St George’s Market is where Belfast goes to eat, shop and catch up at the weekend, and it is one of the liveliest places in the city to spend a morning. The red-brick hall with its glazed iron roof was built between 1890 and 1896, but the Friday market here is said to trace its roots back to 1604, and in 2023 St George’s was named the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market at the Great British Market Awards. Each day has its own character. Friday’s variety market fills around 200 stalls with fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, antiques, books, clothes, crafts, cakes and hot food. Saturday’s city food and craft market is the foodie favourite, with local and continental specialities, meat, fish, cheese, coffee and tapas alongside handmade crafts, flowers, pottery and photography. Sunday’s craft and antiques market mixes the two with an emphasis on local makers. Local musicians play on Saturday and Sunday, and the hot food stalls make it an excellent place for a relaxed brunch. This page links to the official market information from Belfast City Council.
How to visit: the market stands opposite the Waterfront Hall, about ten minutes’ walk east of City Hall, with entrances on Oxford Street, May Street and East Bridge Street. It opens on Friday from 8am to 2pm, Saturday from 9am to 3pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Each day starts with a quiet hour, from 9am to 10am on Friday and Saturday and from 10am to 11am on Sunday, when the music is turned off for those who prefer a calmer visit. Times can change on public and bank holidays, so check before you go.
What to expect: busy, friendly aisles, the smell of coffee and frying breakfasts, and a soundtrack of live music at the weekend. Many traders take cards, but carrying a little cash helps at smaller stalls. Seating fills at peak brunch time, so arrive early or late in the session.
Making the most of it: come hungry on a Saturday, graze your way around the food stalls, and pick up local produce, crafts or a print as a souvenir. Combine it with a walk along the River Lagan to the Titanic Quarter, or with a tour of City Hall on the way back into the centre.
What to expect
The experience
A covered Victorian market hall with food, produce, crafts and antiques stalls, hot food counters and live music at weekends.
Best time
Saturday morning for the food and craft market, arriving early for a seat at brunch.
How long
One to two hours, longer if you settle in with brunch and the music.
Tips
Remember it opens only Friday to Sunday, use the quiet hour for a calmer visit, and carry a little cash for smaller stalls.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and anyone who wants to see Belfast at its most sociable on a weekend morning.
- Families
- Children love the hot food, the bustle and the music, and the quiet hour suits anyone sensitive to noise.
- Couples
- A leisurely Saturday brunch with live music, then a stroll along the river.
- Pair with
- A walk along the Lagan to Titanic Belfast, or a free tour at City Hall.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
When is St George’s Market open?+
It opens on Friday from 8am to 2pm, Saturday from 9am to 3pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Times may change on public and bank holidays.
Which day is best for St George’s Market?+
Saturday’s city food and craft market is the favourite for food lovers. Friday is the big variety market with around 200 stalls, and Sunday focuses on crafts and antiques.
Is there live music at St George’s Market?+
Yes, local musicians play on Saturday and Sunday. The music is switched off during the quiet hour at the start of each day.
Where is St George’s Market?+
It is opposite the Waterfront Hall, about ten minutes’ walk east of City Hall. Entrances are on Oxford Street, May Street and East Bridge Street.
How old is St George’s Market?+
The current hall was built between 1890 and 1896. The Friday market is said to date back as far as 1604.
