Visiting Queen’s for an Open Day is a great opportunity to tour the University and learn more about your prospective course, but it’s also a brilliant time to explore the rest of Belfast (particularly as a GB student).

It can be so beneficial to visit the city you could be spending the next three years living in. With so much to see in Belfast, you may be wondering where to start, so this guide to all of Belfast’s best independent restaurants and hidden gems is here to point you in the right direction!

Friday

Fly into either International Airport (which is about 45 minutes outside the city centre) or Belfast City Airport (which is only 10 minutes outside of city centre) on Friday afternoon. Make your way into the city centre via airport public bus services, taxis or a train (from the city airport).

5pm: After checking in to your accommodation, take a walk into the city centre. Make sure to see the beautiful Belfast City Hall and lovely old buildings around the square.

6pm: Visit the oldest pub in Belfast - The Crown Bar Saloon. Not to worry if anyone in the visiting party is under 18, as they can be in pubs in Belfast until 9.30pm (accompanied by an adult). You’ll feel like you’re going back in time as you take in the beautiful stained glass windows, wooden booths and decorative tiles.

8pm: Enjoy an evening meal at Zen Belfast, with a wide selection of delicious Asian food there is something for everyone. The staff are so attentive, the sushi dishes are so fresh and the interior is beautiful. 

10pm: Visit the iconic Belfast umbrella street by heading to the Duke of York pub. Although still amazing in the day, the street comes alive at night with overhead glowing neon umbrellas. It’s a great photo opportunity and the Duke of York does a great pint of Guinness.

Saturday

8am: As your only full day in Belfast it’s worth getting up and out to see the most in this exciting city! Grab a quick breakfast in Harlem Cafe Belfast - the pancake stacks are just immense. The interior is so funky, with lots of statues and plants, this cafe is not one to miss!!

9.30am: Walk down from Harlem towards the Queen’s Quarter in Belfast. You’ll spot lots of lovely cafes and pubs along the way to the university. When you arrive at the Lanyon Building, take a moment to take in the beauty of the old gothic style building and the rich history of the university founded in 1845. There you will find a Queen’s student ambassador who can give you all of the information about the Open Day.

10am: Meet Queen's club and society members in the Students' Union Foyer and explore the many options of societies here at Queen’s. There is really something for everyone - from the Rubber Duck Society to the Surf Club and everything in between!

11am: Join a campus tour led by a current Queen's student to gain insight into student life and see the university buildings.

12pm: Visit the Queen's student accommodation in BT9 and BT1, with buses leaving the Lanyon Building every 20 minutes to bring you right to the door. 

1pm: Learn more about courses of interest by finding the subject stall in the Subject Information Fair. Meet your lecturers, hear current student experiences and learn about the modules that will be covered.

2pm: Finish up the Queen's open day activities by taking a walk around the courtyard behind the Lanyon building and picking up some free popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix. Explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens located directly between the main campus and the library. The two palm houses in the garden contain rare plants, cacti and flowers. 

3pm: After a busy Open Day, take a moment of rest in Blue Train Coffee and Depot. Located a 5 minute walk from the University, Blue Train is my personal favourite coffee shop in Belfast. Full of funky art, rugs and interesting furniture, it’s a spot that makes a perfect flat white (and you save 50p if you bring your own cup!!)

4pm: Either grab a taxi or navigate public transport over to the Titanic Quarter to visit the Titanic Experience. The museum is built in the same location that the iconic ship began its story and is an unmissable experience while visiting Belfast. Covering the history of Belfast’s industrial past and the lasting legacy of the Titanic, the museum is an experience everyone will enjoy. Tickets to the museum are available online and in the museum. 

8pm: Make your way back towards the university for a meal at Scalini. The Italian restaurant covers five floors and has Italian themed decor, with beautiful frescos and ceiling covered in twinkling stars. A great stop for some pizza or pasta.

10pm: Visit the Students' Union Bar, in the Queen's Students' Union to experience the student nightlife.

Sunday

10am: Head to St George’s Market to grab breakfast and a coffee from one of the many independent food retailers. Browse the market stalls and pick up a unique souvenir to remember your weekend in Belfast. You’ll be sure to enjoy the bustling atmosphere at this food, crafts and antiques market.

1pm: Pick up a lunch to go from Bodega Bagels and head back to the airport.

Find out more

Open Days at Queen's

A-Z of reasons to make Queen’s your firm choice

Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Queen’s Open Day

How Visiting an Offer Holder Day as a GB student convinced me to go to Queen’s

Niamh Rind Psychology | Undergraduate Student | Wales, UK Hi, I’m Niamh, a Psychology student from Cardiff. I love studying at Queen’s and love to share my passion for the University by working as a Student Ambassador. I’m the social secretary of QUB surf society and am always busy sea swimming, hiking and doing social runs.