The must-see sights

Instead of ignoring the troubles of times gone by, embrace them and find out more on your Belfast break. The city is filled with colourful murals depicting scenes from darker times that form a tourist trail though the streets. You can find free downloadable maps online to guide you through the murals, or book a political tour, run by ex political-prisoners, who can tell you first-hand what they mean and what life was like in Belfast at the height of the conflict.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK by Bea y Fredi

You may or may not know that the Titanic was built in the docks of Belfast, and visitors can trace the footsteps of the doomed ship at the newly opened Titanic Belfast experience. The exhibition combines full-scale reconstructions, interactive features and special effects that bring the story to life and has been drawing in the crowds since it opened. Tickets cost £13.50 for adults and £6.75 for children aged 5 – 16 years, with under 5s going free.

A great way to see the city is via a Belfast Black Taxi tour. The tour will take you through the murals, into the University and Titanic Quarters, around the shipyard and back for a bowl of Irish stew and a pint of Guinness.

Titanic Museum, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK by Titanic Belfast

The best bars

Belfast is a student city, with several universities dotted in and around the town, so whatever night of the week you may be there you’re sure to find a lively pub. If you’re after a Belfast landmark, pop in for a pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon. As one of the city’s oldest bars, it has a rich interior that has remained unchanged for over 100 years. The pub is filled with original features such as ornately painted glass and a granite topped bar, as well as cosy snugs perfect for winter evening drinks.

Stop off for a drink at The Botanic Inn, or ‘The Bot’ as it is known to locals, and you just don’t know what you’ll find. The pub is split into 3 parts. There is a main bar area is popular for lunch time pub grub, the front bar is a peaceful spot for a quiet beer and the top bar the place to go if you want to party the night away.

If you’re after something a bit more decadent, get your gladrags on and indulge in cocktails at the fabulously fashionable Apartment Bar, which boasts views over city hall to keep you entertained as you sip. Choose from classic cocktails such as Cosmopolitan , or give one of their house specialities a try.

Albert Clock, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK by Bea y Fredi

The coolest venues

The Irish have music in their souls, and whilst in Belfast you should try to check out a local band. Auntie Annie’s is a favourite and hosts everything from acoustic sessions, to full band gigs and even DJ club nights.

The Limelight has two live music venues, plus a public bar where you will frequently find home artists, indie club nights and big name British and international bands that are touring the country. The Belfast Empire is another local favourite, with live music, comedy and themed club nights.

If you’re after something a bit more traditional, head for Maddens Bar, where you’re sure to find a trad sesh. Known as one of Belfast’s top trad music bars, there is live music every night of the week and the atmosphere is buzzing. Grab a Guinness, sit back and enjoy.

Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland, UK by Andrew Hurley

Where to shop

If it’s a shopping weekend you’re after, Belfast will not disappoint. The city centre, around City Hall, is packed full of high-street favourites. Also centrally located is Victoria Square, Belfast’s newest shopping haven, with over 50 stores combining to make this a one-stop shop for your shopping trip.

For bargain hunters, the Junction One International Outlet Shopping centre is sure to delight. It is situated about 20 minutes out from the centre of Belfast, but is more than worth the trip if you’re serious about your shopping.

For something a bit different, hit the ‘Style Mile’ at Lisburn Road, where you will find independent boutiques and designer stores. Vintage lovers should take note of Raspberry Beret, a fabulous vintage boutique located in the chic Belmont Road area.

Where to stay

Sleepy Cedars

Friendly and ever-so slightly quirky, Sleepy Cedars offers a comfortable and quiet base not far from the city centre. The welcoming hosts have thought of everything, providing a library for guests who are after a bedtime read, as well as a piano that those who are musically inclined are welcome to have a tinkle on.

This restored Victorian property is bright and charming, with a bit of a shabby chic feel to the décor in the spacious rooms. There’s a bus stop at the end of the road, offering easy access into the city for days or evenings out, and your hosts will send you off with a full stomach after a sensational breakfast which includes freshly baked Irish soda bread. Rooms start at a wallet-friendly £29 for a single and £45 for a double.

Evelyn’s B&B

For an intimate experience, Evelyn’s B&B is nestled away in the leafy south suburbs of the city. This beautiful Victorian B&B has just two guest rooms, each decorated in a stylish fashion, which combines period charm and modern elegance.

The B&B is located close to The Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, so you can start your sightseeing right on your doorstep. There are some lovely bars and restaurants also nearby, making this an ideal base for a Belfast break. Rooms are priced at £50 per night.

Anita Doherty is the Editor for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com (www.enjoybedandbreakfast.com) a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses. You can find her on twitter @enjoybnb when she’s not travelling the world!

