Culture, food, art, entertainment, our wee Belfast City is ready to come back to life, the lockdown has taken a lot from us, but it will never claim our spirit. The city sprung back to life over the weekend with hospitality and non essential retail opening and the crowds created such a noticeable buzz. With lockdown coming to an end, I hope that the love of the outdoors doesn’t fade into the distance, as Belfast has some unbelievable scenic spots.
Cavehill
Whether you arrive by road, rail, boat or plane, the green sleeping giant to the North of the city really is unmissable and the view from the top, genuinely unforgettable!
Usually, you would think that a hike like this would be a mission to get to from the city, but you will be pleasantly surprised. When you arrive, check in and get to see your home for the next few days, get your bags unpacked and gear up for your walk. Now you are in Northern Ireland, we are luscious and green for a reason, all thanks to rain, so pack a rain jacket just in case.
Take the bus from the centre, bus stops are conveniently located very close to all of our apartments, ask us or ask your driver where to get off and then follow the Belfast Castle signs.
Thick, green and raw, the magical trails lead you from Belfast Castle at the bottom to the top of Cavehill where you can drink in the view and feel the electrifying vibes that you get, feeling immersed and removed from the city at the same time.
Botanical gardens
Belfast is like an Onion, there are many layers, the more you peel back the layers, the more you discover. Botanical Gardens is one of those layers, part of Belfast’s Victorian Heritage and a much loved, closely guarded local treasure. Upon entering the gardens, you will find a mix of families, students and tourists, enjoying the stunning scenery in harmony.
Botanical gardens are the perfect place to stroll and chat, grab a ‘poke’ from the resident ice cream van as you enter into another realm with the Palm House and Tropical Ravine, dating back to 1839 and 1887 respectively and their wealth of tropical foliage and flowers.
How do you finish off a relaxing activity? With a feed or a drink of course, head to the Botanic strip and you will be spoilt for choice with a culture rich strip of exciting food and drink hubs.
Whether you are a bit too full from a delicious Cuban Sandwich Factory feed or had a couple too many cocktails at The Practitioner, you’ll be in luck with our Salisbury Apartments, just a couple minutes walk and you can throw yourself onto the sofa and relax for the next day and maybe a late night sweet delivery is on the cards from Love Treats and Shakes on Deliveroo, just to finish off strong with something sweet.
Titanic Quarter
The Titanic Quarter is an area of Belfast that over the past 10 years has flourished to become one of the most visited areas of the city. The Titanic Museum has been named one of the World’s Best Tourist Attractions, opening its doors to mark the 100th anniversary of setting sail.
The exhibition takes you on a maritime journey. Whilst the experience isn’t open at the moment due to covid, it will reopen in the not too distant future. If you’re in Belfast in the meantime, explore on foot or by bike. The Belfast Bikes are located in the heart of the quarter, you can explore the dock where Titanic was built, see the construction place and breathe in the intoxicating view out to sea that once saw the Titanic depart.
Even better, if you’ve taken the Belfast Bike Selection, our Deluxe Citygate apartments are a beautiful bike ride home, with a docking station close by. When you get back, relax or if you’re looking for a night time activity to finish off your day, see what’s going on at the Grand Opera House or The SSE Arena.
City Hall
We have Queen Victoria to thank for granting Belfast its city status. It was agreed after this that a grand and magnificent building must be built to reflect the new status, and they did not fail to deliver on this.
The City Hall first opened its doors 1st August 1906 and has been the pride of the city ever since and it’s not hard to see why.
We have apartments just a short stroll from the stunning landmark. Just how close you ask:
, that close!
If you are in Belfast be sure to visit for a photo, Covid permitting there are free guided tours that you can explore the interiors that are considered an incredible insight into the finish of the Titanic’s lounges and suites. After all they were built by the same people.
In the summer there is even an outdoor cinema. If you’re not here to catch the movie, join the locals and sit in the grounds, lay back on the fluffy grass and relax while the bustling city passes you by.
Photo Credit: Belfast One
Walk Along the Lagan
There is definitely something soothing about water, whether you are swimming in it or sitting in one of our luxurious Pottingers Quay apartments overlooking the River Lagan there is no denying it brings a sense of tranquillity over you.
Our Lagan side apartments are right on the towpath that can take you a short 10 minute stroll to the city centre for a lunch in the city, or you can embark on a fascinating wander along the towpath, enjoying the natural beauty of the Capitals River and surroundings. Expect to find yourself looking onto riverside meadows and mixed woodland as you are passed by the friendly locals who all whisper a very welcoming hello and flash a smile as they pass you by.
Photo Credit: @ulstersnapper
Like I said, there are many layers to Belfast and our apartments are there to be the perfect base as you set off and explore our wonderful city. They are all about relaxation, a home from home, somewhere you leave with a last appreciative look over your shoulder before you close the door for the last time. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay and will help make your trip one that you will never forget. I want to leave you with this video, of all of the spots I spoke about above. I hope you and I hope we welcome you to the city very soon.