Great Victoria Street Belfast

Great Victoria Street Belfast

Great Victoria Street is one of the busiest streets in the heart of Belfast city centre and one of the main thoroughfares in and out of the city.

It begins at the end of Shaftsbury Square and runs directly into Belfast’s central shopping district.

The street is steeped in history, having been built in 1823 and officially named 'Great Victoria Street' in 1848 when a new railway line began connecting Belfast to Dublin.

Did you know? The street is home to the world’s most bombed hotel — the Europa Hotel, which was targeted 33 times during the Troubles.

President Bill Clinton famously chose to stay at the Europa during his 1995 Christmas visit, just one year after the signing of the 1994 ceasefire.

Today, the hotel hides its turbulent past and stands tall beside Belfast’s main train station. It’s adjacent to the iconic Crown Bar and right next door to the Grand Opera House — perfect if you’re a fan of live theatre.

The Unknown Woman Workers

The area today is often referred to as Belfast’s unofficial entertainment quarter thanks to the Grand Opera House’s long-standing presence on the street.

With excellent transport links across the island of Ireland from the newly opened Grand Central Station, Great Victoria Street has become even more accessible.

With hotels nearby and Belfast City Hall just a short walk away, it remains a popular spot for both locals and visitors heading into the heart of the city.

Explore & Discover

If you’d like to discover the buzz of Great Victoria Street — home to iconic landmarks like the Grand Opera House, the Crown Bar, and the newly opened Grand Central Station — hop on our daily Hop on Hop off Belfast bus tour.

With over 19 unforgettable stops along the route, you’ll experience the stories, sights, and culture that define the heart of Belfast.