The post A City Guide to Belfast | Northern Ireland, UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Golf club, Marbella, Spain by Meindert Arnold Jacob

Shanti Som

Shanti Som Spa has a variety of packages to heal the mind, body and soul which draw influences from South East Asia. A full selection of specific retreats and treatments are available from complete balance and harmony treatments, spa detoxes to yoga retreats. The best way to get the most out of a spa holiday here is to have a consultation so an approach can be tailored to your needs. Shanti Som’s sole purpose is to promote new and healthy habits to follow through life.

LA Quinta Golf & Spa

Plush and luxurious describes the Arabic and Andalucían themed spa at La Quinta. With an outdoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, hammam, aromatic steam room and cascade showers the idea is to touch and sooth your senses into relaxation and renewal. La Quinta itself has wonderful views of the sea and mountains. It is surrounded by a golf course as well if you fancy twinning a bit of exercise with your spa break.

Finca Cortesin Spa

As part of the five star hotel in Casares, Finca Cortesin, their high standards expected at the spa too. The development is in beautiful grounds and surrounded by a world class golf course. It boasts three pools one of which is a heated indoor pool treated with sea salt, a thermal area with Finnish sauna and snow cave. Wellness is the focus in this luxurious spa.

For exercise fanatics there is a fully equipped gym with personal trainers on site to advise on routines. As for spa treatments if has several treatment rooms focusing on the face and body, wellness and rejuvenation.

Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

Sat right next to the sea is somehow a real plus to spa lovers, something in the sea air perhaps. Marbella Club Spa offers your very own personalized spa holiday at its Thalasso Spa. Your every whim is catered to from detoxification to rejuvenation, facial beauty to body wraps the Thalasso spa has it covered. Another plus is all their products are from the luxury brands of BABOR, Morjana and Thalion.

O2 Centro Wellness

This is the least luxurious of the five spas in Marbella however it is therefore the most reasonable too. It offers a thermal circuit of six hot springs, two swimming pools, a Nebula Shower, Steam Bath and Sauna. The mantra at O2 is to enjoy health, sports and beauty so there are good gym facilities too.

The post Five Spas in Marbella for a Weekend Holiday with Friends | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Studio eLBee

1. Cities and towns by lakes often have a rich cultural history supported by the presence of that lake.
If you really want to visit a place that has it all, and expansive lake with a thriving cultural presence, then Italy’s Lake Garda – the largest lake in the country – is the perfect location. It is located in Northern Italy, about halfway between Verona and Brescia, and is easily accessible from the north by the Brenner Pass. There are many different places to stay during a visit to Lake Garda. There are pricey exclusive resorts, as well as affordable family sized villas for rent. On this south side of Lake Garda lies the ancient Roman city of Sirmione. Here you can visit ancient spa complexes, and Scaliger castle which was built in the 13th century. Gardaland is a theme park that is popular among the locals and tourists alike.

2. Lakes support a wide variety of relaxing activities.
Visiting a lake means that you can take part in lots of different activities. Lakes are excellent places to take part in water sports, like kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. The Masuria region of Poland has over 1,000 lakes in the north western part of the country, and is an extremely popular destination for water sports. These are all glacial lakes, and while relatively deep, they are calm and therefore excellent places to take sailing lessons. There are many rivers and streams that connect these lakes, and these are great for paddling expeditions.

3. Lakes are perfect habitats for nature lovers.
Lakes are large areas of freshwater that attracts many different kinds of animals. Lake Ladoga, one of the largest lakes in the world, and the largest in Europe, also has a very large population of water birds. Freshwater fish are also very numerous, making this lake great for fishermen. This lake, that spans across both Russia and Finland, is perfect for birdwatchers and naturalists. Why not find a local car hire company, rent a car and head over to Lake Ladoga, ecologically a very special lake, and invites all kinds of explorations.

4. Cleaner, more beautiful water.
Lakes are often disregarded over coastal areas in favour of beaches and a beach scene, but savvy travellers know that some lake beaches are even more beautiful and relaxing. Lake Annecy of France is regarded as Europe’s cleanest lake, and also happens to be France’s second largest lake. It is the cleanest because of strict environmental regulations. Swimming, biking around the shore and water sports are the most popular activities here. A visit to France is not complete without a getaway to beautiful, scenic Lake Annecy.

5. Beautiful mountain lakes are a true getaway all year long.
Lakes can be situated in many different habitats, and mountain lakes are especially unique. The landscape surrounding mountain lakes are refreshing, with the forest covered peaks and valleys. Lake Geneva is one of the most popular destinations for lake holidays in Switzerland and Europe. It is the largest alpine lake in Europe, sitting at an elevation of 1,220 feet. Visiting mountain lakes means that even in the winter there are surrounding activities. At Lake Geneva, skiing, as well as mountain and lake scenery make it a great place to visit, even in the winter. In the summer, yachting on the lake and lounging on the shores are very popular.

The post Lake Holidays in Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.