What to Expect When Living in Belfast

Are you thinking about relocating to Belfast? If so, you’re about to embark on an exciting adventure. Belfast is a vibrant city, filled with a rich and growing culture. Although it is the capital of Northern Ireland and is steeped in history, Belfast is a modern European city that is attracting young professionals from all over the world.Living in Belfast can be an amazing experience if you’re prepared and know what to expect. Here is a thorough guide to give you an idea of what living in Belfast is like.

Understanding Belfast’s Geography

Belfast is located on the east side of Northern Ireland and shares a border with the Irish Republic in the south. It is the largest city in Northern Ireland and part of the larger Belfast Metropolitan Area, which includes nearby towns and cities such as Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Bangor, Holywood, Carrickfergus, and Ballymena.The population of Belfast was estimated to be 333,871 in 2019. The city is divided into several areas, which are subdivided into over 50 electoral wards. The city centre is relatively small, but densely populated. It is home to some important landmarks and attractions like the Queen’s University of Belfast, the City Hall, and the famous Titanic Belfast building. If you’re looking for something to do outside the city centre, popular suburbs include Ormeau, Holywood and Cliftonville. The coastal towns of Bangor and Donaghadee are only 30 minutes away by car and a great spot for weekend trips.Belfast has a mild climate with cool summers, mild winters, and plenty of rain all year round. This makes it prone to heavy snowfall in the winter months, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing when you move.

Accommodation in Belfast

If you plan to live in Belfast permanently you will need to find accommodation. The good news is that there are plenty of options from hotels and lodges to apartments and houses. The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the area or neighbourhood you choose. Generally speaking, rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts from about £650 per month. It is important to consider that health and safety standards in rental properties must meet certain criteria set out by law. The website Habitat NI provides useful advice and information on your legal rights when renting in Northern Ireland. It is always a good idea to read this information before entering an agreement with a landlord.When searching for accommodation in Belfast or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, portals like Daft.ie, Belfastpropertynews.com, or Gumtree are some of the most commonly used ones. You can also find good deals on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor for properties available for short-term let or rent-by-owner options.

Transportation in Belfast

There are several options for getting around in Belfast:

• Bus: Bus services operate throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland. The Ulsterbus network covers most areas, with frequent services and direct lines to major destinations like the City Airport and Queen’s University. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in bus stations or on board if paying cash.
• Taxi: Taxi services operating within and outside Belfast go far beyond the traditional “black cab’. There are numerous different companies offering fast, reliable transport from one destination to another.
• Train: The main rail service in Belfast is operated by Northern Ireland Railways. Services run from the harbour side to suburbs like Carrickfergus and Whitehead in the North or Downpatrick, Derry and Coleraine in the West.
• Cycling: Cycling is an increasingly popular form of transport in Belfast; however infrastructure for cyclists remains limited. Nonetheless, cyclists can currently travel along the recently opened George Best City Airport cycleway or Lisburn Road cycleway.
• Boat: Don’t forget that Belfast lies right at the mouth of Lough Neagh, so you can take a boat tour of the largest freshwater lough in the British Isles or get around faster by hopping on board a Waterbus running between East Belfast and West Belfast.

Things to Do in Belfast

Living in Belfast gives you access to a variety of activities, so boredom should not be a problem if you choose to set up camp in Northern Ireland’s capital city! There are numerous things to do including visiting iconic landmarks such as the Titanic Belfast building, a vibrant night-life scene, cultural sites like theatres and museums, as well as beautiful parks where you can go walking or jogging by the sea. One of the best ways to explore Belfast is by foot; there are several options for guided walking tours so that you can learn more about the area’s history while enjoying the fresh air! The oldest part of Belfast centre is the Cathedral Quarter which boasts hidden gems such as St Anne’s Cathedral and several unique pubs and restaurants with an atmosphere like no other. Of course, there are many other areas such as Botanic or Bedford Street that you should not miss either! A short drive away from downtown core you will find some of the best attractions Northern Ireland has to offer. From seaside towns like Carrickfergus or Bangor which offer beautiful views and miles of coastline to Giant’s Causeway or Mourne Mountains with breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Plus, when visiting Northern Ireland you must check out Netherlands Wax Museum, a place to learn about this part of Europe’s past through an exciting range of interactive exhibits. Though living in Belfast may have its challenges, there is no doubt that it can be an exciting life experience full of adventure and new experiences! The city is well-connected with great public transport links, offers plenty of cultural activities, surrounded by natural beauty and great places to explore! Moreover, there are lots of opportunities for those looking for a career kick-start or to take their career forward! Although these days discrimination still exists in Northern Ireland, there are also organisations working hard to promote equality and respect as well as fight against racism across communities! So if you choose to stay for long-term be sure to make your voice heard!