Escape Rooms

Tucked away in several locations across Belfast are a variety of exciting themed escape rooms, the perfect spot for an adrenaline-filled afternoon with friends. Whether it's for a special occasion or to make the most of a rainy day, you have plenty of game options in the city:

• Timescape (includes a Titanic and wizard themed game)
• Forbidden Quest
• Breakout at Funstation
• Prison Island
• Escapade HQ

Gogi Korean BBQ

Gogi Belfast is the city's first authentic Korean BBQ experience. Hosting monthly BBQ nights and supper clubs, Gogi provides a unique opportunity to enjoy Korean cuisine in an interactive and group-friendly environment. Based in Banana Block in East Belfast, you can choose from a variety of grilling packages from bulgogi (marinated steak) to tofu skewers. Keep an eye out on their Instagram page for the latest updates on booking information and special events.

Native Coffee

Located at Queen's Quay (just a 2 minute walk from the Big Fish), Native is a cosy outdoor kiosk that offers tea/coffee, sweet treats and savoury snacks, with produce sourced from local businesses. It is a community-based cafe, meaning that regular events are held to bring the people of Belfast together through live music, quiz nights, mini-markets and sober socials (with blankets provided for those colder evenings by the Lagan). Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates on upcoming events and special pop-ups.

The Watson

For a night out filled with shuffleboard games, wine flights and delicious chip cones, look no further than The Watson in Little Donegall Street. This cosy bar is perfect for a quiet catch up with friends or a competitive pool session in Frames Pool Hall. From themed cocktails in the Library Bar to monthly book clubs hosted by Literature to the Tit, The Watson is also a book-lover and English student's paradise!

Karaoke rooms

For a unique celebration or just a fun evening with friends, karaoke is a great way to make memories during your time as a student in Belfast. Luckily, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to booking private karaoke sessions in the city:

• K-Space in Stranmillis (super close to campus!)
• Lavery's (also just a few minutes from the Lanyon)
• King Pins in Castle Lane
• Mic Drop at Haymarket on Royal Avenue

Ulster Museum Late

We all know about the Ulster Museum (just a stone's throw away from campus), but do you know about the Museum's late night art events? 'Museum Late' allows you to take a dander around the museum after hours and enjoy displays and exhibitions alongside some food, drinks and entertainment. The events are for 18+ only and run from 6-10pm - find out more and book tickets (£10) here.

W5 Late

Speaking of late night events, W5 Late, a monthly 18+ after-hours event in the iconic science exhibition centre, is a fun and interactive way to spend a Friday night with friends. With 8 immersive zones and over 250 exhibits, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the human body, wildlife and aeronautics in a relaxed but very enjoyable environment. I recently attended a W5 Late event and had the opportunity to witness birds of prey fly inside an exhibition area; it was certainly a unique experience for me!

Ragin' Ramen

Serving 'Japanese ramen with a Belfast twist', Ragin' Ramen is a vibrant food spot that more students need to know about. Located close to the Cathedral Quarter, the restaurant offers a range of ramen options, from traditional pork to a very Irish spice bag bowl. They also have a couple of vegan/vegetarian options, as well as snacks and sides like J-Pop karaage.

You can also customise your bowl with delicious extras - my personal order is the Astro Boy with corn (pictured below). Along with an extensive drinks list and friendly service, the Ragin' Ramen experience is not to be missed.

The Reporter Bar

Nestled in Belfast's LGBTQ+ quarter and close to the old Belfast Telegraph building, The Reporter is a cosy bar that draws inspiration from Belfast's newspaper printing and publishing heritage. As well as enjoying a local craft beer or two, you can take part in weekly Arts and Craft Nights, Trivia Tuesdays, or kick back and listen to iconic albums playing on vinyl from start to finish.

Keep an eye out for announcements and upcoming events on their Instagram page.

Retro Gaming 

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of 70s/80s/90s arcade gaming in Belfast. From pop-ups in Banana Block organised by Base Arcade, to special events held by The Retro Room in Cityside Retail Park, you can enjoy a unique weekend activity with friends (or as a solo gamer!)

Don't forget about Reboot Gaming Cafe beside Queen's campus - stop by for a tasty lunch or milkshake and have a go at their arcades and classic board games.

Bbangya! K-Pop Store

With the recent surge of interest in Korean-Pop/K-Pop in Belfast (we're all now aware that K-Pop is more than just the famous demon hunters), it's the perfect time to get acquainted with the music genre. Luckily, you don't have to travel far to start your K-Pop journey. Located in Blackstaff Mill (and easily accessible via the Glider) is Bbangya, a dedicated K-Pop store that sells official albums and merch by groups and solo artists.

Led by a dedicated and knowledgeable team, you will be sure to receive a warm welcome during your visit to the physical store. You can also have a nosy at their online store for information on new arrivals and items available for pre-order.

Don't forget, Queen's also has a popular K-Pop Society which we recently covered on the blog - check them out if you would like to immerse yourself in the world of K-Pop choreography!

Trait Late

Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night, Trait in High Street offers a 'Late' option from Thursday-Saturday 5-9pm in which you can enjoy a variety of natural wines and cheese platters, as well as regular quiz nights and events. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, you are still welcome to order coffee during your catchup with friends!

East Block Bazaar

On the last Sunday of every month, you have the opportunity to visit Portview Trade Centre in east Belfast for the East Block Bazaar, a market that showcases the best of NI food, art, jewellery and more. Easily located via the Glider from the city centre, the market is the perfect way to enjoy a lazy Sunday while dandering around the stalls. Why not pick up some lunch from Bodega Bagels or Hi Burger during your visit?

Angel and Two Bibles

Situated in the lesser-known Goose Entry in Belfast city centre, Angel and Two Bibles is a cosy cocktail bar and speakeasy which offers two curated drinks menus: The Old Testament and The New Testament. Booking is advised but if you want to take your chances while passing by, you'll have to buzz for entry and hope there's a free table! Make sure to get a pic in front of the angel wings display beside the entrance for that insta-worthy moment.

Hero Subs

Inspired by New York bodegas, Hero in York Street offers a range of well-filled warm subs, loaded fries and salad bowls. With fillings like chicken cutlets, ground steak and vegan mince as well as monthly specials, Hero is a tasty lunch option for when you need a refuel between study sessions. Split a sub with a friend or keep one all for yourself!

Find out more

Life in Belfast

Must Do Tours for Students New to Belfast

Five Culture Spots to Enhance Your Student Experience in Belfast

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen's University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen's Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen's website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog. I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen's and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs) and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!