How to Pick a Good Place to Go on Your First Date

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The scene is familiar: a couple eating dinner together before heading out to a movie. While this is classic first-date material, you may be looking for something a little different. Consider what you know about your date and choose a location accordingly. He/she may enjoy an active date where you play a game or sport, an adventurous date where you can feel like kids again or try something new, a casual date like dinner and a movie, or a more intimate date like dessert and a moonlit stroll. As long as you're thoughtful and personal, choosing a first-date location will be fun.

Ask the wikiHow Dating Coach

wH
wH
Hi there! Are you looking for dating advice? I've read every wikiHow dating article, and I'm here to answer your questions. Ask away, and let's get your love life on track together!
How do I resolve conflict with my partner?
What are some fun date ideas?
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Planning a First-Date Location

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think about what your date wants.This is important, regardless of whether you barely know him/her or have been friends for a while. Your partner won't enjoy the date if it seems thoughtless or impersonal. Consider if he/she wants an involved active date or would rather do something passive, like watch a movie.
    • For example, if your date dislikes nature, don't plan a hike and a picnic. Or, if he/she works in a coffee shop, avoid planning a date at the coffee shop. Be aware of his/her preferences.
    • Think about what you already know about your partner. Try to remember what you two have talked about together. What does your partner enjoy doing? What does your partner like eating? What does your partner hate?
  2. If you're planning on a walk through town, fine, but you should let your date know ahead of time so he/she comes prepared. If you don't want to give away the specifics of the date, just be sure to tell him/her about anything that could impact wardrobe decisions and comfort.
    • For example, if you're taking your date to the zoo during the winter, let your partner know so he/she can dress warmly.
    Advertisement
  3. Sharing the planning of a first date is a fun way reduce the stress of planning, while getting to know each other a little better. You could decide the first half and your partner could determine the other, or you could decide where to go for a meal and your partner could plan an activity.
    • If the first date goes well, you could continue sharing planning for subsequent dates. Instead of splitting up planning for a single date, take turns planning entire dates.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Going on an Active First Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can either ask him/her directly or ask your partner's friends if he/she would enjoy a specific activity. If your date is expecting the classic dinner and a movie, he/she might not be thrilled with the idea of playing tennis or going bowling.
  2. Play a round of laser-tag , mini-golf, or go bowling . You and your date can be as competitive as you like when it comes to keeping score. This low-stress activity can be great for first date jitters since you'll be in a casual atmosphere. [2]
    • See if your bowling alley or laser-tag company offers any special features, such as black light nights.
  3. Find a park and go on a hike . Be sure to determine your date's skill level and preferences when it comes to hiking. Choose a trail that allows you to talk and enjoy each other's company, nothing too strenuous. [3] Bring water and let your date know to wear comfortable shoes.
    • Consider packing a meal for your hike. Look for nice places to stop and eat or wait till you reach the end of the trail. You can tailor your picnic to be as casual or romantic as you like.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Going on an Adventurous First Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be spontaneous . The first date is the one he/she is going to remember, so picking a place he/she wouldn't expect can make a great first impression . Keep in mind that your date has to be on board with this, as he/she may have been expecting a planned date.
    • This kind of date isn't for everyone. You'll need to know if your date genuinely likes the surprise element of not knowing what's next. If you don't know your date well, you may ask if he/she wants to be spontaneous. If not, have a backup date already planned.
    • If it looks like your date isn't enjoying something you've decided to do or somewhere you've gone, ask where he/she would like to go or what he/she would rather do.
  2. First dates can be stressful; you're getting to know a new person or a person in a new way and vice versa. You can relieve some of this pressure by experiencing something new together. Trying a new cuisine can be a fun and easy new experience.
    • Make sure you and your date are not allergic or opposed to the cuisine you want to try.
  3. Go to a tourist attraction that your date has never been to (or hasn't been to in a while). While you can casually explore the landmark, museum, park, etc., you could also play up the tourist aspect. [4] Take cheesy photos, consult the map, and stop by the gift shop on your way out. [5]
    • Make sure you consider the location and time of your date. It may be hard to talk and enjoy yourself if you choose the attraction's busiest day and time of the week.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Going on a Casual First Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you really want to talk and learn about your date, get coffee or a drink. This has the benefit of being a potentially short date, but if you're enjoying his/her company you can easily suggest following up with a meal or activity.
    • Studies have shown that drinking coffee together can create a trustworthy feeling. [6] Not a bad way to start a date.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 437 wikiHow readers who've chosen a first date location, and 64% of them agreed that the best place to go is a coffee shop. [Take Poll]
  2. This is a simple way to get to know someone. There's no pressure with a face-to-face discussion. Instead, you can meander along a path or through a city while you talk side-by-side. [7]
    • This is easily adaptable. You can walk through a park and people-watch or stop at shops as you walk around town.
  3. If you want to keep it casual, have brunch or lunch. This way, there's a clear time commitment, alcoholic drinks are optional, and you can go your separate ways or keep hanging out after the meal.
    • Consider the atmosphere of the restaurant. Avoid choosing fast food places, but don't choose somewhere too fancy if you want to have a relaxed meal.
  4. The movie theatre is a classic first-date location: there's little talking required, you can bond through the movie you watch together, and the film is a conversation starter. Just be sure that you both agree on the film.
    • Renting a movie could also an option and would allow you to talk to one another; however, this may seem overly presumptuous for a first date.
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Going on an Intimate First Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose a nice restaurant and eat dinner or go for drinks and dessert. Look for a place with a good menu, nice lighting, and enjoyable music that's not too loud. Your date will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.
    • Avoid ordering certain foods on a first date: foods that are overly messy or difficult to eat, foods that make you gassy, or foods that will leave you smelling strongly or give you bad breath. [8]
  2. If you want the chance to talk, pick a small venue where the music won't be too loud to talk over. You could also choose a theatre performance or larger concert. While you may not be able to talk, you could enjoy drinks after the show while discussing the performance.
    • Choose music or performances that both you and your date will enjoy. A concert performance or theatre showing can lend sophistication and intimacy to your date.
  3. Keep an eye out for unique exhibits and take your date on a tour. If you prefer a less structured date, simply wander through the museum and discuss the pieces over coffee or drinks.
    • While you can look for a museum that neither of you have visited before, you can also go to a museum or gallery that one or both of you frequently visit. If this is the case, show one another your favorite things.
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Make your date even more memorable with engaging conversation. As you're spending time together, try to create a real emotional connection through conversation and fun activities.

