Condé Nast Traveller called it one of the UK’s most “charming” places
Belfast has once again been named as one of the UK’s top cities to visit in 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller.
The luxury travel magazine aimed at the independent traveller, announced the Northern Irish capital as one of their picks in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
CN Traveller remarked Belfast as one of the “most charming” cities in the UK and highlighted our “vibrant” arts and culture scene when giving it a score of 90 out of 100.
READ MORE: Belfast ranked one of the UK’s best cities for 2025 by Condé Nast TravellerREAD MORE: Top travel magazine names Belfast one of the friendliest cities in the UK
They also listed Belfast as one of the top five friendliest places in the UK – but no surprises there!
There are countless reasons why Belfast should be on your list of places to visit or live. From our craic to our nightlife to our history and culture, our wee city is pretty amazing for being one of the smallest listed this year.
As we’ve said, there are way to many fantastic things to do in Belfast to mention in one place, but if you are wondering why you should make the trip, or want to rediscover the NI capital, here is a short Belfast bucket list to inspire your visit.
Visit St George’s Market
One of the best markets in the UK and Ireland and the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, St George’s Market is where you’ll want to spend a weekend morning or afternoon.
Local delicacies, crafts and artworks, local singers, and a bustling atmosphere – it’s too good not to check out.
Take a Black Taxi Tour
Belfast has a rich and troubled history that is best told by the people who lived it.
Black Taxi Tours offer an up-close-and-personal look at The Troubles in Northern Ireland, often told from drivers who were eye-witnesses or even participants in its past.
A really different and interesting way to learn about the city.
Go for a pint in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter
With cobbled roads, street art everywhere and bursting at the seams with bars, the Cathedral Quarter has become the home for nightlife in Belfast.
You can’t go wrong with any of the bars and clubs in this area for a creamy pint or your favourite cocktail. We have some of the best live musicians on the go and here is a great place to start if you want to find them.
Cheer on the Belfast Giants
While it may be a surprise to many people, Belfast is home to the Giants Ice Hockey team who continue to prove themselves as a major name in the game.
Whether you know much about the sport or not, everyone agrees that watching the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena is a night out in itself – atmosphere and craic are guaranteed.
Be careful not to get hit by a sub from the Subway canon!
Treat yourself to a shopping trip
We’ll not pretend that shopping in Belfast is going to measure up to that of the UK’s major cities, but for being a small place, we have some great shopping spots on offer.
Niche local shops like Born & Bred, plenty of high street brands and beautiful modern shopping centres like Victoria Square and CastleCourt mean there is something for every type of shopper in the city.
Take part in a food or drink experience
Our local food and drinks industry is something to behold, so why not let some of the city’s best guides take your taste buds on a tour?
From whiskey distillery tastings to food tours spanning across the city to unique cocktail experiences, this is something a little bit different that everyone can enjoy when visiting or living in Belfast.
Go for a hike to discover the best views of Belfast
See Belfast from above – Cavehill offers a perfect short hike, with spectacular views of Belfast, Belfast Lough, and even Scotland in the distance.
Another excellent short hike within the city of Belfast, Divis Mountain stands a bit taller than Cavehill and offers unique views – with the likes of Lough Neagh, Tyrone, North Antrim and even Donegal (on a good day!)
See a show or go to a concert
Whether you love musicals, gritty dramas or local laughs, our brilliant venues such as the Grand Opera House, the MAC and the Lyric are home to groundbreaking performances every week.
And if live music is your thing, Belfast has now become a go-to for global acts and local superstars to perform for our always enthusiastic crowds.
Belsonic, EMERGE, CHSq, AVA and Vital are only a handul of our local music festivals that take place during the year.
Taste Belfast with a meal out in the city
The food scene in Belfast continues to grow from strength to strength and there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants littered around the city to enjoy at any time of the day.
From Michelin Star spots to exciting street food venues to traditional pub grub, there is something for everyone waiting to eat their way around the area.
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