Out & About in Belfast

Northern Ireland's vibrant capital is famed for its fun loving locals, fantastic nightlife and fascinating culture, making it the ultimate destination for a party weekend, family break or anything in between. The devolved government of Northern Ireland and Queen's University are prominent landmarks in this colourful city and add to its energy. With more than its fair share of stunning architecture, green parks and fascinating museums, you will never be bored in Belfast.

Shopping

Belfast is a shopper's paradise and it's not unusual for visitors to travel to the city just to shop. Whether you are looking for the biggest designer names or unique local crafts, the city of Belfast has just what you are looking for. The main shopping area spans from Donegall Place to Royal Avenue and is great fun to wander around on foot. Or for a more traditional shopping experience, a visit to the St. George's Market is highly recommended. The oldest covered market in Ireland, there is a weekly variety market on this site offering over 20 delicious fresh seafood stalls to choose from, a must for self caterers.

For fashion lovers, the Lisburn Road in the south of the city is the place to go for the biggest names. Full of fabulous designer boutiques and dotted with plenty of cafes to refuel after a long day's retail therapy, the Lisburn Road is the ideal introduction to the city. A great option for high street names is the modern Castle Court shopping centre, the largest in Northern Ireland with over 70 shops, including Debenhams and TK Maxx.

Food and Drink

The Belfast restaurant scene has flourished in recent years, bringing much greater choice to locals and visitors alike. From Michelin Star cuisine to authentic Irish pub grub, there is a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets offering delicious fare from all corners of the globe. A lovely venue for a romantic meal or a special occasion is the Bo Tree restaurant, serving tasty Thai meals just a few minutes' walk from Queens University. For more traditional Irish pub fare with a modern twist, try Jude's Bar on Ormeau Street. The decor is minimalist but warm with leather and wood throughout and the bistro style menu is excellent.

After dark Belfast really begins to come alive and a night out in this vibrant, youthful city is always a memorable experience. From historic pubs to trendy cocktail lounges and buzzing clubs, Belfast offers nightlife to suit all occasions. Live music is a staple part of any Celtic night out and it is common to find live bands playing in many of the bars on any night of the week. From traditional Irish folk music to up and coming local talent, the quality and diversity of the Northern Irish music scene is superb. Some well known local spots for music include Kelly's Cellars and the Hercules Bar.

Arts and Entertainment

Belfast's arts scene is thriving, with all styles of music, drama and art on offer. The city is home to the Ulster Orchestra, one of the UK's most renowned symphony orchestras and it is well worth hearing them play at home if you get the chance. If art is more your thing, a great place to start is the Old Museum Arts Centre, a magnificent building housing fascinating displays of visual and performing arts. Offering a varied programme of dance, theatre, comedy and music, this is a good option for a unique evening's entertainment

A great time to visit Belfast is during the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in the spring. This colourful new festival promises the best of local talent as well as the top acts from all over the world all brought together in this vibrant area of the city.

Hotel and Travel

Getting to Belfast is easy with the city being served by two airports, Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airport, as well as a bustling sea port. Passenger ferries connect Belfast to Stranraer on the West of Scotland and Liverpool so it is easy to take your own transport to explore this fantastic city and its surrounds.

Accommodation in Belfast ranges from budget dorm beds in quirky hostels to sheer indulgence in boutique hotels. For those with young families, self-catering may be your preferred option and there are plenty of cosy cottages and apartments to fulfil your requirements. Or if a city hotel is more suitable for your trip, try the Belfast City Travelodge for a low cost place to lay your head. Or perhaps the elegance and luxury of the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, just a short drive from the city centre, is for you.

Whatever you are looking for in Belfast, from wild nights out with friends to a cultural excursion with family, the city offers such vibrant diversity that you will not be disappointed and are sure to come back planning your next trip.