The best first dates are short, public and give you something to talk about. Here are ideas for every personality and budget.
Classic and easy
- Coffee at an independent café
- A drink at a quiet wine bar
- Brunch
- Ice cream and a walk
- Street food market
Activity dates
- Mini golf or bowling
- A museum or gallery
- A cooking or pottery class
- A pub quiz
- Botanical gardens
- Farmers’ market
- A board game café
Budget-friendly dates
- A picnic in the park
- Free gallery exhibitions
- A scenic walk or easy hike
- Open-air cinema or free concert
First date ideas for over 50s
- Lunch at a favourite local restaurant
- A garden or historic house visit
- A matinee show
- A dance class
- A walk along the waterfront
First date safety checklist
- Video chat before meeting.
- Meet in a public place and arrange your own transport.
- Tell a friend where you are going and who you are meeting.
- Keep your drink with you.
- Leave whenever you feel uncomfortable.
Not sure your match is who they say they are? Read how to verify someone online.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a first date be?
About one to two hours. Short dates are easier to plan and easy to extend if it goes well.
Who should pay on a first date?
There is no single rule. Offering to split is always polite; many people follow “whoever invited pays”.