best-places for first dates | Page 2

collect tickets ahead – This saves queuing and
if the cinema has reserved seating you can reserve good seats ahead.
� Budget for cinema junk food. Make sure you have enough cash for coke,
popcorn, etc.

Good Ideas:
Plan to have a coffee/supper or a bite to eat afterwards so you can talk to
each other. The movie will most likely spark conversation.
Also, if you can afford it and you want to make a really good impression,
some of the newer cinemas have deluxe seating. You could book two of
these deluxe seats ahead.
Note: Don’t raise your expectations – extra expense does not guarantee a
successful date.

4 A STREET FAIR OR MARKET

This could be fun and is a good idea help keep the first date relaxed and
casual.

CHECKLIST
� Find out dates and places where they happen.
� Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there may be a bit of walking
involved. (Remember to apply the Style-Plus-One principle despite the
casual nature of the activity.)
� Walk at the same pace as your date so they don’t end up trying keeping
up, or stopping to let you catch up.

Good Idea: Perhaps plan to visit the fair/market after a pleasant Sunday
drive in the country. If you do this, remember to make sure your car is
clean beforehand and have good music on standby for the drive.

Cool Trick: You could hide a picnic hamper in the trunk/boot of your car so
when your date says he/she is getting hungry you have a wonderful surprise
waiting for them. For more information on picnics refer to the picnic guide
in this section.



A WALK ALONG WATER

This is more of a day date than a night date unless the walk is well lit and it
is a warm summer night.

The walk could be along:
� A pier – Some piers have facilities, shops and places to eat. You could sit
and enjoy a coffee as the boats sail by on a lazy Sunday.
� A lake or body of water with a track around it
� A beach
� Any water/river promenade

CHECKLIST
� Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there may be a bit of walking
involved. (And still apply the Style-Plus-One principle.)
� Walk at the pace of your date so they don’t end up feeling rushed trying to
keep up, or having to stop as you catch up.
� Budget for a coffee or bite to eat and take some cash.
� If required, take sunglasses, sunblock/sunscreen, insect repellent and a
hat.

5
A STAGE SHOW OR MATINEE PERFORMANCE

If you can afford it, this is great for a first date. Also, because it is during
the day, it absorbs some of the stress that can come with a night-time date.

CHECKLIST
� Make sure your date will like the show you plan to see.
� Book ahead if you need to.
� Take cash for interval drinks/snacks.
� Take cash for a show program.
� Apply the Style-Plus-One principle.
� Research the performance beforehand.

Good Idea: Plan to have a coffee or a bite to eat afterwards so you can talk
to each other. To start the conversation, ask your date what he/she
thought of the show.




MUSEUMS OR ART GALLERIES

Venues like these offer plenty of opportunities for conversation. There is
less likelihood of silences because there are plenty of visual stimuli to spark
conversation and share opinions on. Also, admission may not be expensive,
which is useful if you have budgetary constraints.

CHECKLIST
� Pick a museum/art gallery before the date.
� Find out opening times.
� Book ahead if necessary.
� Budget for admission, snacks and a possible
memento gift from the gift shop. (There is
usually a marketing shop on site).
� Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as
there may be a bit of walking involved. Still
apply the Style-Plus-One principle.
� Research the artist/display beforehand.
� Make sure you allow space for your date to speak. Some people are
reluctant to offer opinions in case they sound silly. If you feel this is
happening pretend you don’t know as much (play dumb) as you actually do
and this should encourage your date to speak up.
Note: If you have lots of expertise/knowledge on what you are viewing,
share your wisdom graciously. Watch out you don’t turn into a loudmouth
show-off.
Also, walk at the pace of your date so they don’t end up feeling rushed
trying to