As a busy medical student, my week usually consists of frequent trips to the McClay Library. However, I love to spend my weekends exploring Belfast and seeing all the city has to offer! Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Belfast in 2023!

1. The Naughton Gallery

Located on the first floor of the Lanyon Building, this is one of my favourite places to visit on campus when I need a quick study break after spending hours in the McClay Library. Admission is free and the gallery showcases exhibitions from a diverse range of artists. Even better, you can collect the free mini prints available to decorate your bedroom!

^{A painting on display in the Naughton Gallery}

2. Queen’s Film Theatre

Have a few hours to spare? Why not watch a movie at the Queen’s Film Theatre? I recently took myself on a solo date around Belfast and spontaneously decided to watch a movie here. Unlike other cinemas, QFT feels more intimate and cosier. Tickets are priced at £4.50 for students, and if you’re 26 or under, you can sign up for a free LUMI membership. This provides you with weekly email updates of the latest screenings and even a surprise gift on your birthday! Whether you enjoy movies, short films, or documentaries, there’s something for everyone at Queen’s Film Theatre!

3. Linen Hall Library

I discovered this library when I was exploring the city centre as a first-year student living in Elms BT1 Accommodation. This is Belfast’s oldest library and offers a café with an all-day menu, historical exhibitions, and a small gift shop. It’s become my new favourite study spot!

^{Linen Hall Library, located opposite Belfast City Hall}

4. Queen’s Arcade

In the mood for some luxury shopping? Check out Queen’s Arcade. This stunning building is home to brands like Gucci and Montblanc, and its seasonally decorated interior will provide you with the perfect Instagram post!

^{Queen's Arcade decorated for Valentine's Day}

5. Botanic Gardens

Vibrant flowers in full bloom, various flavours of ice cream available from the ice cream van, and the proximity to some amazing coffee shops on Botanic Avenue make this one of my favourite places in Belfast. After a long day of revising in the McClay Library, I often visit the gardens for a quick study break during exam season. In the summer it’s the best place for a picnic and catch up with friends. I love seeing the variety of plants on display in the Palm House and watching dogs play on the lawn!

^{The Palm House is home to an impressive collection of plants}

6. Commercial Court, Cathedral Quarter

After a long day of university, my friends and I love to enjoy a drink in one of the many bars located in Belfast’s Commercial Court. My favourite place in this area to visit is the Duke of York bar. This is a traditional Belfast bar which is incredibly decorated from ceiling to floor with mirrors, paintings, and signposts. Have a pint, listen to live music, take a good picture for your Instagram…you can do it all here!

^{Duke of York bar}

7. Keats and Chapman

If you’re a book lover, Keats and Chapman is one of the best bookstores I’ve visited in Belfast city centre. It houses an impressive collection of around 30,000 second-hand books, and also sells vintage board games, vinyls and DVDs. I discovered this bookstore whilst I was exploring the city and I must have spent at least an hour in the store!

^{Keats and Chapman is my new favourite Belfast bookstore!}

8. St. George’s Market

This is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is visited by people from all over the country. I often come here on Saturday mornings to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables. This is one of the best places in the city to buy local produce and sample food from a variety of countries. A weekend in Belfast is incomplete without visiting St. George’s Market!

A final note…

These are just some of my favourite places to visit in Belfast in 2023! I hope you enjoy visiting these places, be sure to take plenty of photos!

Find out more

Student Life in Belfast

More student blogs about Belfast and Northern Ireland

Study Medicine at Queen's

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, Northern Ireland Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 19 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a second-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Student Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!