Belfast city guide and sightseeing         

Summary
Like a phoenix risen from the ashes, Belfast has emerged from its political woes to become an exciting city break destination. Gourmet restaurants, stylish bars, trendy clubs and hotels like the uber chic Ten Square Hotel, Malmaison and Merchant Hotel have helped to overturn the fortunes of a city once engulfed in The Troubles. Thanks to the ceasefire and low cost flights, tourists are flocking to the destination to see what all the fuss is about.

As part of its renewal, a £3 billion pound plan to create waterfront hotels, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants is underway in the Titantic Quarter, the former shipbuilding yard which launched the world's most famous liner. Other developments include the restoration of the old Pump House and slipways, new boat trips and a Maritime Museum due to open in 2012, the centenary of the Titanic's doomed voyage to New York.

Getting there/getting aroundBelfast
There are two airports. Belfast City is linked by rail and bus to the centre, three miles away and the International Airport is a 40 min drive away. Look out for low cost airline deals. Ferry operators to the city include Norfolkline, P&O and Stena Line.

You can tour the city by boat, bus, bike, taxi, foot, with a number of themed tours available too.

Sightseeing in Belfast
If you only have limited time in the city, a must-do is a black cab tour of the Falls Road and Shankhill Road areas where public murals and slogans illustrate three decades of The Troubles and where guides explain the beliefs and cultures of the two communities.

Visit the Parliament buildings in Stormont and visit the Great Hall. The public gardens are also wonderful and host special concerts throughout the year. The City Hall is popular among photographers because of its elegant Renaissance facades. Belfast Cathedral, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the St Patrick Centre, a museum dedicated to the saint, are also highlights of a city tour.

Visit the elegant buildings of the Cathedral Quarter which has a lively arts and crafts scene and the Titantic Quarter which traces the history of shipbuilding in the centre. If you want to escape the city, visit Cave Hill, which is said to have inspired Gulliver's Travels. Its 368m peak offers fabulous views and you can even spot Scotland on a clear day.

Belfast family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences         

Family attractions in Belfast
Belfast Zoo sprawls over 50 acres and offers panoramic views over the city and Belfast Lough.  Don't miss the monkey park, gorillas, aviary and underwater viewing of penguins and sea-lions.

Pirates Adventure Golf is fun too. The landscaped course offers 36 holes amid waterfalls, fountains and a 20ft schooner. Perhaps more fun is jumping on board one of Steam Trains Ireland’s restored locomotives offering excursions from the city. There are themed trips from heritage to jazz. 

Day trips in Belfast
The Belfast Hills, thought to have inspired Gulliver’s Travels, are great for walks and stunning views over the city.

Wildlife lovers should head to Exploris, Northern Ireland's only public Aquarium and seal sanctuary in Portaferry, which can be reached by bus from Belfast. There’s an opportunity to interact with the marine animals too.

With a couple of hours of the city, you can reach the Giant’s Causeway, the Mountains of Mourne, several villages, golf courses and spectacular beaches.

Shopping in Belfast
Shopaholics should head for the central shopping area running from Donegall Place to Royal Avenue. Castlecourt shopping centre on Royal Avenue is a favourite and is surrounded by smaller arcades boasting specialist stores.

Lisburn Road dubbed Diamond Mile is the place to go if you want to splurge out on designer boutiques.

There are a number of markets too such as St George’s Market where on Saturdays you’ll find cookery demonstrations and live jazz music to entertain shoppers. Popular souvenirs include jewellery, woollen items, shamrock gifts and pint glasses.

Belfast nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs         

Eating out in Belfast
From restaurants headed by celebrity chefs to traditional Irish pub food, the city has it all. Michelin starred Deanes Brasserie draws food lovers interested in sampling a fusion of Irish and British fare, while Cayenne’s eclectic menu (formerly the Roscoff Brasserie) is headed up by Paul Rankin.

Seafood, Asian, modern fusion cuisine and bistros are all available too. Head to Mourne Seafood Bar for locally sourced mussels and oysters, The Garrick Bar for elegant, quirky surroundings and the Grill Bar & Room at the Ten Square Hotel, a celebrity favourite. Zen is renowned for Japanese cuisine, The Apartment is good for lunchtime drinks overlooking City Hall and Nick's Warehouse is a trendy eatery serving modern European fare. 

Nightlife in Belfast
Whatever your tastes, you’ll be more than impressed with the city’s excellent and eclectic choice of bars and clubs. The Bamboo Beach Club, The Apartment and lavish Cafe Vaudeveille are where the city’s sophisticates head. If you want to truly splash out, head for the bar at the Merchant Hotel which serves the world's most expensive cocktail at £750 a shot. The Queen’s Quarter and Botanic Avenue has more of a studenty, bohemian vibe.

Pub lovers should do one of the city’s Historic Pub tours that will include a visit to the Crown Liquor Saloon. Owned by the National Trust, this gas-lit Victorian pub decorated with fine tiles, woodwork and glass was first established in 1849, making it the oldest pub in Belfast. It is something of an institution and has a great atmosphere. Other notable pubs include The Spaniard, Duke of York, Cloth Ear and John Hewitt, which is owned by a trust which funnels profits to the unemployed.

Don’t forget to try the local stout – Guinness and Caffreys – or Belfast Gin and Irish whiskey.

There are also plenty of live music and comedy venues and traditional Irish pubs. The Waterfront Hall and the Opera House offer cultural shows and events.