Whatever kind of break you have in mind - romantic or relaxing hideaway, luxury pampering getaway or a bit of long overdue craic – Belfast is packed with places just perfect for quality time together.
Where to hide your love away
Somewhere like Ten Square (4*) might hit all those indulgent and romantic notes with its contemporary vibe, chic decor and design aesthetic, all housed within this original 19th century linen warehouse. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious escape then the rooftop Jaffe Penthouse here is the suite of choice, with its rooftop terrace offering stunning city skyline views.
Alternatively, the small but perfectly-formed Tara Lodge (4*) is another popular retreat which offers easy access to romantic walks in the nearby Botanic Gardens and the atmospheric Queens University quarter of the city. Closer to the popular, bustling Cathedral Quarter is the quirkily stylish Malmaison (4*) with its multiple romantic twists on boudoir chic throughout its bars, restaurants and well-appointed rooms.
Reach for the stars – all five of them
Take luxury and pampering to its highest level with a 5* break in the capital. Not only are you spoiled for choice but you will be spoiled every minute of your stay. You could choose the sumptuous elegance of The Merchant Hotel (5*) and indulge yourselves in the luxurious tranquillity of its spa, or pop downstairs for beautiful bar food and long lingering cocktails in the exquisitely appointed Cloth Ear. But if you lean more towards spirit-restoring treatments, The Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*) takes fabulousness to another level entirely.
For a date night to top them all, dinner at the Michelin-starred OX restaurant would take some beating with its enthusiastic approach to seasonality, using the best locally sourced ingredients. Elsewhere in the city centre you’ll find The Muddler’s Club offering fine dining of a similarly very high standard.
For a slightly more budget-friendly dining experience, but without having to compromise on quality, a visit to Home, Deanes at Queens or James St. are highly recommended. These bustling, popular restaurants offer a more relaxed dining experience.
Two of us
Speaking of date nights (or days), there’s no end of things for two to do right here in the city. Discover the real spirit of the people of Belfast, while enjoying some fabulous food along the way with a food and drink walking tour with Belfast Food Tour. You could take a Cuban Cocktail Masterclass at Revolución de Cuba where your very own personal Cantinero will take you through the basics of Cuban cocktail making. Or take a food lovers cookery class together at the Waterman House Cookery School on Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter of the city. Try dance lessons at the Belfast Dance Studio and get your ‘Strictly’ vibe going. Or for a first date it’s hard to choose between Tetto Rooftop Bar in the Bullitt Hotel, or the Observatory at the Grand Central Hotel for afternoon tea or evening drinks with head-in-the-cloud views over the city. You could always take a romantic hand-in-hand stroll up Cave Hill to see Belfast like never before or take the lift to the top of Victoria Square Shopping Centre for spectacular 360° views from the glass-topped dome.
Let’s have some fun
Maybe you just want to have a bit of craic in the city. Well, there’s plenty of that around at the Cabaret Supper Club, home of burlesque, comedy, live music and aerial acrobatics - far from your usual night out, we’d say. There’s a lively comedy scene happening in Belfast with venues popping up all over town, showcasing both famous and local talent. The Belfast Empire on Botanic Avenue has top-notch shows with loads of great bars nearby to meet up before or head to afterwards. Or sashay your way to Bert's Jazz Bar and be immediately transported back to the intimate New York jazz bars of the 1930s where cool jazz melodies and cocktails from the era combine to guarantee a heady night of music and fun.
Whatever kind of couples break you want, you can uncover unimaginably gorgeous and fun-filled places tucked away, or even hidden in plain sight, that are just right for two, all around Belfast.