5 Things to Do with a Friend in Belfast

Friendships don’t flourish by themselves. They require time and effort. Luckily, making an effort doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be a lot of fun! I live in Belfast and enjoy making the most of the city to meet up with friends, make memories, and strengthen the bonds we already have. Getting to experience some culture, fresh air, tasty food or a good cup of coffee in the process is an added bonus. Read on to discover five things to do with a friend in Belfast…

5 Things to Do with a Friend in Belfast 

1. Visit The Mac 

Good weather isn’t guaranteed in Belfast, so if it’s drizzly and wet, why not head to The Mac? There are always exciting exhibitions on, but if the current line-up doesn’t take your fancy, there’s also a nice café on the ground floor. 

Around the corner, you’ll find delicious lunch, brunch and coffee options. Coppi and Pizza Punks are both great for lunch while Neighbourhood is my go-to for brunch. There may be a queue, but it’s worth the wait for their amazing avocado on toast. Despite the chilli flakes and hot honey, the spice level is low and perfectly balanced with the extra smooth avocado. For coffee and a bun, I’d head to Established.

2. Explore the Botanic Gardens 

Belfast's Botanic Gardens is a 28-acre public park near Queens University. I love the domed conservatory and the tropical ravine – it’s a lovely space to walk about. Coop Coffee have a coffee van just beside the Stranmillis Road entrance, perfect for grabbing something warm to drink as you walk and talk. Their traybakes are delicious, and they serve a very good cinnamon roll.

The Botanic Gardens are also home to the Ulster Museum which has free entry and is always fun for a mooch around. I love the top floor with all the glass, pottery and paintings. Book Paper Scissors is just across the road for a bookish browse and if you fancy getting lunch, I’d recommend nearby Orto Pizzabar & Cafe. 

3. Enjoy Pirate Crazy Golf, Bowling or Ice Skating at the Dundonald Ice Bowl

Dundonald Ice Bowl is a bit dated, but it’s being redeveloped, so it should be looking more refreshed soon. Regardless, Crazy Golf is great fun for a catch-up in the fresh air. Or, if the Irish weather isn’t cooperating, there is bowling and ice skating inside. 

I love these activities, especially crazy golf, and I think they should be an option for adults as well as kids. Why do they get to have all the fun?! There are so many benefits to be gained from engaging in play as an adult and I love the feeling of nostalgia these games evoke. 

If you enjoy a good garden centre, Dundonald Nurseries is just up the road. Their restaurant, The Secret Garden, is probably nicer than the Yeti Café at the Ice Bowl! There are some food options closer to the Ice Bowl too. First up, there’s what we call the ‘Dinosaur Restaurant’ – Wolfes. We always enjoy this place when we visit as a family. They do great milkshakes as well as classic diner food like burgers, ribs and wings. 

If you’ve had enough family fun and want something a little more sophisticated after all the child’s play, Madame Pho is a new offering that I enjoyed with a friend a few weeks ago. If you want to extend your day date and continue enjoying each other’s company with a little less chat, the nearby cinema is also an option. 

4. Have a Titanic Day Out

Recently, I’ve been helping my daughter with her final Titanic project for school, so I have Titanic on the brain. Living in Belfast, it’s fantastic to have this piece of history right on our doorstep. 

Of course, you could visit Titanic Belfast which is a very comprehensive museum, but for a lighter day out you can simply explore the slipways. Displayed on the ground, you’ll find a plan of the upper deck. This is such a great visual way of showing what the ship was like and where everything was – it certainly gives you an idea of the scale. 

You can also see the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House. Behind this building lies the Thompson Graving Dock where the Titanic and its sister ships were outfitted. Nearby, there is a Spar which we often pop into for an ice cream. There are also a couple of coffee shops – The Dock Cafe and Paper Cup. 

I love making this maritime walk a little longer by crossing the pedestrian bridge to see the Big Fish and the Lagan Towpath which is closer to the town centre. If you walk towards City Hall, you’ll find a much wider offering of restaurants and coffee shops, or you could stop at one of the food trailers right beside the Big Fish.

5. Visit Hillsborough 

Finally, about 20 minutes out of town, Hillsborough is a lovely spot for a day out with a friend. It’s a great place to spend time in the fresh air with big open spaces to look at as you walk and enjoy a good chatty catch up.

You can visit the Castle Gardens or head down the cute little streets to Hillsborough Forest. If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find a variety of lovely coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants to choose from, but my favourite is Kin & Folk. Their cruffins are epic, and I brought a hunk of focaccia home with me last time, too. It was to die for!

What’s Your Favourite Thing to Do with a Friend in Belfast?

Have I missed something amazing in the city? I love discovering new places to visit, especially independents like many of the cafes, shops and restaurants listed above. Please comment below or share your recommendations with me via Instagram. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a good book, check out 5 Places to Read in Belfast.