Navigating your way around Belfast and the surrounding area couldn't be easier, thanks to an excellent road network. The M1, M2 and M3 motorways offer direct routes out of Belfast if you're exploring further afield.

The M1 (beginning as the A12 Westlink) will take you west into the heart of the country, skirting the south side of Lough Neagh freshwater lake, all the way to Dungannon. Similarly you can head west out of Belfast on the M2, but this route will take you north of Lough Neagh, as far as Antrim. Here you can pick up the A26 in the direction of the coast for Ballycastle, Portstewart and The Giant's Causeway.
To get to Sydenham Bypass and the eastern regions of Northern Ireland, take the M3.

Acting as a horseshoe around the city, Belfast's A55 offers you a convenient route from west to east, as well as access to two expansive outdoor spaces - Clement Wilson Park and the Belvoir Park Forest.

When negotiating the city centre the A12, A2 or A24 will be your main routes.
You'll find it easy to get your bearings in Belfast thanks to the River Lagan that runs north to south on the east side of the city. To head to the waterfront area, a bustling leisure and commercial location, take the M2 toward Dargan Road.

It's worth noting that parts of the city centre operate under a one-way system, especially in and around Belfast's shopping district, where large parts are pedestrianised.

Belfast is a thriving city that has undergone a huge cultural transformation whilst preserving its industrial and maritime heritage. From nearby seaside retreats to tours of the city's Parliament building, you'll find plenty to explore during your visit.

Countryside and gardens

If you're looking to take in some fresh Northern Irish air, you certainly won't be disappointed. The Lagan Valley Regional Park offers something for everyone across its 4,500 acres of rolling countryside. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the River Lagan with a stroll along its 11 miles of towpaths or, if you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie, why not try out the off-road mountain biking routes through the park's woodland.

Head out of the city to nearby Sprucefield and spend an afternoon of leisure at Hillsborough Castle and Garden, the Royal Family's official Northern Ireland residence. Wander the mansion's paths, taking in the beautiful flower beds and exotic plants – the Lady Alice Temple is a delight for the senses.

Cave Hill is one of the city's more popular outdoor destinations, thanks to the breath-taking views of Belfast's landscape and a rabbit warren of caves to explore, including the famed Napoleon's Nose. It's said that on a clear day standing on top of the hill you can see as far as the Isle of Man – 100 miles away in the Irish Sea.

History and heritage

Being a port city, Belfast has a storied maritime history – something showcased throughout the area. Home to where the world's most famous passenger liner was built, the Titanic Belfast Museum tells the story of the RMS Titanic with a state-of-the-art visitor experience. You can see a more recent ode to Belfast's shipping trade by taking in the Samson & Goliath Cranes on Queen's Road. This structure is now a dominating feature of Belfast's skyline.

Visit the iconic Crumlin Road Gaol, a prison that was active for 150 years, and you'll be able to delve deep into this building's fascinating and dark past, and learn about the 25,000 inmates it once held. Another historic location is the 19th century St George's Market, a firm favourite in inner-city Belfast. Here you can get your shopping fix in one of the city's oldest attractions, browsing stalls selling everything from locally-sourced produce to the latest fashion trends.

Belfast's waterside

Extensive redevelopment of the Laganside area has resulted in its resurgence as both a commercial and residential area. Clarendon Dock, for example, is home to a range of upmarket apartments and office headquarters while the expansive Belfast Waterfront hosts all the city's major conferences, events and concerts.

As one of the most talked about television series of recent years, 'Game of Thrones' has become a global sensation and has strong links to both Belfast and Northern Ireland. Large parts of the series were filmed in the country, and you can now truly immerse yourself in George RR Martin's fantasy world on the Winterfell Tour just 40 minutes south of the centre, down the A7. You can also catch a glimpse of where the first four series of the show were shot by heading to the Titanic Studios, situated by the waterfront on Queen's Road.

Whatever your reasons for spending time in this exciting city, you can be sure Belfast will welcome you with open arms and make for a trip you won't forget in a hurry.