Having survived almost three decades of conflict and division, Belfast is now emerging from its chrysalis with a newfound freshness and vibrancy. Carrying a deep sense of its history, and yet boldly striding into the future, Belfast is an exciting juxtaposition of old and new. Stroll by the River Lagan and see the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, or visit the famous political murals in a black taxi. Or kick back with a traditional music session in one of this lively city’s beautifully preserved old pubs.

Population:280 thousand

Tourist Information:
Belfast Welcome Centre
Address: 47 Donegall Place
Tel. +44 28 90246609

Crown Liquor Saloon
Sit in a cosy snug with a pint of Guinness and admire the mirrors, coloured tiles and gas lighting.

White’s Tavern
Founded in 1630, this ancient establishment is a cosy hideaway from the hustle and bustle of outside. Big open fire and traditional music nights downstairs.

The John Hewitt
Named after a socialist poet, the John Hewitt runs traditional music sessions three nights a week and live jazz on Fridays, as well as regular exhibitions and great food.

Kellys Cellars
Among Belfast’s oldest pubs. Full of character and a great place for a hearty Ulster fry. Traditional music sessions are held here – call for details.

The Errigle
Great pub food, Guinness and in the summer some impromptu outdoor seating. Also home to the Real Music Club, a haven of folk, country rock and blues.

The Duke of York
A great cosy friendly bar with live traditional music on Thursday nights and Djs at the weekend. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams used to be a barman here!

Empire
This is the home of Belfast’s longest running comedy club (runs through term time Sept-Jun). It also hosts various music events.

Opening Hours:
City Centre Shops generally open Mon- Sat 0930-1730 and Thurs until 2100. Some larger stores open Sun 1300-1700. Neighbourhood and convenience shops often open much longer - 24 hours in many cases.

All the usual department stores and high street chains are located on High Street and Royal Avenue, and the smaller streets connecting them. This area is mostly for pedestrians. The Castlecourt Shopping Centre is located on Royal Avenue and is Northern Ireland’s largest shopping mall, with more than 70 different shops. The Lisburn Road shopping centre houses trendy designer boutiques. For more individual, arty shops, explore the Cathedral Quarter, as well as Bedford Street, Dublin Road and Donegall Pass (the latter and interesting mix of biker shops and antique markets) where you will find interesting design stores, antiques, gift shops and many other small Belfast outlets. For arts and crafts, visit the Wicker Man in the Donegall Arcade. At the Workshops Collective at 1a Lawrence Street you can pick up paintings, sculpture, furniture and crafts directly from the artist. Saint George’s Market (access via Oxford Street) is the last surviving covered Victorian market in Belfast and has been newly restored, giving it a new lease of life. On Fridays the food market runs from 0700-1500 and sells fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish, as well as some miscellaneous items.

Grand Opera House
This beautiful and opulent Victorian building was designed in 1894 and restored in the 1970s. With its programme of plays, operas and concerts, the best way to see the building is to attend a show. There are also Saturday tours which cost £3.

Belfast City Hall
The City Hall is an extravagant building built in the early 1900s in classical Renaissance style, symbolizing the sudden wealth of Industrial Revolution Belfast. Free guided tours are available (call for details). Be sure to check out the portraits of past Lord Mayors, each by an artist of their own choice.

Black Taxi Political Tour
A great way to see Belfast’s political hotspots is in a black taxi. For very moderate prices, a cab will show you the famous political murals, Falls and Shankill Roads and the Peace Walls. Often highly entertaining depending on the driver’s point of view!

Ulster Museum
Museum of art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences. A fine permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions and events.

Old Museum Arts Centre
Friendly, active and innovative, the OMAC offers a high quality programme of contemporary theatre and dance, music, comedy and visual art. Check the website for details of current events.

Queen’s Film Theatre
World and art house cinema with two screens and an attractive fully licensed bar serving light snacks.

Botanic Gardens
Just a short walk from the university lies this green haven sloping down to the River Lagan. Its centrepiece, the Palm House is a beautiful conservatory of cast iron and glass designed in 1939 by Charles Lanyon. Admission is free and the gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk.

St Anne's Cathedral
This neo-Romanesque building is what gave the Cathedral Quarter its name. Inside there is lots of marble and huge coloured mosaics. The church has been at the forefront in recent years of cross-community initiatives, hosting weekly “heal our land” services for people of any denomination. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Lagan Boat Tour
For a unique perspective of Belfast, make your way through the city by boat and visit the birth place of the infamous Titanic with an 8km tour of the River Lagan.

Suwanna
This small, family-run Thai restaurant serves delicious, fresh, beautifully presented food in an intimate atmosphere. Booking recommended.

Café Conor
This modern bistro is one of the most attractive eateries in Belfast. Once the studio of painter William Conor, the space has kept its artistic legacy with hanging artworks, gourmet food and a warm atmosphere.

Other Place
A favourite with students for its all-day fry and comfort food, this spot is frequently very busy. Bring your own bottle.

Beatrice Kennedy
One of Belfast’s more stylish restaurants, Beatrice Kennedy’s attracts a regular clientele. A ten minute stroll from the Lyric Theatre and Grand Opera House, it is ideal for pre-theatre dining. Closed on Mondays.

Deane’s Deli
New York style deli with great coffee and delicious food. Full of media types from the BBC next door.

Café Renoir
High quality food and coffee with home made organic produce served in a cosy, friendly atmosphere.

Bookfinders Café
Combine book buying with eating in this cosy spot. The café is at the back of the second-hand bookshop and serves simple tasty food at low prices. Grab a book and settle in.

Fresh Café
This popular hidden spot has friendly staff, a big menu and a patio for those rare sunny days. Great for settling in with the Sunday papers. Open 1100-2200, Sunday 1100-2100.

Café Africa
Coffee with a conscience, this café puts some of its profits back into African building projects.

Belfast International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. Buses run between the airport and the city centre roughly every 20 minutes between 0530 and 2330 and deposit passengers at the Glengall Street Bus Station and Central Railway Station in the city centre. Fares are £6 single and £9 return.

Health:
Advice on medical and dental emergencies- Health Information Service. Tel: 0800 665544

Currency: Pound

Emergency Number: 999

Electricity: 230V AC, 50Hz

Language: English

Telephone: Country code: +44

Transport:
Tickets for the underground can be bought from travel information booths and from stations. They are valid for one trip and cost approximately €1. Bus tickets are bought from the driver. Travel cards for one to five days can be bought online at www.tmb.net.

Taxi Information:

Value Cabs
Tel: +44 (0)28 9080 9080

FonaCAB
Tel: +44 28 333333