The fortunes of Belfast have risen and fallen over time, from its beginnings as a Bronze Age settlement and the building of the Titanic, 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 area.

Cathedral Quarter

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

Once the city's centre for trade and its warehouse district, the heart of Belfast's cultural and tourist hub is Cathedral Quarter, so named because of the presence of St Anne's Cathedral. There are some lovely examples of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, several galleries, dedicated performing arts venues, good restaurants and bars, and the area plays host to the Belfast Film Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival annually. Given some time, the area could rival Dublin's Temple Bar district.

Belfast Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum

Address: Between Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis Road Belfast

Admission: Gardens: Free The Ulster Museum is closed until 2009 for major redevelopment.

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

The Belfast Botanic Gardens date back to 1828, but were only opened to the public in 1895. The Gardens boast the Palm House, a cast iron glasshouse built in 1852, rose gardens, green walkways and the Tropical Ravine greenhouse built in 1889. The Gardens are popular with office workers, students, locals and tourists alike, and at the main entrance to the Gardens is the fascinating Ulster Museum. Founded in 1821, the Ulster Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits on a range of subjects (including Irish and local history), as well as an excellent art collection. *Special note: the Museum is closed until spring 2009 for refurbishment.

Belfast Zoo

Address: Antrim Road Belfast

Admission: Summer: £8.10 (adults), £4.30 (children under 18). Winter: £6.70 (adults), £3.40 (children under 18). Concessions and packages available Daily 10am to 7pm (1 April to 30 September), closing at 4pm in winter (1 October to 31 March)

Telephone: (028) 9077 6277

The Belfast Zoo is packed with animals from all over the world - from sea lions to giraffes - in a range of habitats, and offers a fun-filled day out for the family. The zoo also hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year such as reptile displays, birds of prey displays and more, and has active breeding and conservation projects.

St George's Market

Address: May Street Belfast

Admission: Free Variety Market on Fridays 6am to 1pm, City Food and Garden Market on Saturdays 9am to 3pm

Telephone: (028) 9032 0202

Built between 1890 and 1896, St George's Market is one of the city's oldest attractions and the last Victorian covered market in the region. After painstaking (and expensive) restoration, the market has reopened. On Fridays, the Variety Market, as the name suggests, offers a range of different items from antiques to clothes, while the City Food and Garden Market is on Saturdays and offers the freshest local, international and speciality foods.

Giant's Ring

Address: Ballynahatty, near Shaw's Bridge Belfast

Admission: Free

The fascinating and mysterious Giant's Ring, near Shaw's Bridge, is made up of a circular enclosure nearly 656 feet (200m) in diameter with five entrances, and an older Neolithic passage tomb dating back to roughly 3,000 BC. Although the exact purpose of the henge is not known, some say that it served as a meeting point and ritual area, and several packages and urns full of bones have been excavated in the surroundings. There are beautiful views across the Lagan Valley and the Ring is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, picnic, cycle or walk.

Ulster American Folk Park

Address: Mellon Road, Castletown Belfast

Admission: £4.90 (adults), £2.90 (children). Other concessions available Monday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm, closing at 4.30pm in summer. Museum closes at 5pm in summer and 6pm in winter.

Telephone: (028) 8224 3292

The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum that focuses on the large-scale emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is the biggest of its kind in Europe. Displays illustrate the everyday life of the emigrants through reconstructed original and replica buildings, a full-size replica of a sailing ship and daily demonstrations of printing, cooking, spinning and blacksmithing. There is also a fascinating indoor museum and a dockside gallery. The park also hosts a number of events, including popular music festivals such as the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival.

Belfast Marathon

Where: From City Hall to Ormeau Park,Belfast

When: May 2010 TBA

For over 25 years, the Belfast City Marathon has attracted thousands of participants and spectators. As well as a full marathon, there is also a walk, wheelchair race, team relay race and a fun run. Don't miss the pre-marathon Pasta Party at City Hall where participants can carbo-load and enjoy traditional Irish music and dance. The marathon begins at City Hall and ends at Ormeau Park. For more information call 028 9060 5944 or email belfastmarathon1@btconnect.com

Belfast Film Festival

Where: Various,Belfast

When: March 2010 TBA

The annual Belfast Film Festival is a must for cinephiles and offers a range of exciting films, a short film competition for up and coming filmmakers and plenty of sneak previews. A festival pass is available that offers a massive discount and access to all the films on offer. For more information on the Film Festival call (028) 9032 5913 or email info@belfastfilmfestival.org

Belfast Pride

Where: Various,Belfast

When: 24 - 31 July 2010

Celebrating diversity, history, culture of Northern Ireland's gay and lesbian communities, the annual Belfast Pride festival is a riot of colours and sounds. There is a range of events from walks to river cruises, talks, photographic exhibitions, parties and shows; all culminating in the Pride Parade.