http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21047 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21047 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19529 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19529 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19270 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19270 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18654 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18654 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16716
I could have walked for hours, and indeed did, soaking up an atmosphere that can only be described as the feeling you get when you're rested, well fed, have had a couple of favourite tipples, and are on your way to meet a new lover who thinks you're the sexiest thing she's ever met - reignited senses of wonderment doing more for my state of mind than any plastic surgeon or alternative therapist could ever do.

And almost any walk could lift you there - City Hall down to Victoria Avenue, a left turn down to the Albert Clock and Customs House (mind the street fountains), a right turn up past the Big Fish, The Waterfront and on to St Georges Market - a right turn up Great Victoria Avenue, past the Europa Hotel (most bombed) and Opera House - on to Laverys (a thousand pints of Guinness poured on each and every night) - then up along Shaftesbury Avenue to the Queens Film Theatre (currently showing John Wayne movies) for a freshly brewed coffee, before heading onto Queens University for a gaze at its decorative facade.

Yes it's all there: shopping, culture, music and historic walks; a hundred different restaurants serving food you'd really die for, and needless to say I'll be back there again before Christmas - dying to see what she'll look like when dressed up in all her colours.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16716 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16710 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16710 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16709
There are many ways to get around the city but I chose to take a bus - the bus guide displaying ample amounts of Belfast humour as we made our way down roads which once had been the subject of so much news footage (Shankill and Falls) - her jokes taking the sting out of sensitive issues and thereby sentencing them, we hoped, to history forever. Surely nobody could joke about 'the troubles' unless they felt certain they were well behind them.

She really didn't have any cause to emphasise the fact though as it was apparent to all who rode the bright red double decker that this was indeed the case - every street it turned down packed with well-dressed pedestrians availing of every possible facility - and no doubt looking forward to those soon to open up all around them.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16709 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14413 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14413 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12919 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12919 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12104
They are famous in Belfast for their original Italian recipe ice cream. It only comes in one flavour and you can buy cones, tubs, oysters and sliders. Ice creamalicous.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10764 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10764 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10645 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10645 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10644 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10644 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10153
On the ground floor is the Public Bar, which is a traditional saloon style bar. It serves great pub grub daily and has football related promotions. The background music is pleasant but not imposing and features retro jazz and soul alongside classic tracks from the 50s to the 90s.

Also on the ground floor is the bohemian Back Bar. It has alternative entertainment with free admission every night. Depending on what night you wander in you could hear anything from an acoustic session, indie club, reggae night, 60s night or rockin electronica. It has probably the best atmosphere of any bar in Belfast.

On the first floor is the Bunker. This live music and alternative club venue has gained a reputation since it was launched in Sep 05 for premium local and touring live gigs and some of the most forward thinking club nights ever seen in Belfast. It has an eclectic alternative music policy so you'll hear a whole spectrum of sound.

The top floor has 19 pool tables with a great jukebox. It’s a great way to spend them rainy afternoons in Belfast.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10153 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9785 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9785 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7084
I came to Belfast on a clubbing trip but despite the hype on the Internet I found little innovation or individuality in the local clubs – there is nothing in Belfast that can’t be found in the High Street of any English market town on Saturday night. I believe this is due to the isolation of Belfast from mainland UK and Europe.

However, I did discover on a Wednesday night Victory Over The Sun. This event defies categorisation - I found myself in a disused river culvert underneath the city centre, there was a gratis champagne bar, live performance art, DJ’s playing the coolest jazztronica and best of all, no dancing!

That evening I believe I found the essence of this city at night i.e. pride in not following trends, fierce protection of an underground ethic, erudite people and fascinating conversation. The cost was £50 and worth every penny.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7084 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5722 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5722