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It has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the UK, and now Belfast has been named the top place to visit next year by Lonely Planet along with Northern Ireland's beautiful Causeway Coast.

Northern Ireland is the only area of the UK to make the cut in Lonely Planet's definite list, alongside Alaska, the Kii Peninsula in Japan and Slovenia's Julian Alps.

It might seem a surprising choice for some - mostly due to its annual rainfall, but the area is well-known for being the location for numerous films and TV series, including Game of Thrones. Fans will instantly recognise Iron Island port aka Ballintoy on the Causeway Coast.

Other highlights on Causeway Coast include golfing experiences, whiskey and Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of 40,000 basalt columns - quite a sight. For those adventurous enough, they can cross the Carrrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which sways 30 metres above the ocean connected to a small island and coastal cliffs.

For those wanting to balance a city trip with nature, a 146 mile drive up the Causeway Coast from Belfast is an ideal route, while passing the largest Titanic attraction worldwide along with other landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.

Cultural attractions are also an added bonus as this drive passes through villages of Glens of Antrim – be sure to leave a few extra days off work for the full experience.

There will be plenty of hip neighbourhoods, bars and restaurants in Belfast to try out - as well as new boutique hotel openings.

Feeling like planning your holiday’s for next year? It's just a short hop to Northern Ireland.

Here is Lonely Planet full list for 2018 destinations:

1. Belfast & the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

2. Alaska, USA

3. Julian Alps, Slovenia

4. Languedoc-Roussillon, France

5. Kii Peninsula, Japan

6. Aeolian Islands, Italy

7. The Deep South, USA

8. Lahaul & Spiti, India

9. Bahia, Brazil

10. Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic