Soak up Moonlit Magic with the Best Things to Do at Night in Belfast
We’ve all been there – that travel-induced FOMO that hits as the sun dips below the horizon. You’re in a new city, the energy is buzzing, and everyone seems to be disappearing into dimly lit pubs and hidden alleyways promising a good time.
But fear not, fellow night owls! We’re about to unlock the secrets of Belfast’s after-dark scene, so you can swap those pyjamas for dancing shoes and make some memories.
So, ditch the guidebook, grab your friends (or embrace the solo adventure), and get ready to experience Belfast after dark.
Savour craft beers at The Sunflower Public House
– Media credit: sunflowerpub
Location: 65 Union St
Contact: +44 28 9023 2474
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Established in December 2012 on the corner of Kent and Union Streets, The Sunflower Public House is a piece of Belfast’s story.
Located in a spot that has been serving up pints for over a century, it’s immediately recognisable by the security cage at the entrance. It’s a quirky remnant of 1980s Belfast.
The Sunflower stays true to its roots and pours a selection of local craft beers. This includes Belfast’s own Yardsman stout and brews from Kinnegar Brewery in Donegal.
For a perfect pairing, try one of their wood-fired pizzas. It’s made to order and baked to perfection in their traditional oven.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the south-facing beer garden. Opened in 2014, it’s a beloved spot on sunny afternoons. It also hosts events like the Belfast Flea on the last Sunday of each month. |
Relax with whiskey tasting at The Duke of York
– Media credit: dukeofyorkbelfast
Location: 7-11 Commercial Ct
Contact: +44 28 9024 1062
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM
The Duke of York is the quintessential Belfast bar, brimming with charm. It’s also packed with antique mirrors, local memorabilia, and a rich collection of historical artefacts from Belfast’s famous old hotels and buildings.
Whether you’re here for the famously smooth Guinness or the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland, this bar offers a cosy trip back in time.
For whiskey lovers, private tastings are available for groups of six or more. It gives enthusiasts a personalised journey through Ireland’s finest spirits.
It also hosts live music performances from Thursday to Sunday with traditional, acoustic, and rock sessions. Needless to say, this spot is as lively as it is nostalgic.
| Pro Tip: Pop next door to The Friend at Hand after your pint – this whiskey shop and mini-museum is packed with rare finds and fascinating whiskey history. |
Try cocktails at the Spaniard
– Media credit: spaniardbelfast
Location: 3 Skipper St
Contact: +44 28 9023 2448
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
The Spaniard is a cosy and eclectic spot known for its impressive rum selection—over 50 varieties from around the globe. If you’re a rum lover, this place is paradise.
Their cocktail menu caters to all tastes, with standouts like the “Dark and Storm.” It’s mixed to perfection with an eye for both flavour and presentation.
At around £7 to £8 a cocktail, you can sip on quality without stretching your wallet. This makes it so easy to try something new.
| Pro Tip: Swing by on a live music night. The Spaniard frequently hosts local talent, adding an upbeat yet laid-back vibe to your evening. |
Enjoy live music at The Empire Music Hall
– Media credit: belfastempire
Location: 42 Botanic Ave
Contact: +44 28 9024 9276
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
The Empire Music Hall is set in a former church. It features high ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork that set the stage for a unique concert experience.
With a lineup of rock and traditional Irish music, The Empire serves up something for everyone. This includes local rising stars to international acts.
The “Friday Live” sessions are a fan favourite. It kicks off the weekend with a lively mix of acoustic duos, rock stars, and blues bands – sometimes even for free.
With tickets typically priced between £10 and £30, there’s something for every budget. Plus, keep an eye out for promotions on early bookings or group tickets to score a deal.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the laughs. The Empire is also home to the renowned “Empire Laughs Back” comedy club. It’s a must-see for comedy fans, with a lineup featuring top comedians from across the UK and Ireland. |
Dance the night away at Limelight
– Media credit: limelight.belfast
Location: 17 Ormeau Ave
Contact: +44 28 9032 7007
Operating hours:
- Monday & Wednesday to Thursday – 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Limelight is Belfast’s go-to for a night full of energy and variety, with four unique spaces to explore. It includes Limelight 1 and 2, Katy’s Bar, and The Rock Garden.
Each spot brings its own vibe to the venue’s lively lineup of club nights. Wednesdays kick off with “UFO.”
It’s a student rave where house, techno, and disco reign. Sometimes, it comes with special international DJs on the decks.
Thursdays are all about “BABBA,” a guilty pleasure night of cheesy pop hits spanning four decades – pure nostalgic fun.
Friday nights are a crowd-pleaser. It mixes disco, singalongs, and rock. DJs can even take requests.
Saturdays? That’s “AAA,” Belfast’s biggest club night. It features three rooms of music, two beer gardens, and a top-tier production for an unforgettable night.
| Pro Tip: Limelight is also a hotspot for live music. Check out upcoming gigs from a wide range of artists, like Punk Rock Factory and Chelsea Wolfe. |
Attend a cabaret show at the Cabaret Supper Club
– Media credit: cabaretbelfast
Location: 44 Upper Arthur
Contact: +44 28 9024 9009
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
There’s always something captivating on stage at Cabaret Supper Club. You can expect an eclectic lineup of burlesque, drag acts, and more.
