Belfast — From Conflict to Creative City★★
Belfast is a city that does not hide its scars — and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating. Northern Ireland's capital was the scene of the bloody conflict between Unionists (Protestant, pro-British) and Nationalists (Catholic, pro-Irish) for over three decades, known as "The Troubles" (1968–1998), which claimed over 3,500 lives. Today, Belfast is a city reinventing itself: The Titanic Quarter is world-class, the Cathedral Quarter scene is vibrant, and the people have a humor as dry as a good Bushmills.
The Titanic Quarter at the site where the RMS Titanic was built is Belfast's flagship. The Titanic Belfast Museum (£22) is one of the best museums in Europe — an iconic, silver building shaped like ship bows, telling the story of the Titanic across nine galleries: from its construction at Harland & Wolff shipyard to its maiden voyage and sinking. The interactive "Shipyard Ride" simulates work in the shipyard, and the original ship SS Nomadic (the last existing ship of the White Star Line) is in the dry dock next door.
The Cathedral Quarter is Belfast's cultural and nightlife district: street art, independent shops, the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre, free), artisanal coffee houses, and the best pubs in town in the evening. The Duke of York (Commercial Court) is Belfast's most atmospheric pub — a narrow alley crammed with memorabilia, reminiscent of London's most hidden corners.
The St. George's Market (Friday–Sunday) is one of the best food markets on the British Isles: fresh fish, Irish cheese, handmade sweets, street food, and live music on Saturday mornings — an institution since 1604.
