Date tips and ideas will save you a lot of thinking about where to go and what to do together. How to plan a date starts with how well you know each other and what you both enjoy. In this article you will find date tips for going out and staying in, first date ideas, romantic date tips, original ideas and winter date ideas. Enjoy getting to know each other and dating, and don’t be afraid to surprise your partner with something romantic.
Short answer. For a first date, choose a place where you can talk in peace and leave easily, such as a café, a walk or a small restaurant. Once you know each other, try something new together, such as an escape room, a course or a trip to a lookout tower. In winter and in the rain, ice rinks, cultural events, spas or a date at home work well, and you will find specific places in Prague and Brno below.
Tip: Take a look at our comparison of the best online dating sites.
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Tips and the best ideas for where to go and what to do on a date
Sometimes it is best to keep date ideas down to earth, especially if you don’t know each other well yet. Putting the other person under stress by wanting to go skydiving on your very first date is probably not the right move, although there are certainly some daredevils out there. Creating experiences and sharing hobbies is important in a relationship, and it is worth working on. First date ideas stick with the classics, romantic tips need a little gesture, original ideas surprise with a more fun and active pursuit, and in winter you can happily curl up on the sofa for a film marathon or head to an ice rink.
First date ideas
Panicking about what to do on a first date? There is no need to come up with adrenaline-filled experiences. Be yourself and stick to classic, tried-and-tested date tips. And when should you text after a date? It depends on the person and there is no fixed rule, but if you don’t get in touch within 3 days, the other person may see it as a lack of interest on your part.
Tip 1, restaurant
A restaurant is a safe bet. Going out for dinner or lunch is definitely one of the best date ideas. For a first date, go for lunch or a small bistro rather than a big dinner, which suits later dates better. Asian cuisine keeps growing in popularity, but so do Italian, Mexican and Czech food. Your choice of restaurant should be based on what you both like. Taking a vegetarian out for steak is probably not the ideal date. A quiet restaurant gives you room for conversation, and great food helps relax the atmosphere. Usually whoever did the inviting pays, but offering to split the bill is fine.
How to do a date when you don’t feel like going out? In warm weather it is easier, as you can take food with you and enjoy it outdoors. In winter you can surprise your date by making dinner, cooking together or ordering through Bolt Food, Foodora or Wolt.
Tipy na rande Praha restaurace: Lemon Leaf, Asian Temple, Zelená zahrada, Pizza Coloseum, Grosseto, Las Adelitas, Café Imperial, Café Louvre.
Tip 2, café
An obvious choice when you don’t know what to do on a first date. It may not be the most original idea, but the cosy interior of a café offers a calm setting for getting to know each other and chatting. For a first date, it helps to know what to talk about and to play it safe with tried-and-tested date topics. If the weather is nice or the café is full, get your coffee to go and head out for a walk around Prague.
Tip 3, bowling, pool
A setting where you can chat while having fun, playing a game and laughing together. Bowling and pool are not physically demanding, and they are certainly more fun and active options for what to do on a first date if you don’t want to just sit over a coffee.
Date tips at home: Fire up a games console and play some games against each other.
Tip 4, a walk
It doesn’t cost much, and there are so many interesting places worth seeing. A walk in the park is great, and if you have dogs, bring them along. You can visit historic sights and your favourite spots. Round it off by sitting down somewhere nice.
Tip 5, cinema
The classic of classics. It is true that a cinema doesn’t leave much room for conversation, but somehow the cinema just belongs to dating. Plan the date so that you go for a coffee or a drink first, then go to the cinema, and afterwards you can go for a walk or dinner. If you don’t fancy the cinema, there is always a home cinema. Get a film, popcorn, a soft drink and something sweet ready.
Romantic date tips at home: candles, good wine, a prepared meal and a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, it is simple, and it really is enough to create an atmosphere that shows you were looking forward to it and that you made an effort to make the other person feel good.
Where to go on a first date when you don’t know each other yet
Choose a first date location based on three things. The place should be public, quiet enough for conversation, and easy to leave after an hour if there is no spark between you. That is why a café, a walk with coffee in hand or a wine bar win out. A three-course dinner or a full-day trip is an unnecessarily long commitment for a first date.
