20 original dates where you don’t have to sit across from each other

Tired of those endless cross-examinations at a table for two? It’s one of the biggest dating mistakes we make: locking ourselves in a restaurant and hoping that the conversation will flow naturally. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn’t. The trick to a successful date is simple: don’t sit across from each other! If you do things side by side, silences are less obvious and you always have something to talk about. Here are 20 date ideas that actually work without things getting awkward.

1. The bar is a brilliant move

Skip the tables and claim two stools at the bar. That way, you’re both facing the same way and naturally sit much closer together without it feeling forced.

2. The vintage arcade

In an arcade you don’t have to force small talk. As you stand side by side, bashing those buttons, the interaction will flow naturally. It’s loud, it’s chaotic and it’s the perfect way to test whether your sense of humor and competitive drive are in sync.

3. A street art walk

Walk a route along the city’s coolest murals. Walking side by side, you constantly have something to look at, making it much easier to strike up a conversation.

4. Rent a day boat

Head out onto the water in a small boat. While one of you steers and the other unwraps the snacks, you’re truly on your own, with all the privacy in the world.

5. The Market Crawl

Meet up at a large market and wander past the stalls together. Sample a bit of everything and only buy things you’ve never had before while casually moving through the crowds.

6. Glow in the dark minigolf

It’s a little cheesy but that’s exactly the point. You’re actively engaged, and being open to a date like that says a lot about a person. As long as it ends up being fun of course. 

7. Go bouldering

Climbing is the ultimate active date. You’re physically active and spend a lot of time looking at the wall and each other’s technique, completely shifting the focus away from the pressure of forced conversation.

8. A brewery tasting

Instead of a boring pub you head straight to the source at the bar. You discover new flavors together and it feels much more like a shared experiment than a mandatory thing.

9. The botanical garden

Stroll through the greenhouses and along the plants together. It’s a peaceful setting where silences never feel awkward, because there’s always something new to see around every corner.

10. Sunset on a blanket

Grab a few cold drinks and find a spot with a view. Watching the horizon side by side as the day ends, is intimate without immediately feeling too heavy or formal.

11. Going to the bowling alley together

It’s the classic that always works. You take turns bowling and the rest of the time sit on the bench, watching each other play.

12. A visit to the record store

Dive into a record store together and show each other your favorite albums. Flipping through the bins side by side, you get to know each other’s music taste without having to conduct an official interview.

13. The drive-in theatre

If you have one nearby, this is the ultimate date. You’re sitting side by side in the cozy comfort of the car and can talk whenever you want without disturbing anyone else.

14. A cooking workshop

You’re constantly working with your hands, looking at the recipe or the instructor. The interaction is natural and at the end, you immediately have something to enjoy together.

15. Darts in a traditional pub

Find a pub with a dartboard. It’s competitive and you’re standing side by side throwing while enjoying a beer. ‘Around the board’ is the perfect game!

16. The zoo or the aquarium

It might sound like a school trip, but it’s a bull’s eye. You walk side by side the entire time and every window is a new conversation starter.

17. Going to a sports match

Sitting in the stands together is the ideal date. You sit shoulder to shoulder and get completely caught up in the match and the stadium atmosphere. If conversation stalls, you will at least have plenty to talk about with everything happening right in front of you.

18. The local fair

The lights, the sounds and the cheesy attractions guarantee instant laughter. And you automatically sit close together in the bumper cars or the Ferris wheel.

19. A game of Padel

It’s the sport of the moment and perfect for a date. You get some exercise and the focus is on the ball, so those deep conversations will come afterwards sitting at the bar together.

20. The night market or a food festival

Food trucks are the ideal setting for a date. You grab a small bite at different stalls and eat while walking around. You can find them everywhere during the summer and it’s the perfect way to test the waters without being stuck at one table for the entire evening.

With this list in your back pocket, you never have to worry about a boring evening again. Use it as a bingo card or pick whatever works for both of you, as long as you skip the cross-examination. Have fun dating this summer!