Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Belfast

"Deservedly the most famous bar in Belfast, the saloon's listed ornate interior was created by Italian craftsmen in Belfast’s Victorian heyday and has featured in movies as disparate as Odd Man Out in 1947 and Divorcing Jack in 1998. There can be few greater pleasures in the city than settling into one of the ancient snugs, complete with bells to summon the staff and gunmetal match-striking plates, and tucking into Irish stew, colcannon or Strangford oysters, washed down by a creamy pint or two of Guinness. A welcome recent addition is a large and growing selection of real ales."

"There are many historic pubs and bars dotted around Belfast, but it would be fair to say that with its yellow, gold and pink frontage, the Crown Liquor Saloon is the most striking. It is also one of the oldest, having been built in the 1880s, and the interior features preserved wood-carved booths and gas-lamp lighting. View this post on Instagram"

"Undeniably the most famous pub in Belfast, the Crown Liquor Saloon is the perfect place to grab a drink and take in the historical interiors of his alcoholic gem. Although renowned for serving an eclectic range of real ales, the real draw of this pub on Great Victoria Street is it?. s Victoriana interiors."

"The Dirty Onion is one of Belfast’s many institutions in the Cathedral Quarter: a pub on two levels, hosting Yardbird upstairs, a restaurant where you will be served with locally sourced and free-range chicken and ribs. Downstairs during beautiful days and evenings, you can sit outside for a drink."

"Combining a pub and rotisserie restaurant into one unique bar in Belfast, The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is one cool place for a night out. Swing by and catch entertainment every night of the week, washed down with a hefty choice of beer and whiskey alongside delicious chicken dinners."

"Not only is The Dirty Onion and Yardbird boasting to live music, delicious rotisserie chicken and a great list of craft beers, but the city centre spot also has a heated beer garden for alfresco drinks all year round. During winter, you can even keep cosy by the open fire inside."

"The self-proclaimed best cafe in Europe, Town Square is on a mission to create a space for people of all walks of life to get together, share ideas, and create art. Head chef Robert Wisniewski is at the core of the restaurant. It’s the place to be for modern cosmopolitan spins on traditional Irish breakfast foods."

"One of the best places to eat in Belfast, Town Square is a top spot for all your brunch and dinner needs. The café and bar has got a fantastically varied menu for all times of day, including a breakfast avo on toast, some lunchtime tacos and evening cocktails."

"Town Square is a seriously cool café and bar on Botanic Avenue. Get your fill of first-class scran throughout the day, with banana pancakes, veggie katsu and incredible desserts - think DIY smores, chocolate fondue and affogato - all up for grabs."

"One of Belfast’s most bohemian bars, Muriel’s Cafe Bar, is a recommended stop-off point for LGBTQ+ and straight visitors alike. Its decor is individual, and has included lingerie on a washing line, the drink and food class – there are good cocktails – and the ambiance is well, ambient. Its sister bar, the Spaniard, is equally boho, permanently full of people keen on good conversation (it’s quite an arty crowd), good wine, olives and food."

"Around the corner from Bootleggers is Muriel’s Cafe Bar, which also knows how to serve a stellar cocktail. Among their drinks menu is the Flaming Zombie, as much a show as a drinks order. Instead of string lights, Muriel’s has challenged its inner hipster and decorated the ceiling with underwear and lingerie along with red lighting, giving the bar a quirky atmosphere without feeling gimmicky."

"The ornate, carved wood and tiled interior has earned it several Best Small Building in Belfast awards, it stocks an excellent selection of 50 beers and ciders and serves a great pint of Guinness, and its bar food from lunchtime to 8pm is a cut above the norm. There are traditional music sessions on Sundays at 6pm, Wednesdays at 9.30pm and Fridays at 5pm – for the latter, get there early before the rush of workers leaving the office at the end of the week and heading for a pint and a tune. Address: 29 Chichester StreetContact: 00 44 28 9032 1984; thegarrickbar.comGetting there: Bus to Queen Street in city centre (multiple services)Opening times: Mon-Sat, 11.30am-1am; Sun, 12.30pm-12amPrice: £Getting in: Dress code casual."

"It dates from the 1800s, and its interior is presumably more authentic than most, but the green leather banquettes, dark wood fixtures and traditional glass partitions make it look like any number of replica high-street pubs – complete with television above the bar to show the football and a standard lineup of big brewery beers on tap. Look up, however, and you will find a chalkboard crammed with over 50 Irish and international craft beers. These include a few not spotted elsewhere in Belfast: beers from Cloughmore brewery and Pokertree, as well as German beers from And Union."

"Established in 1870, The Garrick is a multiple award-winning traditional pub in the heart of Belfast, and one of the oldest in the city. We took part in an 11am lock-in to drink McGraths Irish Black Stout, and eat a bowl of champ, before it opened for the punters. Champ, if you don’t know (I didn’t) is an everyday wholesome Irish dish of mashed potatoes with chopped spring onions, butter and milk."

"Queen's Arcade is a Grade B1 listed shopping arcade in the centre of Belfast. An ornate Victorian 4-storey building, painted pastel yellow, featuring muted copper spires on the roof, a small white clockface in the centre of the 2nd floor, and ground floor shopping units framed in black, either side of the arched entrance to an arcade. On the third floor is an Art-Deco-influenced monogram with the letters "A.R."."

"Those who appreciate photography will enjoy a visit to Belfast Exposed. It’s a leading photography organisation in Northern Ireland promoting photography for everyone while telling a story and creating dialogue. Belfast Exposed was founded by a team of local photographers in 1983 during The Troubles."

"In terms of photography Belfast exposed is the primary gallery for publishing, commissioning and showcasing. With over 35 years of business Belfast Exposed voices city life from the view of the community. You can typically find pieces here that focus on political and social issues."

"This route explores a beautiful Local Nature Reserve in the Lagan Valley with varied wildlife habitats. After a short distance you will find a path to the left leading to Lester’s dam and pond. Retrace your steps to the main path, and continue along for a good distance through wooded areas and past meadows until you come to a steep set of steps."

"Ormeau Park is a historic parkland overlooking the River Lagan with pleasant walks around the area. Walks start from the car park next to the Recreation Centre (toilets and refreshment stop here!) and sports pitches. The route goes through mature woodland, formal gardens and a wildflower meadow, passing the Superintendent’s House and former walled garden on the way."

"The oldest and largest municipal park in Belfast, Ormeau Park has been a huge draw for locals and visitors alike since it opened in 1871. Ormeau is filled with activities, from sports to BMX trails, walking tracks, and even a hiking trail for those who want to do a bit of orienteering."

"With superb views over Belfast Lough and the South Antrim Hills, Redburn Country Park is just off the A2 near Holywood. It offers a choice of country walks all starting at the car park. Whether you’re a serious rambler, a runner or a weekend stroller this country park has something to suit including bridle paths for horse riders."