Belfast is a city that deserves to be rediscovered. A troubled not-too-distant history has meant that Northern Ireland’s capital has been the subject of a concerted effort to rejuvenate its image and present a city that people want to visit again, not to mention a place that offers a prosperous, vibrant cultural and economic future for its population.

That effort has resulted in a city that is beginning to emerge from the shadow of its recent past and rediscover a more positive identity. Regeneration has allowed Belfast’s rich architectural heritage to sing once again and visitors will find an abundance of striking Victorian buildings (testament to the city’s prosperity during the Industrial boom) amid an ever-evolving skyline of bold new shopping centres and luxury waterfront apartments.

This combined sense of positive rejuvenation and unspoilt historic beauty has been vital to the emergence of Belfast as one of Europe’s hottest up-and-coming city break destinations. Accolades from TripAdvisor – the UK’s best value city for tourists – and National Geographic Traveller – which described Belfast as an unspoilt treasure and one of the World’s must-see destinations – certainly haven’t hurt the impression that Belfast is ready to be rediscovered.

Must See Attractions


Titanic Quarter

Belfast’s legacy as the birthplace of the doomed liner has, perhaps ironically, become a catalysing emblem for the rejuvenation of the city. There may be 187 Titanic museums across the globe but the story of the famous ship is most powerfully connected to Belfast, the city of its conception and construction. The £97 million Titanic Visitor Centre opened in 2012 (in time for the centenary of Titanic’s sinking) and boasts 10 galleries over 6 floors, making it the largest Titanic museum in the world and fitting testament to Belfast’s singular role in the story. The building – designed by American architect Eric Kuhn – is the glittering centrepiece of the impressively regenerated docklands area, now rechristened the Titanic Quarter.

Nearby hotel: Europa

Linen Hall Library

If ever a library deserved must-see status it is Belfast’s Linen Hall Library. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast and a striking work of architecture. It is also packed with fascinating historical documents, including the most extensive collection of information on the Northern Irish troubles, and home to a fine café.

Nearby hotel: Ramada Encore

City Hall

Reopened in 2009 (by Bill Clinton no less) after £11 million of refurbishment work carried out over two years, Belfast’s City Hall originally dates back to 1906 when it’s construction marked the ascent of Belfast as one of the great success stories of the Industrial era. The presence of statue of Queen Victoria flanked by symbolic representations of the textile and shipbuilding industries is an emphatic reminder of the city’s industrial significance, just as this grandiose building is itself a testament to that prosperous era. A free 45 minute guided tour of the City Hall’s splendid interior is recommended.

Nearby hotel: Jurys Inn

Where to eat


Deane's

Michael Dean has been the key name in Belfast’s emergence a one of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic centres and his flagship Dean’s restaurant shot the city to new fine dining heights upon winning a Michelin star back in 2007. It has since lost that accolade but continues to enjoy an unmatched reputation for utilising local produce and creating brilliantly inventive dishes that allow their ingredients to sing. It remains the destination restaurant for serious foodies but Deane’s food can also be sampled at six further restaurants including Deane’s Seafood Bar, Deane’s Deli Bistro or Deane’s at Queens in the University Quarter.

Nearby hotel: Park Inn

Ox

Ox arrived on the Belfast dining scene with a bang in 2013, garnering high praise for beautifully executed dishes that wear their complexity lightly and present exceptional local ingredients at their very best. A winning collaboration between Alain Kerloc’h and Stephen Toman, formerly head chef at Belfast institution James Street South, Ox emphasises seasonality with creativity and imagination.

Nearby hotel: The Fitzwilliam Hotel

Nightlife


The Crown Liquor Saloon

The jewel in Belfast’s unmatched array of beautifully preserved Victorian pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon has been carefully restored and boasts an abundance of aesthetic quirks including wooden booths carved with lions’ and giraffes’ heads as well as stained glass windows and dazzling expanses of decorative ceramic and brass work. Happily, there’s still plenty of atmosphere in this famous old boozer – you’ll take as much pleasure from the Guinness and cheery ambiance as the building’s remarkable visual resplendence.

White’s Tavern

Belfast may be famous for its Victorian pubs but the history of White’s Tavern stretches far further back than that, dating from 1630 this is the oldest licensed establishment in Belfast. It has been spruced up in recent years but with its open fireplace, stone floors and traditional music this iconic pub retains a wonderfully evocative ambiance.

There’s no shortage of charming, attractively preserved pubs in Belfast including The John Hewitt, where you can catch live jazz and traditional music, McHugh’s and Kelly’s Cellars, both of which date back to the early 18th century and The Duke of York, a lively long-time haven for Belfast’s newspaper journalists (it’s suitably decked out in newspaper artefacts). The Harp Bar in the Cathedral Quarter is fine venue for live music throughout the week and plays host to the occasional big name – most notably Van Morrison who popped in and performed on New Year’s Eve 2013.

After a late night out, make it a short trip back to your hotel by booking a hotel near Belfast city centre.