8 Of The Best Pubs In Belfast City Centre

The best pubs in Belfast City Centre are all located a short stroll from each other (see map below).

I’ve spent many-a-night suppin’ away in Belfast and, over time, Madden’s, The Sunflower and McHugh’s have become my ‘go-tos’ any time I’m in the city.

Below, you’ll find everything from traditional Irish pubs and Victorian-style watering holes with magnificent interiors to some of the best bars in Belfast for live music. Cheers!

The best pubs in Belfast City Centre

Take a moment to look at the Belfast bars map above, as it’ll give you the lay-of-the-land nice and quickly.

As you can see, each of the Belfast pubs in this guide are located in one section of the city, so you can walk between them with ease!

1. Madden’s Bar

You’ll find Madden’s on Berry St. where it’s immediately recognisable thanks to its vibrant exterior, complete with a massive mural on its side wall.

Arguably one of the best-known pubs in Belfast for traditional music sessions, Madden’s is also (in my opinion, anyway!) home to the best Guinness in Belfast.

When you ramble through its doors, you’ll be greeted by a cozy interior with Irish memorabilia, flags, posters, and vintage signage dotted around its walls, along with a blazing stove on the go during the cooler months.

There’s live music here several nights a week and, if you visit on a Sunday, there’s a piping trad session from 16:00!

2. The Sunflower

Although The Sunflower on Union St. (behind the library) only opened in 2012, there has been a pub on this corner since the 1800’s.

It’s likely that the first thing to catch your eye when you arrive will be the security cage on the front door. This would have come in handy during 1980’s Belfast, but it’s now simply a reminder of the city’s past.

One of the few bars in Belfast to host live music 7 days a week, it’s also one of the few that’s dog-friendly, too!

Although you’ll often struggle to nab a seat in the pokey yet cosy bar, there’s a large, south-facing beer garden out back. Oh, and if you’re after pub grub with a difference, give the wood fired pizza a crack!

3. Bittles Bar

A long-time hub for the movers and shakers on Belfast’s theatre scene, Bittles Bar on Victoria St. dates back to the 1860s when it was originally named ‘The Shakespeare’ for this very reason.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and Bittles is still one of the most unique bars in Belfast, thanks to the building’s distinct flatiron shape.

When you walk into Bittles, you’ll struggle to decide what to look at first. There are endless pictures, caricatures, vintage pub memorabilia and many unique and unusual fixtures and fittings.

Although this is another of the best pubs in Belfast when it comes to ‘The Black Stuff’, it’s Bittles impressive collection of whiskey that often steals the show.

4. Whites Tavern

Few Belfast pubs boast a heritage like Whites Tavern, just off of High St. The very first Tavern license was granted to the building which White’s now calls ‘home’.

You get a sense of the buildings age from the moment you set eyes upon it, with two massive lanterns hanging above its front door.

The magic begins when you step inside, and you really get the feel of what life must have been like in olden-day Belfast as you gaze around.

The interior of White’s features exposed wooden beams, a rustic open fireplace along with weathered-walls adorned with vintage photographs and antique signs, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

5. McHugh’s

Another of the very old Belfast pubs is the brilliant McHugh’s on Queen’s Square. The building started its life as a private home, around 1711, and it was converted into a pub between 1715 and 1725.

On fine days, you’ll find plenty of seating along the footpath outside McHugh’s, but it’s what’s on the inside here that counts.

The bar has ancient, exposed brick walls, wooden beams and an old wooden floor that looks like something from ‘The Green Dragon’, the old coaching inn from the Lord of the Rings.

A good spot for fans of trad music and Guinness, you’ll also find some of the best pub grub in Belfast at McHugh’s.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Belfast

6. The Duke of York

A visit to the Duke of York in the city’s mighty Cathedral Quarter is rarely anything but a memorable one.

The experience begins when you take the turn off Donegall St. and head down the narrow Commercial Court – though I’ve been here many times, I still can’t decide what hits the senses first, the vibrant lights or the hum from people chatting reverberating off the walls.

The now-famous street, with it’s colourful lights and signage sets the scene for what lays ahead. The interior of The Duke is about 80% mirrors.

OK, that’s maybe an exaggeration, but there are mirrors everywhere along with hundred of pictures, posters and pub signs.

As you sip, you’ll find your head craning in every direction, attempting to take it all in. If you’re after a unique experience, this is one of the best pubs in Belfast City Centre.

7. Kelly’s Cellars

Another of the oldest pubs in Belfast, Kelly’s Cellars dates back to 1720 and its interior remains largely unchanged since.

There is a massive outdoor seating around here that’s perfect for those visiting with groups.

However, it’s the interior, with its low arches, open fire, white washed stone walls and many nooks and crannies that make this a great spot for a pint.

If you’re after live music, there are trad sessions here during the week from 9 and then garden sessions during the summer weekends.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best nightclubs in Belfast and the best cocktail bars in Belfast)

8. The Crown Liquor Saloon 

So, the last of the Belfast pubs in this guide is one that tends to stir up a bit of debate online, with some saying it’s a tourist trap.

Personally, I think there are few pubs in Ireland that are even remotely as unique as the Crown Liquor Saloon.

These features are all credited to a group of Italian craftsmen who were in Belfast to build churches. It’s said that the pubs owner brought them in to work on The Crown Bar ‘after hours’.

Located on Great Victoria Street, the Crown Bar boasts vintage decor that remains true to the pub’s 1820s roots, with the striking polychromatic tiles of the exterior the first thing that greets your eyes.

Although it’s a popular spot amongst tourists, this is one of the best pubs in Belfast when it comes to appearance and history.

Explore beyond the Belfast pubs

Now that I have what I think are the best bars in Belfast City Centre out of the way, it’s time to look at the various things to do in Belfast.

• Key attractions: Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast Castle, the Black Cab Tours and the Belfast Murals
• Walks: Cave Hill and Black Mountain
• Food: See my Belfast brunch guide or my guide to the best restaurants in Belfast

Still have questions about the various Belfast pubs? Feel free to ask questions in the comments!