Belfast’s winding streets, historic sites and trendy quarters means there’s something for every kind of date. Whether it’s romantic, wild, relaxed or funny – the Northern Ireland capital is the place to go.
A stroll around the city with its grand buildings and twinkling lights is nice in itself. But if you’re looking for something more unique to do with your other half or for a first date, this city of culture is awash with opportunities for romance. Whether you’re a foodie, a party animal or prefer something a little more chilled out, you’ll love our list of six brilliant date ideas in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
Break the ice with a night of laughter on Belfast’s fabulous comedy scene. There are many venues showcasing famous or local talent. A popular one is Empire on Botanic Avenue. The venue hosts comedy nights each Tuesday with a £10 entry fee, and it’s known for brilliant shows. Past performers include Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre. Plus, it has a great bar and is near a lot of other drinking establishments should you need some Dutch courage for your date before or after.
The waterfront of the River Lagan is the ideal place for a romantic evening stroll. Many of Belfast’s landmarks can be seen from here. When they’re lit up at night, the river reflects their twinkling lights, as well as those of the waterfront restaurants and the boats bobbing on the river. Be sure to head to the Lagan lookout point for the best night time view of Belfast. We recommend meeting your date at the Titanic Quarter then working your way down the river to grand Waterfront Hall.
For a night of glutinous abandon, book one of Belfast’s food or drink tours. You’ll see different parts of the city, experience the eateries and sample some of the best culinary delights in the city. Want your date to be a little wild? Try the Belfast Pub Crawl which visits four historic taverns, including Maddens with traditional live music (£10 for drinks, £18 for drinks and food). More chilled is award-winning Taste and Tour with daytime visits to St George’s Market and beyond (£58) or an afternoon Gin Jaunt (£63).
Queen’s Film Theatre or QFT is Northern Ireland’s leading independent cinema and a great spot for a night at the movies – with a twist. Alongside the big releases, QFT regularly shows classics, world favourites and artsy independents, so you can pick the right vibe for your date. There’s an onsite bar to sip while you watch and on Mondays, films are just £4. Snuggle up and enjoy cinema at its best.
Live music in a swanky setting makes for a really glamorous date. Bert’s Bar & Restaurant, hidden in five-star Merchant Hotel on Skipper Street, is a 1920s New-York-themed jazz bar. The smooth live music combined with its fancy cocktail list and French bistro menu is sure to impress on a date. Just make sure you’re ready for the high prices! Live music is Thursday to Sunday from 9pm.
Activity dates mean less pressure to create fun as it’s already done for you. Citigolf on Cromac Street has everything you need under one roof and dubs itself the Ultimate Party Venue. There’s karaoke, big-screen Wii and Xbox and adventure golf. With plenty of food and drink options, you can make a night of it.
