Belfast is an easily walkable city, perfect for sightseeing on foot or by the Citybus service. For a panorama of its spectacular setting on the River Lagan, surrounded by hills, go to the Waterfront Hall at Laganside.

Visit St George's Market and Lagan Lookout. The yellow cranes across the river are Samson and Goliath, signposting the shipyard where Titanic was built. The massive Odyssey Millennium Centre nearby is opening in November. Head towards the city centre and take a tour of the ornate City Hall which is a monument to Belfast's civic pride and prosperity. Within walking distance are the Linenhall Library, St Anne's Cathedral, the leaning tower of the Albert Clock, the opulent St Malachy's Church and Sinclair Seaman's Church.

Walk around, looking upwards at the ornamental embellishments on many buildings, such as Grand Opera House (the beautiful Victorian theatre) and the Ulster Hall. It's worth buying a drink to see inside the extravagant Crown Liquor Saloon. Head south along Great Victoria Street, main artery of our famous Golden Mile of restaurants, entertainment venues and pubs taking you to the lively nightlife quarter around Queen's University.

Go into the Ulster Museum, the great treasurehouse of Irish art and artefacts in the superb setting of Botanic Gardens. Marvel at the Palm House and Tropical Ravine there. Lagan Valley Regional Park is a walker's paradise on the city's doorstep. In west Belfast, Culturlann Macadam O Faich on the Falls Road is Belfast's Irish language arts centre. At the top of the Shankill district, the British side of the city's cultural diversity is celebrated at Fernhill House:The People's Museum.

Most visitors go to west Belfast for the unique political murals; it's best to take a Guided Tour. In east Belfast, there are also some murals ( around Newtownards Road) and excellent visitor attractions. Victoria Park has flocks of swans, geese and herons. Streamvale Open Farm is a family attraction, easily combined with a visit to nearby Dundonald International Ice Bowl near Stormont. In north Belfast , aim for Belfast Castle in our superb Cave Hill Country Park, then have a drink or lunch inside. Visit the scenically located Belfast Zoo, which is worth a whole day visit in itself.