Big names dominate this part of the city - from Titanic to Stormont and George Best to CS Lewis.

The first gives its name to the area's Titanic Quarter - home to Harland & Wolff Shipyard, where the liner was built, Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and several other maritime must-sees. Just up the road - and visible from the shipyard - is Stormont Parliament Buildings, well worth a trip for free tours, fine dining (both Mon-Fri) and a look around its equally impressive grounds and playpark.

George Best, Belfast's favourite sporting son, was born in nearby Cregagh Estate where you can stay at his former family home. Chronicles of Narnia author CS Lewis grew up in a salubrious East Belfast neighbourhood (find a statue commemorating his opus outside Holywood Arches Library). And Van the Man's childhood terraced home on Hyndford Street (again, privately-owned but with a plaque) reflects the singer's humble roots, while nearby Cyprus Avenue is the tree-lined street after which his classic track is named.

Add to this a mural celebrating NI football's appearance at the 2016 Euros, Ian Paisley's former church and home, and plenty of cute cafes, welcoming pubs and quirky shops along Belmont Avenue and Ballyhackamore and you've enough pitstops to spend a day exploring the East. Visit the EastSide Visitor Centre for lots more info.