St George's Market Belfast - Friday Variety Market

St George’s Market is Belfast’s oldest surviving Victorian market building and has been named the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market by the NABMA Great British Market Awards. The Friday Variety Market is the longest-running tradition held there, with roots going back to 1604, and it remains the biggest of the market’s three weekly sessions.

What to Expect

Around 200 stalls fill the hall, with fresh fish - widely regarded as the best in Ireland - as the anchor of the day, alongside fruit, vegetables, antiques, books, clothes, hot food and cakes. The scale and variety make it more of a browse-and-graze morning than a quick shop: expect to spend an hour or two working through the stalls, with plenty of options for breakfast or lunch on the way round. A quiet hour runs from 9am to 10am for shoppers who prefer lower noise and lighting.

Good to Know

• Date and time: every Friday, 8am to 2pm

• Venue: St George’s Market, 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 3NQ

• Price: free admission; free car parking nearby in the Odyssey area

• Around 200 stalls, including fishmongers, bakers, antique dealers and clothing sellers

• Quiet hour 9am to 10am

• Recurring every Friday throughout the year

Getting There

St George’s Market is on East Bridge Street in Belfast city centre, close to the Waterfront Hall and the Odyssey/SSE Arena. It is a short walk from Belfast Central (Lanyon Place) train station, and regular Translink bus and rail connections serve the market from across County Antrim.

While You’re in Belfast

The market sits between the Waterfront Hall and the River Lagan, making it easy to combine with a walk along the riverside or a visit to the Titanic Quarter. There is more to see in Belfast and across Co. Antrim.