So you’ve done the whole chatting on apps, moved onto WhatsApp and have also stalked each other’s Instagram feeds. You’ve had enough pre-date chat, so now’s the time for that actual first date.
But where do you go? The pressure on choosing a good venue for the first date in London is always there – do you just go for a couple of pints or go somewhere you can get some grub if it’s going well? Should you do a walk-in, or should you make it more of a sit-down-in-just-the-one-place affair?
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Top 10 Ideas For First Date In London
We know that the first date in London can be awkward at times. So, luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to go to give you some ideas.
1. Look around at Duck and Waffle
Set your sights high and make a reservation at the famous Duck and Waffle. It’s the perfect place for brunch, dinner, or a late-night stop (it’s open 24/7) when you just can’t say goodbye.
2. Go to an exhibition, art gallery, or museum and look around
It’s no secret that some of the best museums and art galleries in the world are in our beloved capital. We may be biased, but we still stand by it. Plus, a lot of them are free.
So we thought that one of these famous places would be a great place for the first date in London. On the one hand, there’s the Natural History Museum, which has displays about T-Rex, earthquakes, poisonous animals, and other cool things in nature.
On the other side is the Tate Modern, which has a lot of amazing modern art installations and an amazing view from the top of the Turbine Hall. When you add in shows about Frida Kahlo, the Titanic, and other things, you have a lot of options.
3. Choose what you want to drink at “The Bar With No Name.”
With its low-key facade on a quiet street in Islington, this less-known watering hole will give you instant points for being in the know. Downstairs is a room that looks like an Italian café from the 1950s. Find a quiet spot and order a drink or two. You could also plan ahead and sign up for a cocktail masterclass to kill an afternoon.
4. Take a walk along the Thames and stop in a pub for a beer or two
If the weather is nice, there’s no better place in London for a first date than a walk along the River Thames. Depending on where you start, like Southbank, you’ll see some of the city’s most famous sights, like the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Depending on how long the date lasts, you can either head down to Tower Bridge and have a drink or two in the Bermondsey Beer Mile, or you can head back toward the London Eye and the Jubilee Gardens nearby.
There are a lot of places to stop along the way if you and your date are thirsty. The Anchor is a good choice because it has a pretty roof terrace where you can enjoy the views of the city.
5. Eat your way through some of the best street food markets in the capital
If you’re anything like us, you’ll get hungry pretty much any time of day or night. But instead of a sit-down meal, which could be awkward on a first date, you could go to one of London’s many food markets.
It’s the best of both worlds: you can talk and get to know each other while deciding what to eat, and then you can find a comfortable place to eat. Borough Market might be the most obvious choice, but it might also be the most crowded.
The nearby Maltby Street Market, Portobello Road, Lewisham’s Model Market, and Hackney’s Broadway Market are also great places to visit in the city. Seven Dials is another option. It opened in Covent Garden last spring.
6. Keep it simple with drinks and dinner
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” as the saying goes. If you follow this simple rule on a first date, you can’t go wrong. We really like The Winemakers in Deptford because it has a relaxed atmosphere, great chefs, and staff who know a lot about wine but aren’t pretentious about it.
7. Get away from the crowds and find London’s hidden gems
Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge are all well-known landmarks in London, but you’ll probably have to share them with hordes of tourists, wedding photographers, people on first dates, and just about anyone else. So why not enjoy a trip to a place that isn’t as well known?
There are many hidden gems in London, like the beautiful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park and a crystal grotto (yes, you read that right) in Painshill Park. This means that you can use your “Secret London” knowledge to impress your first date.
You could take a peaceful stroll through St. Dunstan in the East, which used to be a Grade I-listed church but was destroyed in the Blitz and is now a lovely park. Or you could go to Eel Pie Island in Twickenham, which used to be where famous bands like The Who and Pink Floyd used to hang out. What better places are there in London for a first date?
8. Get together at London Zoo
The animals went in pairs, so London Zoo was a good place for them to meet. If first dates scare you, choose this one because it has a lot of things to talk about (and things to do if you need a break).
9. Get on a boat and look at the city from the water
London is known for its waterways, and the network of canals, reservoirs and a certain river that cuts through it makes for some of the best views in the city. So, we couldn’t make a list of the best places in London for a first date without including this one.
You and your date could get on one of the twenty or so “Uber boats” that go all the way down the Thames from Putney to Woolwich, passing all those famous London landmarks.
But if you want to impress, we suggest renting your own boat and sailing down Regent’s Canal past Regent’s Park, the ZSL London Zoo, and the Maida Vale Tunnel. Now that’s a sure way to make date number two happen.
10. Whistle Punks is a good place to learn new skills
If you want to do something different, we recommend that you try your hand at axe throwing. Yes, you did read correctly. It sounds like it’s all about technique, not strength, so you’ll start on an even playing field, and it’s a great way to break the ice.
Tips For An Epic First Date
Whether you’re new to dating or a veteran of the game, there are a few tips for an epic first date that’ll make things go smoother and ensure that you have one of the best experiences possible.
- Pick a location with beautiful views.
- Make sure to plan something fun and adventurous, like going on a hike or taking in a performance at a local theatre.
- Don’t be afraid to take your time getting to know each other – it’ll definitely pay off in the long run!
- And finally, don’t forget to have some fun – let loose and have some laughs together!
How To Handle Dating Mistakes
When it comes to dating, there are sure to be mistakes made. But how can you make them work in your favour?
- Don’t beat yourself up. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes from time to time, especially when nervous and feeling under pressure. Accept that fact and move on.
- Make a plan and stick to it. If you’ve decided you want to go out with someone, set some ground rules upfront so that both of you know what’s expected. This way, there’s less room for things to go wrong and you’ll both have a more positive experience.
- Be honest and upfront with your date from the start. If something feels awkward or uncomfortable, let your date know right away rather than holding back because you’re scared they’ll think less of you.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you’re looking for ideas on what to do on your first date in London, those are our recommended ideas with fun and interesting things to do! Whether you’re a fan of art, history, or food, there’s always something to see and do in the city. So if you’re looking for a great way to get to know each other better, take these tips into account!
FAQs
What are the best places to eat in London?
There are so many great places to eat in London that it’s hard to choose just a few! Some of our recommendations include The Wolseley, Benares, and Hawksmoor.
What are the best places to go out on a date?
We recommend restaurants, movie theatres, and nightclubs. Each has its own unique atmosphere and can offer something fun and exciting for both you and your date.
What are the best things to do in London?
From visiting iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace or the London Eye to exploring the city’s hidden corners and shopping at some of the world’s best boutiques, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Some other popular activities include attending a performance at the Royal Albert Hall or taking a walk through Hyde Park.
What are some of the most popular tourist attractions in London?
The most popular tourist attractions in London are Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben.
What is the best way to get around London?
The best way to get around London is by using the Tube. The Tube is a very efficient and convenient way to get around London. It runs on a network of underground stations, and it is easy to find your way around the system.