Belfast has had its fair share of problems in the past, but the city has come out of it favourably. It has a feel like nowhere else in Northern Ireland. There is a real flurry to the city, and a great base for exploring the whole of the North.
Of course as a docklands city there are comparisons with cities such as Liverpool and Glasgow. The Titanic was famously built in these ports. There is a magnificent exhibition on the ship at the extremely popular Ulster folk and transport museum.

The central Donegal Square Belfast is a good place to see the contrasts of the new redeveloped side of the city, with the Victorian elegance of old. The square also houses City Hall. Many of the best shopping areas are within easy distance of here. South of here lies the infamous ‘Golden Mile’, now a little tatty, overtaken in shopping terms by one of the rather more chic and desirable parts in the whole country. Lisburn Road. There are plenty of trendy shops, cafes and bars here. This leads from Shaftsbury square, a slightly downsized version of Times Square. St Georges Market, to the East of Donegal Square Belfast is a place to fry your senses. It is open every Friday and Saturday and includes nearly 250 stalls, with music and entertainment aplenty.
You should never be at a loose end for what to do in Belfast. For those seeking Belfast’s traditional nightlife there are walking pub tours available which include soaking up the atmosphere in some of the city’s finest watering holes, a history lesson and of course some customary drinking. Other visitor tours include the open top bus tour, the literary tour, black cab tours and historical tours. The black cab tour will also take you to see some of the political murals of West Belfast if you are interested. All of these tours are worthwhile and a great way to see the city.

Of course, when researching what to do you will probably find noted attractions such as the City Hall in Donegal Square Belfast , The Grand Opera House and St Anne’s Cathedral. However further afield are some excellent attractions such as the Botanical Gardens by Queens University, both worth visiting in their own right. For children and adults alike there is W5 or whowhatwherewhenwhy, an interactive science museum. The Crumlin Road Gaol has a praised tour running on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
There is more than enough to keep any visitor busy for a few days around Donegal Square Belfast and more if you intent to travel further afield, and please remember when planning what to do that some of these attractions may need advance booking.