24 date ideas by budget, that aren't just dinner
Free, cheap, treat yourselves and splurge. Ideas for first dates, fifth dates and couples who've done the same restaurant forty times.
The Love Desk · 2 min read
Dinner is fine. Dinner is lovely. But dinner is also two people facing each other across a table for two hours with nothing to do but talk, which is a lot for a first date and a rut for a long-term couple. The best dates give you something to do side by side, something to talk about afterwards, and a reason to touch.
Here are 24, sorted by what they cost.
Free
- A sunset walk with a destination. A viewpoint, a bridge, a bench with a view. Having somewhere to arrive gives the walk a shape.
- Free museum late opening. Many museums have free evenings. Pick one object each to show the other.
- A themed film night. Each brings one film the other has never seen. Loser of the vote makes popcorn.
- Stargazing. A blanket, a dark spot, an app to name the stars. Very romantic, very cheap.
- A walking tour you make up. Show each other "your" city: the café you love, the street you grew up near.
- Cook something neither of you has made. Chaos is part of the fun.
Cheap (under $20 / £15 each)
- A picnic with one ridiculous fancy item each.
- Pub quiz. Instantly a team. Perfect for first dates: built-in conversation and something to celebrate (or blame).
- Second-hand bookshop challenge. Ten minutes, pick a book for each other.
- A food market crawl. Share small plates from different stalls.
- Board game café. Competitive people, you have been warned.
- Ice skating in winter. Holding hands is practically mandatory.
Treat yourselves (under $60 / £50 each)
- A class together: pottery, cocktail-making, salsa. Laughing at your mistakes bonds you fast.
- Comedy club. Shared laughter is a shortcut to closeness.
- Live music in a small venue. Standing close, loud enough to lean in.
- Escape room. You'll learn exactly how the other person handles pressure.
- Day trip by train to a nearby town you've never visited.
- Fancy cocktails at the best hotel bar in town, for just one drink.
Splurge
- A tasting menu where you try everything and rate it.
- A weekend away somewhere with no plan except each other.
- Theatre or ballet, dressed up properly.
- Hot air balloon or helicopter ride for the big occasion.
- A spa day for two.
- Recreate your first date, upgraded.
"Give me a date with a plan. If he's thought about where we're going, I'm already halfway charmed."
"I love when she suggests something. It takes the pressure off and I get to see what she's into."
Bottom line
The best dates give you something to do side by side. Pick by budget, add one surprise, and save dinner for when you've run out of things to say (you won't).
