Belfast - The best of a renewed city

by Abigail Vint

I would be lying if I said there weren't a few raised eyebrows when my boyfriend Dave and I announced we were moving to Belfast. After spending a year touring to some of the most beautiful cities around Europe, we had decided on a place that many remember only from the headline news bomb stories.

I would also be lying if I said I handled all these initial reactions with a cool, calm head. It was as if by the mere suggestion that Belfast was a horrible place, we were somehow incapable of choosing a safe place to live, that we had learned nothing by living out of backpacks for months at a time and were in need of suggestions from people, some who had never even been anywhere in Europe, let alone in the last 15 years.

Our choice was an educated one, one that after months of contemplation, has turned out to be the positive experience we were hoping for. It's hard to explain what is so special about this city, but perhaps I can shed some light on the secret treasures this city has to offer.

What many don't realize is the number of excellent modern and trendy bars located in the centre of the city. Apartment, Basement, Bar Bacca, Grill Bar (or Bar Red as it's commonly known) Morrisons, Madisons. The list literally does go on. The beauty of it all? These places are all located pretty much within walking distance of each other.

The city itself has a small centre, which makes it easier to get from one end to the other. The south end of the centre hosts Queen's University, the main university in Northern Ireland. If you go for a wander behind the main building on University Road, you'll find a little oasis, with benches and trees to relax in. It's usually not that busy and you can get a bit of peace and quiet from the bustle of the city.

Just east of University Road is Botanic Avenue, where you can find more off the beaten track shopping. There are great cafes, bars and restaurants lining the street, which ends at the university in the Botanic Gardens.

Here, there is a stunning greenhouse with lots of different plant life to be explored. On a nice day, you will find the Botanic Gardens is quite busy, being one of the most popular places for students and families to relax during the summer months. If you want a little more peace and quiet, head to Ormeau Park, further east of the university. It's another huge green space but with less people and large enough to get away from the sound of the traffic.

If you head north from the Ormeau Park, you'll come to the River Lagan, which runs through the middle of the city. Take a walk to the restaurant Cutter's Wharf. It's tucked away in a residential area and has the largest patio in the city. There's nothing like a Guinness on a sunny day along the river.

At the north end of the city is the City Hall and the main shopping street, Royal Avenue. There aren't many buildings that force a smile on my face like the Belfast City Hall. It's a major landmark that you can see from many places in the centre. It's majestic architecture reminds you just how old the city is, what it has gone through and how it has survived the test of time.

During the troubles, Royal Avenue used to be closed off from cars and security was so tight, you would be searched each time you went into a shop. Now, it's a buzzing place, lined with some of the most popular chains of shops in the UK--Top Shop, Oasis, Monsoon, Marks & Spencer. I have to admit I avoid it on Saturdays because of the volume of people wandering around.

It's important to keep your eye open when you're wandering. The pedestrian only streets that surround Royal Avenue are perfect for sauntering around. There's always something interesting down the alleyways that branch out from these streets.

The tourist office on Royal Avenue can help you with the mainstream tourist things to do and see, but hopefully the above can give you a bit of the inside track on this growing city.

I feel very fortunate to be able to experience life in a city like Belfast. As a tourist, you will be pleasantly surprised by the city. As a resident, it is comfortable, friendly and cultural environment you can quickly feel at home in.