Belfast ranked one of the best cities for single people

We made the top 50 list!

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 22nd Sep 2022
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

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