St George's Market

What it is and why it matters

A Friday market has been held in Belfast since 1604, and the current hall was built for it between 1890 and 1896. Run by Belfast City Council, it is one of the city's oldest attractions and was named the UK's Best Large Indoor Market 2023 at the NABMA Great British Market Awards. The Friday Variety Market has around 200 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, antiques, books, clothing and fresh fish, and its fish section is regarded as one of the best on the island. Saturday's City Food and Craft Market brings speciality foods from around the world, crafts, flowers and plants, local photography, pottery and glass, often with live local music.

Visiting practicalities

Entrances are on Oxford Street, May Street and East Bridge Street. Toilets, including an accessible toilet with baby changing, are on the Verner Street side, and there is a free water refill point near the East Bridge Street entrance. Dogs on leads are welcome. The council arranges discounted weekend parking at the nearby Lanyon Place car park. Check the council website for current trading times before you go.

Nearby and combining your visit

The Waterfront Hall and the River Lagan are across the road, and Belfast City Hall is a short walk west. Sunday's market mixes the Friday and Saturday formats with a focus on local arts and crafts.

Highlights

• Victorian market hall built 1890–1896
• Friday market tradition dating to 1604
• Around 200 stalls at the Friday Variety Market
• UK's Best Large Indoor Market 2023 (NABMA)

Good to know

• Markets run Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Free water refill station near the East Bridge Street entrance
• Discounted parking at Lanyon Place car park

Frequently asked questions