BELFAST HAS been named among the 10 best places on the planet to visit over the next decade.
The Northern Irish capital was named as part of a 50-strong countdown compiled by the travel website Big 7 Travel.
Based on contributions from the website’s 1.5 million-strong social feeling as well as the opinions of its editorial team, the list represents "the places in the world that travellers should have on their radar this decade", in the 2020s.
“When it comes to the Roaring Twenties, we see it as the ideal opportunity to broaden your travel horizons and visit places you’ve always dreamed of,” Big 7 Travel explains.
“Whether you want to chill out on remote islands, discover disappearing rainforests or visit emerging cities (or, indeed, eternally exciting ones), our 2020’s travel bucket list has the best places to visit across the world."
Belfast came in at an impressive number seven on the list, thanks to its thriving nightlife, impressive array of pubs and friendly locals.
"Historic sights, super-chatty locals, legendary pubs and a thriving restaurant scene ensure Belfast punches well above its weight on almost every count,” Big 7 Travel said.
They spoke in particularly glowing terms about some of the museums and natural beauty sites on offer across the country.
“The city might be small but it is fast emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting destinations. In fact, the next 10 years will see the city really come into its own.
Belfast city centre (Image: iStock)"Visit the Titanic Belfast museum with all manner fab interactive, experiential exhibits on hand to bring the doomed ocean liner’s tragic tale to life.
“We also love Belfast for its proximity to some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery, such as the Giant’s Causeway."
The ranking could provide a welcome boost to Belfast’s profile as a must-see city and could further enhance tourism in Northern Ireland.
It’s a region which has already seen an influx of visitors eager to see some of the places where HBO filmed the hit medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones.
Ireland also featured on the list with the Wild Atlantic Way coming in 20th on the top 50.
