The fortunes of Belfast have risen and fallen over time, from its beginnings as a Bronze Age settlement to extensive World War II bombings and civil conflict. Today the capital of Northern Ireland is a thriving city that has regained some of its old charm and industry, and has begun to lure the curious traveller.

Belfast is situated near the mouth of the River Lagan and blossomed in the 17th century with an influx of English and Scottish settlers. The port city grew in prominence during the Industrial Revolution, with booming linen, rope-making and shipbuilding industries. The ill-fated Titanic was built here in the Harland and Wolff shipyards and today Belfast still boasts the world's biggest dry dock, as well as a restored Waterfront Complex that houses chic restaurants, shops and ubiquitous Irish pubs.

Much of the city's architectural heritage was destroyed during repeated bombings in World War II, as well as during the Troubles; civil conflict between Roman Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists that raged from 1969 until the late 1990s. Several exquisite Victorian and Edwardian buildings remain, however, and have been filled with trendy bars, boutiques, galleries, museums and restaurants in an attempt to regenerate the city's image. Evidence of the Troubles can still be seen in the many murals that line Falls Road and Shankill Road, and the Europa Hotel has become famous as one of the most bombed buildings in Europe, having being targeted no less than 27 times.

Belfast is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but its fascinating history, ongoing struggles, many attractions and above all, the warmth and acerbic wit of its inhabitants make it an essential stop on any trip to Northern Ireland. It also serves as an excellent base from which to explore the many wonders of the region.

Cathedral Quarter

Address: City centre, between Royal Avenue and the Dunbar Link Belfast

Telephone: 028 9023 2403

Belfast Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum

Address: Between Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis Road Belfast

Admission: Free 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Telephone: During closure call (0)28 9042 8428. Otherwise call (028) 9038 3000 (Museum); (028) 9032 4902 (Gardens)

Belfast Zoo

Address: Antrim Road Belfast

Admission: Winter: £7.10 (adults), £3.60 (children under 18). Increased rates in summer, check the website. Concessions and packages available Daily 10am-7pm (1 April to 30 September), closing at 4pm in winter (1 October to 31 March)

Telephone: (028) 9077 6277

St George's Market

Address: May Street Belfast

Admission: Free Variety Market on Fridays 6am to 2pm, City Food and Garden Market on Saturdays 9am to 3pm, Sunday Market 10am-4pm

Telephone: (028) 9032 0202

Giant's Ring

Address: Ballynahatty, near Shaw's Bridge Belfast

Admission: Free

Ulster American Folk Park

Address: Mellon Road, Castletown Belfast

Admission: £6.50 (adults), £4 (children). Other concessions available October to February: Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm. March to September: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays (except Northern Ireland Bank Holidays).

Telephone: (028) 8224 3292

Belfast Marathon

Where: From City Hall to Ormeau Park,Belfast

When: 2 May 2011

Belfast Film Festival

Where: Various,Belfast

When: 31 May to 10 June 2012

Belfast Pride

Where: Various,Belfast

When: 23 - 30 July 2011

The Square

Address: 89 Dublin Road Belfast

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

The Ginger Bistro

Address: 7-8 Hope Street Belfast

Food Type: Fusion

Molly's Yard

Address: 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Avenue Belfast

Food Type: Local