral notes, while the White Star is a heady mix of sweet and smoky tones. There’s no better way to see all of Belfast’s landmarks than by enjoying drinks inspired by them in the lap of luxury, and taking in a sunset over the coast.
A MUST-DO EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY
Titanic Museum
The winner of multiple international awards, this is an attraction that can’t be missed. The Titanic Museum towers over the slipways of the River Lagan, built atop the former shipyard where the Titanic itself was constructed. The star-shaped museum offers a chance to explore the history of the ship, from its beginning and construction to its famous end, but the real draw is the chance to board the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship that served as tender to the RMS Titanic. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply want to experience what life on the famous ship would have been like, the Titanic’s hometown offers a truly special day out.
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