A travel expert who has visited every single country on Earth has revealed that a UK city stands out as one of the very best destinations he has ever experienced.
Henrik Jeppesen, originally from Denmark, has accomplished the staggering feat of travelling to all 193 countries and over 2,000 destinations worldwide. Yet, amidst this global exploration, he holds a special place in his heart for Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Why Belfast Captured a Globetrotter's Heart
Despite his extensive travels across Europe and beyond, Henrik told the Mirror he was completely charmed by Belfast. "I absolutely loved Belfast when I visited. I still remember it as being one of the best and most surprising cities I've been to," he said exclusively.
He was particularly impressed by the city's deep history and beautiful architecture. "The city is so charming, and it has a very rich history," Henrik explained, highlighting its legacy as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic and the presence of historic sites like the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison turned museum.
The People Make the Place
Beyond the physical attractions, Henrik emphasised that the true magic of Belfast lies in its people. His praise for the locals was effusive.
"I really loved it there, and the people make the place special. They are really fantastic, and I met, I don't know how many Northern Irish people - they're just fantastic, talkative and lovely," he recalled. "Then the feeling about walking the streets, beautiful buildings - it's really a lovely city with the atmosphere, and the food was great."
Remarkably, this strong impression was formed during a brief three-day visit 15 years ago, a testament to the city's lasting impact. Henrik is so fond of Belfast that he recently had plans to return and is determined to visit again in the future.
An Underrated Gem for a Weekend Break
Henrik believes Belfast is often overlooked by travellers, who might instead opt for London, Dublin, or Edinburgh. He attributes this to historical media coverage but is keen to change that perception.
"You hear so much negativity in the media from the conflict back in the day, so it doesn't really stand out as a place you want to visit," he noted. "Edinburgh is a fantastic city, but I think Belfast is highly underrated. It's so simple and easy to get to, so if you want a quick weekend break, it makes so much sense to explore the city."
For those planning a trip, the seasoned traveller also shared a crucial piece of advice: avoid rushing. He recommends spending a full week in one location rather than cramming multiple cities into a short period to truly absorb the local culture and atmosphere.
