Belfast is a thriving and fashion-forward city that caters to all budgets and tastes. It’s bustling with boutiques, designer hot spots and high street stores as well as local crafts and food.
But don’t just take our word for it - according to the Complete University Guide 2024, "Belfast is one of the UK and Ireland’s most vibrant and affordable cities, packed with energy, culture and history. Queen's majestic campus is in Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, plenty of shopping and entertainment venues."
City centre shopping
Belfast City Centre is a great starting point for a day of fashion shopping. From high street favourites like Zara and Mango to high fashion choices, it has something for every budget. Some fashion highlights include:
Victoria Square
A beautiful, partially open air, shopping area in Belfast City Centre. This is the one of the key destinations for fashion shopping in Belfast and includes over 70 international and local brands such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Guess, Ted Baker, All Saints, Hollister and MAC. The star of the show is House of Fraser which stocks over 500 brands in their seven level department store. For tech lovers this is where you’ll find the Apple Store.
Envoy of Belfast
This stunning boutique, found on Wellington Street, caters for fresh millennial style. With pieces from Acne Studios and French designers, their aim is to bring lesser-known fashion brands that focus on excellent craftsmanship to the Belfast market.
Royal Avenue
The main road that runs through the city centre and starts at Belfast City Hall is a great place to start when you want some retail therapy. It is full of high street favourites like Primark and H&M and in the streets surrounding this lively part of town you’ll also find more high street favourites, independent boutiques cafes and restaurants.
Luxury Boutiques
Looking for luxury boutiques and concept stores? Head for Lisburn Road. This tree-lined avenue in South Belfast, right next to the Queen’s Campus, is the perfect place to spend a day shopping. It’s lined with numerous shops, cafes and eateries that cater to every taste. Some highlights to look out for are:
Emporio
One of Belfast’s most respected boutiques. It has more than 30 years of experience in style and 28 world collections, including ranges from Armani, Caterina Lucchi and Oska.
Déjà vu
A classic-chic boutique, filled with collections from Karen Millen and Gucci. It also stocks Prada and Louboutin shoe collections, alongside Louis Vuitton handbags.
Cubana
Perfect for the adventurous fashionista. Cubana hosts some of the most high fashion collections, all of which are exclusive to the boutique. If you want looks that are straight from the catwalk, then this is the place for you.
Irish style and gifts
Looking for luxury boutiques and concept stores? Head for Lisburn Road. This tree-lined avenue in South Belfast, right next to the Queen’s Campus, is the perfect place to spend a day shopping. It’s lined with numerous shops, cafes and eateries that cater to every taste. Some highlights to look out for are:
Avoca
If Blake Lively is a fan, you know it must be good! Avoca is Ireland’s oldest business and is known for its handwoven, high-quality woollen items. Nowadays it is also a perfect place to shop for lesser known brands and Irish style.
Studio souk
An independent shop stocking crafts and gifts from local artists. Studio Souk is the perfect place to get custom art, candles and many other lovely gifts.
St George's market
This famous indoor market is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It has a lively atmosphere, complete with live music and crowds enjoying the vibe. It’s also one of the best places to go for local and home grown food and crafts. You will find plenty of food vendors that sell delicious snacks and meals to explore while you look around the market.
Why not sample some local crafts and style? The island of Ireland is famous for its high-quality craftsmanship, from Aran knitwear to Belfast Linen. If you want something with a local flavour then there are some must shop destinations: