St George's Market is one of the oldest covered markets in Ireland and still one of the best reasons to be in Belfast on a Saturday morning. The Victorian ironwork roof covers everything from fresh fish and local cheese to international street food and flower stalls. There's always something frying, always something worth trying, always a crowd that's genuinely happy to be there.
The Saturday City Food and Garden Market is the busiest and most rewarding. Come around ten and take your time working your way through the stalls before the midday rush thins everything out. The Friday variety market is quieter and better for antiques and crafts. Sunday has a shorter run but is still worth it if you're nearby.
For the price of a few dishes and a coffee, you can spend a whole morning here and come away with a proper sense of the city. It's one of the best free things Belfast does.