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Spending a week in Belfast next month, any recommendations?
My wife and I (from the U.S.) are going on vacation and as part of a larger itinerary have scheduled a week in Northern Ireland, based in Belfast. We'll spend the first couple of days decompressing and exploring the city, but besides that I'm wondering what would be worth doing there during that time. I've been focusing on the other parts of our itinerary and have only very limited knowledge of that area and its attractions. We plan on renting a car for a day or two to get out of the city but otherwise will be relying on public transit. Thanks in advance for any recommendations or advice!
Belfast is a great spot - couple of recommendations;
Giants causeway is worth a visit but the visitor centre is a money racket and has very little of value. You can just walk on through the arch to the causeway free of charge.
I would highly recommend a day trip to Derry. A walk along the old city walls and visit to the Museum of Free Derry provide an insight to the Troubles that feels very personal and vivid. Would recommend over any of the Belfast based walking tours, though those would be worth doing if you don't make it to Derry.
The Peace Walls in west Belfast are worth a look, I would recommend one of the Black Cab tours as they're mostly in fairly rough areas. You should be fine walking as a tourist during the day, either, but avoid after dark.
Belfast has some seriously good restaurants. My recommendation would be OX. £45 a head for a 3 course lunch at a Michelin star restaurant is a steal.
These look like great recommendations, thank you!