Your 48 Hours, Our Hotel
If you haven’t discovered Belfast yet, now’s the perfect time. Just 90 minutes from Dublin and easily accessible by car, bus or train, you’ll find everything you need for a vibrant city break here (within walking distance of The Grand Central Hotel).
To help you get the most out of your weekend, we’ve curated a guide of the very best things to see, do, eat and drink on your Grand Central 48 hours in Belfast. So, pack your weekend bag and prepare yourself for a very grand and very central experience of Belfast.
To help you get the most out of your weekend, we’ve curated a guide of the very best things to see, do, eat and drink on your Grand Central 48 hours in Belfast. So, pack your weekend bag and prepare yourself for a very grand and very central experience of Belfast.
Soak up the sights and sounds of the Cathedral Quarter
Take a short 10-minute walk from the hotel, and you’ll stumble upon Belfast's liveliest quarter - The Cathedral Quarter. Here, you'll find an abundance of music, art, and hospitality. Explore The MAC, shortlisted as Museum of the Year 2023. Take in the majestic St Anne's Cathedral. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestoned streets and warehouses home to Belfast's trendiest bars, beer gardens, clubs and restaurants. Full of colourful street art, this part of Belfast is the perfect place to enjoy a lively night out.
Be entertained at the Grand Opera House
A 4-minute walk from your room here at the Grand Central, this recently refurbished Victorian theatre is Belfast's premier venue for drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, and family shows. Sink into your red velvet chair and enjoy.
Shop in style at Victoria Square
Whether you're looking for designer brands or your favourite high street names, you'll find it all in Victoria Square - just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. As Belfast's premier shopping destination, Victoria Square is home to 100 stores, including Flannels, Frasers, Reiss, Whistles, Michael Kors, Kurt Geiger and Sweaty Betty.
A voyage through time at Titanic Belfast
Take a 10-minute taxi across the River Lagan, and you'll find yourself back in April 1912. Inside, the world-class Titanic Experience tells the story of Belfast's famous ship through four gallery spaces, scale models and original artefacts. Step outside and explore the Titanic Quarter to discover the historic slipways where the world's most famous ship was built and launched.
Art, history and nature at Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, or natural science. Located in the city’s University Quarter, just 15 minutes from the hotel, the museum's collection is vast and varied. You’ll find a 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy, works by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt and exhibits exploring the history of Northern Ireland - the Battle of the Boyne, the Titanic, and the Troubles. You’ll also be able to wander through the luscious botanical gardens and palm houses that surround the museum and take in the historic Queen’s University Campus.
A slice of Royal Life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Around 25 mins south of Belfast, you'll find Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. The official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland since 1922, it has been the site of many important events, including the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. With an interior fit for a King and Queen, this beautiful 18th-century Georgian mansion is surrounded by 100 acres of stunning formal gardens and woodland walks, making it the perfect place to explore.
Sublime dining - The Seahorse Restaurant
Nestled within the Grand Central, The Seahorse offers a carefully selected taste of local and seasonal quality foods. Under the grand vision of our Executive Head Chef, Damian Tumilty, you will experience a tantalising Tasting Menu of inspired culinary delights.
Elevated cocktails at Ireland's Tallest Bar - The Observatory
From pavement to panorama, this is the tallest bar in all of Ireland and makes the most phenomenal backdrop for a cold glass of something special. Take in the view, pore over the menu and savour the most masterful mixology creations in Belfast's most memorable sky bar.
Brunch, lounge & lunch - The Grand Café
Our Grand Café is a striking space, perfect for a long latte, bistro bite or simply a cold glass of Sauvignon. You can expect an exclusive, cosmopolitan vibe in an understated, laid-back way – the perfect balance of Belfast's spirit and energy. A sweeping counter invites gastronomic perusing, and walls of windows flood the space with light.