เบลฟาสท์ youth guide
About Belfast
Belfast is a city that confounds expectations. Imposing Victorian architecture, modern art on the waterfront, foot-stomping music in packed-out pubs and the UK’s second-biggest arts festival. The city has transformed in recent years and, combined with the optimism engendered by the peace process, it's become something of a boom town. Forget about your preconceptions, Belfast is rebuilding itself.
The city is compact and easy to get around, with most points of interest within easy walking distance of each other. There is a vibrant nightlife, – a colourful new wave of stylish bars and restaurants has emerged to complement the splendid Victorian pubs that have been a mainstay of the capital’s social life for decades.
Belfast is easy to get to, both from Britain and the rest of Ireland. Budget flights can be had for under £50, and regular sailings from Scotland are a good value and fun way to travel.
For more info, the Belfast Welcome Centre (www.gotobelfast.com) provides information about the city and Northern Ireland or visit our Belfast city guide.
Seeing
Must Do
Start with a look around City Hall (Tel: +44 (0)28 9027 0456; Donegall Sq; free). Take a guided tour around this symbol of the city’s Victorian prosperity to see the amazing marble and stained glass hallway.
There are not too many historical monuments that you can enjoy while savouring a pint of beer but the National Trust’s Crown Liquor Saloon (Tel: +44 (0)28 9027 9901; 46 Great Victoria St) is one. Belfast’s most famous bar displays Victorian decorative flamboyance at its best.
Off The Beaten Track
West Belfast was the focal point for the troubles that scarred Northern Ireland for three decades and a visit here is compelling. The main attractions are the powerful murals that chart the history of the conflict. The easiest way to see West Belfast is on a black taxi tour. You’ll see the main murals and other significant sights and get a colourful commentary from the driver. The two most recommended companies are: Black Taxi Tours (www.belfasttours.com) (0800 052 3914 UK Only) and Original Belfast Black Taxi Tours (0800 032 2003 UK only).
Insider Info
Did you know Belfast was the city that built the Titanic? The famous Harland & Woolf shipyards built 1742 ships between 1861 and 2003, including the ill-fated ocean liner in 1911. The shipyard is not open to the public, but you can view it from the water by taking a boat trip (book through Belfast Welcome Centre). The giant yellow cranes known as Samson and Goliath dominate Belfast’s eastern skyline.
Shopping
For general shopping you’ll find all the usual high street chains and department stores in the compact central shopping area north of City Hall. Items particular to Northern Ireland that you may like to look out for include fine Belleek china, linen (antique and new) and Tyrone crystal.
Eating
Belfast has a burgeoning restaurant scene that includes a couple of the best eating places in all Ireland. The Golden Mile, to the south of the city centre, has a huge variety of dining options.
Café Paul Rankin
Coffee, cakes, focaccia, soups, pastas and salads, with comfy sofas for lounging on. Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 5090; 27-29 Fountain Street.
John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant
Modern pub with a traditional atmosphere and a well-earned reputation for excellent food and drink. Tel: +44 (0)28 9023 3768; 51 Donegall Street.
Other Place
Located on the Golden Mile, this is the place to damp down a rising hangover with big plates of comfort food. Tel: +44 (0)28 9020 7200; 79 Botanic Ave.
Cutters Wharf
Enjoy excellent bar meals on the terrace overlooking the River Lagan. Tel: +44 (0)28 9080 5100; Lockview Rd, Stranmillis.
Nightlife
The pub scene is lively and friendly, with the older traditional pubs complemented by a rising tide of stylish designer bars. The Big List (www.thebiglist.co.uk) is a free weekly magazine that covers pubs, clubs and music events.
Morning Star
One of several traditional pubs hidden away off High St with a big sweeping horseshoe bar and cosy snugs for privacy. Tel: +44 (0)28 9023 5986; 17 Pottinger's Entry
Northern Whig
Stylish new bar set in an elegant Georgian printing works, here you get Communist statues with your sofas. Tel: +44 (0)28 9050 9888; 2 Bridge Street
Lavery’s Gin Palace
Vast, multilevel, packed-to-the-gills boozing emporium, crammed with drinkers young and old. Tel: +44 (0)28 9087 1106; 14 Bradbury Place
Shine
In Shine, the students union can boast one of the city’s best club nights – many visiting clubbers have recommended it – with resident and guest DJs pumping out hard, heavy dance. You’ll need photo ID to get in. Tel: 0870 241 0126 UK only; Mandela Hall, Queen's Students Union, University Road.
Sleeping
Most of Belfast’s budget and mid-range accommodation is south of the centre, in the university district. This area is also crammed with good-value restaurants and pubs, and is mostly within a 20-minute walk of City Hall.
Arnie’s Backpackers
Long-established hostel set in a quiet terraced house in the university area. Friendly and fun with laundry and cooking facilities. Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 2867; 63 Fitzwilliam Street.
Linen House
Independent hostel housed in a former linen factory in the Cathedral Quarter. Paddy’s Backpackers; Tel: +44 (0)28 9058 6400;18-20 Kent Street.
Queen’s Elms
Available from late June to early September, this modern university hall of residence in leafy South Belfast offers standard student rooms. Tel: +44 (0)28 9038 1608; 78 Malone Road.
Jury’s Inn
Functional chain hotel in a top location (only three minutes from City Hall). Excellent value. Tel: +44 (0)28 9053 3500; Fisherwick Pl, Great Victoria Street.