5 Places to Read in Belfast

While I love curling up with a good book at home, I also enjoy heading out for the occasional solo reading date. As Stephen King says, ‘books are a uniquely portable magic’, perfect for throwing in your bag and going on an adventure! Whether you’re a local bookworm looking for the best places to read or a visitor to the city who never leaves home without a good book, here are five places to read in Belfast…

5 Places to Read in Belfast

Caffé Nero

Good for evening reading and comfy seating. As it’s a chain, you also know what the food and drink will be like.

To my dismay, there aren’t many cosy coffee shops in Belfast that feature sofas and nooks ideal for reading. One of the best I’ve found isn’t an independent, it’s Caffe Nero. There are three options I would recommend around town – Forestside (if you can hack the car parking), Ormeau Road and Upper Newtownards Road. The latter two are also open later than most coffee shops, which is perfect if you want to have a cuppa and read a good book after work.

Bob and Berts

Good for tasty food in the city centre.

I know Bob and Berts is another chain, but this one is Northern Irish which makes it feel a little more local and slightly more individual. The one on Belfast’s Fountain Street is my favourite. The food is good and there are some sofas in the back. If the soft seats are taken, you could opt for one of the huts on the side and you’d still have a nice private area to enjoy a book and a cuppa. The branch on Ann Street also has a quieter area upstairs with a couple of smaller sofas.

Twilight

Good for comfy, cosy vibes and good coffee.

I’m cheating a little with this one because it’s not technically in Belfast – it’s in Carnlough, near Glenarm, around 45-60 minutes from the city by car. If you have transport and some time to spare, I can highly recommend Twilight. It has gorgeous views, comfy seats, and some of the best coffee and brunch in the Glens. It gets very busy, so arriving in time for opening is not a bad idea. I have yet to find anywhere in Belfast that replicates it.

The Linen Hall Library

Good for when you want to read in silence in a more formal setting.

Sometimes, only reading in a library will do. There’s something so inspiring about being surrounded by books and other readers! Our local library is on Upper Newtownards Road. While it has a couple of winged chairs, it feels a bit soulless (thanks, Belfast City Council!). I much prefer The Linen Hall Library, a hidden gem in the city centre. You enter via an inconspicuous door on Donegall Square North, just along from Waterstones. There’s a cafe, and overall, it’s a gorgeous place to sit and read.

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon’s Park

Good for reading outside on a warm summer’s day.

If you enjoy reading outside surrounded by nature, I loveSir Thomas and Lady Dixon’s Park. There are benches, some of which are undercover just in case it rains (not an impossibility here in Belfast), and if you go in the summer months, the rose garden is stunning.

Other Belfast parks with nice benches or grassy areas perfect for a picnic blanket include Ormeau Park where you’ll find lots of green space and plenty of trees to lean against while you read. I also enjoy the Botanical Gardens. Coop Coffee Van is located at one of the entrances so you could grab a coffee and a bun to enjoy while reading on a bench. The gardens are more central than Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, so if you’re on foot, it’s probably a better option for reading al fresco.

Room2 Belfast Hometel Lobby and Bar

Good for a home-from-home feel with plenty of people watching on the side.

A hotel lobby can be a great place to get a drink and read a book. There are often comfy sofas, and while people come and go, they can provide a lovely, relaxing setting to sit and enjoy your book in peace.

My favourite around town for its vibes, décor and general ambience is Room2. Conveniently located on Queen Street, just around the corner from the City Hall, it’s known as a ‘Hometel’, which tells you a lot about the feel of the place. In addition to their bar and lounge, Winnie’s, there’s also a tearoom called Rosy Lea. There’s regular live music from 6-8, which I have yet to enjoy, but if it isn’t too crowded, this could be a lovely environment to enjoy your book with a cocktail.

If you’re looking for a slightly grander place to read, The Merchant Hotel lobby could be right up your street – grab a drink from the cocktail bar and enjoy the sumptuous surroundings!

What’s Your Favourite Place to Read in Belfast?

Have I missed your favourite reading spot in the city? As much as I enjoy visiting the chain coffee shops mentioned above, I’d love to find somewhere independent to sit on a comfy sofa and read for an hour or two – please comment below or share your recommendations with me via Instagram.

Don’t Forget to Log Your Reads!

My Reading Journal provides the perfect home for a written record of the books you read over the course of a year. As well as logging key information such as the title of the book, author, genre and when you read it, you can also use your journal to note down any thoughts along with your favourite quotes. > And Hope Designs Reading Journal