Belfast ranked one of the best cities for single people
We made the top 50 list!
Last updated 3rd Oct 2022
Belfast has been named one of the best European Cities for single people, but would you agree? 💕
Big 7 Travel compiled data from dating apps, social life and the opinions of residents to produce a top 50 list.
Ranking criteria included: 1) item
1) Item
2) item 2
3) item 3
- item 1
- item 2
- item 3
Belfast came in at #31, behind romantic hotspots like Rome, Oslo, Barcelona and Berlin.
A short bio in Big 7 Travel’s report reads: “If you’re someone who enjoys meeting people at fun social events, then you’ll love Belfast. There are regular single events focusing on a mix of ages, as well as lock and key parties, wine and food tasting for singles, and cocktails and canapés for singles.
“Combine that with great nightlife and a single population of 46.6% and you’ve got one of the best cities in Europe for single people.”
If you’re looking to book a romantic getaway with your other half soon, you might want to take a closer look at their full list below.
50 – Tirana, Albania
49 – Antwerp, Belgium
48 – Sofia, Bulgaria
47 – Zagreb, Croatia
46 – Leuven, Belgium
45 – Tallinn, Estonia
44 – Bergen, Norway
43 – Ljubljana, Slovenia
42 – Bordeaux, France
41 – Malmö, Sweden
40 – Cork, Ireland
39 – Vilnius, Lithuania
38 – Rotterdam, The Netherlands
37 – Leeds, England
36 – Warsaw, Poland
35 – Birmingham, England
34 – Galway, Ireland
33 – Lille, France
32 – Bucharest, Romania
31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland
30 – Nottingham, England
29 – Hamburg, Germany
28 – Edinburgh, Scotland
27 – Liverpool, England
26 – Copenhagen, Denmark
25 – Munich, Germany
24 – Budapest, Hungary
23 – Vienna, Austria
22 – Riga, Latvia
21 – Bristol, England
20 – Athens, Greece
19 – Brussels, Belgium
18 – Helsinki, Finland
17 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
16 – Glasgow, Scotland
15 – Seville, Spain
14 – Geneva, Switzerland
13 – Dublin, Ireland
12 – Istanbul, Turkey
11 – Rome, Italy
10 – Oslo, Norway
9 – Lisbon, Portugal
8 – Stockholm, Sweden
7 – Manchester, England
6 – Paris, France
5 – Prague, Czech Republic
4 – Madrid, Spain
3 – Berlin, Germany
2 – London, England
1 – Barcelona, Spain
If this has you feeling like love is in the air, why not visit some of Northern Ireland's most romantic hotspots 👇
Cuilcagh Mountain, Fermanagh
If fitness is more your thing, then the 'stairway to heaven' would be an ideal date! The Cuilcagh Mountain Loop Walk is a 20km (5-7 hour) loop walk, that takes roughly 5-7 hours to complete. Follow the boardwalk trail towards the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Gibb's Island, Killyleagh
Tucked secretly down a forgotten lane, you'll find this peaceful hidden gem. An idyllic oval island with an enchanting woodland perched on top - just the right spot for a tasty picnic.
Mussenden Temple, Castlerock
One of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks, this temple was built as a summer library, inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. Mussenden Temple is a fantastic sunset spot overlooking Downhill Strand!
Finn Lough, Enniskillen
Celebrate with you bubble...in a bubble. Share a night under the stars in one of these quirky bubble domes at Finn Lough. Complete with personal coffee machine and four poster bed, you'll be living a life of luxury, just outdoors.
Dunluce Castle, Bushmills
Another popular hotspot, there's something so intriguing about the ruins of Dunluce. Also used as a Game of Thrones location, you can't help but feel regal as you walk through the ancient castle walls. This spot is so romantic, it's regularly used as a proposal or elopement backdrop...just saying 😉
Scrabo Tower, Newtownards
The tower stands tall in Scrabo Country Park, with its woodland walks and parkland through Killynether Wood. Take in 360 degree views overlooking the town below and Strangford Lough - perhaps even more spectacular at night with the streetlights below and stars above.
Whiterocks Beach, Portrush
One of NI's most photographed beaches, especially for proposals, you can really feel the love as you wander through the caves and white rocks. Grab a coffee in one of Portrush's popular coffee shops and enjoy a sandy dander.
The Sperrins, Tyrone
This scenic landscape in the heart of Ulster offers a complete taste of rural Ireland. Why not make a weekend of it, and book the ultimate glamping experience at Bancran School - they've got tipi tents, pods, and a loft apartment available, complete with hot tub!
Quoile River, Downpatrick
You can't go wrong with a romantic stroll along the river, especially one this gorgeous! Be sure to stop by Fodder NI, they have woodland trails, a local farm shop and cafe just around the river bend. Sample their heavenly hot chocolate tucked inside their signature tipi tents.
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Explore 100 acres of stunning gardens, whatever the weather. From ornamental grounds to meandering waterways and picturesque glens, there's so much to discover at Northern Ireland's royal residence.
Giant's Causeway, Bushmills
There's nothing more memorable than the Giant's Causeway at sunset - just look! The coastal drive alone at sunset is spectacular, there are various carparks dotted along the road for those wishing to stop safely and grab a snap. Opening hours will vary depending on the time of year, so if you are visiting be sure to take note when you first arrive.
Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Where the old world meets the new - Montalto is the perfect example of a modern visitor attraction. Manicured woodland trails, beautiful gardens, a delicious restaurant, and a local store - what more could you ask for?
Lusty Beg Island, Fermanagh
A charming little spot, nestled on lower Lough Erne, this picturesque island has a lot on offer. Set amongst the beautiful lake-side woodlands, there is a selection of accommodation, a restaurant, spa and nature trail.
Glenariff Forest Park, Antrim
Shelter under the canopy of trees above, you'll feel at peace as you walk deeper into Glenariff Forest. Complete with tranquil pools and rocky gorges, it's best to bring waterproof boots just in case.
Murlough Beach, Newcastle
Nothing says romance, quite like a walk on the beach. With long stretches of sand and wispy dunes, you'll fall in love not just with each other but with the scenery too.
Read more:
15 of the most romantic places to explore in Northern Ireland
13 beauty spots in Northern Ireland you MUST visit
3 popular NI pubs make Lonely Planet’s Top 20 pubs in Ireland list