Renting a car in Belfast allows you to explore not just the buzzing city centre, but also the breath-taking scenery of the nearby coastline. The following is a guide to your perfect Belfast getaway.
Belfast Mini Guide:
George Best Belfast City Airport is situated on the A2 Sydenham By Pass linking Belfast and Holywood. The airport offers a range of services and facilities including cafés, bars, tax-free shopping, ATMs and a Bureau de Change-for last minute British sterling exchange.
Things To See/Do Belfast:
Belfast is a very compact city, which offers much scope for walking tours. Many of the streets of Belfast city centre are now pedestrian only. Fascinating places of interest to visit in this once turbulent city include City Hall, where visitors can avail of a free guided tour-including the chance to sit on the mayor's throne. Belfast's architectural highlights include the Grand Opera House, which has been restored to its Victorian glory. Belfast boasts the world's largest dry dock and shipyard, where Harland and Wolff created the world-famous Titanic ship. Suburban Belfast is home to some of the most beautiful and poignant outdoor murals in the world, depicting everthing from political unrest to local sporting heroes like George Best.
Itchy feet? Why not take off on a car hire adventure to explore what the surrounding towns and coastline have to offer. The Antrim coastline can be reached within a half hour's car hire drive of the city. The highlight of this journey is undoubtedly the view of the Giant's Causeway; a mysterious natural structure comprising 38,000 hexagonal rocks jutting out into the sea.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is another option. The park offers visitors the opportunity to go back in time to discover the traditions, culture and transport of ye olde Ulster.
Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Belfast:
Belfast offers a wide variety of places to eat out, suiting all tastes and budgets. Thrifty backpackers will enjoy cheap eats at restaurants and gastro pubs like The John Hewitt, located on Donegal Street, where hungry patrons can soak up the traditional music and welcoming atmosphere as they tuck into their hearty but low cost Irish stew. Those willing to pay a little bit more will enjoy fine fare and 'all you can eat' special offers at Metro Brasserie on Great Victoria Street.
Belfast is a young, lively city, which offers something for everyone in terms of nightlife and entertainment. Shaftesbury Square is the main focus of the city's bars and pubs. Trendy nightclubs in Belfast include The Apartment and The Milk Bar on Tomb Street.
Accommodation in Belfast is reasonably priced and there are some good deals available for short breaks and weekend get-aways. Those travelling on a budget can avail of discount rates during the low season at quality hotels including the central four star Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street. There are also plenty of budget lodgings located around the outskirts of the city for those who want a cheap sleep, no matter what time of the year.