Upcoming events include tributes to legendary artists like Adele, Dolly Parton, and David Bowie. There are also themed nights like “C-ABBA-Ret” and the enchanting “ABBA by Candlelight.”
As you’re entertained, enjoy a gourmet menu crafted by the award-winning AMPM Bohemian Restaurant. It blends exquisite food with top-notch entertainment.
With packages to fit various budgets, The Cabaret Supper Club makes a night out easy to plan.
The “Cabaret Variety Show” includes a main course and show for £49.50. Meanwhile, the “Christmas Variety Show” offers a two-course meal and show for the same price.
| Pro Tip: Pick up one of their guidebooks! These handy booklets provide all the details on upcoming events, dining options, and special promotions. |
Catch a performance at the Grand Opera House
– Media credit: gohbelfast
Location: 2-4 Great Victoria St
Contact: +44 28 9024 1919
Since 1895, the Grand Opera House has been a beloved Belfast landmark. It’s where artistry comes alive across musicals, operas, ballets, and dramas.
This iconic venue hosts an exciting mix of classic and contemporary productions. It includes fan favourites like The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
With a commitment to showcasing a range of performances, there’s always something to delight audiences of all artistic tastes.
Ticket prices are designed to welcome everyone, with options ranging from £21 to £67.50 depending on the show and seating preference.
The theatre also offers discounts like group rates for parties of 10 or more, as well as family ticket savings.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to explore the theatre’s rich history. Join a guided tour to dive into 128 years of stories, architectural beauty, and cultural heritage. |
Watch a movie at Queen’s Film Theatre
– Media credit: qftbelfast
Location: 20 University Square
Contact: +44 28 9097 1097
For a truly unique movie night in Belfast, Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT) is the place to be. It’s located in the charming setting of 20 University Square.
Since 1968, QFT has been Northern Ireland’s go-to for art houses, indie, and world cinema.
This independent cinema offers a thoughtfully curated lineup that brings stories from across the globe to local screens. It gives film enthusiasts an experience far beyond the usual multiplex fare.
Ticket prices cater to different audiences, with standard adult tickets at £8.90 for peak times and £7.00 for off-peak.
Discounts are also available for seniors, students, and children. This makes it accessible to everyone.
| Pro Tip: Look out for special events like director Q&As, themed movie seasons, and educational programs like the BFI Film Academy. It’s the perfect place to deepen your love of film and connect with fellow cinephiles. |
Bowl at Hollywood Bowl Belfast
– Media credit: belfasttimes
Location: 2 Queens Quay
Contact: +44 844 406 0611
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Hollywood Bowl Belfast is the ultimate spot for a fun-filled night out. With 20 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, this venue turns a casual game into a full-on experience.
You can expect four VIP lanes decked out in classic American décor. To top it off, they offer plenty of deals to make the night even better.
The “Kids Eat, Drink and Bowl” package starts at just £8 per person. It already includes a game of bowling, a main course, and squash for the little ones.
There’s a similar deal for adults that starts at £11. It comes with a game, a main course, and a drink.
Plus, the “3 Games Deal” lets everyone dive into extra rounds for just £10 per person – perfect for those who can’t get enough strikes!
| Pro Tip: Make a pit stop at the on-site American diner. They serve up all the classics, from burgers to hot dogs, so you can refuel without missing a beat. |
Sing karaoke at Blackstaff Karaoke
– Media credit: blackstaffkaraoke
Location: First floor, 81 Springfield Rd
Contact: +44 28 9013 4963
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 AM to 12 :00 PM & 5 :00 PM to 12 :00 AM
Blackstaff Karaoke is the ultimate spot to channel your inner pop star. They offer private karaoke rooms where you can belt out tunes with your friends.
With a massive song library of over 53,000 tracks, there’s something for everyone, no matter your musical taste.
Each room is decked out with wireless mics, high-quality karaoke systems, and disco lights. It sets the stage for a lively, immersive experience.
Plus, each room has a handy fridge to keep your drinks cool. Even better, a dedicated host is on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly.
| Pro Tip: Planning a big event? Blackstaff Karaoke offers full venue hire for larger groups, giving you the entire place to yourself for a truly private and personalised party. |
Play arcade games at Reboot Gaming Hub
– Media credit: rebootcafequb
Location: 92 Lisburn Rd
Contact: +44 28 9097 1695
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 11 :00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Reboot Gaming Hub is where serious fun meets serious gaming.
You can start on the ground floor, where retro reigns supreme with Pac-Man and Street Fighter. There’s also a board game collection big enough to keep you rolling (or role-playing) for hours.
Think Dungeons & Dragons plus every trading card classic – yep, we’re talking Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.
But wait, there’s more—the mezzanine is console heaven! It comes with Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S, and the only Red Bull Formula One Racing Simulator in Ireland.
It’s time to live out those F1 fantasies, folks!
And for the main event? Just head up to the first floor Esports Centre. There, you can find 30 power-packed PCs host legends like Valorant and League of Legends.
There are also spectator screens so everyone can witness the epic battles.
| Pro Tip: Don’t let your high score be ruined by low energy. Swing by the café for smash burgers, loaded hot dogs, crispy pizzas, and vegan treats. Wash them all down with Fairtrade coffee to keep you in the zone. |