Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Belfast's “Golden Mile”—stretching from Hotel Europa to the university dis-
trict—connects the central and southern zones with many of the best dinner and entertain-
ment spots.
The modern TI (look for
Welcome Centre
signs) has fine, free city maps and an enjoyable
bookshop with Internet access (£2/hour). The
Failte Ireland
desk can answer questions
about travel in the Republic of Ireland (June-Sept Mon-Sat 9:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-16:00;
Oct-May Mon-Sat 9:00-17:30, Sun 11:00-16:00; one block north of City Hall at 47
Donegall Place, tel. 028/9024-6609,
www.gotobelfast.com
)
. City walking tours depart
from the TI (see “Tours in Belfast,” later). Be sure to pick up a free copy of
About Belfast,
which lists all the sightseeing and evening entertainment options.
By Train:
Arriving by fast train, you'll go directly to Belfast's Central Station (with
ATMs and free city maps in the lobby). From the station, a free Centrelink bus loops to
Donegall Square, with stops near Shaftesbury Square (recommended hostel), the bus sta-
tion (some recommended hotels), and the TI (free with any train or bus ticket, 4/hour, nev-
er onSun; during morning rushhour,busrunsonly between station and Donegall Square).
Allow about £5 for a taxi from Central Station to Donegall Square, or £7 to my accom-
modation listings south of the university.
Slower trains arc through the city, stopping at several downtown stations, including
Central Station, Great Victoria Station (most central, near Donegall Square and most ho-
tels), and Botanic Station (close to the university, Botanic Gardens, and some recommen-
ded lodgings). It's easy and cheap to connect stations by train (£1.50).
By Car:
Driving in Belfast, although not as bad as in Dublin, is still a pain. Avoid it
if possible. Street parking in the city center is geared for short shopping stops (use pay-
and-display machines, £0.30/15 minutes, one-hour maximum, Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00, free in
evenings and on Sun).
Market:
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (roughly until 15:00), the Victorian confines
of
St. George's Market
is a commotion of commerce and a people-watching delight.
Friday is a variety market, Saturday blooms with food and garden items, and Sunday
creaks with crafts and antiques (at corner of Oxford and East Bridge Streets, 5 blocks
east of Donegall Square, tel. 028/9043-5704,
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets
).
