The center square in Belfast, Donegall Square is the headquarters of the city council and City Hall, an impressive Renaissance-style building completed in 1906.  On the south side of the square lies the Ten Square Hotel, originally a Victorian linen warehouse that features the faces of George Washington, Isaac Newton, Michelangelo and William Shakespeare.  In the square you can find the Belfast Tourist Office, which is open from 11:00am to 2:00pm every day but Sunday.  The War Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance sits on the west side of City Hall, along with a commemoration of the sinking of the Titanic, which was built in Belfast.

Location: Donegall Street

Hours: 10:00am- 4:00pm weekdays; shortly before and after Sunday services

Services: Mon.- Sat. 1:00pm; Sun. 10:00am, 11:00am, 3:30pm

    You can spot St. Anne’s Cathedral by the beautiful Celtic Cross on the exterior of the building.  It was built in 1899 on the site of St. Anne’s Church, the first Irish parish church, and the final section of the church, the Chapel of the Royal Irish Rangers, was completed in 1981.  Because the cathedral was completed in stages, it shows different architectural eras within one building. The cathedral strives to be the center of excellence in Anglican Choral Music and contains the largest organ in Northern Ireland.  If you’re able to visit Belfast during Christmas time, stop by St. Anne’s Cathedral to see the Black Santa-- a tradition started in 1976 where the Belfast Dean “sits out” in front of the church in a black clerical cloak to collect money for charity.

Address: 7 College Square North

Tickets: upwards of £8.

    Founded in 1990, the OMAC features contemporary theatre and dance of Northern Ireland and from around the world, as well as other forms of art. Located in the heart of Belfast just a few blocks northeast of City Hall, this unique culture spot offers various shows in theatre, readings, music, dance and visual arts.  Check out their website for show listings and prices.

    The Golden Mile refers to the section of Great Victoria Street between the City Hall and the University district-- it’s about a mile long and contains the greater part of modish spots in the city, including cafés, bars, restaurants, theatres and clubs. 

Address: Speranza 16- 19 Shaftesbury Square

Hours: Mon.- Sat. 5:00pm- late; Sun. 3:00pm- 10:00pm

    With two levels illuminated in a charming exterior glass edifice, this Italian restaurant offers traditional cuisine at a reasonable price (£8- £17).  Located on the Golden Mile off Great Victoria Street, its cozy wooden interior offers a friendly environment to enjoy a dinner with friends.  Groups of over six should make reservations, and walk-ins are welcome.

Flights:  Belfast International Airport (BFS) handles all of the major airlines like British Airways and all of the international flights.  Belfast City Airport handles a few of the regional carriers, which should be looked into if time is of the essence on your backpacking trip. 

Trains: Central Station will get those backpacking in Scotland to Derry/Londonderry and Dublin.  For up to date train schedules check www.translink.co.uk.  

Buses: Europa Bus Terminal will get backpackers to the same two destinations as the trains.  The Derry trip takes a little longer to arrive and costs about the same, but the Dublin trip adds only an hour and will save you almost £15. 

Public Transportation: Belfast operates two bus lines.  Metro Buses travel along twelve different routes and all meet in Donegall Square.  If you came by rail, Metro Bus tickets are free. 

Address: 46 Great Victoria Street

    Situated on the Golden Mile, the Crown Liquor Saloon dates back to 1826, when the first train ran from Belfast to Lisburn.  Have a seat in a “snug,” ornately carved wooden booths with metal plates to strike a match and a servant’s bell, which “alerts bar staff to your liquid needs.”  The saloon shines with a gold glow, decorated in mosaic tiles, ornate mirrors and etched glass by Italian craftsmen who came to Ireland in the era of emancipation to build Catholic churches.  The saloon encourages its patrons to “enjoy the Craic,”  craic, or crack, meaning lighthearted enjoyment, often in a place of drinking and music.  So sit back, order a pint and some traditional Irish food, and “enjoy the Craic”!

Address: 12-16 Bradbury Place

    If you’re searching for other backpackers in Belfast, you will find them at Lavery’s.  This family-owned bar began in 1918 and served as a place for travelers on horses and stage coaches to stop for refreshment.  “The Cobbles,” a small “counter culture” bar in the back, plays live music a few nights each week, and “The Bunker” serves as a venue for live bands and DJs.  To simply grab a beer, enjoy local conversation or an exciting football game, settle into the Public Bar on the first floor.

Address: 23-31 Bradbury Pl

Hours: Tues., Thurs.- Sat. 6:00pm- late

    For the clubber, Club M provides a swankier environment that’s still friendly to students.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are student nights, with admission and drinks under £3.  Enjoy the “Groovy Train” night on Fridays, with disco at a £6 admission fee.  The illuminated bar and dance floor offer a glamorous feel, and plush couches give dancers a place to rest and catch up with friends.  Club M is located just north of Queens University.