After many years of seeming off-limits to tourists, Belfast has become a must-see in the British Isles. Packed with terrific bars and friendly people, the Ulster capital is just the place to go if you're in search of some "craic".
Climate
Belfast has a temperate climate, with daily temperatures ranging from a January average of 6 °C (43 °F) to a July daily average of around 18 °C (64 °F). It is known for being pretty damp - the average annual rainfall of 845.8mm (33.3 in) is less than the Scottish Highlands - but more than Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.
Getting there
Belfast is an incredibly well-connected city and many budget airlines serve its airports. You can fly direct into Belfast International Airport or Belfast City Airport from many European locations.
Belfast International Airport is situated approximately 17 miles north west of Belfast City Centre, while George Best Belfast City Airport is about three miles east of the city centre.
By sea, regular scheduled ferry services operate between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. From Stranraer, Troon & Cairnryan in Scotland, and Fleetwood & Liverpool in England - bringing both foot passengers, cars and other vehicles into the area through the two ferry ports of Belfast and Larne in Co. Antrim.
Accommodation
You'll find plenty of accommodation in Belfast, from budget to luxury. Staying in and around the city centre is best situated for nights out, but for those with transport or who want to explore, you'll find hotels, hostels and bed & breakfasts from the centre outwards. Boutique hotels for romantic getaways include the always trustworthy Malmaison and the beautiful and ultra-trendy Ten Square.
Visit the official Northern Ireland Tourist Board booking portal at www.discovernorthernireland.com to find somewhere to suit your needs.
Sights and activities
Belfast Cathedral The Cathedral Church of St. Anne is truly breathtaking.
Parliament Buildings, Stormont Home of the Northern Ireland Assembly and an iconic piece of architecture.
Queen's University A stunning redbrick building right in the heart of the student-dominated cultural area called Queen's Quarter.
W5 - Who What When Where Why An interactive discovery centre for education and fun.
Titanic Dock The former maritime centre of the world, Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipbuilders are best known for the Titanic.
Ulster Museum Located in the Botanical Gardens near Queen's University.
Crown Bar Old and visually arresting pub.
Cave Hill A basaltic outcrop which overlooks the city.
City Hall A baroque revival building which faces the city's main shopping thoroughfare, Donegall Place.
St. George's Market Heaven for foodies every Saturday.
Belfast Zoo Home to more than 1200 animals and 140 species.
Shopping
The city centre has plenty to offer - the usual high street fare is available on Donegall Place, right down to the city's first major shopping centre Castle Court. The new and impressive Victoria Square development is located just off Donegall Place through Cornmarket, and boasts many of the more exclusive nationwide retailers, including House of Fraser, All Saints and Urban Outfitters.
Out of the centre, there are any number of independent trendy boutiques and delis on the Lisburn Road.
Food
The John Hewitt pub beside St Anne's Cathedral serves above average food. Eat to a jazz accompaniment on Friday evenings.
Bishop's Chip Shop at Bradbury Place has marble tables, open fires and tasty food!
Clements Coffeehouse on Donegal Place serves great lunch - have the soup and a hot panini. There are several Clements branches in the city.
The famous Crown Liquor Saloon not only serves great drinks - they also have a great value menu of simple but hearty dishes.
The Water Margin is a huge Chinese restaurant on the Ormeau Road, located in a converted church and always crowded at weekends.
Rain City Café Grill on the Malone Road is an upmarket diner with a great atmosphere.
Villa Italia on University Road is always packed and serves great Italian food in a lively and unpretentious atmosphere. Sister restaurant Scalini on Botanic Avenue is every bit as enjoyable.
Belfast's only Michelin-starred restaurant is Restaurant Michael Deane. Perfect for serious foodies and priced accordingly. If you're on a budget, Deane's Brasserie downstairs is a cheaper and quality alternative.
Harbour View Restaurant at Lanyon Quay is quite an experience, where Teppinyaki chefs stir fry your food at your table over flaming grills - a performance not to missed.
Going out
As a capital and as a city which loves to socialise, Belfast is not at all short of nightlife! There are great pubs like the already-mentioned John Hewitt and Crown, as well as the Ormeau Road's Errigle Inn and the trendy Botanic Inn.
Clubbers can track down big names at Shine or Milk, while alt. sorts may prefer gothy Stiff Kitten or the indie Auntie Annie's on Dublin Road.
More information
www.discovernorthernireland.com
www.gotobelfast.com
www.belfasttourist.com
www.goireland.com
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