8 Romantic Things to Do in Belfast That Got Me Out of a Bad Date
I remember this cool trick for husbands and boyfriends out there: if you’re unsure where to take your date, just ask them, ‘Guess where I’m taking you?’. And whatever they say with a good level of excitement, that’s your answer.
But I don’t think that works all the time. Some people appreciate (or even prefer) people who plan everything, and this can be a lot of pressure. Not for me, though. I’ve always been a writer seeking hidden gems—and this job saved me from having bad dates.
To ensure I can always take my date somewhere amazing, I’ve compiled the most romantic things to do for couples in Belfast below. Check them out to avoid bad dates!
1. Eat Sunday Brunch in an Artsy Cafe
– Media credit: parisienbelfast
Website: http://www.cafeparisienbelfast.com/
Address: Cleaver House, 56 Donegall Pl
Contact Details: +44 28 9590 4338, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Fees:
- £40 to £50 for 2
Having a Sunday brunch is one of the most romantic things to do in Belfast. For this, Parisien is a cafe with an elegant space and lovely City Hall views. Plus, you can enjoy a meaningful chat over coffee with French-inspired dishes.
This chic cafe is also filled with art deco details and a bright ambience, best for slow, sophisticated dates. You can get French toast with berries and cream to share something sweet with your partner. Otherwise, there’s always the Eggs Benedict.
| Pro tips: Make sure to book a window seat at Parisien in advance for the best City Hall views! Upgrade your cocktails too! Get mimosas (orange juice and champagne or sparkling wine) or Bellinis (peach juice and Prosecco or sparkling wine) to amp up the romance. |
2. Enjoy an Evening Ghost Tour
– Media credit: belfastladtours
Website: http://www.belfastlad.com/
Address: 1 Brown Square
Contact Details: +44 7825 631550, 07543685570, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- Old Belfast Gaol’s Massacres and Murders Paranormal Ghost Tour – £17.50 per person
Want to try something adventurous and playful with your date? Belfast Lad Tours offers an evening ghost walking tour where you can explore the city’s chilling tales.
Think old graveyards, dark alleyways, and other scary landmarks—this might just earn you a hug! Otherwise, I think sharing a few laughs or jumps isn’t so bad.
| Friendly reminders: Wear a light jacket with your comfiest shoes when joining Belfast Lad Tours! You’ll be walking lots, and it gets pretty chilly in the evening. I recommend bringing a small flashlight or torch to the tour as well. This adds an extra layer of safety. It can set a cooler vibe too! |
3. Visit a Castle
– Media credit: belfast_castle
Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle/what-to-do/events/guided-walks
Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: 028 9029 1357, +44 28 9077 6925, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Need to reach out for more details
If your date is all about fairytales, visiting Belfast Castle can make you feel like stepping into a storybook. It’s got a dreamy architecture with landscaped gardens perfect for a romantic walk. This serene activity can also be an opportunity to take lots of photos!
And if you can’t leave your pup behind, you might appreciate that dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas here. Just be responsible and bring their lead and clean up after them.
| Nifty trick: Plan a beautiful picnic at Belfast Castle! Take note of your date’s favourite savoury and sweet snacks beforehand to make the whole experience more special. |
4. Join a Cocktail Masterclass
– Media credit: ritasbelfast
Website: http://ritasbelfast.com/
Address: 44 Franklin St, Thomas House
Contact Details: +44 28 9024 8000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Saturday – 3 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday to Thursday – Closed
Fees:
- £35 per person
Should you and your partner love to paint the town red and drink, Rita’s cocktail masterclasses might be an amazing activity to try at least once!
You’ll be able to craft (or shake, stir, and mess up) your drinks together. For me, this fun, interactive activity can give you a chance to be flirty and make a move too. If you’re feeling nervous, having a few sips of your drink might just be the push you need.
| Insider scoop: Book a cocktail masterclass at Rita’s midweek! This way, the classes won’t be so crowded and you’ll have a more enjoyable time with your date. |
5. Go to the Spa Together
– Media credit: orchidthaimassagebelfast
Website: https://www.orchidthaimassage.co.uk/
Address: 55 Upper Arthur St
Contact Details: +44 7922 361976, 028 9508 3517, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Fees:
- Romeo & Juliette Spa Treatment (2 hours) – £220
- Love Birds (3 hours) – £300
- Treat for Two (90 minutes) – £190
- Romantic Couples Massage (60 minutes) – £115
Some couples aren’t all about the tiring adventures, and that’s fine. Taking your date to Orchid Thai Massage can still be very romantic, especially with the private couple’s room scented with aromatic oils to maximise relaxation.
Besides being a pampering session, this is also a way to bond (or reconnect) with each other while melting away all the stress. There are various packages to choose from—it only depends on the massage type and duration you prefer.
| Expert advice: Arrive early for your booking at Orchid Thai Massage! This gives you and your date enough time to ease your mind into a relaxed mode while sipping hot tea. |
6. Book a Gourmet Dinner at a Fine Dining Restaurant
– Media credit: coppibelfast
Website: https://www.coppi.co.uk/
Address: Floor G, Saint Anne’s Square, 11 Edward St
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 1959, Contact Form
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Fees:
- £50 to £100 for 2
Of course, fine dining is still one of the most traditional things to do for a date, birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion. Coppi is a modern Italian restaurant that you can go to for an indulgent meal, with its swanky small plates and fresh, handmade pasta.
I recommend going for the Venetian chicken or seafood risotto (rice dish). And don’t forget to save room for dessert with a gelato or tiramisu (layered sponge cake) to end on a sweet note.
| Savvy trick: To enjoy a good variety of food without overdoing it at Coppi, try sharing 2 to 3 small plates, as well as one pasta, main, and dessert, respectively. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the menu beforehand to make the experience feel especially curated. |
7. Take a Long Walk During Sunset
– Media credit: b.valls
Website: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks-openspaces/Park-6622.aspx
Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9077 6925
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free
Sunset walks are still not off the table when it comes to the most romantic things to do in Belfast. Cave Hill Country Park is a beautiful place to see the city and Belfast Lough (and even the Mourne Mountains on a good day!).
On top of that, this is a great idea for health buffs who want to stay active together. Why not have a friendly competition on who can take the most steps? Also, seeing the 360-degree sunset views later can be a fantastic reward.
| For the photo enthusiasts: I recommend walking on Napoleon’s Nose Trail at Cave Hill Country Park to capture gorgeous photo spots in the city! It’s got the famous ‘cliff face’ landmark, Cave Hill’s historical caves, and wildlife, so I reckon the trip here would be worthwhile. |
8. Watch a Musical, Comedy, or Live Concert
– Media credit: gohbelfast
Website: http://www.goh.co.uk/
Address: 2-4 Great Victoria St
Contact Details: +44 28 9024 1919, [email protected]
There’s something for the arty peeps too! The Grand Opera House is one of Belfast’s most iconic theatres that locals and travellers must visit at least once. Besides romantic musicals, there are plenty of genres to see, like ballet, comedy, or a live concert.
The ticket prices vary depending on the performance, so it’s smart to know what kind of shows your date is into. Plus, this activity is a great excuse to clean up nicely or dress up a little.
| For the planners: Check your calendar before booking tickets to the Grand Opera House! The shows change per season, so it’s wise to plan around your tastes to keep your night interesting and enjoyable. |