Best things to do in Belfast

[Grant76]

Hi, the wife & a couple of friends are heading over to Belfast for a weekend in May, just wondering what the best touristy things to do are.

Got hotel (The Merchant) and restaurants sorted (Cafe Vaudiville & Zen, with one meal in the hotel)

Looking for a few things to do during the days

Many thanks

[DOOG]

I believe Marching Season proper starts in July, so May would be a perfect time to sneak in a few dry runs/dress rehearsals..

The locals would show their gratitude and famous hospitality..

[Magog]

Sorry couldn't resist.

[10 Pence Short]

Pack up and go to Blackpool.

[Grant76]

Had a funny feeling it would go this way..

[feck_on_a_stick]

Hey Grant

There are some nice little places to visit in the city, and the bus and taxi tours are supposed to be really good.

Are you driving over or have access to a car? Places like The Old Bushmills' Distillery and Giants Causeway are also fantastic but public transport is pretty poor if you dont have a car.

Check out this website http://www.gotobelfast.com/ and see if you see anything

Feel free to pm me if you need anything.

[jbswagger]

I went last April.

Def do a taxi tour around the different troubles 'sites' and go in The Crown bar pub (v nice interior),


Are you just going just to Belfast or will you be driving around?

[forza whites]

Lock and Load.....

[M3CHA-MONK3Y]

I hear running around wearing a union jack as a cape and screaming "The protestants are coming, grab your guns!" usually makes for an interesting few days.
Although I would recommend seeing the castle, very nice.

[patmahe]

Do the open top city bus tour, its interesting and poignant at the same time.

The city is a lot more open and friendly than it was during the troubles and is actually quite a nice place to go now.

[byhff]

Remember to drive down the Falls Road with the old union jack flying - that will get you a few free pints in the pub*

if you survive

[byhff]

My last post was harsh. I apologise!

patmahe said:

Do the open top city bus tour, its interesting and poignant at the same time.

The city is a lot more open and friendly than it was during the troubles and is actually quite a nice place to go now.

Very true, the people of Belfast are very friendly and are genuinely looking forward nowadays. IMO Architecture isn't much in Belfast if that's your sort of thing but the North Coast is breathtaking in beauty and is well worth a visit.

[JuniorD]

There are some ideas in the Dublin V Belfast destination thread from last summer:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Presonally I like the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is about 15-20mins from the city by car.

Nice hotel choice BTW.

[GreatGranny]

Worked there for 8 weeks a few years ago and has an excellent time.

Stayed in Jurys Inn so the Crown was our local.

Didn't get to see many tourist spots but the shops are good for the ladies.

Definately take a tour of the 'Troubled Areas'.

Friendly people, great nightlife and superb Guiness.

[militantmandy]

JuniorD said:

There are some ideas in the Dublin V Belfast destination thread from last summer:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Presonally I like the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is about 15-20mins from the city by car.

Nice hotel choice BTW.

indeed the UFTM is definitly worth a visit.

[stevenM]

good spot to stay. belfast is a pretty good spot to go out compared to a lot of mainland uk cities.

downstairs in the basement of the merchant is the nightclub ollies.

vaudeville is okay, zen is good. the apartment is just round corner from vaudeville and good for a cocktail.

crown bar for a pint. red square is also good. all these places are within a few mins walking of each other around the city hall square.

steven
(belfast)

[adam85]

Ignore the clever tw@ts, The Cathedral Quarter where your hotel is based offers some lovely bars/restaraunts. The City Hall comeplete with mini attempt at the London Eye (dubbed the "eye right?!" by the locals) should offer nice views if you have a clear day, saves you going out of your way to H+W & the port area.
As mentioned the Crown Bar is nice and does mighty Guiness.
Behind that you have more bars to choose from, and a restaraunt called "Ollio" which I thoroughly recommend. Have a nice time!

[Grant76]

Thanks very much guys!

Very helpful as always.

Well, most of you..

[V8A*ndy]

Avoid the Zoo its crap

[oldbanger]

Personally I'd recommend the Ballymac, but it's a fair trot outside of Belfast. In the same kind of area there used to be the Silver Eel, but I suspect that's closed down and if not, is heading that way.