A short shared activity also works well, because you don’t have to keep thinking up topics the whole time, for example an exhibition, bowling or a food market. Suggest a specific place and time, and give the other person the option to propose a different date. Whoever does the inviting usually chooses the place, but asking about food preferences or dietary needs is always fine.
Flowers or a gift on a first date?
A gift on a first date is not obligatory, and a big gift may actually make the other person feel awkward. If you want to give them a little joy, a small token is enough, such as a single flower or a small bouquet that can easily be carried around all evening.
When choosing, think about where you are going. Something small suits the cinema or a walk better, while a classic bouquet is fine for a restaurant. If you are not sure, skip the flowers and focus on the conversation. We have put together tips for bigger gifts for when you have known each other longer in the article a gift for your girlfriend that she will appreciate.
What to talk about on a first date
The best topics are the ones you can build on. Ask about things the other person likes talking about, such as hobbies, travel, the job they chose or their plans for the coming months. Open questions such as “What do you enjoy about it?” or “How did you get into it?” lead further than questions that only need a yes or no.
Avoid turning it into an interrogation, complaining about exes and topics that easily lead to arguments. Give the other person space, listen and build on their answers. You will find inspiration in the articles questions for couples and conversation topics with strangers.
Romantic ideas for an evening or a weekend
Some people don’t care much for romantic gestures, while others expect them and long to feel like they are in a love story. For most people, the romantic gesture is that you put effort into how to plan a date, listen, pay attention and try to let the other person be themselves. A flower is always a kind and welcome gesture.
Tip 6, lounge bar
A pleasant, dimly lit setting. The music in a lounge bar shouldn’t be loud, otherwise you won’t be able to talk much. As is often the case, alcohol lowers barriers more easily, so the mood can be more cheerful. But don’t overdo it, as getting blind drunk won’t make a good impression.
If you don’t feel like going out, find some drink inspiration and enjoy an unusual evening. Play bartender and create the atmosphere at home with great drinks and music. Get creative and make the evening more fun with a game: personal questions.
Tip 7, spa
Relaxation, massages and a warm hot tub. Is there anything more romantic? You don’t have to spend money on a whole weekend straight away, just plan half a day where you enjoy a sauna together, a couples massage or a soak in a private hot tub.
Tip 8, boat trip
Whether it is a pedalo ride in summer weather or a romantic evening boat trip, it will clearly show that you have put thought into the date. Everyone likes to see that you care about how you spend time together.
Tipy na rande Praha: Půjčovna lodí a šlapadel Slovanka, Plavby lodí Praha, Paroplavba.
Tip 9, picnic
An outdoor picnic is romantic. Pack a blanket, food and something nice to drink. Weather not right for a picnic? You can set up a picnic at home too, which is sure to surprise and win you points for originality. Plus, you don’t have to worry about bad weather.
Tip 10, a weekend in Europe
A weekend together abroad? A romantic gesture, definitely. A surprise like that is sure to delight. It is a bigger step towards getting to know each other more deeply, and it also shows that you really want to be with your partner. A date idea like this will put a smile on their face for a long time and will probably move your relationship forward faster. It is more expensive, though, and cheap travel can help you save.
Where to go on a date in Prague and Brno
In Prague, the best places for a date are those with a view, where you can walk and talk for a long time. Classic choices are Petřín, Vyšehrad or Letná Gardens (Letenské sady), with views of the bridges. In the warmer months, you can hire a rowing boat or pedalo at the Slovanka rental on Slavonic Island (Slovanský ostrov), opposite the National Theatre. It is closed in winter.
In winter, you can go ice skating in Prague at the Letná rink opposite the Sparta stadium, in Folimanka Park and at the Terasa rink on the roof of the Nový Smíchov shopping centre. All three are open only during the winter season. If you want to get out of the city, have a look at our trip ideas around Prague.
In Brno, you will enjoy an evening of stargazing at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium on Kraví hora. In bad weather, it offers an alternative programme in the planetarium, and the observatory’s glazed terrace has a view over the city. Špilberk is good for a walk, and in summer the Brno Reservoir is too. When it rains, head to a café or wine bar in the centre, or to a museum or gallery. We have listed romantic places all over the country in our article romantic places in the Czech Republic.
Original date ideas
It does no harm to surprise your partner a little and plan a date with a more fun and active activity.
