"Belfast" a Belfast Travel Page by scanos

The tourist tug of war goes in Belfast with many visitors seeking out the 'troubles tours' and Northern Ireland Tourist Board selling other more sanitised attractions. Try to take in both. It is worth seeing the murals around Belfast before they disappear or become too neutralised.

I am amazed how unprepared tourists are when they arrive in Belfast. For example, visitors to one of the most attractive destinations, Cavehill, are unaware that Belfast Zoo is only 300 to 400 metres from the caves by path, and both can be seen in a single visit. Other attractions which are ignored include the Linen Hall library opposite the City Hall. Also, to capture the zeitgeist of Belfast, I would recommend a trip to the Sunday Car Boot sale on Crumlin Road in Belfast. It runs from 10.00 to 2.00 pm and you'll enjoy the craic and atmosphere whilst picking up a bargain. It has become the Brick Lane of Belfast and it's rawness is refreshing in comparison to the sterility of Saint George's market in Belfast.

I think the area to the north of Belfast has some of the best cycling in Europe, particularly when you get past Glengormley and Carrickfergus. Try anywhere in the triangle between Templepatrick, Kells and Ballyclare. On Sundays, you won't see very many cars. This is also the springboard for the Antrim Coast and Glens of Antrim which you can in a day although I would recommend an overnight.

A must see is the Cavehill and Belfast Castle. It's worth a walk to the summit for the view of county Down, Scotland and bizarrely the animals in Belfast Zoo.