Whatever the time of year, whatever your interests and whatever your budget, Belfast is the ultimate student city with a massive selection of places in which to shop, socialise, eat and relax.
Entertainment
Belfast boasts an array of entertainment venues including the Odyssey Arena, the Waterfront Hall and the Grand Opera House. Together they play host to international music artists, stand-up comedy, theatrical performances and musical stylings.
For the latest film releases, visit Dublin Road’s Movie House, the Storm Cinemas multiplex in the Odyssey or the Odeon cinema in Victoria Square, and of course Queen's very own QFT, Northern Ireland's only art house cinema.
Shopping
Belfast offers student shoppers a mix of big-name stores, designer boutiques, innovative arts and craft shops and rejuvenated markets including the famous St. George’s Market. There are also plenty of vintage, charity and low-cost outlets throughout the city to choose from to help make your pounds go further!
Places to eat and drink
From the finest European and world cuisine, to Michelin-starred local restaurants and budget cafes,Belfast offers something to suit every culinary taste and budget.
Historic pubs, stylish bars and cool clubs help to ensure Belfast lives up to its reputation as a "treasure" with an "incredible atmosphere" (National Geographic Traveller 2011).
Sport and Leisure
Belfast is a sports fan’s ideal city with opportunities to attend football matches at Windsor Park, Gaelic games at Casement Park and rugby matches at Ravenhill. You can also check out Belfast’s newest sporting sensation at the Odyssey Arena and cheer on the Belfast Giants ice hockey team.
Queen’s Sport provides one of the most advanced sport and fitness facilities in Ireland, including state-of-the-art equipment, professional expertise and educational programmes. Classes, courses, events and activities are designed both for universal appeal and to meet diverse student sporting needs.
For the less sporty among you, Belfast offers a host of alternative activities that are just as much fun! Get your skates on at Northern Ireland’s premier ice rink or for the more competitive, why not shoot some pool, or go for a strike at one of Belfast’s state of the art bowling alleys.
For an enjoyable day out, Belfast also offers a wealth of visitor attractions including Belfast Zoo and Belfast Castle.
History and Culture
Right next door to Queen’s in Botanic Gardens is the redesigned and award-winning Ulster Museum, home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences where you can come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Ancient Egyptian Mummy and see modern masterpieces.
2012 saw Belfast showcasing its rich social and industrial heritage as it marked the centenary of the maiden voyage of the Titanic, which was built at Belfast’s famous Harland and Wolff shipyards. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art visitor experience in an iconic six-floor building and will be a "must see" visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Festivals
There are many opportunities for celebration in Belfast with its rich and diverse cultural heritage. Over half a million people participate in festivals all over the city including the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's, the Belfast Film Festival, the Titanic Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
The St Patrick’s Day festival in March offers a carnival atmosphere for all the family with a wonderful and colourful carnival parade dancing through the city centre streets. Belfast also plays host to the biggest Orange parade
on 12 July every year which attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators.
Read more about things to do in Belfast.
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