One of my favourite things to do in Belfast is to grab a coffee, open up my laptop, and get some work done, or sometimes just switch off with a good book. The city has no shortage of cosy cafés, each with their own charm, and over time I’ve built up a list of my go-to spots.

Here are my top picks for coffee and study vibes in Belfast:

Aleksandar’s

University Avenue (near Queen’s)

Right in the Queen’s area on University Avenue, Aleksandar’s is a bit of a hidden gem. They serve proper ground coffee and tasty homemade food. A nice bonus, they have a stamp card, so your 9th coffee is free! There’s also outdoor seating, which is perfect for catching some sun on those rare Belfast blue-sky days. It’s a lovely little study nook with a laid-back atmosphere.

Blue Train

Botanic Avenue

Just off Botanic, Blue Train is one of the friendliest cafés in town. It’s got plenty of space to study, a relaxed vibe, and shelves full of artisan goods like jewellery and bags. They also stock fresh sandwiches and baked goods from Bakari Bakery (which are so good). It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a couple of hours without realising how quickly time’s passed.

Sojourn

Stranmillis Road

Sojourn might just be my favourite place for sweet treats in Belfast. Their banana bread and cinnamon swirl are honestly the best in the city, and I’m a big fan of their flat white too. The space itself is warm and welcoming, perfect for solo study sessions or catching up with reading. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is a must.

Established Coffee

Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter

If you’re in the city centre, Established is the place to go. It’s got a minimalist vibe with big communal tables, so it works perfectly for group study sessions as well as solo work. Their matcha latte is one of the best in Belfast, and the atmosphere feels both modern and calm. It can get busy, but the space is big enough that you’ll usually find a seat.

Terrace

Malone Road

Terrace is another favourite of mine - a bright, lively spot with plenty of seating. I love their smoothies just as much as their coffee, and it has the kind of energy that keeps you motivated while you’re working. It’s a bit more vibey than quiet, so if you like background buzz while you study, this is a brilliant pick.

Special Mention: Phin Coffee House

Ormeau Street

Okay, so Phin might not be the best place to study (it’s usually buzzing with people), but I couldn’t leave it off the list because it’s hands down my favourite coffee in Belfast. They specialise in Vietnamese coffee, and their sea salt coffee is unreal. They also host a running club where you get a free coffee afterwards, what’s not to love? It’s more of a “best coffee in town” spot than a study nook, but it absolutely deserves a shout-out.

Final Thoughts

Belfast has such a rich coffee culture, and these spots each bring something different - from hidden gems like Aleksandar’s to the buzzing energy of Phin. Whether you’re in the mood to settle in with your laptop, dive into a book, or just enjoy a perfectly brewed flat white, there’s a café in the city for you.

So next time you’re wandering around Belfast with some work to do (or a craving for banana bread), give one of these a try.

Find out more

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My Favourite Vegan and Gluten-Free Cafes in Belfast

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Suhani Bansal Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India Hello there! I’m Suhani, a final-year medical student with a love for games, running, and discovering new places to eat (recommendations always welcome!). When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me exploring the city, catching up with friends, or trying to convince myself that running counts as cardio and therapy.