What do YOU think of when you think of Belfast? For me all I could think is a troubled past, Titanic and the well known natural phenomenon Giants Causeway. Other than that I had no idea what I was going to discover on my visit and my expectations were low, which is a good thing, but what’s better is that they were exceeded. Like through the roof!
As you may know, Belfast is in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, my current home. What I loved about visiting Belfast was that I needed to hop on a plane so it gave me the feeling I was travelling abroad when I actually wasn’t. That might be you too! Let me walk you through my own personal recommendations on how to spend your time in Belfast.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST
Hop-on; hop-off Belfast’s main sites
A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:
Welcome to Edinburgh, a city that effortlessly blends ancient history with vibrant modernity. From its iconic castle perched atop a volcanic rock to its lively festivals and captivating architecture, Edinburgh has something for every traveller. That’s why it’s loved by so many, this city is b-u-s-y. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, immersing yourself in its rich culture, or savouring its culinary delights, this Scottish gem promises an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to dive into the heart of Edinburgh with this ultimate travel guide.
WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH
Discover Hidden Gems in the Old Town
Edinburgh is one of the cities where I’d say a walking tour is a must, specially in order to discover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll wander through narrow closes and winding streets, capturing the charm and character of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Why not frame unique doorways, architectural details, and picturesque alleyways in your photos? Book a walking tour here.
Capture Memories at Edinburgh Castle
Step into history and capture breathtaking views at Edinburgh Castle. Take a selfie with the grand fortress as your backdrop, explore the Great Hall, and be awe-inspired by the Crown Jewels. Don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun firing, a moment worth recording. The ticket it’s expensive, but it’s worth the price! Book it here.
Wander Along the Royal Mile
Embark on a captivating journey along the historic Royal Mile. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, snap photos of iconic landmarks, and browse through charming shops. Get a shot of the famous St. Giles’ Cathedral or pose with street performers for a fun-filled memory. Look out for Lady Stair’s Close where the Writers’ museum is and White Horse Close which is a striking spot. There are also lots of tourist shops if you’re after a souvenir. A favourite on The Royal Mile is the Fudge Kitchen which does incredible fudge.
Fall in love with Victoria St
Curving down from George IV Bridge down to the Grassmarket, Victoria Street needs to be high on your agenda in Edinburgh. Probably one of Edinburgh’s most well known streets, the brightly coloured shops & cafes pop brightly in contrast to the gothic grey architecture of the city’s Old Town. Harry Potter fans should know that Victoria Street is said to be one of the inspiration’s for Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s novels. There’s even a Harry Potter shop on the street for all of your wizarding gifts. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you definitely need to take this tour.
Conquer Arthur’s Seat
Ready for a challenge? Hike up Arthur’s Seat and revel in the stunning views of Edinburgh and its scenic surroundings from the summit. Take a careful but epic selfie from the top, celebrating your conquering spirit and the mesmerising beauty of the natural landscape. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear because it is more strenuous than a lot of people think.
A TRAVEL GUIDE TO WELLS, ENGLAND FROM LONDON: Wells Cathedral
Located in the foothills of the Mendip Hills, Wells is the tiniest cathedral city in the UK with only 11000 inhabitants. Wells lies close to the border with Wales and is not far from the iconic Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar. In this guide you’ll find the best things to do in Wells, where to stay, as well as things to do nearby.
How To Get To Wells From London
The best and easiest way to reach Wells from London is by car. You can rent a car in London or various other UK locations using Discovercars which offers the best and cheapest rentals. If you don’t want to drive, Wells is indeed connected to the rest of the UK via public transport. That said, Wells doesn’t have its own train station, the nearest one being Castle Cary (13 miles away).
I’ve visited Birmingham from London more than seven times already and lived there for a couple of weeks while I was renovating my Airbnb. When I asked in my Instagram stories I realised no one really visits Birmingham, but it’s quite an interesting city! Some of the things that make it special are that it’s actually the second largest city in the UK and also the youngest city with over 40% of the population being under 25 (fun! right?).
Also, Birmingham is home to more canal waterways than Venice and is home to the Bullring Shopping Centre which is one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe. If you ask me personally, I really like the industrial vibe of Birmingham, the mix of old and new architecture and the artsy vibe the neighbourhood of Digbeth breathes. On top of that, Birmingham boasts of fine arts, fine dining and greenery. It is the home for some of the most ground breaking music in the world (metal was born here!), Cadbury’s chocolate factory and the Peaky Blinders!
BIRMINGHAM, UK: ONE DAY ITINERARY & THINGS TO DO – Victoria Square
