Quick trip to Belfast for Queen’s Open Day - what to see and do?

[WhatWouldTheDoctorDo]

We’re off to Belfast soon for an open day. Two nights, but realistically will only have from 3pm on the day of the open day, and until 3pm the next day before we fly home to explore.

Any must see/do’s that will give DC a flavour of student life in Belfast, while squeezing in a bit of sight seeing? Have never been to Belfast before.

We’re staying just off Lisburn Road if that helps and flying in and out of Belfast International.

TIA!

A taxi tour is unmissable

Orto

If you like a burger, Bunsen burger on Hill St is wondrous

I love Belfast. I know some students in Queens and whilst they sometimes go home for the weekend they bring their friends from England home with them to their families whenever they want so they're never left alone if they don't want to be. People here are quite like that generally, warm and friendly.

People tend to rate a black taxi tour, the open top bus is a good option in any city to orient you and the Belfast one is good. I like St George's Market and would do it - if you like a market. You will at the least get a good coffee there. Cathedral quarter is a good shout for food and a wander and around the uni like the Ulster Museum and botanic gardens a natural choice. I think you have it covered! Belfast is a small city and I reckon a great place to be a student - enjoy it!

Thanks everyone.

i think we’re pretty much decided on dinner on Lisburn Road the night we arrive, then the Open Day itself followed by Ulster Museum etc.

Then either to the Cathedral Quarter for food and a wander or book dinner at Holihans as it’s not far from were we are staying.

The next day we’ll do breakfast at St George’s and the open top bus tour or spend a few hours in the Cathedral Quarter if we haven’t done that the night before. Late lunch and home!

There is not much to do in the “cathedral quarter” but eat and drink. It’s also essentially about two streets! You could visit the Mac. But you can have a wander round the city centre as well.

As you’ve said Shu is close to where you are staying and is nice. Also Deanes at Queens is handy.

Agreed. The cathedral quarter isn't somewhere to spend a few hours unless you're eating or drinking. The cathedral itself is worth a look.

Bus top tour on Sunday it is then! Thanks again all of you, this has been really helpful.

Hi op my daughter and I are going over for it too. I went to queens (30 years ago🤣) but live in England. Trying to encourage dd to study in Belfast as family down south and Belfast is still pretty cheap relative to her other options (not as cheap as 1994 unfortunately). What subject is your son interested in? I take it you’re aware of the scholarships for UK students?
i have a mental list of things to see the Friday New student union! And I have to visit no alibi on botanic. Daughter loves boojum Mexican fast food from previous visits and going out for dinner with old friends the Saturday night. I think it’s fair to say I’m more excited than she is 🤣

https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/England-Scotland-Wales/gbscholarship/

if your DC’s do end up going there is a £3k scholarship if you are coming from the mainland to study, goes towards accommodation fees for first year

Inspired by your thread, I've just booked another trip to Belfast! I've booked an early set dinner at the Merchant Hotel, which looks pretty good value (hopefully!).

Might need to start another thread now for ideas for day trips from Belfast by train!