The question of where to go on a first date is usually one you and the person you're going to meet will answer between you. There are plenty of possible options, although it's important to be safe. This means heading somewhere where there will be lots of other people about.

Even if you're going on a date with someone you already know very well – a close friend who you might want to take things further with, for example, rather than someone you've simply been penpals with – a public place is best, partly because it just helps things stay casual and relaxed.

Here is a list of some of the options that are open to you – remember that in the end it will all be down to the tastes of you and the person you're meeting where you go…

Bar

Well, we have to start with one of the most obvious places for a date!

A bar is one example of a date location that can be a nice, casual spot to meet up with someone – one that we all know is somewhere people mainly go to socialise and chat. In this sense, the setting matches your needs.

You'll be able to sit down and talk (as long as you pick somewhere that isn't too loud or busy!) and it's perfect for a date after work or in the evening, but can also work just as well during the day.

Coffee shop

A coffee shop – which has almost all the same advantages of a bar – can sometimes be a better option if you or your date prefers coffee and hot drinks to alcoholic options.

One possible advantage over bars is that coffee shops can sometimes be that bit quieter.

Whether you choose a bar, pub or coffee shop, it's a good idea to remember that it might be best to head to one you already know, that will have the sort of atmosphere you're after. In other words, not too quiet but also not so noisy as to make it hard to hear all about your date. After all, conversation is what a date is all about!

Restaurant

One thing to remember about going out for a meal with your date is that it does tie you down to being together for quite some time. It's sometimes something people consider as more of a second or third date option, although this doesn't have to be the case. If there's somewhere you really think your date will enjoy going to eat, it could be a great idea. For example, if you've been chatting about Japan and you know a really good Japanese restaurant, suggesting this will show you've put some thought into your date idea and not just gone for the obvious.

Film

Going to see a film could be a great first date if you and your date both want to see the same flick and will enjoy discussing it afterwards. But it's important to remember that it's also not the most obviously sociable way to spend a couple of hours. One plus point is that you will have had a shared experience that you can talk about, one minus point is that you will have spent a lot of time together without really saying anything! On a first date, it may be better to use all the time to talk about each other, rather than sitting in a film – but use your judgement, a trip to the movies could be some peoples' ideal first date!

Art gallery or museum

An art gallery or museum has some of the same advantages of going to a cinema – it gives you some good things to chat about. It also means you'll both have learned something new by the time the date's over, and not just about each other! One thing to keep in mind is that you may find that you drift apart as you look at things in a museum or gallery, and at this early stage of your relationship with someone you might prefer to have fewer distractions getting between you and simply hearing about their life. If you both share interests that would suit a particular museum or gallery, though, this is another way to do something that little bit different on a date. And many galleries and museums have places you can grab a drink on-site, which is convenient.

The great outdoors

In the daytime, a busy park or gardens can make a lovely date space, especially at this time of year. Advantages include the fact that this can be a less formal scenario than sitting opposite each other in a room, it allows you to mix some time wandering around outside and sitting down, perhaps on the grass or a bench, and it might be a lovely way to see some great weather in a pretty location!ADNFCR-2867-ID-801726883-ADNFCR

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