A first date can be many things. It could be the start of your next great romance (or, you know, your next life-altering situationship). It could be a full-on dating horror story (sorry). Or it could be just another in a long line of kind of meh dating experiences that go nowhere (also sorry). While you can’t predict whether or not you’ll have chemistry or fall in love at first sight or even if this first date will lead to the ever-coveted second one, there is one thing you can control when it comes to hedging your bets for the best possible first date outcome: and that, friends, is setting the right vibe. Which, yes, all comes down to picking the right first date location.
Now, there are differing views on what constitutes a good first date idea. Some folks swear by activity-based dates that give you something to fill any awkward silences that may creep up. Others stress something that gives you enough uninterrupted one-on-one time to really get to know each other. Still others may tell you that a casual group date is the way to go. Ultimately, the best first date setting really depends on your own personal preferences. But if there are any hard and fast rules when it comes to planning an ideal first date, it’s to choose an environment that feels low-pressure, relatively casual, and will make both you and your date feel comfortable.
Again, what exactly that looks like depends entirely on the vibe. Maybe you’re looking for something that feels super low-key or inexpensive, or maybe you’re in the mood to get a little more creative. Either way, the good news is you have plenty of options. Here are 12 first date ideas for every vibe.
Low-Key First Date Ideas
A general rule of thumb for first dates is you want to keep things chill. You want a first date to feel low-pressure and free of strict timelines, so either party can decide to end the date (or continue it!) at any point. For those looking to keep things casual, here are some ideas for a low-key first date.
Have a coffee date
It's super casual, there’s no pressure to drink, and it’s the kinda date you can easily schedule during the daytime if you’re someone who doesn’t tend to have a ton of free evenings or is trying out that whole stack dating thing.
Grab drinks at a bar
Okay, yes, this has been THE first date staple since the beginning of time. But look, it’s a classic for a reason, okay? Enjoying a quick drink gives you time to get to know each other in a familiar, low-pressure setting, and also gives either of you the option to politely wrap things up after one drink or keep it going.
Get lunch
It’s basically your classic dinner date, but it’s lunch, which makes it inherently lower-pressure.
Inexpensive First-Date Ideas
Look, dating can be expensive. And if you’re not down to break out your wallet just yet for another unsatisfying date that goes nowhere, I hear ya. Fortunately, there are plenty of low-to-no cost first date options out there that will help you break the ice without breaking the bank.
Go for a stroll in the park
It’s low-pressure, costs zero dollars, and gives you time to chat and get to know each other while getting your steps in for the day. Win-win-win.
Go to the bookstore (or library) together
It’s a little rom-com cutesy, sure, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into your date’s literary taste and a chance to swap thoughts on your own favorite reads.
Get ice cream
Okay, does ice cream technically cost money? Sure, you got me. But grabbing a cone is almost definitely going to cost less than a cocktail or a coffee. Also, when was the last time you got ice cream?!
Outdoor First Date Ideas
Okay, I am definitely not this person, but some people who are the opposite of me swear by an outdoor first date. And look, I see the advantages: fresh air, natural lighting, the ability to run away if things go south (JK, kinda). So if you and your date of an outdoorsy bent, one of these ideas may be just the ticket.
Have a picnic in the park
Pack some drinks and snacks, put on your cutest lil sundress, and literally just chill in the park.
Go on a hiking date
But only if you’re both into that!
Go mini-golfing
It’s the perfect outdoor activity that isn’t actually all that active, ya know? Plus, mini-golf is like, peak first-date cuteness.
Unique First Date Ideas
Hello! Keeping things casual on the first date does not have to mean boring. Mixing things up a little can be a great way to impress your date without going all out on a pricey/high-pressure sitch. It can also help lead to a much more memorable first date experience than your average grabbing drinks at the bar.
Have your tarot cards read
Having trouble reading the vibe? Let a psychic do it for you. Besides, comparing birth charts can provide some crucial insight into whether or not there’s a future here.
Take a cooking class
And if all goes well, date number two can involve cooking dinner together in a more ~private~ locale.
Hit up a jazz club
While some advise staying away from any kind of performance on a first date on the grounds that you won’t have much of a chance to talk, I’d argue that a live show like jazz, comedy, or burlesque is really the perfect compromise. You can still chat quietly between sets without having to worry about keeping the convo going for the entire date, and you have a built-in post-date conversation starter.
Kayla Kibbe (she/her) is the Associate Sex and Relationships Editor at Cosmopolitan US, where she covers all things sex, love, dating and relationships. She lives in Astoria, Queens and probably won’t stop talking about how great it is if you bring it up. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
