Shopping in Belfast
Shopping in Belfast has improved dramatically over the last few years. The CastleCourt shopping centre and the pedestrianised streets in and around Victoria Square are home to major stores, while independent businesses and smaller outlets, like those in Queen’s Arcade and along Wellington Street, are giving them a run for their money. Don’t miss St George’s Market either - it’s enjoying a revival at weekends.
Key areas
Discerning shoppers should head for the designer boutiques along Ormeau Road, Bloomfield Avenue and Belmont Road, while Lisburn Road is known as the ‘Style Mile’.
Markets
St George's Market on East Bridge Street, opposite the Waterfront Hall, dates from 1896. Not content with being one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, it’s among the best markets in the British Isles. Its Variety Market on Fridays (0600-1500) sells food, clothes, books, antiques and also features the largest indoor fish market in the country; the Saturday City Food and Garden Market (0900-1500) offers a wide range of local and continental high-quality specialist foods; the market on Sunday (1000-1600) offers all of the above.
Shopping centres
Shopping in Belfast was spruced up with the arrival of the Victoria Square shopping centre offering 70-plus, chain-style shops and restaurants. Its viewing gallery, in a 35m-high (115ft) glass dome, features a great panorama over the city rooftops and dizzying views into the shopping complex. Meanwhile, Castle Court shopping centre, Royal Avenue, features more than 100 stores. For discounts on designer items, head over to The Outlet Village in Banbridge, which is about a 25-minute drive from the city and offers discounts of up to 70% on exclusive designer brands.
Opening hours
Generally, Belfast's shopping hours are Monday to Wednesday 0900-1800, Thursday 0900-2100, Friday and Saturday 0900-1800 and Sunday 1300-1800.
Souvenirs
Irish music, jewellery, fudge, Guinness, whisky, shamrock-inspired crafts, pottery, perfumes, clothes made with Irish wool and Celtic-designed wares are among the most popular souvenirs in the city.
