Have a blast on these city breaks from Belfast
From Northern Ireland’s capital city, you’re just a plane or train ride away from a city break filled with lots of cultural experiences and historic locations, and even some beach time or boozy nights.
Exciting weekend escapes within the UK
Hankering for a holiday packed with museum hopping, spirited football matches and multiple rounds in traditional pubs? Take your pick from these UK city breaks from Belfast. For comfort and convenience, you can choose from city-centre holiday lettings near prominent landmarks.
Heed London calling
While London may be a mammoth of a city – not just size-wise, but also in terms of its historical, cultural and artistic offerings – its city centre is actually quite compact. Free attractions, like watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace or visiting the 3 neighbouring museums in South Kensington, make the British capital an affordable city break from Belfast. Cap off your sightseeing with a West End musical or a pint at a traditional pub before going back to your luxury apartment in London.
Don’t miss a chance to explore Manchester
Manchester‘s industrial heritage is well documented in its fascinating museums. Guided stadium tours of Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, make fantastic field trips for families and sporting fans, while foodies looking for a tasty treat might find it along Wilmslow Road’s Curry Mile. The Castlefield area offers peaceful canalside strolls, but there’s also a great music scene, as well as the renowned Gay Village, if you’re looking for a more spirited evening.
Ready, jet set, Glasgow
Architecture buffs will have a field day in Scotland’s largest city, which boasts a wealth of remarkable Victorian buildings and some of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s landmark designs. There’s also a dizzying array of museums and galleries, top-billed by the impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and a vibrant music, art and theatre scene. For an authentic slice of Glaswegian life, go to a traditional pub, where you’re bound to find the locals in animated discussion over every topic under the sun.
Visit Liverpool’s dockside landmarks
Whether you’re into sports, music or history, lively Liverpool is ready to engage your interests. This northwest England destination famously produced the Beatles, and Fab Four fans will enjoy the memorabilia and recreated music venues at The Beatles Story. You’ll find the music museum, along with Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum, in Albert Dock’s historic stone, brick and cast-iron buildings. Those looking for top-flight footy can cheer for Liverpool and Everton football clubs, both of which are based in the city.
A day in Dublin ends at the pub
There are numerous attractions you can visit in Dublin, from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, to the National Museum of Ireland’s 3 branches. If there’s one thing you mustn’t miss, however, it’s downing a pint (or 5) of Guinness in a classic Irish pub – you won’t have a hard time finding one, as hundreds of pubs and bars litter the city. Pedestrianised Grafton Street is the place to go for shopping, while sprawling Phoenix Park is home to the Dublin Zoo.
The best European city breaks from Belfast
You’ve got plenty of choices for worthwhile weekend escapes outside the UK, whether it’s a beach break in the Costa del Sol or a romantic retreat in Paris. Take advantage of the wide array of holiday lettings available so you’ll not only be close to the stops on your itinerary, but also enjoy self-catering facilities and sweet city views.
Soak up the sun in Malaga
Picasso’s birthplace in Spain’s Costa del Sol is a marvellous marriage of old and new. In the historic core, visit Museo Picasso Malaga and find parts of the Phoenician ancient city walls in the cellar, or see the street art in the vibrant Soho district. Be beside the seaside and book a villa rental in Torremolinos, which offers vibrant nightlife on Calle San Miguel, or in Marbella, where you can ogle superyachts and luxury cars in glitzy Puerto Banus.
Go cycling and sightseeing in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its laid-back vibe, so it’s no surprise that city breaks here are all about leisurely bike rides along the numerous canals, or people-watching while sipping coffee in a busy square. There’s still plenty to satisfy those who prefer jam-packed days – top attractions include the Rijksmuseum, home to celebrated Rembrandt works, and the sobering Anne Frank House. At night, a pub crawl is the perfect way to meet fellow travellers and experience the Dutch capital’s sprightly nightlife.
Paris is always a good idea
The City of Light has an undeniable magic – no matter how many Paris city breaks you’ve been on, the Eiffel Tower is a sight that never gets old. The adventures to be had in this world-famous destination are seemingly infinite too, whether it’s checking out the flea market in quaint Montmartre, shopping for designer duds along the Champs-Elysees or people-watching while enjoying a pain au chocolat at a streetside cafe.