Nightclub advice - first time visiting Belfast

https://www.reddit.com/r/Belfast/comments/1if3ugz/nightclub_advice_first_time_visiting_belfast/

created by starstruckintravels on 01/02/2025 at 10:50 UTC

12 upvotes, 20 top-level comments (showing 20)

Hi everyone, just thought I’ll try my luck here . I’m planning to travel to Belfast next weekend and was wondering what the nightclub scene is in Belfast. I’m from Liverpool so love a pub crawl 😂 but just thinking if there’s any good night clubs in Belfast ( not the ones exclusively for students ) .

Also is it true that on the weekends clubs aren’t too busy - and it’s busier on Wednesdays ??🥲 Thank youuuu

Comments

Comment by Klutzy-Seesaw-1054 at 01/02/2025 at 12:26 UTC

44 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Avoid Thompsons at all costs!!!

Comment by Ronotrow2 at 01/02/2025 at 11:56 UTC

65 upvotes, 2 direct replies

Avoid Thompsons it's a shit pit no matter what they throw at it. Bouncers are either creeping on wee girls or giving somebody a hiding

Comment by Appropriate_Goal361 at 01/02/2025 at 12:41 UTC

23 upvotes, 1 direct replies

The maverick bar and upstairs nightclub boombox are so friendly and safe ! And great music for dancing. Couldn't recommend more as a 31yr old who hasn't been OUT OUT in a long time.

Comment by SeasonAmazing661 at 01/02/2025 at 12:50 UTC

29 upvotes, 3 direct replies

Ulster Sports Club

https://www.ulstersportsclub.com[1][2]

1: https://www.ulstersportsclub.com

2: https://www.ulstersportsclub.com

Comment by bossragirish at 01/02/2025 at 11:06 UTC

17 upvotes, 1 direct replies

The telegraph is good proper raves , there’s so many good bars around the cathedral quarter , avoid Thompsons garage it’s Shyt ,

Comment by Active-Strawberry-37 at 01/02/2025 at 15:36 UTC

5 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Biggest bit of advice would be to go out early, clubs tend to close earlier here. Instead of going out midnight-5am, you should aim for 9pm-2am.

Comment by galnol22 at 01/02/2025 at 12:40 UTC*

10 upvotes, 2 direct replies

Having lived in Liverpool and Belfast, I wouldn't expect too much in terms of clubbing. The clubs don't even come close for many reasons, the main one being that they shut early.. as you know yourself.. the clubs in liverpool don't 🍻💃🏻🥳 The music is very samey as well (thump thump thump).

You could however have a decent pub crawl. Cathedral quarter is your best bet, however if you don't mind a quick taxi ride you could intially start off in the 5 points, it's quite lively on a Saturday afternoon.. ignore the staff behind the bar who generally look like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders and aren't overly friendly.

P.s go out early!

Comment by Aquamarine-Aries at 01/02/2025 at 14:47 UTC

8 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I love the gay bars like Kremlin, Union Street, and The Maverick. Union is my fave though. Great music, entertainment, and drinks. Their outdoor area upstairs is also lovely.

Comment by Worried_Mammoth3058 at 01/02/2025 at 18:19 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Last I was in a nightclub in Belfast was 2022 and had a great night in Boombox. Can’t do late nights anymore but it’s opened till 2am I think

Comment by ElemGem at 01/02/2025 at 12:20 UTC

8 upvotes, 0 direct replies

The National has a nightclub and Ollie’s beside the Merchant.

The Cathedral Quarter is great for a pub crawl

Comment by travelgirlie9955 at 02/02/2025 at 10:14 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Depends what you want from a club night - if you want more underground scenes I’d follow clubs like Ulster Sports Club and Shine on IG and then follow the organisers of different events happening in there. They’re mainly in USC but can sometimes organise in other less well known places like Southside Social or Palm House and even have boat parties sometimes. And Telegraph too although that’s well known.

If you’re looking for mainstream clubbing, Thompsons or Ollie’s (although I wouldn’t recommend them personally). Limelight does club nights although the average age is 19.

If you’re looking LGBTQI+ friendly, Union Street is the place to go. Boom Box is always belter for a night out.

Comment by StressfordPoet at 01/02/2025 at 10:51 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Deers Head.

Comment by setthejuice at 01/02/2025 at 14:13 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

What clubs in Liverpool do you go to?

Comment by ElectronicFun8603 at 01/02/2025 at 15:19 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Welly Park...

Comment by starstruckintravels at 01/02/2025 at 23:02 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thanks everyone :)

Comment by Failed-Influencer at 02/02/2025 at 08:07 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

AM PM is great for grub and very close to the city centre

Comment by Bumblebee-Feeling at 03/02/2025 at 11:44 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Ulster Sports Club, banana block, Kremlin

Comment by EggplantOk3259 at 01/02/2025 at 13:02 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

People will inevitably moan about Belfast night life on this post as people love to do with everything so ignore it, Belfast is great for a night out, just avoid Thompsons! (And Ollie’s IMO bc the ppl that go are annoying in my experience), Liverpool is possibly cheaper for drinks though so bare that in mind

Comment by taltallytalia at 02/02/2025 at 10:01 UTC

0 upvotes, 0 direct replies

All the pubs shut at 1, but Second Fiddle stays open til 2 or 3am Fridays and Saturdays I think. The gay bars are open til 3am but apart from Boombox, there's generally pretty unfriendly vibes, the bouncers are nasty, and entry is exorbitant.

Comment by UTT092 at 01/02/2025 at 11:05 UTC

-8 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Shine @ Telegraph. Ulster Sports Club. Thompsons.