There is even a psychological basis for this. In 1974, psychologists Donald Dutton of the University of British Columbia and Arthur Aron showed that men who were approached by a female interviewer in the middle of the wobbly Capilano suspension bridge were more likely to call her afterwards (9 out of 18) than men on a sturdy bridge. They partly interpreted the excitement of the height as attraction. With a male interviewer, there was no difference. So a little adrenaline can help a date, just don’t overdo it straight away.
This does not mean you have to go bungee jumping. An activity where you both work up a bit of a sweat or have a laugh, and experience something together for the first time, is enough.
Tip 11, skateboarding
A great activity for what to do on a date. It is fun and inexpensive. Sharing hobbies is nice, and it lets you show what you enjoy and take on the role of a patient teacher.
Tip 12, castles and chateaux
Trips and experiences bring us together, and they are a nice step towards getting to know the other person in a slightly different way. In summer, these date ideas are easier to put into practice. In winter, you need to check whether particular exhibitions are open at chateaux or whether any events are taking place.
Tip 13, zoo, botanical garden
A fun and relaxed date. Zoos and botanical gardens are not just for school trips or families with children. Especially in the summer months, they offer a more interesting kind of walk and a way to spend the day together. In winter, you will appreciate the smaller crowds and the extra privacy this gives you.
Date ideas: Prague Zoo, Prague Botanical Garden.
Tip 14, viewpoints, lookout towers
Feel free to plan the trip together. Cooperation is important in a relationship, and it is good to know how it works for you. Take the car, get on a train or bus and enjoy it. A date like this is all about hiking, discovering new places and active relaxation.
Romantic date ideas: Choose the place yourself, plan the route and pack a picnic basket with a blanket.
Tip 15, music festivals
Festivals mainly belong to summer. Out of season, look at it positively: you can hold a private festival from the sofa at home and enjoy it a little differently. Just be careful about relations with the neighbours. Music festivals are also ideal for introducing your partner to your friends.
Tip 16, laser tag
A more action-packed, game-based idea for what to do on a date. In the game, you have laser guns and try to score as many points as possible. It suits couples who enjoy competing.
Tip 17, virtual reality
Immersive and sophisticated. You can try virtual reality at a VR arcade. In winter, it is definitely one of the best date ideas for having fun in an unusual way and trying something new.
Winter date ideas
Walking until you freeze is not for everyone, but even a winter walk can be made more pleasant with a hot drink and a romantic view of the snowy surroundings. You can also stay together in the comfort of your home, and it will still be a great date.
Tip 18, TV series and films at home
There is no place like home. All you need is a film or series on a streaming service, such as Netflix, and relaxing just the two of you, especially in winter, is simply the best. Just make sure the other person feels as comfortable as possible.
Tip 19, culture
Go out for some cultural experiences. It is entirely up to you what you want to see. Buy tickets for popular performances in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Cultural date ideas: exhibitions, museums, galleries, exhibition openings, theatre, musicals, opera, ballet.
Tip 20, ice rink, winter stadium
A sporty and very bonding idea for what to do on a date during the winter. If neither of you can skate, it does not matter, you get the chance to learn something new together. And that is a plus!
Prague date ideas: Letná ice rink, Folimanka Park ice rink, Terasa ice rink on the roof of the Nový Smíchov shopping centre, HASA and Hvězda Winter Stadium (Zimní stadion Hvězda) (indoor stadium, public skating according to the schedule).
Tip 21, squash
Not only for sports enthusiasts, this is a way to have active fun on a date. Squash gives you a good laugh, releases endorphins, and healthy competitive rivalry is not a bad way to get to know each other better either. In warmer weather, outdoor badminton and tennis are an alternative. At home, you can have fun with sports games on a games console.
Tip 22, party
Head out to an unplanned party, go dancing or try a bar with live music. Spontaneous plans are sometimes the best, and perhaps after dinner you will end up somewhere.
House party date ideas: Play games at home , for example Never Have I Ever or a game with spicy questions.
Tip 23, escape rooms
“All play and no mischief.” Escape rooms show how well you work as a team and whether you are on the same wavelength. At home, a board game version of an escape room is an option.
Tip 24, board games
Board games are not just for children, they are an interesting way to liven up winter evenings. You can also play board games together with other friends.
