Belfast's compact city centre curls around the undulating west bank of the River Lagan. Most points of interest are within easy walking distance of each other, and City Hall on Donegall Sq is a good central landmark to use if you lose your bearings. From City Hall, walk north along Donegall Pl and Royal Ave if you want to hit the shops; go northeast to reach the recently redeveloped Cathedral Quarter and alleyways of the pub-filled Entries; keep heading northeast a little for the Albert Memorial Clocktower, dramatically backdropped by Samson and Goliath, the Harland & Wolff cranes on the east bank of the Lagan; go south down Dublin Rd for the Golden Mile entertainment area, Queen's University, Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens; and to the east, follow Chichester St for the Waterfront Hall and Hilton Hotel. The Westlink Motorway cuts off the centre from West Belfast, home to (Catholic) Falls Rd and (Protestant) Shankill Rd. Head to the Entries for character-filled pubs, the Golden Mile for restaurants and bars, and further south to the university area for accommodation.

Belfast's compact centre is perfect for getting around on foot. For destinations further afield, the excellent Citybus service covers 60 routes and includes a good system of nightbuses as well as ferry and train-terminal connections. Taxis range from black cabs and minicabs to West Belfast's People's Taxis, which pick up and drop off just like buses. If you're driving, be very careful where you park: for security reasons, unattended cars are not allowed to be left in areas designated a 'Control Zone'. Also for security reasons, you must remember to lock up when you park.