Opt for public settings where both you and your date can feel comfortable and secure. Meeting in public also creates a neutral environment that helps ease initial jitters. Some great first-date options include:

• Cafés: Casual and friendly, cafés allow for easy conversation.
• Restaurants: Choose a lively spot with good lighting and plenty of people around.
• Parks or Outdoor Venues: Public parks, gardens, or outdoor markets offer fresh air and a relaxed setting, especially if the weather is nice.
• Museums or Art Galleries: Cultural settings with plenty of people around create a nice backdrop for engaging conversations.

For more unique ideas, check local public events on sites like Eventbrite, Timeout (UK), or BlogTO (Canada) for well-attended events such as food festivals, fairs, or public performances.