MeetistaDating guide
The best first date ideas, and the best places to go
A good first date is easy to say yes to, easy to talk on, and easy to leave. Here are the ideas that work best, and how to choose the right place.
What makes a great first date place?
- Public and busy. You both feel comfortable and safe.
- Quiet enough to talk. Skip loud clubs for a first meeting.
- Easy to reach. Close to transport for both of you.
- Easy to extend or end. A coffee can turn into dinner, or end politely after an hour.
- Cheap. Low cost means low pressure.
12 first date ideas that work
Coffee date
The classic first date for a reason: short, cheap and easy to extend if it goes well. Pick a cafe with comfortable seats and not too much noise.
Street food crawl
Share a few small bites from different stalls. Moving around keeps the conversation flowing and takes the pressure off.
Comedy show
Laughing together builds a connection fast, and you have something to talk about afterwards. Go for a short open-mic night.
Movie date
Better as a second date, since you can't talk during the film. Grab a coffee or dessert afterwards to discuss it.
Pizza date
Relaxed and casual, and nobody has to worry about which fork to use.
Walk in the park
Free and easy, and walking side by side often makes talking easier. Pick a busy, well-known park in daylight.
Museum or gallery
Lots of built-in conversation starters. Many museums are free or cheap on certain days.
Sports event
Cheering for the same team (or teasing each other for opposite ones) is great fun. A local match is cheaper than a big game.
Concert or live music
Pick a smaller venue so you can still talk between sets.
Gaming date
Arcades, board game cafes or bowling bring out a playful competitive side.
Brunch
A daytime date that feels relaxed and safe, and works well at the weekend.
Video call first
Not ready to meet? A 15-minute video call is a great way to check the vibe before committing to a date.
More date ideas for later dates
- Cook a meal together, or take a cooking class.
- Go on a day trip or a sunrise hike.
- Try a pottery, dance or painting class.
- Volunteer together for an afternoon.
- Do a quiz night with friends.
- Plan a picnic with snacks from a local market.
- Visit a night market or food festival.
- Go stargazing away from the city lights.
- Take a sunset ferry or boat ride.
- Check out a flea market or vintage shops.
- Watch a play or a stand-up special live.
- Try a new cuisine neither of you has eaten before.
- Do a photo walk around an old part of town.
Find someone who's up for the same date
On Meetista, profiles show what people are available for: coffee, a movie, pizza, a sports event, a comedy show and more. When you match with someone who picked the same date, Meetista even suggests an opener for it. Looking for local spots? See date ideas in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, London and more cities.
First date safety
Meet in public, tell a friend where you're going, arrange your own transport, and never send money to someone you met online. Read our full online dating safety tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first date?
A short, low-pressure date in a public place where you can talk, like a coffee, a walk in a busy park or a street food crawl.
Where should I go on a first date?
Somewhere public, easy to reach for both of you, and quiet enough to talk. Cafes, parks, markets and museums are all good choices.
How long should a first date be?
About one to two hours is ideal. It is long enough to get to know each other, and short enough to leave on a high note.
Who should pay on a first date?
There is no fixed rule. Many people split the bill, or the person who asked offers to pay. Choosing a cheap date makes it a non-issue.
Ready to put it into practice?
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