    4. Advertisement

What Are Fun Date Ideas?


Video

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure you look nice on your first date in order to make a good first impression.
        Thanks
        Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
      • Do not go to your favorite hang-out spot where all your friends are. Your friends may join in and your date will feel left out or ignored.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
      • Try sharing a drink of any kind.This has proved useful to many people.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 5
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • While it may be tempting to go on a group date, consider if your date would enjoy that. A group date can relieve some of the tension and pressure that comes with being alone with a person, but it can also make your date feel ignored. Take care to make a personal connection with your date.
        Thanks
        Helpful 68 Not Helpful 14
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Prepare For a Date
      How to
      Have Fun with Your Boyfriend at the Movies
      Fun & Spicy Truth or Dare Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend
      Truth or Dare Questions for Couples: 150+ Flirty Options
      Sweet & Spicy Truth or Dare Questions to Ask Your Boyfriend
      55+ Questions and Topics To Talk About With Your Girlfriend
      50+ Cute, Romantic & Easy At-Home Date Ideas to Do with Your Boyfriend
      17+ Fun & Easy Late Night Date Ideas
      Looking for a Fun Couple’s Challenge? These Are Some of the Best
      How to
      Impress a Girl on a Date
      25 Exciting Things to Do With Your Boyfriend
      15 Unique Ideas for a Romantic Date Night at Home
      50 Creative Activities & Date Ideas for You and Your Girlfriend
      Fun and Freaky Questions to Ask Your Boyfriend
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/top_10/dating/top-10-first-date-ideas.html
      3. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      4. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/top_10/dating/top-10-first-date-ideas.html
      6. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/news/a5912/best-date-night-poll/?click=_lpTrnsprtr_15
      7. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a2068/bad-first-date-foods/?click=_lpTrnsprtr_57

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to pick a good place to go on your first date is to think about your date’s likes and dislikes. For instance, if they’re into physical activities, take them to play laser-tag, mini-golf, or bowling. Alternatively, if they prefer more passive ice-breakers, treat them to dinner and a movie. If you’re uncertain, planning the date together is a fun way to reduce the stress and get to know each other. For example, decide where to go for dinner and ask your partner to plan the activity. For more options, including how to approach more casual or intimate dates, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 525,938 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lou

        Nov 12, 2016

        "You guys have put ideas like laser tag and getting me to put myself in his shoes and what he may like. Us girls ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement