Out with the Troubles and in with the tourists. That seems to have been Belfast's motto since the end of the inter-denominational conflict between the Catholics and Protestants, which kept the nation on the news throughout the 90s.



It is one that has worked well for the city, which is now a hub for city-breakers seeking a cheap, beer-fuelled weekend away. More than this, Belfast has a rich heritage, beyond the religious conflict, that includes the setting sail of the Titanic and stretches way back to the Middle Ages.



Cheap hotels are aplenty in the city and flight offers are readily available with low-cost carriers Ryanair and easyJet both operating routes in and out of the city.

Traditions and culture in Belfast

If going to the US is hopping across the pond, then going to Belfast is skipping across the puddle. Thanks to this, the difference in culture compared with the UK is not particularly great.



That said, Belfast is still a deeply religious city, so respect when entering areas of worship is a must at all times.



Similarly, those who embark on the tourist trail to see the loyalist and republican murals around Division Street should do so with respect. Many of these murals lie in residential areas, where locals do not appreciate gaping tourists with flashing cameras.



Taxi firms offer inexpensive rides through this area, which allow visitors to see the main murals, without causing offence.



In terms of eating out and drinking, places out of the city centre, especially around the university, are pretty cheap. The range is much the same as in the UK.

Recommended in Belfast

A must-see in Belfast has to be The Crown Bar, which is an old Victorian saloon that has maintained its original décor and drinking booths. The liquor saloon is now a National Trust property.

For those wanting to get out of the drinking houses, Belfast's Botanical Gardens in the University district is the perfect attraction for a sunny day.

Belfast Zoo is another tourist treat, featuring sea lions, tamarins and blue-eyed white tigers, while fans of the Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio blockbuster may want to head over to the Titanic district to go back to the moment when the fateful ship set sail.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is also well-worth a visit, featuring 30 buildings ranging from urban terrace homes to thatched cottages as well as a series of Ulster-related vehicles.

Weather in Belfast

Belfast's temperate is fairly moderate, averaging around ten degrees Centigrade. January and February are the coldest months, while June to August tends to be when things hot up – if they do.

Destination checklist for Belfast

Going to Belfast is like taking a trip to a nearby city. The currency is pound sterling, it operates on the same time zone as the UK and uses the same type of plugs.

However, the dialing code does differ – it is +353.