The Best Date Ideas In Belfast

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. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Comedy club

The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Botanic Avenue, Belfast

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.

Stroll with a view

For the foodies

Maddens Bar Musicians in Maddens Bar Belfast Northern Ireland

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).

Catch a movie

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.

Enjoy jazz in a fancy setting

Berts Jazz Bar and Restaurant, part of the Merchant Hotel, Belfast

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.

The Ultimate Party

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.