Smithfield & Union Quarter Belfast

Smithfield & Union Quarter is one of Belfast’s best areas for a night out, with lively bars, late-night venues and an established LGBTQ+ scene centred around Union Street. It has a more independent feel than the main city-centre streets and suits visitors looking for somewhere to organise a great night out with friends.

During the day, Smithfield Market brings a completely different side to the area, with specialist shops, small traders and local browsing around West Street and Winetavern Street. Belfast Central Library on Royal Avenue adds a recognisable historic landmark, while the surrounding older streets give the quarter a character of its own.

The area is compact enough to explore on foot, making it easy to combine shopping, food, and drinks without travelling across the city. From here, continue into the nearby Cathedral Quarter for more restaurants, live entertainment and cultural attractions.

Places to Eat: Belfast Smithfield & Union Quarter

Whether you're meeting friends before a night out, grabbing lunch near Ulster University or looking for somewhere to eat after browsing the market, Smithfield & Union Quarter has a good choice of casual dining within easy walking distance. The area is well known for relaxed cafés, traditional pub food and easy pre-night-out dining before exploring Belfast's bars and nightlife.

Food choices include breakfast, brunch, pizza, burgers, traditional pub classics and international cuisine, alongside cafés serving coffee, cakes and light lunches. Around Royal Avenue and Union Street, you'll also find quick takeaway options, while nearby Belfast City Centre offers an even wider choice of independent restaurants.

Types of Places to Eat:

Pre-Night-Out Dining — Pizza, burgers, sharing plates and relaxed evening meals.

Traditional Pub Food — Classic favourites, hearty mains and casual dining.

International Cuisine — Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and world flavours.

Cafés & Brunch — Coffee, breakfast, brunch and light lunches.

Food to Go — Sandwiches, pastries, wraps and takeaway lunches.

Places to Eat: Smithfield & Union Quarter →

Places to Stay: Belfast Smithfield & Union Quarter

Staying in Smithfield & Union Quarter puts Belfast City Centre, Cathedral Quarter nightlife and the shops around Royal Avenue within easy walking distance. It suits weekend breaks, nights out, university visits and travellers who want a central base without relying on taxis or public transport throughout their stay.

Accommodation around Union Street, Smithfield and the edge of Royal Avenue includes city hotels, budget rooms, serviced apartments and self-catering stays. Guests can choose a simple overnight stop, a central base for exploring Belfast or extra space for a longer visit. For more hotels near the main rail and coach connections, Linen Quarter is also close by.

Types of Places to Stay:

City Hotels — Central accommodation close to shopping, dining and nightlife.

Budget Hotels — Affordable rooms for short breaks and overnight stays.

Serviced Apartments — Flexible accommodation with extra space and useful facilities.

Self-Catering Apartments — Private stays suited to families, groups and longer visits.

Guest Houses — Smaller central stays for visitors who prefer a more personal base.

Places to Stay: Smithfield & Union Quarter →

Places to Drink: Belfast Smithfield & Union Quarter

Smithfield & Union Quarter is one of Belfast's best areas for a night out, where traditional pubs, cocktail bars, LGBTQ+ venues and late-night spots sit within a compact, walkable neighbourhood. Around Union Street, Kent Street, Gresham Street and Donegall Street, it's a popular place to meet friends after work, enjoy live entertainment or spend an evening exploring the city's nightlife.

Whether you're looking for a quiet pint, handcrafted cocktails, live music or an inclusive night out, the quarter offers plenty of choice within a few minutes' walk. Its location beside Royal Avenue and bordering Cathedral Quarter also makes it easy to continue the evening without venturing far.

Types of Places to Drink:

Traditional Pubs — Classic pubs serving local beers and spirits.

Pubs with Beer Gardens — Outdoor spaces for drinks in warmer weather.

Cocktail Bars — Signature cocktails and premium spirits.

LGBTQ+ Bars & Nightlife — Inclusive venues and late-night entertainment.

Live Music Bars — Drinks with regular live performances.

Places to Drink: Smithfield & Union Quarter →

Days Out: Belfast Smithfield & Union Quarter

A day out in Smithfield & Union Quarter offers a mix of independent shopping, local history and cultural attractions in one of Belfast's oldest neighbourhoods. Centred around Smithfield Market, Royal Avenue, Library Street and Belfast Central Library, it's a great place to browse, explore and discover a different side of the city beyond the main shopping streets.

Visitors can explore independent traders, vintage finds and specialist shops before discovering historic buildings and nearby public spaces. After exploring the area, Titanic Quarter & Maritime Mile is an easy next stop by foot or a short public transport journey for waterfront attractions and maritime heritage.

Types of Days Out:

Independent Markets — Browse local traders and unique finds.

Vintage Shopping — Retro fashion, vinyl and collectables.

Free Things to Do — Historic streets and public landmarks.

Family-Friendly Things to Do — Markets and city exploration.

Historic Walking Routes — Heritage buildings and local character.

Days Out: Smithfield & Union Quarter →

Experiences: Belfast Smithfield & Union Quarter

Bookable experiences in Smithfield & Union Quarter centre on live entertainment, LGBTQ+ culture and guided city walks. Around Union Street, Kent Street and Donegall Street, visitors can book cabaret performances, comedy nights, live music events and guided tours exploring Belfast's social and cultural history.

The area also connects with guided heritage walks through North Street and Frederick Street, linking the quarter with nearby historic landmarks and Cathedral Quarter. Whether you're planning an evening show or joining a walking tour, Smithfield & Union Quarter offers experiences that showcase a different side of Belfast.

Types of Experiences:

LGBTQ+ Heritage Tours — Guided walks through Belfast's queer history.

Cabaret & Drag Shows — Ticketed live entertainment and performances.

Comedy Nights — Stand-up shows and evening entertainment.

Live Music Events — Gigs, acoustic sessions and local performers.

Guided Walking Tours — Explore the area's history and culture.

Experiences: Smithfield & Union Quarter →

Explore More of Belfast