1. Oude Markt
Having a drink or going out for dinner at the Oude Markt is the perfect first date! Whether you are sushi lovers, pasta fans, or more into burgers, there is something for everyone. While enjoying food and drinks, you will have all the time you need to get to know each other in a cosy setting (meeting at someone's house for the first time can be quite awkward). And if you don't know what to say, you can always chat about the weather or the people passing by 😉.
2. Going for a walk
If you find it awkward to have to stare into your date’s eyes the entire time, then going for a walk is a great idea. Walk around the city and the Volkspark, for example, and get to know each other in a casual way. Take a van der Poel ice cream along the way and your date is guaranteed to be a success!
3. Game Box
Do you both love games and enjoy a bit of competition? Then the Game Box is the perfect place for a fun date. Here you can have fun playing all kinds of games: ideal for a relaxed, casual date. And who knows, you may win enough tickets to score a plushy for your date!
4. Cinema
A classic choice, but a solid one: the cinema. Maybe not the best option for a first date (talking isn’t really appreciated 😉), but once you know each other a bit better, the cinema is the ideal activity for a relaxed night out. Pick a romantic movie, sit back and enjoy your night!
5. Cooking or baking together
Looking for something more personal? Then get into the kitchen together and cook or bake each other's favourite dish or cake. Or get creative and make a homemade heart-shaped pizza. This way, you will get to know each other better and find out if your potential new partner knows their way around the kitchen!
6. Getting creative
Want to do something hands-on? Then pick a creative project for your next date night! Buy two canvases, some paint and brushes at Action, follow a Bob Ross tutorial and you'll be busy for hours. For extra fun, start your own artwork and switch canvases every five minutes. You could also try claying, drawing or candle painting: all perfect activities for a creative date.
7. High tea
If you feel like something different than the standard dinner date, why not go for a high tea? While you are served all sorts of tea, and sweet and savoury snacks, you’ll have plenty of time to chat and get to know each other.
8. Escape tour
In Enschede, but in many other cities as well, you can buy an online game to explore the city while completing fun challenges. You will receive clues and solve puzzles on your phone while walking through the city together. The perfect activity to find out how well you guys can work together: pretty convenient!
9. Dance class at Rico Latino
Looking for an active date? Then take a dance class together at Rico Latino! Whether you already have some moves or still have a lot to learn, a dance class together is a great experience. And who knows, you might end up finding a new shared hobby!
10. Workshops
A workshop is a fantastic date to have fun while learning something new together as well. Try out a workshop like pottery, chocolate-making or even cocktail shaking – whatever floats your boat. How fun would it be to go home at the end of the evening with something you made yourself?
11. Dierenpark het Hulsbeek
For animal lovers, Dierenpark het Hulsbeek is the place to be! Here you can see all sorts of animals, such as alpacas, capybaras, and raccoons, and you can even cuddle with baby goats. Combine this with a walk at Hulsbeek and your date is complete!
12. Visiting home
Okay, this may not be suitable for a first date, but in a later stage, it is super fun to take your date to the place where you grew up. Show them your favourite restaurant, high school and major cultural hotspots from home and get to know each other even better!
13. The fair
Twice a year, during Halloween and Easter, there is a fair in Enschede. The scary rides and the haunted house are the perfect excuse to snuggle up against your date. And if you manage to win a plushy from the claw machine for your date, you will definitely make a great impression!
14. Picnic
A picnic is the perfect romantic date for when the weather is nice. Bring a blanket, some snacks and games and head to the Volkspark for some quality time. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon!
15. Ice skating
Whether you’re a pro or not, ice-skating at IJsbaan Twente is the perfect date for a cosy, winter afternoon. And if you are like Bambi on ice, you'll at least have the perfect excuse to hold hands or romantically fall into your date's arms 😉.
