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People always smile in Belfast and give strangers a few moments of attention so it is no wonder that the capital of Northern Ireland was declared the happiest city in the United Kingdom from a list of 40 metropolis in a survey by travel specialist Jetpac.
London was placed in a poor 37th position as a city where the least people smile, even when being photographed.
For someone used to long-haul flights, taking my 75-minute flight from London to Belfast International Airport seemed to be just a hop.
The beauty and greenery of Belfast countryside went rolling by as we covered the 21-kilometre road to the city that is blended with the old and the new.
Belfast saw its dark past in the 20th Century when its political scene was rocked by a 30-year conflict involving Roman Catholics and Protestant Christians.
Some 3,600 lives were lost, 50,000 people were maimed and countless psychologically damaged. Things appear to have settled down now after the conflict was resolved in 1998.
It would be unfair to dismiss Belfast just as one ordinary UK destination because the city has several attractions.
In Belfast, friendly locals go that extra mile to make sure you have a memorable visit. It has the coolest nightclubs, superb shopping and interesting sights. Added to this is the fact that this place is a foodies’ delight with enough eateries to cater for every taste and budget.
You can easily step out of the city dotted with high rise buildings to both the countryside and the sea shore within minutes. Here you will find a variety of attractions, historic places of interest, outdoor activities and stunning scenery.
Victoria Square is Belfast’s top shopping destination. It has fantastic shops and is well known for its pedestrianised streets and the iconic dome from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city, including Belfast Castle, City Hall, Courts of Justice, Albert Clock, the river Lagan and even as far away as the Mournes.
Belfast is famous for its ship-building industry.
The life of The Titanic started at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. It is no wonder the city’s top attractions include Titanic Belfast. A museum dedicated to Titanic still attracts many. Located at the heart of the Titanic Quarter, only a short walk from the city centre, it offers the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.
The six-storey building, is not only known for its wonderful architecture but also features interpretive and interactive galleries exploring the sights, sounds, smells and the bountiful stories of the Titanic.
Here the story is told of the birth of the Titanic, its launch, its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
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A visit there is an unforgettable experience.
One of Belfast’s oldest attractions is the 126-year old St George’s Market which sells fresh produce. Ranked among the UK’s top ten markets, it is very popular with locals on Fridays and weekends.
It has more than 250 stalls that sell anything from Atlantic shark to antiques and fresh fruit. Its fish stalls are particularly popular.
The market is also a foodies’ delight with tantalising aromas offering a fusion of Irish and international cuisines against a backdrop of live jazz and flamenco music. On Sundays, it brings together local craftspeople and sellers of trinkets alongside food stalls and live music from local bands to entertain visitors.
The Irish are renowned for their sweet tooth as is evident with Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory in East Belfast.
This is nationally renowned as one of the finest makers of handmade chocolates, fudge and boiled sweets made from centuries-old recipes.
This place promises fun for the family. Children enter the magical world of chocolates and get an opportunity to concoct their own recipes for chocolate pizzas and other imaginative treats.
The Belfast Castle estate also attracts many visitors.
It lies adjacent to one of the highest spots in the city — Cave Hill, that offers great views of Belfast.
Its most famous feature — locally known as Napoleon’s Nose — is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s famous novel Gulliver’s Travels.
For generations, Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast with its imposing outline seen from the city.
This landmark has five caves on the sides of the cliffs with a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features, including the Belfast Castle, a well known venue for fairy tale weddings and a museum.
Belfast has a lot more to see, including a great choice of festivals and events throughout the year.
From fashions, carnivals, music and food, to history and culture, there is something for everyone in the city and its environs.
You need at least a week’s holiday to explore the city and the amazing festivals.