travel with purpose
COLLiDE Travel is an interactive collection of city guides curated by local bands, artists and tastemakers. Spanning the globe, hundreds of creatives have shared their favorite local hangs, from the underground to the upscale, and everything in between. So choose a city and start exploring!
Alana Henderson
Irish cellist and folk singer Alana Henderson caught international attention with her debut EP Wax and Wane in 2014. Following the successful release of her EP, Henderson joined fellow Irish musician Hozier to play cello for his world tour over the following year. Alana’s new single “Let this Remain” was written while on tour and explores the fleeting nature of relationships forged on the road.
city guide:
Belfast, NI
food
Yügo
"A contemporary restaurant In Belfast city centre serves Asian fusion with a uniquely Irish twist. I’ll have the Crispy Chili Pork Dumplings with Soy & Garlic and 'Son in Law Egg,' but you honestly can’t go wrong! It’s best sampled with a group of friends so you can order the menu and try everything." — Alana Henderson
3 Wellington Street, Belfast BT1 6HT, UK
Recommended by
bar
Sunflower Public House
"The Sunflower is a relic of Belfast’s past with its Troubles-era security cage still attached! It’s a hidden gem located on a backstreet and hosting an eclectic mix of great live music seven nights a week. There’s excellent wood-fired pizza in its grungy, colorful beer garden. The tap selection focuses on local brews; I’d opt for a Boundary stout from their brewery in East Belfast. They are also a dog-friendly establishment!" — Alana Henderson
65 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, United Kingdom
Recommended by
coffee
387 Ormeau Road
"It’s actually a Vegan Cafe and the food is great too, but I come back for the coffee. It’s a nice spot to sit and people watch or do a crossword. Americano, or a coconut milk flat-white if I’m feeling fancy." — Alana Henderson
387 Ormeau Road, Belfast, United Kingdom
Recommended by
landmark
St. George’s Market
"St George's Market is the oldest surviving covered market on the island of Ireland. The stunning building with its elegant Victorian red-brick and green wrought-iron gates hosts a bustling weekend market that is one of my favorite weekend haunts." — Alana Henderson
12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NQ, United Kingdom
Recommended by
hotel
Bullitt Hotel
"Bullitt’hotel, themed around the classic 1968 Steve McQueen film, is the no-frills little sister to Belfast’s super plush Merchant Hotel, but the standard is equally high. It’s perfectly located for exploring the city, just a few minutes walk to the cobbled cultural hub of the Cathedral-Quarter." — Alana Henderson
40a Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN, UK
Recommended by
bar
Union Street Bar
"Union Street Bar, a former Victorian shoe factory, plays host to Belfast’s best drag queens who host karaoke three nights a week as well as game shows, cabaret, and an infamous Sunday Bingo show. So good!" — Alana Henderson
8-14 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, UK
Recommended by
shopping
Parici
"I've recently found a new favorite in Parici, an independent clothing boutique owned by Kathleen Metrope. Francophiles like me will adore this place for its luxe bohemian aesthetic, and wearable unique pieces by brands such as Mesdemoiselle Paris, Maison Scotch, Mexicana, and Intropia."
54 Upper Arthur St, Belfast BT1 4GJ, UK
Recommended by
landmark
Cave Hill
"Cave Hill is my favorite place to escape the city and get some inspiration and perspective! It has an amazing panoramic view of Belfast, including the famous H&W cranes Samson & Goliath and the docks where the Titanic was built. Cave Hill was the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. Swift thought that it resembled a sleeping giant safeguarding the city." — Alana Henderson
Cavehill, United Kingdom
Recommended by
coffee
The Pocket
Boutique cafe in Belfast that offers specialty coffees and hosts various cultural and community events.
69 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NF, UK
Recommended by
outdoors
Botanic Gardens
Public garden established in 1928. It is home to a large variety of exotic plants and trees, and hosts various cultural events on location.
College Park E, Belfast, United Kingdom
Recommended by
shopping
Metropolitan Arts Centre
Arts space and performance venue that holds cultural events and workshops, as well as a shop selling local art and a cafe.
10 Exchange Street, Belfast BT1, United Kingdom
Recommended by
shopping
Studio Souk
"Studio Souk sells and showcases the work of local artists and designers — purchase something unique to remind you of your stay." — Alana Henderson
60 - 62 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 4EG, United Kingdom
Recommended by
coffee
Co Couture
"Refuel with the best Hot Chocolate on the island." — Alana Henderson
7 Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4JA, United Kingdom
Recommended by
outdoors
Lagan Meadows
"Lagan Meadows, a nature reserve, is mere minutes from the city center and you’ll see protected bird species and cows grazing along the riverside." — Alana Henderson
Lagan Meadows, Belfast, United Kingdom
Recommended by
related