Under $100: Belfast, Ireland

Ireland is featured on many a bucket list thanks to its gorgeous scenery, amiable population and kegs upon kegs of good old Irish beer. Venture even further into Irish culture by visiting Northern Ireland, and use the tips below to keep your spending to a minimum while still enjoying the region´s largest city, Belfast.

The capital of Northern Ireland is accessible by plenty of inexpensive trains from larger cities such as Dublin. Once in Belfast, start your day with a homemade muffin and cappuccino at Black Bear Cafe, then scurry into the fresh Irish air for a jaunt through the tiny yet cosmopolitan capital city.

St. George’s Market © William Murphy | Flickr

Start at St. George´s Market where food stalls, local vendors and people watching await. Sometimes live music echoes through the stalls, providing a pleasant and harmonious browsing experience.

After an affordable lunch at The Square Cafe and Restaurant, where sandwiches and chowders range from $5.50 to $11, hike up Prince of Wales Avenue to Parliament where free entry allows you to see the intricate interior of the hilltop wonder.

Belfast City Hall © Michael Walsh | Dreamstime

Visit Cathedral Quarter for a spot of afternoon tea, followed by a stroll surrounding the cathedral, and finish the night with a bar crawl through some of the hospitable haunts. When hunger hits, head to Darcy´s Belfast and fill up on Irish delights such as cottage pie (with minced meat) or homemade Irish lamb stew (both $15).