From left to right: Crown Liquor Saloon, Albert Clock, St George's Market, Waterfront Hall

With its compact size, picturesque location between mountain and coast and fascinating history, Belfast in Antrim, Northern Ireland is a defiant city that has emerged from decades of strife into a vibrant, buzzing destination. 

This beautiful Victorian city has stacks of things to do, too ­– you can check out where great ships like the Titanic were built, marvel at the architecturally impressive City Hall and Queen’s University, or immerse yourself in Belfast’s sparkling city life with hip boutiques and smart stores. 

Cool and comfortable new design hotels mean Belfast is now a stylish and affordable place to stay, while a glut of excellent gastro delights have placed the city firmly on the culinary map of Europe. 

Best of all, Belfast’s charming old pubs make an atmospheric spot to wile away an hour, or two.