Belfast. Travelling advice?

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Dunrobin

People get carried away with this 'it's safer than most cities now' business. I lived there for two years and it was easily the roughest of the eight cities in four countries where I've lived, even though it is by no means the biggest. I'd worry more about being a visible minority there than having an English accent (it's not nearly as cosmopolitan as Rhiannon suggests), and would be wary about where you are out too late. If you are staying in the city centre or university area that should be fine.

However it is a very nice place and deserves a visit. If you're fit, climb Cave Hill for a great view over the city, port and the lough. There are buses into north Belfast that stop near the entrance to the park. Be sure to visit the splendid 19th c Crown Liquor Saloon, across the street from the central bus station, and take the bus tour - one that covers the whole city and not just sectarian west Belfast. The Ulster Museum, in the Botanic Gardens next to the university, is very good and free but is closing soon for renovations. See if there is anything on at the Odyssey Centre or Waterfront Hall - both shiny new facilities created by the peace dividend - or the 19th c Opera House, which doesn't just show opera.

On Royal Avenue pop into the Tesco and look up at the ceiling - it's like no other grocery store you'll have seen. If you want to see a movie, please support the Strand Cinema on Hollywood Road, the only prewar cinema not to close during the Troubles. And one of the neatest churches in the UK is Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church, decorated in nautical themes for the sailors who used to pray there. Other than Sunday it's only open one day a week (it used to be Wednesday). Have fun.

Savant

Come on over, you can take the city tour bus which will take you round the hot spots of Belfast for about a tenner, safe as houses. Belfast now is no different to any other U.K city, enjoy yourself.

Our council message is simply

BELFAST IS BUZZING

rhiannon

there are city tours by bus, historical buildings, great one of a kind shops, etc. plenty to see and do. it is the same as most cities. anyone who is stupid enough to believe northern Ireland is as bad as the "movies" needs a kick. its a very international place. I've lived here for four years now with no trouble.

in all places thou, id advise you to stay away from housing estates. inbred chavs are a no no, no matter where you go.

tjjkara

Go on the Belfast bus tour.
WW2 musuem in Hill Street - costs next 2 nothin
Botantic Gardens
Ulster Museum -its free
City Hall Tour
The Lagan Boat Tour
Belfast giants match

For food try:
Speranza's italian reasonable priced food in Shaftbury's square.
Abacus on the malone road - chinese food every reasonable and really nice with a wide range menu to suit all tastes.

For going out try:
Cinema in The Odeysee
Kelly Cellars - if u want to see old dirty belfast
Sky - on a saturday nite for dance tunes
The Beach Club - for cocktails and music with today's type of music
Robinsons - fiber magee part for traditional music on a friday afternoon WARNING b there early it gets very busy.

If your travelling in a west Belfast Taxi get out of the taxi to pay through the passenger window. If in any other pay through the seethrough bit between the driver and yourself.

Don't make any political comments in public. People can b odd here.
Don't visit Twinbrook/poleglass/lagmore/ lenadoon - there is nothing to see in them.

If u have anymore questions email me.

Oh and enjoy the craic!

melanie c

There are no do's and donts anymore...........our city is GREAT!! take the tour bus which goes past my flat daily lol, go to Robinsons for a pint, take in the Cathedral Quarter, dine in AMPM on Botanic Avenue, eat ur lunch in the grounds of the City Hall (weather permitting of course). there is LOADS to do...do it all.

seancreole

belfast is a safe as any other city if not safer.
if you get a chance get a run up to derry as well(the home of the undertones) and the all conquering derry city fc

your pete

Visit the website for Belfast for whats on etc etc.

http://www.gotobelfast.com/

Take the normal precautions you would in any large city. Avoid Political discussion unless you feel comfortable with the company. The locals are usually friendly and the city centre night life busy.

Groid

Think you have pretty much good advice already.

There are loads of bars/restaurants/clubs around the city centre and the Odyssey complex so if you're going out at night you'll be fine anywhere there. Avoid going to areas at night that are obviously one way or the other politically. You'd still be alright but there's a higher possibility of getting caught up in bother in those areas. As Rhiannon said, keep away from the housing estates - there's only a load of rats to see there anyway.

It all depends what you want to see really. Belfast is pretty much like any other city in the UK now, possibly safer in general.

Check out attractions in the Belfast Welcome Centre (opposite Marks and Spencer in the city centre).

Enjoy your visit.

coolcat76

You will have an amazing time. I moved from Belfast to Kent 6 months ago and there is no place like the Emerald Isle. People are sooo friendly and you will see that the City is buzzing. Yes it got a bad press in the 70's and 80's but its come full circle. its a cosmopolitan hotspot...take a trip up the Lisburn Road...You will see what I mean.
Take the bus tour and see the Falls, and the Shankill Road - You can see for yourself all that you have seen on the TV over the years - it really is fasinating stuff.
After you have finished sightseeing pop into the Crown Bar(lots of history) for a pint of the black stuff. You dont say how old you are? I could suggest clubs/Bars and restaurants but Im not sure what your bag is?
PS when people talk about the Craic - they arent talking about drugs - dont panic!! 'Its great Craic' - meaning its great fun is a phrase you will here often in Belfast.
Enjoy your trip - wish I was going!.x

jean811823

I'm from N. Ireland I would recommend general commonsense precautions as you could be mugged or assaulted any where in the world to-day and Belfast is no different to any capital city. Be careful walking after dark in remote areas as you probably already know anyone could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and something bad could occur.

I find commuting around Belfast that the motorist are quite polite in general to other smaller towns in the 6 counties this is a very good sign of manners. I find shop assistants to also be very helpful and chatty.

As a business man I'm sure you have no intention of wearing a Rangers or Celtic shirt that could start off a fracas if worn in the wrong area.

Enjoy yourself you may just find the Belfast people to be nice and friendly were not all bad you know.

chat_have

Stay away from flashpoint areas particularly arround housing areas. Also try to get out of Belfast and see more of the country. Northern Ireland has a lot to offer. If your buisness in tourism please promote us wherever you come from. We, (like every country in the world )have our problems and criminal eliment but when we travel abroad we do not go looking for it in other countries. so just follow a few common sense rulls and you will be OK--------------Good luck

Good places to visit---Giants causway and north antrin coast
Co down coast/mourne Mountains/
Newcastle
City Hall
To name a few

trog

Belfast is one of the friendliest and safest places I've ever visited. Don't be put off by people's negativity because of past problems. If you can, visit city hall as the guided tours are free of charge. Also, the botanical gardens and museums are really interesting. Belfast folk are lovely and can't do enough to help. I had no problems whatsoever when I was there

Andrew

find out the difference between ' east ' and ' west' belfast first if you have an english accent then make sure you stay in the protestant side of belfast. Don't listen the these people here - the IRA only disarmed a year ago - it is still a divided city.

t3h1

Don't speak in english accent and stay out of the pubs :)

bert

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!

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