First Dates Guide: Our Top 10 Picks

Don’t let dull dates get in the way of romance. Instead try our first date ideas guide for something special this weekend…

Published 11th May 2016

Don’t let dull dates get in the way of romance. Instead try our first date ideas guide for something special this weekend…

Watch the sunrise from the top of an extinct volcano This is a ‘sunrise date’ with a difference. Arrange to meet your date before sunrise at the foot Arthur’s Seat and take the climb to the top where you can watch the sun come up. Watching the romantic views and early morning light spreading across the city might just ignite that spark.

Scotch Whiskey Meeting for a drink is a most popular date suggestion these days but why not shake it up a little and take a New Scotch Whisky Experience Tour. You can ride a swirling barrel through a replica distillery before enjoying a dram – Scotch Malt Whisky, Shaun Connery style. This date certainly won’t be on the rocks - we couldn’t resist the pun!

A world of illusions For a fresh perspective on a first date – quite literally – visit Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions. You are your date are guaranteed to have fun swapping heads, painting with light and paddling through a virtual fishtank. There will be plenty of funny photo opportunities too so if the date goes well you could have your first Facebook photo together all ready to go.

The Stand Lunch and a show? The Stand is one of Edinburgh’s premium comedy venues. Let resident duo Stu and Garry will entertain you with their show as you tuck into lunch. Laughter is a great ice breaker and also a good opportunity to check out your date’s sense of humour.

Late nights Visit the National Museum or the zoo after dark. What could be more perfect than roaming after hours late at night? If there are any awkward silences you can simply pretend you’re looking at the exhibitions or the animals. For all the latest events and exhibitions check their website.

Give them a fright Not your average date but a favourite of ours - Edinburgh’s City of the Dead Tours - will have you holding tight to one another as the horrors unfold. Warning: look out for the South Bridge Entity down Damnation Alley

Go for Ice cream Eat in, or get a scoop and go exploring. Affogato is a delicious cafe serving Italian Ice-cream, hot drinks and muffins just a minutes’ walk from Princes Street. Personally we’d choose Chai Tea flavour. Yum!

Get blown away at Portobello Don’t just stroll along Portobello Beach, fly kites and build sandcastles there. Sometimes the most simple dates are the best - afterwards you can head to the traditional amusement arcade or, if you’re not body shy, the Turkish Baths.

Tea and cake on a canal boat Why not bring your bikes and go for a scenic cycle along the canal to Zazou Narrowboat Café. Once you’re there you can get to know one another better over tea and cake in the quaint and cosy surroundings.

The cinema A classic date that’s stood the test of time, but why not jazz it up a bit at the art deco Dominion Cinema. They have plush comfy sofas and reclining chairs so you can snuggle up and watch the latest released or a classic together on the big screen in comfort.

Festival goers Depending on when your date is you could make your first date a festival date. With so many happening in or around the city over the summer, you’re bound to find one. It’s also a good opportunity to find out what music your date enjoys. The stage is set for romance.

Now you know these splendid places all you need is to arrange a date. Join Forth 1 Dating free today.