Where to Drink in Belfast — The Best Bars, Pubs, and Cocktail Spots

Belfast’s drinking scene ranges from Victorian pubs with 200 years of history to rooftop cocktail bars with panoramic city views. Whether you’re after a perfectly poured Guinness, a crafted cocktail, or live traditional music, the city delivers. Here’s where to go.

The Crown Liquor Saloon — Arguably Belfast’s most famous pub, and for good reason. The ornate Victorian interior — stained glass, carved wood, original snugs — was crafted by Italian artisans in the late 19th century. It’s a National Trust property and one of the most beautiful bars in the UK. Go for a pint and to sit in one of the original booths. White’s Tavern — Dating from 1630, White’s is one of Belfast’s oldest pubs, tucked down Winecellar Entry. Wood-burning fires, solid wood bar, eclectic décor. A genuinely atmospheric place to settle in for the evening.

Kelly’s Cellars — Established in 1720, Kelly’s is one of the best spots for live traditional Irish music. It’s also known for excellent Guinness, still under £5 — increasingly rare in the city centre. Authentic craic in a space that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades.

The Duke of York — Down a cobbled lane in the Cathedral Quarter, the Duke of York is a beloved institution — all mirrors, old advertisements, and whiskey bottles. Snow Patrol played their first gig here. The whiskey collection alone is worth the visit.

Bert’s Jazz Bar — Inside The Merchant Hotel, Bert’s has a 1930s New York feel — velvet sofas, red leather, dim lighting — with live jazz and blues performances through the week. The cocktail list is extensive and the atmosphere is hard to beat for a special evening.

Rattlebag — Hidden within the Bullitt Hotel, Rattlebag is an award-winning cocktail den with a rotating seasonal menu. Twelve cocktails, twelve spirits, twelve weeks — then it changes. Intimate, creative, and worth seeking out. The house martini is not to be missed.

The Observatory — On the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel, this is Ireland’s tallest bar. Panoramic views across the city and beyond, sleek interiors, and a cocktail list themed around Belfast’s landmarks. Best visited as the sun goes down.

Margot — Below street level, Margot is an Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar with moody lighting and a laid-back atmosphere. Bespoke cocktails, a curated spirits range, and the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Babel Rooftop Bar — On top of the Bullitt Hotel, Babel offers cocktails, light bites, and views through glass walls. Live DJs, summer slushies, and a seasonal pop-up kitchen. One of the best spots in the city when the weather cooperates.

The Perch — A quirky rooftop bar in the Linen Quarter, decorated with hanging birdcages and overlooking the city. In summer it’s a cocktail terrace; in winter, blankets, fairy lights, and hot toddies. Relaxed, fun, and refreshingly unpretentious.

Sunflower Public House — A Cathedral Quarter institution with a security grille on the door — a relic of Belfast’s past, preserved rather than hidden. Regular live bands, summer beer garden parties, and a crowd that makes you feel like a local from the first pint.

Maddens — Another reliable pick for live traditional music and a quality Guinness. Low-key, welcoming, and the kind of pub that rewards repeat visits.