It was once a city of conflict, but these days the only signs of Belfast's troubled past are its powerful murals. Now, buzzing, lively Belfast paints a much friendlier picture thanks to its hard-to-beat shopping and great gastronomy, and proves the perfect place for discovering the rest of Northern Ireland.
Take time on your Belfast tour to discover the sights of the compact city centre. Admire Belfast Castle on Cave Hill, or stroll to the world's largest dry dock to see the cranes of the famous Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built. Be guided around the Classical Renaissance style City Hall, or head to Belfast Cathedral where Ireland's largest Celtic Cross is on show. After a morning's sightseeing, retreat to the peaceful Botanic Gardens where the people of Belfast have been ambling since 1895.
- If you're in Belfast on a Friday or Saturday, soak up the friendly atmosphere and hunt for a local bargain at St George's Market.