Belfast street art city tour

If you’re a Belfast student, you’ll already be familiar with the eye-catching street art that makes the city a feast for the eyes to explore.

If you’re new to Belfast, having a wander and checking out how the skyline has been transformed into a colourful canvas is a brilliant way to get immersed – not to mention getting your bearings, with different pieces acting as great wayfinders should you get a bit lost during your first few days at university!

We don’t want to spoil all the surprises you can find on walls and street corners around Belfast, but we thought we’d put together a bit of a handy guide on what sights you can expect – and where – on a street art tour of your uni city.

Street art hotspots in Belfast

It’d almost be easier to highlight the streets where you can’t find street art in Belfast, so prevalent is it across the city. Whether it’s art that hints at the city’s culture and history or simply looks cool (or both!), street art is ingrained in the landscape and so there’s plenty to see. We’ve chosen a few of the most prolific spots where you can find some stunning pieces – and, of course, pose against that Insta-worthy backdrop!

Looking for more Belfast inspo? Check out our Belfast student city guide.

Donegall Street

Ulster University students are in for a treat, as you’re likely to encounter some eye-opening pieces on the way to lectures. Just down from York Street, where the main campus building is located, you’ll find Donegall Street where you can feast your eyes on everything from a Beastie Boys mural (as seen on Line of Duty) to a super-size squirrel.

Two of our favourites are ‘True to Our Words’ (Christina Angelina) and ‘The Acrobat’ (Alice Pasquini), the latter performing a balancing act above the street sign. Check out a sneak peek below:

Surrounding areas like Union Street and Kent Street maintain the expressionist streak, with pieces depicting everything from nesting birds to futuristic collages and steaming hearts. Here’s a double whammy on Kent Street, with ‘Various Pieces’ (BustArt) side by side with Annatomix’s self-titled fox – we love to see it!

Queen Street and Castle Street

Close to two of our Belfast student accommodations, John Bell House and Swanston House, there is a cluster of striking artwork you need to see for yourself. On Queen Street, which is home to Swanston House (and a 20-min walk to Queen’s University), you can take in the moody magic of ‘When You Weren’t Looking’ (Kitsune Jolene).

Just over the road, you’ll find owls and butterflies adorning red brick, while adjacent Castle Street features another Annatomix cut, 2018’s ‘Golden Hares of Rathlin Island’ depicting the native Irish hare in the artist’s signature geometric style:

Cathedral Quarter

Looping back towards the north of the city centre, you’ll be nearing our remaining Belfast properties (Little Patrick Street, Great Patrick Street and Nelson Place) and you won’t walk far without stumbling upon another street art highlight.

On Hill Street, overlooking popular student hangout The Dirty Onion, you’ll find a face-off between woman and wolf in ‘Still Water’ by Nomad Clan (pictured below). Nearby Talbot Street features a number of must-see pieces, while at the iconic Pottinger’s Entry you’ll be greeted by the stunning ‘Spirit of Commerce’ by Irony as you head down the famous passageway.

Psst… don’t forget Student Roost

Inspired by the artistry that is a staple of the city (not to mention some FOMO), we got the supremely talented Ten Hundred to add some iconic artwork to our very own Great Patrick Street property. As you walk through the doors at GPS, you’re greeted by the colourful mural below in the reception area. What a cool welcome, right? Remember to look out for it when you come for a viewing!

Don't forget: the city’s artistic landscape doesn’t stop at eye-popping paintings or majestic murals, either. On your Belfast walkabouts, don’t forget to check out sculptures and statues like the iconic ‘Big Fish’ near the docklands, plus unmissable installations like Commercial Court’s rainbow umbrellas.

We hope you’ve found some inspiration on what to look out for when you’re next out and about in Belfast. If you’re looking for Belfast student accommodation, check out our multiple properties in the city, including our newest addition Nelson Place which brings amazing features like a sky lounge (see if you can spot some of this iconic art from the 11th floor!) and free membership for residents to Ulster University’s state-of-the-art sport centre, located at Nelson Place. Don’t miss this!