Tip 25, a course together
Learning something new together brings you closer more quickly and gives you a shared topic. There is plenty to choose from:
- cooking courses
- creative courses
- coffee-making courses
- hands-on creative courses
- art courses
- craft courses
If you are in a long-distance relationship, you can also spend time together online. Play a game over the internet, start a conversation on Instagram, for example, or call each other via FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Where to go on a date when it rains
Rain does not cancel a date, it just moves it indoors. Tried-and-tested options are a board game café, an escape room, bowling, the cinema, a museum or a gallery. A spa or a planetarium, where you do not notice the weather at all, is also a good choice.
If you do not feel like going anywhere, have a date at home. Cook dinner together from a new recipe, put on a film or play a board game. To make it more than an ordinary evening, set it up as a real date, with a laid table and your phones put aside.
You will find more ideas for the cold and rainy months in our article 15 tips for where to go on a date in winter.
What to wear on a date
Choose your clothes according to the place. For a café or a walk, clean jeans, a shirt or jumper and comfortable shoes are enough. For a restaurant or the theatre, go for something a notch more elegant, such as a dress or a blazer. For an active date, such as bowling, an ice rink or a trip, think mainly about comfort and layers.
More important than the brand is that you feel good in your clothes and do not have to keep adjusting them all evening. New shoes that pinch or a dress you cannot sit down comfortably in are more likely to spoil the date. It is enough for your clothes to be clean and neat. We give advice on how to do this in our article caring for your clothes for a date.
How to make sure you never run out of ideas?
When a relationship has been going for some time and has settled into a routine, boredom can gradually creep in. You no longer try so hard to please each other, and everything runs along well-worn tracks. You stop going on dates, and one day you may realise that a year has gone by and you have not been anywhere together. The good news is that this can be prevented, and you can perhaps even make things a little easier for yourselves.
Research supports this too. In 2000, a team led by psychologist Arthur Aron published a series of studies with couples in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Couples spent seven minutes completing a new and exciting task together, tied together with Velcro over an obstacle, and their relationship ratings improved more compared with before the task than those of couples doing an ordinary activity.
Questionnaires also showed that couples who do more exciting things together are more satisfied and less bored in their relationship. It does not have to be anything big, it is enough to occasionally break out of the routine and try something together for the first time.
1. Write a bucket list
Especially at the start of a relationship, it is a good idea to sit down and write down everything you would like to do. Not necessarily as a couple, but the things you have always wanted to try or the places you have always wanted to visit. Put together your dreams, whether they are small or big. It could be a trip to Paris or birdwatching. There are no limits, so try to think of as many things as you can. This activity will make you feel closer to each other and help you get to know each other better. And the great news is that, in the future, it will serve as a list of places and activities for your dates.
Of course, keep adding to the list over time, and you can be sure that the well of ideas will never run dry.
2. Get a scratch-off poster
Because many people struggle to come up with new ideas and places for dates, you can find scratch-off posters online. They work just like a bucket list, but someone else has come up with the ideas for you. You will miss out on the fun of coming up with your own ideas, but if you have been together for a while or you simply cannot think of anything, this is a good option. The poster also makes a lovely gift for an anniversary, a birthday, a name day or Christmas.
3. Buy a season ticket or a subscription
If you share an activity you both enjoy, but life is too hectic and over time you have stopped making time for each other, now is the best time to change that. Buy a subscription or a season ticket for the activity you both enjoy. It will make you actually get out of the house, and you will see how glad you are to have regular activities together.
What could you consider? It is entirely up to you. It could be classical music concerts, the theatre or cinema tickets, but also gym or swimming pool passes, for example.
4. Try a book or a list
If you are the kind of people who love being outdoors and enjoy trips, you can choose a type of place or an area and start ticking off a list. Do you enjoy visiting lookout towers? Buy a book with a list of lookout towers and set off. You can then tick off the ones you have visited in the book. In the same way, you can choose mountains or historic towns. It all depends on what you enjoy. And if you do not want to write in a book, you can simply find a list online. You could stick it on a door, for example, so you can see everywhere you have been and where you are still going to go. If you add photos as well, you instantly turn a boring door into a board full of shared memories.
5. Surprise each other
And if you are not the kind of people who like doing things systematically, you can agree that each month one of you is in charge of the date and has to surprise the other.
In every relationship, it is important to keep a certain sense of novelty and excitement, and dates are definitely a great way to achieve this.
