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.
An iconic landmark on the landscape of Central Belfast hospitality, Ten Square is the very definition of chic, city centre boutique accommodation - the unique blend of understated style, refined atmosphere & perfect location, ensure a memorable stay.
An elegant, boutique property located just 15 minutes walk from Belfast city hall. Breakfast, car parking and high speed WiFi included.
First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.
Stunning city centre boutique hotel perfectly located for sightseeing and shopping. Close to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square. Renowned for great style and great service. Offering superb brasserie food,fine wines and cocktails
Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic Cathedral Quarter, The award-winning 5 AA Red star Merchant Hotel is a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco inspired sleek modernity with award-winning restaurants and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa and rooftop gym and hot tub.
The Cloth Ear is The Merchant Hotel's comfortable public bar. The warm and welcoming interior provides the ideal environment to relax and enjoy yourself in style. Combining both modern and traditional design features with a healthy dose of eccentric!
Sleep in one of our 146 elegantly designed guestrooms. Cocoon yourself in sumptuous surroundings and create your own oasis of comfort. Warm American walnut walkways ease you into your personal sanctuary.
OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, and is within walking distance of the Belfast Waterfront, Titanic Belfast, St Georges Market and SSE Arena. OX menus are designed to showcase excellent meats and sustainably sourced fish whilst equally careful attention is given to seasonal vegetables and fruit. Their uniquely enthusiastic approach to seasonal produce and close relationships with local suppliers means vegetables at OX are no longer considered just a side or a garnish, but as equal partners and occasional stars of the show.
Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago. Head chef and owner Gareth McCaughey hand picks the best of home grown produce daily to ensure the quality of each dish served. The open kitchen provides a sense of theatre and allows the diner to watch as ingredients are transformed into a food experience. With carefully considered menus, wine list and an extensive cocktail list you will find a warm welcome at The Muddlers Club.
The food at Home is vibrant and bold yet familiar and comforting making customers happy. Made fresh every day, free from preservatives and colourings, they always try to source their foods locally from Northern Ireland serving feel-good food using the best seasonal, local produce.
Deanes at Queens on College Gardens can be found in the heart of the University Quarter, overlooking Methodist College and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Deanes at Queens is a short walk from Queens University Belfast and many hotels including Wellington Park Hotel, Malone Lodge and Dukes at Queens. With its glorious terrace, Deanes at Queens is taking full advantage of its enviable leafy location overlooking the superb architecture of Methodist College and adjacent to Belfast's Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum.
James St is a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. The charcoal grill still plays centre stage, cooking not just some of the best steaks and prime cuts Northern Ireland has to offer but also fresh whole fish, pork and vegetables.
Waterman House Cookery school is one of Irelands leading cooking schools, offering a range of day and evening classes for all ages and abilities. We aim to enable you to prepare delicious dishes to be enjoyed with family and friends at home.
At Bullitt, our no-nonsense philosophy means we’ve ditched the expensive mini-bars, bellboys and butlers so that we can deliver a top-quality service with no hidden costs.
The Grand Central is more than a hotel. It’s an ode to a city. Standing tall in Bedford Street, this impressive jewel combines glamour and grandeur with a uniquely Belfast spirit. Head to the 23rd floor to discover The Observatory Bar, an awe-inspiring cocktail lounge with spectacular views of Belfast and beyond.
Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs.
Northern Ireland’s biggest and brightest shopping centre. Inside Victoria Square you'll find shops, an Odeon Cinema and lots of eateries. Highlights include Five Guys, House of Fraser, Urban Outfitters, and Hugo Boss.
A converted church in the heart of Belfast, boasting the city's most diverse offering of entertainment. Regular gigs include the Comedy Club, Blues Club and Supper Club.
Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.
