If your travels take you to Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast (which I highly recommend), spend a few nights at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. This modern five-star property is centrally located in the Linen Quarter, so named to commemorate Belfast’s designation as the “linen capital of the world” for its export of Irish linen in the 18th and 19th centuries.
I spent a rainy morning walking the nearby streets, where I grabbed a sausage roll from Greggs (delicious) and took in the Baroque Revival architecture and street art just steps from each other. The area got quite lively in the evening hours, when visitors and workers spilled out onto terraces and pub patios.
Accommodations at Grand Central Hotel Belfast
One of the city’s most stylish places to stay, this contemporary hotel towers above the Linen Quarter. As soon as I walked into my room, I could see why it gets top marks for its city views. I spent a few minutes seeing what I could spot from my window before testing out the appropriately named Cloud Bed (heaven!). The bathtub called my name after returning to the hotel after a busy day of exploring.
More stunning views are available at The Observatory, the property’s rooftop bar located on the 23rd floor. Offering 360-degree views, the lounge is the perfect spot to end your night in Belfast.
There’s no shortage of dining spots you can access without leaving the property. The Seahorse welcomes guests into an Art Deco-inspired space to enjoy a seasonal menu focusing on Northern Ireland’s best ingredients. Upscale but not stuffy, you could easily celebrate a special occasion here.
The ground-floor Grand Café is a relaxed spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a full Irish breakfast with large windows to take in the passersby. The property also has private dining options for those extra-special events.
Things to Do in Belfast
History buffs and Titanic fans should plan a visit to Titanic Belfast, a ship-shaped museum that’s located on the exact site where the RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched. Learn about this ship’s fascinating history through immersive galleries, historical artifacts, and even a dark ride that has you virtually touring the shipyard where the Titanic was built.
Once you’ve loaded up on your Titanic history, tour Titanic Distillers at the Thompson Graving Dock, just a short walk away. We opted for the Premium Tour, which brought us down into the dock to take in the massive area that was used to build the Titanic. Then, we headed to the distillery where we learned about the distillation process and enjoyed a tasting of the distillery’s award-winning Irish spirits.
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Get a universal plug adapter
Dating back to the late 19th century, St. George’s Market is a fun spot to shop for locally made wares. I walked through the aisles listening to live Irish music and picking out souvenirs to bring back for my teenagers.
Come hungry, as there are plenty of delicious options available, from sweet treats to the iconic Belfast bap. This breakfast sandwich was originally created to feed the working class during the Great Famine and now comes piled high with black pudding, bacon, hash browns, grilled onions, and more.
As you walk back to the hotel from St. George’s Market, see how many murals you can spot. This Belfast street art map can guide you so you don’t miss any.
After all that walking, you’ll be hungry—luckily, mrDeanes is just around the corner from the hotel. We started off with Carlingford oysters and arancini before digging into entrees of roast cod with prawn risotto and salmon with crab fried rice.
End your night by booking a storytelling tasting experience with Belfast by the Glass. Your guide and bartender will share Belfast’s centuries-old brewing and distilling traditions over six tasting chapters. We sampled locally produced spirits and drinks while learning about the city’s rich history with whiskey, beer, and craft beverages.
Final Thoughts
Grand Central Hotel Belfast is located in the city’s Linen District and offers upscale luxury and a convenient location.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. My stay at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast was sponsored (paid for) by the property, but all the opinions are my own.
