You are here: Home / News / Guide to Belfast in Northern Ireland
Belfast was once a city to avoid, but today it has transformed itself from a dangerous place to a city full of vibrant clubs, fantastic restaurants and hip hotels. The city is also undergoing a physical transformation as old shipping districts are transformed into luxury apartments and a large city mall going up in the center. The city has gone through a lot over the years, and today more and more people are celebrating the newfound peace that pervades the city. This revitalized energy has brought much needed investments to the city, and as a result, more and more tourists are putting Belfast on the list of cities to visit. In addition to the cultural beauty of the city, there are beautiful landscapes to be explored just outside the city. Flights: If you are flying from North America or continental Europe, your flight will take you to the Belfast International Airport. Belfast International Airport serves most major airlines and is located 30 km northwest of the city. To get into the city, you have the option of taking a bus which runs every 30 minutes and takes 45 minutes to get into the city depending on traffic. Taxis are also available, but cost significantly more. The other airport in Belfast is the George Best Belfast City Airport. This airport is just 6km northeast of the city and serves domestic flights to and from the UK and all major Irish airports. Getting Around: The center of Belfast is small enough to be explored by foot. To get to the outer areas of the city, you can take a bus which is operated by Translink and runs throughout the city. If you are interested in a guided tour of the city, you can purchase a ticket for the open-top bus which takes about 2 hours to go around the city and see all the major sights. You might also be interested in a Black Taxi tour of the city. To Do: The best thing to do in Belfast is explore the city by foot. You will find beautiful Victorian and Edwardian structures throughout the city that are home to some fashionable new hotels and vibrant bars. In the center of town is Victoria Square which now holds a giant residential and shopping complex. On the West side of town check out the “peace line†which is a physical reminder of the city’s troubled past. When to Go: The best time to fly into Belfast is during the summer months (May to September) when there’s a better chance of warm, dry days. Keep in mind, however, that even in the summer the weather can be unpredictable. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to pack waterproof gear and warm layers. Belfast has achieved peace in recent years, and it is evident when you visit. The city has a new, reinvigorated feel with a thriving culture. The frequency of flights to Belfast only confirms that this is becoming a popular place to visit.
Browse tags: #BFS #BHD #BA #U2