What to do in Belfast: eat, drink, shop, see

Read more about this break in Belfast

Belfast: three to eat

Menu by Kevin Thornton, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Great Victoria St - Michelin-starred chef has executive control over the kitchen of this recent chic addition to the Belfast gourmet scene, excellent prices for this level of quality
Made in Belfast, Wellington St - laid-back yet chic café/restaurant with eclectic décor and retro food, locally sourced and organic wherever possible
Mourne Seafood Bar, Bank St - do not, I repeat, do not visit Ireland without taking in at least one seafood restaurant; this is one of the finest in Belfast. There's a fish shop at the front and, post-crustacea, pop into the Cellars pub next door

Belfast: three to drink

Crown Saloon, Great Victoria St - one of the city's most famous hostelries, full of cosy snugs and stunning Victorian details; the crown of its name is depicted in floor tiles just inside the door so that the original owners, a Royalist and his Republican wife, could both ‘revere' and ‘walk on' the symbol of the Empire!
John Hewitt, Donegall St - named after Belfast poet John Hewitt, this cosy bar is typically Irish in a way that's never replicated in an O'Neills chain. Hang out with writers and artists, catch some jazz or Irish trad, and maybe sink a pint of Guinness ...
Apartment, Donegall Square - a symbol of the new stylish regeneration, this city centre bar is where you'll find the trendy young things, along with stunning views across to the impressive City Hall next door

Belfast: three to shop

Victoria Square, Chicester St - Belfast's newest shopping centre with all major high-street brands under one roof, walking distance from the city centre
Lisburn Road - enjoy a bit of locals' Belfast along this stylish shopping street, packed full of boutique finds and chic cafés
St George's Market, East Bridge St - open Friday for antiques, bric-a-brac, clothes and curios; on Saturday it becomes one of the best food markets in the UK, with around 250 stalls selling an eclectic mixture of local and organic produce

Belfast: three to see

Botanic Gardens, Botanic Avenue - located in the picturesque university quarter, don't leave the city without spending an hour or two wandering around the Palm House, Tropical Ravine and gorgeous landscaped gardens
Falls and Shankhill - once the scene of the bloodiest fighting of the Troubles, now two thriving streets that proudly proclaim their respective Republican and Unionist heritages, including the colourful wall murals that are so much a part of the city's history
Stormont Estate and Parliament - The home of the Nothern Irish Assembly, this park covers 164 hectares of rolling countryside and is open to the public; take a taxi from the city centre or hop off at the Stormont stop on the City Sightseeing bus tour

And one more ...

Giant's Causeway - OK, so it's not actually in the city, but while you're there it would be a shame not to head for the Antrim coast, to feast your eyes on one of the wonders of the natural world. Hire a car or join an organised tour, www.travelirelandcoachtours.com

Belfast: where to stay

We stayed in the newest hotel in Belfast, the über-stylish Fitzwilliam, and took a few days to explore the city. To read about the trip, see the hotel and find out why Belfast is one of those cities you really should visit in your lifetime, click here.

Looking for a short break? See our city break ideas, from local to global

If you're travelling further afield, check out these exotic destinations