| As one of the world’s leading economies, the UK has a fine selection of cities to choose from. From the modern metropolis of London in the south, to the capital of Scotland in the north, there is a staggering 66 ‘official’ cities throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, meaning there is sure to be something to suit the most discerning of tourists.
Whilst it can be easy to fly to London and never venture further than two miles from Leicester Square, those who are interested in what else the UK has to offer should perhaps consider a visit to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
As one of the UK’s four capital cities - along with London, Edinburgh and Cardiff – Belfast is a relatively small city with a population of around 250,000.
Belfast is overlooked by the gigantic Cavehill – a basaltic hill that is said to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s classic ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. The hill provides splendid views across the city and, on a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Scotland. Given it is only a few miles from the city, it is the perfect option for those wishing to see Belfast from afar and stretch their legs at the same time.
For those wanting a grand view of the city without breaking sweat, then there is the Belfast Wheel which, at 200 feet high, offers breathtaking views of the city. With a maximum of eight people per capsule, the wheel’s 360 degree journey takes around fifteen minutes from start to finish.
The best way of getting to grips with the people and traditions of Northern Ireland is to pay a visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. One of the highlights is an exhibition on the Titanic, which was built in the shipyards of Belfast between 1909 and 1912.
And for those wishing to learn more about Northern Ireland’s more recent history, then the Belfast murals are a must-see. Depicting a variety of political beliefs relating to Ireland’s turbulent past, as well as other significant events such as the Great Irish Famine, many of the buildings are adorned in colourful paintings. It’s possible to arrange a guided tour of all the key mural sights, which provide fascinating insights into the stories behind the pictures.
Of course, with so much to see and do in this amazing city, comfortable accommodation in Belfast is a must, which is why it may prove a good idea to consider staying in one of the many serviced apartments in Belfast.
From long weekends to extended stays designed to accommodate day trips to other nearby locations, it’s possible to enjoy all the home comforts whilst taking in the completely new surroundings of Northern Ireland’s capital.
Alison Peters is a dedicated travel enthusiast and writer for a digital marketing company. Her articles are not designed to promote but should be considered professional content. |