Plan your Visit
Stay
Looking for a comfy place to stay? Of course you are! And you’re guaranteed to find it here in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. Visit Belfast have top suggestions, from 5-star hotels, hostels, serviced apartments, and camping & caravanning, you’re sure to find accommodation in Belfast within your budget.
Eat & Drink
Belfast has a five star hospitality sector with something for everyone. Visit Belfast have great ideas and tips to keep your taste buds satisfied. Check out our Mela Bites programme for special dining offers and experiences through the festival week.
Explore
There are so many great things to see and do across the city. You’ll find fascinating walking, bus and taxi tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary inspirations. Not to mention the superb shopping, beautiful landmarks and top class entertainment. Check out Visit Belfast and Discover NI for great ideas and tips to plan your stay alongside our festival events.
Festival Venues
As Mela continues to expand and grow its programme across the city, we have a number of different venue partners. In 2023, our partners are:
- Botanic Gardens
- City Hall
- St Anne’s Cathedral
- Queen Street Studios
- Belfast Empire Music Hall
- Lady of the Lagan
Getting to Belfast
By air
Flights from all major UK and European cities arrive at either of Belfast’s two airports:
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is located 19 miles away or about a 30-40 minutes drive via the M2 Motorway. The Airport 300 bus service runs from the airport terminal to the city centre regularly. Please check www.translink.co.uk for Airport services.
George Best Belfast City Airport
The airport is situated just three miles from Belfast City Centre. Please check www.belfastcityairport.com for flight information. The Airport Express 600 bus service runs from the airport terminal to the city centre regularly. Please check www.translink.co.uk for Airport services.
By boat
Stena Line sails up to six times a day between Belfast and Cairnryan, and up to twice a day between Belfast and Liverpool. Check timetables on www.stenaline.co.uk. P&O sails up to nine times a day from Cairnryan to Larne. Check timetables on www.poferries.com
By bus
Translink operate bus, coach and train services across the province. Belfast Metro buses are very regular throughout the day. A single journey bus ticket starts at £2.10. Day tickets start at £4.20 off peak. Smartlink multi-journey cards start at £7.75 for 5 journeys. See translink.co.uk
By train
Lines run between Belfast and Dublin, Larne, Londonderry and points in between. Contact Translink on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 or visit translink.co.uk for up-to-date timetable information.